Chevy Cobalt LS

[Sinan]

I've just read about this car, well I actually heard it from my friend in US. He's talking about buying this one and is asking me what I think about it based on looks and features.

His list of possible cars:

Ford Escape
VW Golf
Cobalt

from the looks of it, it's a nice little car for that price. (15k) but I don't know, I recommended that he buys Golf or something, as they too are I believe somewhere around there.

Anyone has Cobalt in their household, and can you shine a little light as to how it drives, hows the sound (music sound, not motor sound ) etc...

Thanks

 

[sicbeing]

No matter what you get, you can always easily change the sound system inside the car... I'd go with the chevy myself.

 

[Hell Raiser]

I'd go with the Golf.The Cobalt,might have gotten better than the car it replaced,but it still not up to par with the rest of the cars in that sigment.

 

[Joey D]

Tell him to get a Cobalt SS non-supercharged. Bigger engine, 171hp, you can get it in auto if you prefer, and it comes with the Pioneer 7 speaker sound system...yes there is a sub in the trunk. I love the Cobalt and am considering getting one when my truck gets traded in come Feb.

If he reall wants some fun, for $22,000 he can get the SS Supercharged, thats 205hp of fun right there.

But the Cobalt is a great car, GM made a real winner with that thing. And yes it is up to par with the others in its segement.

I wouldn't worry about a Golf till next year when the MKV hit the states, then you are going to have a good toss up between the Cobalt and the Golf, but as it stands right now the Cobalt is better. In fact GM benchmarked the Jetta when designing the Cobalt and they pretty much surpassed it....and all a Golf is, is a hatchbacked Jetta.

A Ford Escape? WTF? Hell no!!!!! A Honda CR-V is way better in the front wheel drive SUV catagory...either that or a Pontiac Torrent, but they are kinda pricey.

 

[LeadSlead#2]

I don't understand how the Escape fits in there....does your friend care about speed? or does he want an econo-box?

 

[Hell Raiser]

I wouldn't worry about a Golf till next year when the MKV hit the states, then you are going to have a good toss up between the Cobalt and the Golf, but as it stands right now the Cobalt is better. In fact GM benchmarked the Jetta when designing the Cobalt and they pretty much surpassed it....and all a Golf is, is a hatchbacked Jetta.

The Golf MKV is here and it's meaner and a lot more in tune,and I think the States will get a Golf that is a lot closer to it's German roots than what you guys are sold over there.And when that happens,I doubt very much that the Cobalt would hold a candle to the MKV.

 

[LeadSlead#2]

how much is this MKV?

 

[Hell Raiser]

how much is this MKV?

I think it works out to be from $16,000- 24,000. and I think the R32 will be around $31,000

 

[LeadSlead#2]

what does it have that will make it beat a Cobalt LS or SS?
either way, for 15K I'd strongly reccomend any nice, originally more expensive late model vehicle -- 15K cars suck in General

 

[Hell Raiser]

what does it have that will make it beat a Cobalt LS or SS?
either way, for 15K I'd strongly reccomend any nice, originally more expensive late model vehicle -- 15K cars suck in General

Simply...................POWER,SUSPENSION ,TIGHT PACKAGE.
the base motor will be a 2.0L 150 HP
the GTI gets a2.0L 200HP,and the TDI gets a 140hp and 236ft/lb @1750RPM good enough for a 140MPH top speed.It takes the SS with it's gas motor and superchager(205HP) to attain the same top speed.And don't even try to tell me that the Cobalt would hold a tighter suspension than a Golf!!
I'm sure,like I said earlier, that the Cobalt is a lot better than the car it replaced,but if it comes down between the Cobalt and the Golf,I think it's a no brainer.

 

[skip0110]

The Cobalt was benchmarked against the last generation Golf/Jetta.

Great, it's as good as a car that was designed 5 (or so) years ago. In other words, not good enough.

 

[Young_Warrior]

Simply...................POWER,SUSPENSION ,TIGHT PACKAGE.
the base motor will be a 2.0L 150 HP
the GTI gets a2.0L 200HP,and the TDI gets a 140hp and 236ft/lb @1750RPM good enough for a 140MPH top speed.It takes the SS with it's gas motor and superchager(205HP) to attain the same top speed.And don't even try to tell me that the Cobalt would hold a tighter suspension than a Golf!!
I'm sure,like I said earlier, that the Cobalt is a lot better than the car it replaced,but if it comes down between the Cobalt and the Golf,I think it's a no brainer.

I have finally manged how to expalin why european cars are better.

Here comes.

On paper american cars seem just as good. Then when you climb into the german car you will see hear and feel the difference. Look at the interiors of bmw 3 series from the 80's. They are nicer than most sedans on sale today.

In a straight line the american cars are always most likely to be faster but the german cars have better quality materials used on their interiors.MPG is usually in favour or mr.european aswell. But obviously the base models are more expensive and it it like that through out the whole range.

