Chevrolet Cobalt

poncho167 · June 2006

Sorry about that. I along with I am sure many people thought that Hyundai had a 10-year engine warranty. That is the way they present themselves on commercials. The 10-year non-transferable must be the bumper to bumper.

m1miata · June 2006

Just go to the website and read it for yourself. hyundais do have a 5/10 warranty. Go to hyundaiusa

Would like to see some improved warranty period for all GM cars. I think Buick has a 4 year bumper to bumper, as does Mazda, VW,& BMW. Even that extra year would help. The 3 yr / 5 yr on power train on Cobalt, while better than the rest of Chevy line, is still a little weak on a time frame. If you buy and sell in three years, I guess it will not matter. Just seems like 36k miles is basically a not even broken in yet. The extended power train on Cobalt to 5 yr. is to match the Focus warranty?
Next step is to match Hyundai? Guess not.

micweb · June 2006

Vince Burlapp, on his excellent enthusiast's blog site, knocked the Cobalt for being an "also ran" while praising the Accent for being better put together and quieter. I responded thusly:

I've owned about 15 economy cars over the past 6 years - several Focus ZX3's, a couple of Neons, a Cavalier, a Honda coupe, a Scion xA, so I think I'm qualified to defend the Cobalt.

I have a 2006 Cobalt Coupe, stick shift, LS. I paid less than 10 grand for it (repriced by GM to 12,990 with no options - but that does include aircon and a great radio) after a $1,000 dealer discount, application of a $1,000 "floating rebate" coupon the dealer had from GM, and a $1,000 GM Card discount. You can't beat the price. I know I've tried, but the only ZX3 I got for that price didn't have aircon.

For that really bargain price, I got a trip computer (mpg, miles to empty, outside temperature, oil life remaining); automatic headlamps, and an RDS (radio data system) CD player.

On a trip to Yosemite from San Franciso this weekend, I got 36.6 mpg average (my actual calcuation, not the computer)with the aircon running all day. In my workweek commute, I regularlly get 35 mpg or better.

This from the largest, strongest, and fastest (except Mazda3) engine in an economy car.

I also get a 5 year, 60,000 mile power train warranty. Tuneups are virtually non-existent. It's PZEV (super clean, with 150,000 mile warranty on all emission parts).

Wow. How far we've come that we can ignore all this and worry about some nitpicks. Yes, the steering can't hold a candle to the Focus, but the ride is pretty good, and the car grips the road very well (especially considering that Chevy doesn't have a Cobalt that exactly compares to the ZXE in the Focus line). Yes, I have also noted a couple of quality control issues (a intermittent scratching noise from the dashboard, some gurgling a couple of times from the heater hoses) that I didn't have with my Focii (except the 2000 ZX3) or Neons, but to be honest the Scion xA and Honda 2003 coupe had the same number of problems (it surprised me that the ZX3s, VWs, and Neons had fewere initial quality control issues than the Toyota and Honda!), but I can get them fixed.

On the other hand, if you say the Accent is REALLY quiet, that makes me want to try one. BUT in Europe, the Accent is a whole size class below the Focus/Cobalt/VW Golfs, and that has to count for something too.

ray_h1 · August 2006

The last word from a Hyundai owner, and by the numbers, on Hyundai/KIA new car warranties:

1>Hyundai cars sold in the U.S. come with TWO warranties (actually three if you count the body rust-through provisions). The "basic" warranty covers EVERYTHING (except the audio systems* and "normal consumables" such as tires, brake pads, spark plugs, etc.) for 5 yrs/60,000 miles. This "basic" warranty's remaining life fully transfers to subsequent owners. 2>At the end of the fifth year or 60,000 miles of ownership, the "powertrain" extended warranty kicks in to provide long term protection for the remaining 5 yrs/40,000 miles (in other words out to an overall 10 yrs/100,000 miles from date of purchase). The powertrain extended warranty covers mechanical damage to the engine, transmission, front drive axles, CVJs, seals, and front wheel bearings except if such failure is sustained through accident or abuse. (Hear that, "tuners"?) The "powertrain" extended warranty is not transferable to subsequent owners except to immediate family members in the same household (wife, child, step-child, or legally adopted child). A child enrolled full time in college and living on campus during the normal school year is considered a member of the immediate family living "at home" if unmarried.

