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Chevrolet Cobalt

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Comments

  • jscevjscev Member Posts: 36
    Has anyone seen reviews on the 06 Civic Concept Si? To me looks like Honda is trying to prove they still are the tuner champs. Personally i am a Chevy fan and i dont like civics. but this new one, as long as they keep it close if not the same as the concept i may go to that, instead of the cobalt at the end of the yr..of course i am talking about the cobalt ss as the competitor. what is your guys/girls oppinon?
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Although it doesn't mention Cobalt as such, this article is very interesting and does discuss GM's current strategy and market success:

    http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/business/11324401.htm
  • avemanaveman Member Posts: 122
    That could be why the article was so negative. Most points in the article were valid.I disagree with GM needing a Mustang clone.I would like to see them compete with their competitiors on fuel economy.As a quality,built in america car, I will give the Cobalt a few points against the competion. As each year goes by , fuel economy will be more important to me.I would like to see a 2.2 L VVT version of the ecotec to get fuel milage closer to honda and toyota's 1.8L engines. Also I think that quality diesel performane is needed in all (including small) cars and trucks.I am optimistic about GM's long term plans to compete in the fuel cell market. However, their short term fuel ecomomy plans for the US market I am not aware of.The Cobalt will be high on my list, and depending on when I am able to buy If it misses, It will probably be fuel economy.I am not all that sold on Hybrids compared to deisel.
  • ericf1ericf1 Member Posts: 54
    Biodeisel has some pretty interesting prospects.

    What kind of milage is the 2.4L Ecotec supposed to get?
  • jscevjscev Member Posts: 36
    I like how chevy has there one muscle/sports car, then they have there luxury sports car and whatnot and then they have there 4cyl sports car. Ford has to many stangs out there. they should only make a v8 mustang. the v6 stangs look fake to me. i dont like them. i think now that chevy has come out with the new designe corvette and the cobalt ford has been left behind with the younger generation.
  • m1miatam1miata Member Posts: 4,551
    " I like how chevy has there one muscle/sports car, then they have there luxury sports car and whatnot and then they have there 4cyl sports car. Ford has to many stangs out there. they should only make a v8 mustang. the v6 stangs look fake to me. i dont like them. i think now that chevy has come out with the new design corvette and the cobalt ford has been left behind with the younger generation. " -end quote-

    No, Ford is ahead of Chevy in cars. The Focus is pretty popular as a first car, or a fun car to zip around in and it gets good gas mileage. The younger generation in my college city own a lot of VW Jettas and Mustangs. The V6 Mustang has always been popular with all ages. You now have 210HP V6 Mustang selling for less than the Cobalt Super Charged. The Cobalt in front wheel drive. So what exactly do you mean from the quote above about fake? While Cobalt is a good little econo car for $14K, it is less a value in the high end. If people want smaller high end, they will just buy the Acura. The Mustang V8 GT is very popular for those that want an even more macho sound, more power ( more than needed ) and the image of the GT status. As for the Corvette, that is a great high end car, and score a point for GM, as does the Caddy CTS, which in a way is interesting. Most of the GM stuff is not particularly remarkable in any way. It is just there.