 

[skip0110]

I have finally manged how to expalin why european cars are better.

Here comes.

On paper american cars seem just as good. Then when you climb into the german car you will see hear and feel the difference. Look at the interiors of bmw 3 series from the 80's. They are nicer than most sedans on sale today.

In a straight line the american cars are always most likely to be faster but the german cars have better quality materials used on their interiors.MPG is usually in favour or mr.european aswell. But obviously the base models are more expensive and it it like that through out the whole range.

You can level compaints against earlier American cars, but as of late at least Ford ahs made great strides in interior quality. GM is headed that way, but not quite there yet.

Also, American cars get quite good economy, considering the size of the car. Malibus get 35 mpg, and Ford Five Hundereds also get over 30 mpg.

I think that your "on paper" statement is right on, though. There are no numbers that characterize driver feedback and reward.

 

[Young_Warrior]

Which is what I meant by saying on paper.

On paper a BMW M6 would have a 911 gt3 whipped but in reality around a track the gt3 would win.

 

[LeadSlead#2]

first off, I'll believe a diesel Jetta can go 140 when I see it...second off, what does it get for fuel economy? third off, your probly right about German cars having a nicer interior, but you have to pay for it....it's not like Germany produces magical interiors for the same price...and, I'll guarantee you the Cobalt SS is faster not only in the hands of average joe, but also in mr. race car driver as well....I like Volkswagons, but they arent any better (to me) than any other econo-rockets
P.S. I drove an 00 Cabrio once...& I really don't see the greatness of interior i.e. it was nice, but completly superior than say, an 01 Sunfire? the stereo was worse, the car was slower, handling was about the same, I can't really say anything was exceptional about the Cabrio or the Sunfire---but for less $$$, I'll take a better radio, & a quicker car
P.S. both had plasticy interiors

 

[LeadSlead#2]

depends on how long the straights are

 

[Joey D]

The Cobalt SS suspension was tuned and tested on the 'Ring, tell me thats not good...please tell me! I'm telling you the SS non-superchraged is a great buy, 171hp, average 27mpg, nice looking interior, leather seats...with heat, Pioneer sound system. You can't go wrong with that, if you want something fast you have the SS option but its harder on gas and insurence.

The SS non-supercharged is better then the 06 Golf we currently get in the states, and until the MKV comes over it will still be better. Hell the MKV might not even beat it.

And don't even get me started on the whole, American cars are only fast in a straight line. Un-insert your head from your anus and look at the calander...its 2005 not 1975.

 

[LeadSlead#2]

why don't you buy him a glass stomach so he can see
American cars sometimes have soft suspensions---making it feel sloppy, even though they retain high grip levels
of course, when they make a solid susp. people complain about a harsh ride...

 

[Young_Warrior]

first off, I'll believe a diesel Jetta can go 140 when I see it...second off, what does it get for fuel economy? third off, your probly right about German cars having a nicer interior, but you have to pay for it....it's not like Germany produces magical interiors for the same price...and, I'll guarantee you the Cobalt SS is faster not only in the hands of average joe, but also in mr. race car driver as well....I like Volkswagons, but they arent any better (to me) than any other econo-rockets
P.S. I drove an 00 Cabrio once...& I really don't see the greatness of interior i.e. it was nice, but completly superior than say, an 01 Sunfire? the stereo was worse, the car was slower, handling was about the same, I can't really say anything was exceptional about the Cabrio or the Sunfire---but for less $$$, I'll take a better radio, & a quicker car
P.S. both had plasticy interiors

The golf cabrio is a piece of poo. Volkswagons are the germans budget car.

 

[Young_Warrior]

T
The SS non-supercharged is better then the 06 Golf we currently get in the states, and until the MKV comes over it will still be better. Hell the MKV might not even beat it.

On what? Price?

 

[Hell Raiser]

first off, I'll believe a diesel Jetta can go 140 when I see it...second off, what does it get for fuel economy? third off, your probly right about German cars having a nicer interior, but you have to pay for it....it's not like Germany produces magical interiors for the same price...and, I'll guarantee you the Cobalt SS is faster not only in the hands of average joe, but also in mr. race car driver as well....I like Volkswagons, but they arent any better (to me) than any other econo-rockets
P.S. I drove an 00 Cabrio once...& I really don't see the greatness of interior i.e. it was nice, but completly superior than say, an 01 Sunfire? the stereo was worse, the car was slower, handling was about the same, I can't really say anything was exceptional about the Cabrio or the Sunfire---but for less $$$, I'll take a better radio, & a quicker car
P.S. both had plasticy interiors

In Europe,WE have our cars geared toward long runs,which means,we don't care about your jack rabbit runs from one stop light to the other,and in Europe there are far more cars with less horsepower that attain 140MPH with no strain.And for your own information,and for some ****ed up reason,it seems that VW,softens the suspension on the cars that go to the States.I had the chance to drive an 03 GTI VR6 in Chicago,and was shocked at how soft the suspension was.You guys should try one in Europe,and see the diffrence.
A road/track test between a GTI and an SS would sattle this thing once and for all.