*The audio system warranty in Hyundais extends only to 3 yrs/36,000 miles from original date of purchase and registration. (Trust me - for good reason...)

exalteddragon1 · August 2006

SS coupe a few days back. It looked pretty good, and had a surprising amount of trunk space and leg room. my problem was with head room. I am 5'11" and my head kept scraping the headliner (if thats what its called). I was suprised that although the seats had lumbar support, they could not move up or down. I was shocked.

Headroom is the easiest thing to fix, just lift up the top by a few inches. Its absolutley rediculous, and i think GM will loose valuable sales due to this constraint.

I hope GM finds the 50 cents nessesary to redo the headroom in this thing, b/c its a very cool vehicle otherwise.

The interior was very nice and materials A OK.

poncho167 · August 2006

A lot of small cars are like this when you get the sunroof. I have even had issues with full-sized cars head room in the back seat when the car was equipt with the sunroof. If you raised the roof on these cars they wouldn't look as good. I would personally stay away from sunroofs.

ray_h1 · August 2006

Yeah, but if you don't tick off the "sunroof" option on the order form, imagine all the squeaks, rattles, and leaks you'll miss out on as the miles pile. I, too, value adequate headroom over the excitement of growing one or more melanomas. (I had a sunroof on a '75 Mercedes 300D which I dutifully opened and closed yearly just to verify the stupid thing still worked.)

exalteddragon1 · August 2006

won't ruin the design of the car, raise the door height a little if you have to, the line isn't flish with the hood anywhay...
if you raise the roof just 2 inches, along with the top door trim bu say 1 inch, NO ONE WILL NOTICE A THING, except that taller people can fit in the car.

I'm telling you the inside of that SS S/C looked soo cool, the dash the speedo, everything, it also seemed to have lots of room where stuff was far away from me, so i felt pretty good, but the headroom SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe they (GM) would let this slip, WHY!?

djbalt · August 2006

I'm 6'3 and have no problem with the headroom. I simply tilt the seat back so I can get into the "Indy Racer Position". If I put the seat all the way up vertically, yeah, I would also not have the headroom needed. But reclining is just fine with me. Love my balt after 10k miles, no regrets at all.

cwo4 · August 2006

As I get older and gas prices go up I asked myself what did I want in a car. We bought my wife a new (in '03) Cavalier for $10K with air, auto,and a radio. In the three years she has been driving it, the only problem she has ever had was a burnt out tail light. Our son had a '92 with no problems until he was hit by a pickup. He came out of the accident fine but the car was totalled. I wanted a new car, but didn't want to spend a lot of money. I was driving an 04 Toyota Camry with close to 60,000 miles on it. It had left me stranded once when I was in rush hour traffic and it decided to reset the computer which caused the car to only go 10-25 miles an hour. Luckily a policeman came up and escorted me avoiding a major pile up on the interstate. So I decided I would look at the Cobalt since no one had any issues with the Cavalier. I did sit down and decided what I wanted in a car. I wanted an automatic with an air conditioner and rear window defroster. I wanted a radio with a cd player. A car that gets good gas mileage and has an engine with a reliable record. I wanted ABS and traction control for the winter snow. All of these used to be options. My first new car was a 66 VW for which I paid $1342 over three year installment payments. My wife and I went to her Chevy dealer and we test drove a Cobalt. The salesman was nice enough but wanted us to "move up" in the model of Chevy I wanted. I stuck with what I wanted and wound up buying a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt LS with everything I wanted, and to paraphrase another car company "nothing I didn't." Now after 5000 miles I too can say there have not been any problems with my Chevy. It is comfortable, reliable and gets good gas mileage. And the price was right for me, $13000 tax tags and freight out the door. I wish GM would do a better job of advertising by talking the value and strength of the Cobalt instead of having girls jump off bridges into a moving truck load of various Chevy's as I saw in their recent TV ads. Oh well, the point of this post is to put something new up and to say I am really happy with my automotive appliance, my new Cobalt.

danielj6 · August 2006

Great post! Informative, interesting and to the point.