    Loren
  • jscevjscev Member Posts: 36
    Chevy now has all if the SS's coming back. and i barely ever see focus's driing around
    i go back and forth from maine to vermont all the time and i dont remember the last time i saw a focus. person i think they are ugly cars as do many of my friends. im sure there are many ppl out there that liek them but i do not think they are as popular as cavaliers and soon to be cobalts. the cobalt just hasnt been out long enough..and the SS still isnt out. which i feel has hurt chevy because i was planning on gettin one but they waited so long i have gotten introduced to the new civic that will be out later this yr suposively..thats a diff. topic though. ya v6 stangs may be a little cheaper then a cobalt but look at gas milage too. and the cobalt is only a 4cyl and it only has what..like 50 less hp. ford doesnt seem to have one big sports car.. and if they did it would be the v8 stang. but since there is so many stangs riding aorund your like, oh wow another stang.. but whenever one sees a vette there like man look at that thing. its so sweet. other then the mustang and the focus, what other ford car appeals to the younger generation? Chevy has made the Monte Carlo sporty to fit the younger gen even though i dont like them i see alot of them around. Chevy has the Impala SS,which is kinda a family car but at least it would be cooler to ride around in then a taurus. even though the Aveo or whatver is ugly to me im sure it will become a popular car, more so then a escort. i think ford needs to redisign there cars or come out with new models to attract ppl.
  • m1miatam1miata Member Posts: 4,551
    The Chevy SS on a rear wheel drive would be impressive. As for Monte Carlo, I must admit, it is different looking. A front wheel drive, V6 - automatic, and hardly sporty, the Monte Carlo looks like a comfortable cruising car. Make the real Malibu SS, like in 1968 and I'd be impressed. The Impala SS is another OK car; nothing exciting there. If my back was better, I would consider a C4 Corvette, or maybe the C5, though each model change seems to up the cost of ownership. Just look at tire costs from C4 to C5 to C6. The sky is the limit. Fine auto, but getting more costly as time goes on and they get more high tech. I saw the Corvettes at Laguna Seca last year - awesome cars. Most middle class people though may opt for the Mustang, which starts around half or less than a Vette. Other than the Vette, I just don't see too much to be excited about with Chevy, though the Cobalt looks a bit more styled in the coupe than the Cavalier. Nothing really all that much to set it apart from the rest though looks wise. Sort of another Japanese car look to me. So what would be wrong with getting the Civic, other than less HP. The gas mileage on Honda is higher, so people will like those figures more, if saving is the game. And the resale is much higher in the long and short run. Be it another Nova with RWD, or a mid-engine version of a Corvair, something to spark the imagination needs to happen. Ford and GM need NEW cars. The PT was a new car when it came out. The Chrysler 300 and Magnum are NEW cars. Interesting the post above mentioned people looking at Corvettes over there on the East Coast. On the Left Coast they are so common, people don't notice them much at all, all though they are thought of as fine cars. Heck, even the Elise is being seen often on the roads around here. I owned one car that got attention, and that was the first Dodge Stealth here on the Central Coast. Around here and on the road, be it Oregon, Idaho, Utah, or any town I went through, that car drew attention. The next year, the Camaro and Firebird changed body styles, along with the other sporty cars, and the new / unique wore off in a couple years. If GM made a Camaro which was smaller than the original, had a nice inline six, which could get 33 MPG, that would sell.... I think. I have no idea how the public is with cars, and they can be fickle indeed. They seem to like retro, so maybe something slightly retro to the first Camaro. I think there are those looking for true sports car. Why not something different than the other pony car. Something lighter, smaller engines, independent rear suspension, trim in size, but still have a real trunk in the back. How about making a mid-sized Malibu again, with sporty lines? Wonder if Buick will be the next line to get axed? I learned to drive on an old Buick Le Sabre - '61 I think it was.

    Loren
  • avemanaveman Member Posts: 122
    Hats off to chevy for making real world performance cars for today ,not yester year. The Cobalt SS kicks out great performance and alsoget decent fuel mileage.I personaly would take the Cobalt over theCivic.I had a ba experience wiyh two Civics a an auto show. Both had seats that were hard enough to adjust propely that I would call them defective.It is a small thing but it was enouh to set off quality alarms to me.However,Honda will have a new Civic coming out soon that the Cobalt will have to deal with.I agree that GM needs to keep an eye on the competions fuel Milage ratings.I checked out gm.com news and they seem to be on the ball concernig fuel efficient engine technologgy.However, some people who want to keep a car for a few years (like me), don't want to get caught up in the high fuel price with low milelage car.I think the Cobalts mileage is ok for todays milage but GM should speed up the push for fuel sipping cars.I mention that I am not sold on gas hybrid cars. Well, GM is using a desiel hybrid engine in a concept car for europe. They also are doing a premium ecotec 1.8 litre for europe.I can only speak for myself, if I am buying this year the currnet 2.2 l Cobalt engine will work for me. If I am buying next year , it may or may not work for me.People that have to streatch their budget to get in a new car ,don't get to know when they are going to hit us hard at the fuel pump.Given my above concerns, if I wanted a performace car, would I go Mustang or Cobalt SS.Well to be honest I would probablly get the 2.4l non supercharged SS when it becomes avaiible.For performance and economy that shoud make the cobalt tough to bat.But, the next engine coming should offer better or equal fuel ecomony than the civic or corolla,or the mission wilnot be complete.I remember goin into chevy dealers as a kid picking up Vega brochures,so I am being picky.It would be cool to say I bought a Chevy.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Maybe it's just me and my old eyes, but these posts sure would be a lot easier to read if y'all would use paragraphs.

