The 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is an average compact car with little to set it apart from the competition. However, an affordable price, comfortable ride, and lack of any major drawbacks may make the Cobalt a viable choice for budget-conscious buyers.
As in previous years, the 2008 model is available in both a two-door coupe and four-door sedan design. Three trim levels are available -- LS, LT, and Sport -- and a high-performance Chevy Cobalt Coupe SS was unveiled mid-year. Late-year LS and LT models also received an updated XFE five-speed manual transmission that boosted fuel efficiency to 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. In terms of performance, the Cobalt offers zippy results. The base LS and mid-range LT come standard with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 148 horsepower. The Sport edition gets upgraded with a 2-4-liter four-cylinder engine that ups the ante to 171 hp. Unfortunately, sloppy handling and noisy mechanics tarnish the otherwise peppy drive of the Cobalt.
Opting for the high-performance 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS diminishes many of the vehicle's performance misgivings. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine increases the fun factor considerably with a heart-thumping 260 hp. Based on the same engine as the Pontiac Solstice GXP, the Cobalt SS punches from 0 to 60 mpg in 5.7 seconds courtesy of a five-speed manual transmission. Other notable performance features on the SS coupe include a unique body kit, Brembo brakes, and stability control.
Inside, the Chevy Cobalt may leave drivers wanting more.
Comfort is of great concern to shoppers in the compact class, and the Cobalt simply doesn't deliver. While the Cobalt SS features plush sport seats, the rest of the trim levels deliver rigid, uninspired seating. A low seat position, awkward proportions, and cramped backseat don't help the situation. Throw in a bland interior design and inferior plastic components, and the appeal of the Cobalt drops another notch. One positive of the interior can be found in the unexpected level of cargo space. The trunk offers considerable storage, and the rear seat can be folded forward to provide additional space for large objects. For the 2008 model year, Chevy bolstered the Cobalt's available safety features, which include antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, and side curtain air bags. Even so, crash test ratings have been a mixed bag, with the NHTSA awarding a perfect five stars for passenger protection, four stars for driver protection, and three stars in side impact protection for front passengers.
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