ray_h1 · August 2006

those Chevy girls would jump onto my car...

gerald41 · August 2006

I own a 06 Cobalt LT with over 19,000 miles on it. I drive over 140 miles a day on it from whiteplains , NY to JFK airport. I just want to give the cobalt it's pat on the back. I have not had 1 problem with the car. Other than oil changes I have not had any reason to go to the dealer. You can have problems in any car and there are always some issues and bugs to work out but not every cobalt experiences the problems mentioned here. Some cobalts have problems while others don't.

chevysalesmen1 · August 2006

i sale chevy's and cadillac at rancho motor co. and the cobalt has a ecotec 2 engine thats the same engine that honda puts in the civic except gm has more inside manufactured parts that can make the cobalt smoke the civic, but any ways the testers for the cobalt have predicted that the cobalt will go to 220,000 at least, not all of them but most with the right maintance, meaning oil changes and brakes and oil filters and spark plugs etc. on a regular time, so you shouldn't bad mouth chevy cars unless you know your facts buddy.

ray_h1 · August 2006

--"i sale chevy's and cadillac at rancho motor co. and the cobalt has a ecotec 2 engine thats the same engine that honda puts in the civic"--

Help me out here since I appear to be confused. According to Ward's Automotive 2006 Passenger Car Engine Guide, the 2L Ecotec is built in Kaiserlautern, Germany - and at that, based on an original Saab design before the Swedes were absorbed into the hallowed domain of the GM Mark of Excellence. The 2L Civic si's 2L engine is built in Suzuka, Japan. (I'm not current on geography, but I believe the two factories are seperated by a few miles.) The Honda motor has variable valve timing. The Cobalt's 2L motor does not. The only thing the two motors share is an identical, "square" 86mm x 86mm bore and stroke and perhaps some similar heat treated metric fasteners. TIA!

forever350 · August 2006

Has anyone seen the G5 by Pontiac? its supposed to come out pretty soon. Exactly like the cobalt, re-badge for sure.

m1miata · August 2006

Civic Si 197HP Honda engine. It is possible a Cobalt may smoke -- just kidding, but it is no Honda engine.

Where was GM at Indy this year? Oh, now I recall, only Honda engines came to play. First year Honda came to Indy they had the winning car, if not for a controversial light call. I would take Honda engines over GM any day. That said, the Cobalt is great torque for the buck. Buy them cheap, drive them 'till they drop, and you got value in a Cobalt. Not the worse choice in sub $15K cars.

chevysalesmen1 · August 2006

if you looked lately at most course's in america you'll see the supercharged cobalt at most tracks not pro tracks yes but shortly they'll be there, that i promise you, plus like you said "the Cobalt is great torque for the buck." and like i said there's not a stock civic out right now that can beat the cobalt and if you think other wise then prove me wrong. but i'm not here to bag on civic'c i had a 93 hb civic that had 334000 miles and ran perfect but i'm also have a 2007 cobalt that is very nice in every aspect.

chevysalesmen1 · August 2006

go to cobaltrage.com then you'll see what can be to cobalts for the track and watch sv ( speed vision ) for those of you that dont know, and you'll on there as well from time to time .

poncho167 · August 2006

I have seen it on Pontiacs site and like it. It is not exactly like the Cobalt with a different front end but it does cost more and obviously shares the majority of the Chevy.

poncho167 · August 2006

GM is nolonger supporting an Indy team like Honda does. If I recall the Aurora engine and Chevy engines did quite good when introduced to the circuit. Cadillac's Northstar was also used in the Trans Am races but now they are cleaning up with the racing CTS.

I probably would stay with the Generals engines over Honda if given a choice.

poncho167 · August 2006

The Cobalt since 2005 has dominated pretty much all racing in its class especially professional drag racing. The car also holds top speed and other performance records.