    Thanks!
  • m1miatam1miata Member Posts: 4,551
    If the Cobalt look as good as a '67-'69 or any Camaro for that matter, had rear wheel drive, and had a V6, I would buy it over the Mustang. Cobalt is what it is, a good little car which looks somewhat like it's Japanese competition and may be an alright buy for a couple grand off in a base model. I still don't see the value in trying to kick it all the way up to the status of say an Acura RSX, or comparing it to a Mustang. Don't see the value in and the value out when selling such a car. It is not a bad looking car, but it is not in the class looks wise of a Mustang, Celica, Eclipse, or the like, so if a person wants to invest in a sports, or sporty car, why not get the real deal? Cobalt is great for what it is, and if bought in the $13 to $15K range, I am sure that is pretty fair price.

    Loren
  • avemanaveman Member Posts: 122
    According to Cevy specs the coupe is about 216 pounds lighter than the sedan.It also sits a bit lower in overall height.I wonder why both styles share the same EPA numbers.Do they just average the numbers between styles. I was leaning towards the sedan but 216 pounds is alot of weight/
  • richards38richards38 Member Posts: 606
    Well, it's better than the horrible :lemon: Cavalier, but Cobalts aren't selling very well and it's no surprise why: It's dull as dishwater and most buyers will have the good sense to wait a few months before buying any all-new model from a manufacturer who has a reputation for testing it's products on its customers.

    I just don't understand why Chevy can't be better looking. The current, nearly-new Malibu is a yawn, too.

    Where's the style with these people?
  • vanman1vanman1 Member Posts: 1,397
    Actually sales have picked up big and given there was limited supply on many dealer lots of coupes and other models people wanted, it's not surprising it got off to a slow start. Still no SS available and not 2.4L versions either so sales will take time to ramp up.
  • gsemikegsemike Member Posts: 2,282
    Listening to jscev and aveman, you'd think that GM was knocking the ball out of the park rather than dipping below 30% market share and reshuffling their executive board. Good thing that they're pumping their resources into a new Suburban and wisely giving the Impala a minor facelift. That design is only 5 years old and full-size SUVs are so in vogue now.

    I was raised on GM iron and can't wait to own another 1970 Chevelle, but I'm tired of waiting for this company to get it. When the Malibu came out, we heard, "just watch, this is the new GM" and now we're haring that about the Cobalt because it's years ahead of the Malibu. Where are the hybrids? The mid-size 4 cyl sedan? AWD?