 

[Hell Raiser]

The SS non-supercharged is better then the 06 Golf we currently get in the states, and until the MKV comes over it will still be better. Hell the MKV might not even beat it.

Dude see my reply to LeadSlead#2.

And don't even get me started on the whole, American cars are only fast in a straight line. Un-insert your head from your anus and look at the calander...its 2005 not 1975.

I hope you weren't talking to me,cause I never said a thing about that
I know the new American cars are far better than the ones made in the 70's,and I know that they only stand to get better if they are to have a fighting chance.

P.S. There is no need for the head and the anus bit,cause it only serves to lower this thread to gutter,just a thought.

 

[Young_Warrior]

The GTI is rated above the astra vxr st220 megane 225 trophy and basically every other hot hatch out there even though it isnt the fastest. Why? Because of the overall end product.

I cant see any hot hatch getting a nod over the GTI other than the new civic type RR purely because of the great drive.

 

[xXSilencerXx]

The Cobalt SS is not a bad car at all. My sister bought one about a week ago and it has great acceleration and a very tight suspension. I've only driven it once cuz I only got a learners permit right now but that handeled extremely well. Mabey my sense is a little warped cuz I've only driven trucks up to this point but my dad who had a couple Z-28s in the past says the thing handles about as good or better than his 94' Z-28 he used to have.

 

[Young_Warrior]

Not to be rude but Id say better

 

[xXSilencerXx]

Your entitled to your opinion and I'm entitled to mine. I still think its a good car and would take it over the golf.

 

[Joey D]

On what? Price?

Price, power, warrenty, you name it I bet it will beat it, while the Golf is a a good car, hatchbacks just don't go well in America, it won't sell

Dude see my reply to LeadSlead#2.

The new Golf is not out yet, I just looked on www.vw.com. It's going to be an 07 model if I'm not mistaken.

I hope you weren't talking to me,cause I never said a thing about that
I know the new American cars are far better than the ones made in the 70's,and I know that they only stand to get better if they are to have a fighting chance.

P.S. There is no need for the head and the anus bit,cause it only serves to lower this thread to gutter,just a thought.

No it was directed at Mr. Cocky himself Young_warrior.

 

[JCE]

You can level compaints against earlier American cars, but as of late at least Ford ahs made great strides in interior quality. GM is headed that way, but not quite there yet.

Also, American cars get quite good economy, considering the size of the car. Malibus get 35 mpg, and Ford Five Hundereds also get over 30 mpg.

My reply is more geared towards the thread but I'll choose your post as my starting point. You want to know WHY North American cars not only have caught up but are just as nice as the "normal" EU models? Simple, they aren't American. What are the bestcars from NA automakers you ask? I'll go brand by brand.

Ford:
Focus--it was designed in the EU.
Five Hundred--it's a Volvo (and a really good one).
Fusion--my next favorite car and possibly the reason why I trade my Focus in next year. The Fusion is ****ing fantastic...and surprise surprise it's a Mazda6.

GM:
Malibu--it's a Vauxhall nuff said (a Vauxhall is far better than the previous US bred saloons)
GTO--it's a Holden which I love Holdens with a passion
Catera--it's an Opel but it's still a good saloon
"The new Saturn roadster"--built on a Lotus Elise chassis (I think)

Diamler/Chrysler:
300C--built on a Merc chassis
Crossfire--built on another Merc chassis (quite rubbish however but still better than previous NA bred coupes)

Not to mention the 350Z, Titan, and Armada are quite good cars and were designed and built here in NA. I think NA has finally learned how to compete...that's to buy or merge with other automakers and share technology. Ford has taken the lead in my opinion but GM is close behind followed (distantly) by DC. i drove the Fusion last weekend...it's so fantastic I fell in love as soon as I stomped on the gas at a stop sign then took a corner at 65...quite a fantastic ride.

And now my 2 cents for the original question: The Cobalt LS is ok...but put a little more money down and get at least the "base" SS model. Or grab a Ford Focus ZX3 ST or ZX5 SES model.

 

[Sinan]

I don't understand how the Escape fits in there....does your friend care about speed? or does he want an econo-box?

he's a family guy so something sporty and 'family'. i don't know how he considers escape sporty, but I guess it could be somewhat sporty...

 

[Sinan]

what does it have that will make it beat a Cobalt LS or SS?
either way, for 15K I'd strongly reccomend any nice, originally more expensive late model vehicle -- 15K cars suck in General

well, I personally like german cars, as I think the germans really do protect their cars from corrosion and all that stuff. I never drove anything other than Ford (and EU versions, mind you) so I can't comment how the US cars are.

Anyway, being the VW fan, I'd go with VW Golf too..well, actually, I own one, but still...