There is a high performance accessory Cobalt catalog available from Chevy parts that has everything you would need to modify an engine including special engine blocks. The catalog is at least $20.

chevysalesmen1 · August 2006

i just found some new site's to go to for the performance parts for cobalts, but not only them but all of gm's cars and ford and i think some imports as well not sure , but the site is cardomain.com it has a lot performance parts for the listed makes go there and see what you think its a good site.

rlange · September 2006

This car has continued to be a major problem for us! Several times the air bag indiator has lit up with no explanation as to why. Now the key is sticking in the ignition and not allowing the car to be turned off. I believe as more of the cobalts hit the road, we'll find out they live up to the reputation of their name. Don't buy one! If you read this and still buy one, don't come back here to complain!

ray_h1 · September 2006

)) "Don't buy one! If you read this and still buy one, don't come back here to complain!" ((

Why not? :confuse: I thought complaints were one of the reasons to post on these brand-specific forums.

poncho167 · September 2006

The only reputation that I am familar with with Cobalt name is great car, nice ride, good deal, etc.

jwiseman · September 2006

When GM had their employee pricing last summer I leased an '05 Cobalt coupe with auto and cruise, 15k miles per year, for right at $100/month with all the incentives applied and $3500 on my GM rebate card. Love it so far.
But what's up with trying to get a duplicate key? Dealer only item? $27 each? I tried everywhere but no one except the dealer has the right blank.
Anyone else had any luck with this?

gerald41 · September 2006

I have written in this forum before but would like to say to anyone new in here that you can't knock the Cobalt line because of a few lemons. We have 2 in my family a 05 and a 06 both coups. My 06 which I put over 150 miles a day on has over 22,000 miles on it. I have not had it back to the dealer for anything other than oil changes. The car has been flawless. My cousins 05 which turned me on to the car had only 1 issue with the ac dripping when he first bought it other than that his never goes to the dealer as he lets a local shop change the oil. His has around 14,000 miles on it. My point is we hear from those with complaints but rarely here those who praise the car. Not all cobalts have these problems, you might have gotten a lemon.

In case anyone didn't know this ALL COBALTS HAVE A 5 YEAR 60,000 MILES WARRANTY ON THE POWER TRAIN, BESIDES THE STANDRAD 3-36,000. Now GM has increased them to 5 -100,000 but before that the cobalts had the best warranty in the chevy line.

ron_m · September 2006

When GM had their employee pricing last summer I leased an '05 Cobalt coupe with auto and cruise, 15k miles per year, for right at $100/month with all the incentives applied and $3500 on my GM rebate card. Love it so far.
But what's up with trying to get a duplicate key? Dealer only item? $27 each? I tried everywhere but no one except the dealer has the right blank.
Anyone else had any luck with this?

Do you have a remote keyless entry type of keyfob, or does your key have a transponder device built into it? I would think that it's the latter since you were thinking that you could obtain a key blank somewhere other than a GM dealership. Keys with a transponder device built into them can appear to be made from nothing more than a simple blank. However, that's not the case. For some cars' keys that have a transponder device embedded in them, you can still have a duplicate key made that will at least allow you to open your cars' doors in case you inadvertently lock the key up in the car. But it won't start the car. Many of these types of key blanks can be purchased at a Home Depot or Lowe's Home Improvement store. But if you're in need of a duplicate key that will also start the car, it's usually off to the dealership for some ridiculous charge. Last question, is your key one of those rectangular-shaped kind with the jagged edge cuts positioned internally--or recessed in the center of the actual key? Usually these types of keys have a remote keyless entry keyfob attached at the top and are not just on a key ring as a separate, loose piece remote keyless entry keyfob.

Ron M.

jwiseman · September 2006

The car doesn't have remote keyless entry and I'm pretty sure it doesn't have anything to do with a transponder built in to the key because I had a duplicate key made at the dealer and I didn't have to program it like I've had to do on other cars, I put it in the ignition and it started right up, which surprised me 'cuz I thought it would have a transponder in it for that price.
The teeth on the key are external like 'normal' keys.
Several of the places I tried before the dealer had these little plastic things they tried sticking the key into to select the right blank and the it wouldn't fit any of them.
I was hoping someone had some luck finding an alternative to the dealer key.

mattburgess · September 2006

What do you guys think about this turbo for it? I got a Cobalt LT with basically everything offered except its a manual trans, and now I'm wishing I would have just got an SS. But what can you do. I seen these "Maximum Boost" Turbo kits and they dont look to bad, they give 4-5 PSI and would give you 185-195HP total which aint to bad for $1899.99. But What do you think about this brand, or would you think it would even be worth it? :confuse:

ray_h1 · September 2006

Chill, Grasshopper - you need to assume the lotus position and contemplate your zen before it becomes your karma. What I think about slapping an aftermarket turbocharger on your car and its effect on the motor and tranny, neither of which are properly internally beefed for the additional mechanical stresses, is how much would you lose if you just traded your car while it's still worth a bunch for an SS Supercharged Coupe whose motor's already factory engineered for its boost. At least with that route, you'd have a full powertrain warranty* and some liklihood of approaching normal engine/transmission life...