    When are they going to get with it and put out world class mass market cars and most importantly, get it right the first time????
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    This discussion is about the Cobalt not the woes and worries of GM. In-depth examination of general manufacturer issues is more appropriately placed on our News & Views board. Thanks.
  • m1miatam1miata Member Posts: 4,551
    The problem is that the Cobalt is the replacement for the Cavalier. Japan makes the best replacement for the Cavalier. The Cobalt should look NEW, and American NEW car, and not like a Civic or something. It is not that Cobalt is not a capable car. Look at it this way, the Nova back in the 60's was certainly a better car for many than was the VW. Then GM tried to make a VW and the Corvair quickly ran into problems. Sure, I like the last models of Corvair, but you know what I mean. What they can do better was style and comfort, as well as performance in a Nova compared to say the little foreign car. That is what they need to do again. Cobalt should have been a NEW car. Retro look cars may even boost sales, but I think in the long run, something truly new would be more than welcomed. Look how the concept of the pony car made sales records for Ford with the Mustang. That car said, I am fun! What is the message of the Cobalt? I think it is, I can get the job done, so buy me - please, someone, buy me.
    :shades: Loren
  • avemanaveman Member Posts: 122
    I think Cobalt looks fine. Style is very personal. The Car that blew me away at the auto show was the new Jetta. It is cacthing styling flack for looking boring japaneese and corollaish. Many people like highly styled cars. The Mazda 3 comes to mind. I don't like the looks of the Mazda 3. I also don't like the way I feel sittting in it.That doesn't mean it is not a great car it is just not for me.Some styling features are so in your face that they become hard to look at after a while.I gather lots of info on cars I want, but when journalits start giving out styling advise like they no what good is, I don't listen to that stuff.I think I prefer the Cobalt sedan styling to the coupe, but I will will give the coupe a good look because it is lighter.
  • m1miatam1miata Member Posts: 4,551
    Yes, Cobalt looks OK. Just could have been something new - something more. What is kinda neat is that I can see how it can progress over the years, particularly in the front area. That is where I think they will make some changes within a couple years. I guess it was the promise of a New Car Revolution, which looks more like a slower Evolution which makes me wonder if the wording was wrong. In it's own way, the Cavalier got the job done. It too was not bad looking, and some people racked up many a mile without fail. I think a NEW car line is needed at Chevy. Something which says, he look at me, I am not like all the others. Should say, I am not as good, but rather better than a Japanese or Euro make of car. Maybe the new little car is a start. Maybe the revolution theme should be changed to evolution though. I do like the new Mazda3 looks wise. I have a '98 Corolla, which I think looks good, and much better than the current Corolla, which looks too tall or something. The one too tall car that looked right, IMHO, was the old Jetta. I can not put a finger on it, but it had its own look which I liked. The new one does not come off quite the same way. It looks like an Audi and a Japanese car mated one night to produce a rather blander mix of style, with a front that does not match the back. A 1995 Camry is a good example of a car with a style which sweeps well front to back, with no awkward moments. The eye is never jolted. The Mazda3 sedan is not bad. The 5 door and some models are a bit over the top, but some like the extra, like ya say, in your face look.
    Loren
  • audiofanaudiofan Member Posts: 1
    I have a beta version of an iPod interface which will allow you to connect your iPod to your OEM Cobalt car radio. The radio can control the iPod and view playlist number, track number, song title, artist, and album name. The iPod battery will also charge while the car is on. I am looking for a Cobalt owner to do a test install. The car must have OEM XM installed. If you are interested, let me know. Thanks.
  • vanman1vanman1 Member Posts: 1,397
    I think the Cobalt coupe looks great, especially the SS. The sedan is handsome, better than Civic and Corolla, not as exciting as Mazda 3. I think GM has a good thing in the Cobalt styling though, the ION is a little too strange and has been shunned for it's center IP. Better safer than sorry I say.
  • m1miatam1miata Member Posts: 4,551
    Looks like the ION was styled by committee. Everyone got a little action in by drawing one part or another, then they pieced the thing together. While it is not the ugliest car ever made, I do wish someone would have decided on one design and not three or four drawings. Well that is what it looks like anyway. The Cobalt does look more normal.
  • jscevjscev Member Posts: 36
    Im not saying GM is on top. Foriegn Co. def have the advantage but i was just saying that i think the cobalt ss is a cool car that i wouldnt mind owning. i had a 98 cavy and i loved it. i deff. dont think it was a lemon. i had NO problems at all with it, and i didnt go easy on her.
    Anyways, i most likely will not buy a Cobalt because i have a celica that i have done up just a little to make the hp move up from 140 to 150ish.( I have the GT model) My celica is an 02 with about 80K. This Celica will prob. outlast a new cobalt. it will def. get better gas milage. Even though it has alot less hp then the cobalt ss i bet it would hold its own. It is a very fast little car.
    All i was trying to get across was that I think Chevy has made an imporvement adding a 2.0L SS Supercharged that can be compared to these japanese car, because the cavy sure wasnt.(even though i loved my cavy) it just wasnt close to the competition..not even the Z24 was considered close to the foreign cars.
  • gsemikegsemike Member Posts: 2,282
    You make a valid point... the Cobalt is a major step up from the Cav but it's only one long overdue step. Just because Chevy is slapping SS badges on everything doesn't mean that chevy performance is back.

    They have to slap a blower on the 3.8 to squeeze 240 hp out of it. How come the imports can get more power out a smaller, naturally aspirated engines? The overpriced, overweight and underpowered Impala and Monte Carlo SSs only serve to devalue to SS badge. I mean, who is going to drop $32k for that Impala SS? That's a pretty lofty altitude where there are some pretty impressive options.
  • exalteddragon1exalteddragon1 Member Posts: 729
    They have to slap a blower on the 3.8 to squeeze 240 hp out of it. How come the imports can get more power out a smaller, naturally aspirated engines? The overpriced, overweight and underpowered Impala and Monte Carlo SSs only serve to devalue to SS badge. I mean, who is going to drop $32k for that Impala SS? That's a pretty lofty altitude where there are some pretty impressive options.