*if you install an aftermarket turbocharger on your current ride, you will most assuredly void your powertrain warranty. Depending on how often you can't resist the temptation to spool 'er up, you could find yourself both upside down on your financing and wheeleless if you punch a stock connecting rod through the side of the aluminum block and/or lunch a few transmission cogs that were never intended to take the additional torque of turbocharging! Now, how kuhl is that? :surprise:

poncho167 · September 2006

$27 is not bad from a dealer. I saw on other forums where people were able to find someone on the internet who charges less.

poncho167 · September 2006

The stock engine is a pretty beefy unit and has a big race following since its introduction with a whole performance parts catalog available just for it from Chevy. I read last year that there was to be a dealer installed supercharger available for it in the near future. I haven't heard anything more on that however.

ray_h1 · September 2006

)) "I read last year that there was to be a dealer installed supercharger available for it in the near future. I haven't heard anything more on that however." ((

Well then, we can only consign that anonymous report to "interesting speculation" 'till proved otherwise, can't we? Regardless the duration of the powertrain warranty or Chevy's future plans for dealership installed performance options, Chevrolet Division will in no way be obligated to extend warranty considerations to any engine modified with non-GM tested aftermarket performance parts by non-dealer personnel. READ your warranty supplement provisions for clarification.

gsemike · September 2006

On the highway at night, I'd really like leaning down, reaching around the shifter to close a passenger side window.

poncho167 · September 2006

The issue that CR and others commented on was that all windows control belong on the door.

gsemike · September 2006

That's for the most part correct. The window switches are better off on the door. Alot of cars have it on the console but still, the HHR is the only one that has it up there in front of the shifter. Are you sure that CR's criticism is so poorly founded?

jaxs1 · September 2006

I'm planning to do a 180 mile round trip 5 days a week for the next 2 to 3 years. If I do it for the full 3 years, I would rack up 135K miles based only on the commute mileage alone.
It will be almost 100% freeway driving.

Is the Cobalt LT automatic a top choice in vehicle for this or is something else more suitable?

A car that would be ideal to me for this kind of extreme driving would need to have high fuel economy and low maintenance costs to keep the expenses in control, but also need a comfortable drivers seat, smooth and quiet highway ride and maybe a nice stereo with XM and MP3 jack to help the hours go by.
Are the front seats comfortable, can you get over 35 MPG on the highway on a 90 mile highway trip and is the freeway ride comfortable and quiet?

What kind of yearly maintenance would be needed at 45,000 miles a year and can you expect the car to make it to over 100K miles without being in the shop alot.

What car would be a better choice for the money?
Civic's and Corollas probably are not going to have a highway ride over California's bumpy freeway expansion joints that I want to live with.

poncho167 · September 2006

I don't have a Cobalt but it is on the top of my list for a new car next year. The Consumer rating toward the top of this screen has drivers evaluations and mileage. I have read of people getting upper 30's mpg on the highway. I have driven several Cobalts and think it is the best value for the money. The seats were specially designed by a well known seat maker and are on the firm side for long distance driving comfort. The engines are both timing chain driven with no belts to replace at 50-60,000 miles like the imports. It has the Dexcool anti-freeze which can last as long as 5-years though I don't know if I would let it go that long. It is 5-star frontal crash tested as well as high as there is for the class in side impact when equipt with the side air bags. The ride is very smooth and very quite with the insulted panels. I am not sure how your Los Angelas highways are so I couldn't comment on that. I am not sure they have corrected the sunroof rattling issue that the early 2005 models had as reported by a couple people on this forum and I personally wouldn't get that for that reason and because like most cars you loose head room when so equipt.

Good luck

jaxs1 · September 2006

I later noticed that the automatic has an EPA highway rating of only 32. That's in the range of some much larger vehicles with bigger engines. Even some V6s.
I don't want to deal with the 5 speed in traffic and the more difficult resale of a stick shift sedan.
I haven't seen anyone post their mileage experiences in the Cobalt fuel economy forum here. Only stick shift owners posted there.

poncho167 · October 2006

Based on its size I would imagine you would get 36-38 mpg. with the auto.

jaxs1 · October 2006

I think that would make sense, except that owners are not reporting mileage like that.
Maybe I'll see if I can find on at a rental agency and rent it for a day to see much gas it uses.

gsemike · October 2006

You'd probably get that if it was downhill both ways.

grosloup · October 2006

If you were me, which one would you get, a Cobalt coupe LT or an SS (not supercharged). I know that the standard options are not the same and the price is different between the two of them. What is the best value for your money? and Why would you choose one than the other?

poncho167 · October 2006

10-years-ago I probably would have liked the LTZ or SS but now the 4-door LT would be the one for me. I like the ride of the LT which is a combination of smooth for its size, yet still firm enough without squeling the tires around corners.

aladdinsane · December 2006

Hi...

Doesn't anyone out there agree that perhaps GM should start moving into the 21st century finally by including stability control with its line of small vehicles, such as the Cobalt and Pontiac G5 for example? Traction control is fine, but it's sooooooo yesterday in terms of evolution for this model line. Providing electronic stability control, as an option at least, would definitely set this machine apart from all the others at this price point. Honda, Toyota, Nissan...all good at what they produce, but none have provided ESC for their smaller machines. GM...are U listening????????????????? The Corolla with ESC is VERY hard to come by!

Plus...I like the look of the Cobalt, and would consider purchasing one, but the one "fly in the ointment" (so to speak) is the Consumer Reports rating for it, claiming it ain't bad but way below, almost bottom of the barrel, in terms of dependability/reliabilty. Ok, that's their spin on it, but how could a machine that is sooooooo poor, according to CR and others, be such a great seller for Chevy? Many out there seem to dig it, and I see quite a few of them around. What gives? I'm hip to the fact that the Cobalt is easy to buy and service, considering the many Chevy dealers there are coast to coast. If it is such a poor machine then why do so many purchase, and keep purchasing them time and time again? Hmmmmmmm...

I see that this particular thread hasn't seen much action lately. Oh well...

Happy Holidays... :shades:

Peace!

grosloup · December 2006

I don't know how old you are my friend but... In my younger days G.M had a little car named Chevrolet Chevette and Pontiac Acadian. Like the Cobalt and G5 they were cheap to buy as a first brand new car. You could see them everywhere, on the streets and in the repair shops. Famous brake problems 2-3 sets a year and that's with normal driving.(and that's only naming one problem) They didn't look sporty like the Cobalt but they were cheap to drive until you stated having problems 1 to 2 years after you bought it. At that time G.M. warranty was 1 year or 12000 miles. That's were they made their money.
Is history reapeting itself with the Cobalt?
Three years after purchasing a Cobalt it's going to start falling apart?

Like you said Hmmmmm...

gerald41 · December 2006

I wouldn't put to much importance on CR reports. My last 2 auots were cars that CR trashed a 85 Cutless and a 94 Cavalier. The Cutless I sold with 171,000 miles on it running with average repairs and the Cavalier had 184,000 and running great. Why are so many Cobalts sold because people don't listen to these reviews and go on price. I own a 2006 Cobalt with 24,600 miles on it and only had 1 problem with it ( the shifter assemby was changed because of key problems) other than that it's needed nothing but oil changes.

I believe this car will stand up to anything in it's price range made today.

gsemike · December 2006

It's all a question of price. GM's goal has been to increase the avg price point of their transactions. I beleive that it's worked well for some cars such as the Impala but with the Cobalt it comes down to what do you want for your 12 grand? You can get a Civic with a stick and no a/c or PW or you can get a Balt with that stuff.

You see alot of Malibus but it's not because it's a good car. They're attocious but what else are you going to buy for 15 grand?

Chevrolet Cobalt

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