    This is a correct statement if we are talking a year ago.

    This time, GM has a new 3.9L OHV VVT V6 with 240hp and 245 lb-ft of torque, and it is naturally aspirated. It will be in the Malibu and Malibu Maxx SS (along with some pontiac :P)

    Also, the new Impala and Monte Carlo will have a new 3.5L VVT V6 with 210hp, the 240hp 3.9L V6, and the SS versions will have a 5.3L 303hp DoD V8 engine. Naturally aspirated.

    SS performance is comming back, just not like it was in the 60's and not like the German wanna-be American Dimler Crysler is doing wiht those Hemis.

    GM also had in europe a car/minivanish opel with GM's 2.4L Ecotec VVT with Direct injection and turbo that made 250hp. If GM could scramlbe the resources to put that into the Cobalt SS then it really will be something. At least just turbo the 2.4L, it should be at least 240hp.

    This is not lofty attitude. We just have to see what the prices will be like. I agree 32K for an impala SS is too much. No Nav, No Xenon, and no RWD... sorry, this is a 28K car at most. The engine will make it go, though. Just not for 32K.
  • gsemikegsemike Member Posts: 2,282
    The operative word is "will". How much longer will they wait to get it out in the market? and then when will it make it into a car under 25 g. They call it the high feature engine because it has what the imports have had in their standard engines for years while the General has been dropping 1970s engines in their cars.

    GM doesn't warrant praise for finally catching up with the competition after years of neglect.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Please stay focused on the Cobalt in this discussion. You are very welcome to pursue these thoughts in any appropriate News & Views topic.

    Thanks!
  • avemanaveman Member Posts: 122
    I checked out a base Cobalt he other day. It was the only cobalt in the showroom.
    The way it was packed came to over 15,000 sticker.It had an automatic and power locks. The car looked great in sandstone metallic.. However, I would never buy that color in base form, because the neutral base fabric is way too light colored for me. I think the only way the base car would work for me is with no options with manual trans and darker interior. It was a sedan and the view out of the car was great. I think the front seat height may have been maxxed out because the hand crank was under pressure. I got into the back seat with the front back quite a bit and I fit pretty well my size12.5 feet brushed against the seat back getting in but there was good foot room under seat . Head room seemed fine. Looking to get a car with options I would probably go with the LS. The hand crank windows were pretty firm to crank, but that and regular door locks I could live with. The base dash was a little bland, but it is the base model. the wheel covers looked fine to me and the conti touring tires should get the job done.. If you need a cheap ,safe car and don''t need options, the base sedan could work.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Did everyone have a chance to check out Inside Line's Full Test: 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged posted a bit ago?
  • dan165dan165 Member Posts: 653
    Great review. I wonder if that rear spoiler can be deleted? :confuse:
  • m1miatam1miata Member Posts: 4,551
    "
    Great review. I wonder if that rear spoiler can be deleted? "

    Well, the spoiler may add a little fun look to the coupe. What they need to lose is the FWD, the electric assist steering, and throttle-by-wire, if it has that too. It is nice little coupe, but nothing worth close to $20K. Heck, you could get a Mustang or something around that price range. Or if you are talking GM, say a G6. For handling, in a FWD car, Acura or a Celica would be more agile.
  • muffin_manmuffin_man Member Posts: 865
    Why would you pick a G6 over a Cobalt SS? Which is actually faster and better handling (per magazine tests) than a Acura or a Celica.

    Not knocking those cars, but the Cobalt SS may end up being top of the FWD heap.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Yep, you're right. If the guy wants a G6, why on earth wouldn't he BUY one?

    GM does NOT need to make all its cars the same again. It tried that more than once. Didn't work then, won't work now. A Cobalt is NOT supposed to be a G6. A G6 is supposed to be a G6. Why is a question for another board and time! :)
  • bigdaddycoatsbigdaddycoats Member Posts: 1,058
    Actually the Cobalt SS Supercharged has performed better in performance tests than the Acura RSX and the Celica.

    Motor Trend Feb 2005

    "The Cobalt SS is the fastest regular production front-drive car through the slalom we've tested in three years, rocking through the cones even faster than the new Corvette Z51. The SS out cornered the VW R32 on the skidpad, outgunned the Mini Cooper S 0-to-60 mph, and outstopped the Subaru Impereza WRX 60-to-0 mph."

    "lose is the FWD"

    The Cobalt is on a FWD platform. It would be nice if GM had a small RWD sedan, but the Delta platform is strictly FWD.
  • vanman1vanman1 Member Posts: 1,397
    Wow, quite a hot little coupe. Will there be a SS sedan for the dads?

    ;)
  • m1miatam1miata Member Posts: 4,551
    It may out slalom and Acura, Celica, or Mini Cooper in their test, but I seriously doubt that a Cobalt is in the same class for handling. It is not going to out corner those other cars, and the steering feel is not going to be there. It will be good competition for the go fast Neon. The resale will also be on the bottom of the list. Adding SS versions to economy cars has never proven to be a good formula for the consumer down the road. The more basic models will have better return on investment, and will fit the overall character / image of the car. Did you read the full test review, available from a link on post #1004 ? That seems to sum it up pretty well.
    Loren
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    It can be accessed via the Helpful Links box on the left side of the page (along with the earlier First Drive).
  • bigdaddycoatsbigdaddycoats Member Posts: 1,058
    I value the performance data more from mags such as C&D and Motor Trend than from Edmunds. And yes, I have read the Edmunds review. You should check out the Motor Trend review and the current comparo in this months C&D with the SS and the SRT-4.

    "It may out slalom and Acura, Celica, or Mini Cooper in their test, but I seriously doubt that a Cobalt is in the same class for handling"

    What determines handling? If not the slalom and skidpad, then what?

    "Adding SS versions to economy cars has never proven to be a good formula for the consumer down the road"

    Are you saying just for Chevy or is this a general statement?
  • gsemikegsemike Member Posts: 2,282
    Considering the hallowed history of the SS badge, it's a little more repugnant to see it affixed to an economy car. I can't wait to see the Uplander SS.
  • m1miatam1miata Member Posts: 4,551
    The race track, or back roads of America should be a good test of handling for these cars.If Chevy can out handle the RSX, Celica and Cooper with the make up of the Cobalt, they are pulling off something pretty neat. I will check out the reviews at Road and Track and Car and Driver. As for the SRT-4, they did what they could for the price and what it starts out as, and yup, I am sure Cobalt will out handle that one. Some cars which do well on the slalom, actually are not better in handling on the road. That said, it is very good that the car did well in the slalom and the lateral G testing. With the improvement of tires over the years, cars are doing better on the skidpad. I have noticed more roll over accidents, in my area of California, and they are not all just SUVs launching off the road. Would love to know why people are having trouble keeping the greasy side down on cars. It is really a rather easy task to drive an auto. Are new cars possibly top heavy? Are new drivers possibly head dizzy? If you find a link on why this is happening more these days, let me know. As for the SS badge on cars, not adding much in resale to econo cars, I did mean to say for most any car. That is unless it really is a totally different car, in which case it may still not bring one much extra value down the road. Many looking to buy used may look at the car and have an image of a boy street racer car; and one that has be driven too hard. Just a thought. When you get into the price range above $20k, it is a different ball game. I personally, would rather go with something being a more starter model in the price range, than a car which is the top price range for that model. But that is a personal choice. Thousands will buy the Cobalt in full dress and be happy as can be. As long as you are happy with the deal, that is all that matters. Surely will be quick off the line. Try a test drive in a Celica GT some day. I think you would be impressed with the handling. Almost like you were driving a RWD little racer. It is very balanced, shifts pretty good, and just has a good easy way about it for taking the curves. Almost like you were in a Miata ;)
    Loren
  • bigdaddycoatsbigdaddycoats Member Posts: 1,058
    I actually have driven a Celica GT-S before. Overall, I liked it. But, as with the RSX there is not enough room inside. Even more so with the RSX. I just felt too cramped.

    As for resale, only time will tell with the SS. The Focus SVT had (has) fairly strong resale. The old style Honda Civic SI holds its value exceptionally well.
  • vanman1vanman1 Member Posts: 1,397
    SS could hold very good re-sale if the quality holds up and the performance is there. May not be a Civic, but it has a lot of potential.
  • muffin_manmuffin_man Member Posts: 865
    The Cavalier is based on an ancient design, not really a fair comparison.
  • gsemikegsemike Member Posts: 2,282
    The question is why was the Cav allowed to linger when it was over the hill in 1995? A company the size of GM must have the resources to allocate towards updating this line more than once ever 12 year. "It's an old design" is not an acceptable excuse. Same goes for their pushrod 6.
  • micwebmicweb Member Posts: 1,617
    I finally dragged myelf to a Chevy dealer and looked and sat in several Cobalts (quite different from seeing one on a pedestal, locked, at a car show).

    I am very impressed with this car. Fit and finish and appeal are comparable to the current Volkswagen Golf, long acknowledged as a leader in the "premium compact" field. The difference is, there are a jillion Chevy dealers; you have greater flexibility in optioning a car; and there is a sporty (within the limits implied by a car in this category) 2 door coupe.

    Particularly appealing is the Base model, which doesn't feel cheap although of course it lacks the three big "P's" (power windows, doors, and locks). I think a Base model with side curtain air bags, ABS, and cruise, which has an MSRP $15,890 with a standard transmission would make a safe commuter car even Consumer Reports would like. Even without the three upgrades (side air bags, ABS and cruise) the Cobalt is a big step up from current small cars due to its strong body integrity (view the www.iihs.org side impact crash tests). The LS model dosn't add much in interior or exterior visual appeal over the Base model, but comes with more creature comforts; the LT with its chrome touches looks sharp. Overall, I like the styling, and think it will have "legs." It is cleaner looking than a Corolla or Mazda3, but seems to have a family resemblance. Definitely it is contemporary, and I don't think it will age like the novel Mazda3.

    I had a 2004 Cavalier for 6,000 or so miles and found the Ecotec DOHC 2.2 liter engine which is also in the Cobalt to be great, far surpassing anything available in any other small car except the 2.3 in some models of Focus (I had an early PZEV version in a 2003 Focus) for horsepower, and being near the top of the pack in fuel efficiency (I got a consistent 30 mpg with stick shift).

    When I have time to test drive a Cobalt, I look forward to finding out how it handles (magazines give it good marks) and how quiet it is. If I were in the market for a small car, this would be the one I would start with - I had 3 Focii and although they drove well, had niggling quality control issues. Also, until this year, purchasers of 4 door Focii (as opposed to the ZX3) were getting stuck with a pretty pathetic 2.0 liter SOHC (the ZX3's always had the Zetec's with 15 more horsepower). Recent runs of Cavaliers and all Cobalts (since it is new) have the very impressive Ecotoec.

    Any mileage reports from the Cobalt owners out there?

    Finally, I note that according to the specs on the chevrolet.com website, the Coupe weights 200-300 pounds or so less than the sedan.
  • gmoudygmoudy Member Posts: 67
    I do not know where you are getting your information from. In 1995, GM redesigned the body style on the Cavaliers. They also got rid of the V6 that was in the Z24 and put in the 2.4L. Going by what you stated, GM should not have kept the Camaro around as long as they did. By that, Ford should not keep making the Mustang.
    My opinion is, a redesign of the body style to bring it up to date is great. If a model works for the auto maker, why get rid of it.
  • muffin_manmuffin_man Member Posts: 865
    The Cavalier was a best seller all the way up until its last year. It would have been nice for GM to replace it, but they didn't have much incentive to do so.
  • gsemikegsemike Member Posts: 2,282
    Incentive to do so???? How about actually selling it for other reasons than because it's been reduced to $10,000? How about having an entry level product that will actually have customers coming back when it's time to step up? Slapping anew body on an old platform is like getting liposuction because you've been diagnosed with heart disease.
  • muffin_manmuffin_man Member Posts: 865
    First, what new body on what old platform. The Cobalt does not share a platform with the Cavalier.

    Second, when you've got one of the best selling car in the US, I can see how you might be hesitant to spend the money on something new. Believe it or not, there are a LOT of happy Cavalier owners.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A2396-2005Apr19.html?nav=rss_topnews

    Keep in mind that after cutting production, one of the most popular methods of regaining lost funds is cost-cutting within production.

    Meade
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