Frustration. That is the best word to describe my feelings after driving the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. But, my angst didn’t have anything (well, not much) to do with the thoroughly competent small Chevy. Rather, I was left questioning GM’s recent decision to move desperately needed funds from their future car programs to launch SUVs over the next few years. If the Cobalt is any indication, GM has finally put some real effort into building a decent car, after years of neglecting the segment. Assuming Chevy is able to get buyers into the seat of a Cobalt, when the time comes to trade up those potential repeat customers will be left to choose from a fleet of dated, warmed-over cars like the Buick LaCrosse or brand-new, fuel-guzzling SUVs. Regardless, buyers of the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt will enjoy build quality that is a notch above rental car quality, a relatively quiet ride, a comfortable driving position, and easy access to everything needed on the daily commute. The 2.2-liter four banger provides adequate acceleration, but despite it’s relatively high (for a small car) 145-horsepower rating, it runs out of steam quickly and is not at all suitable for spirited driving. The four-speed automatic provided smooth shifts. Unlike Wardlaw and Chee, I never heard a pleasant exhaust note from the Cobalt, though I was reminded of the last four-cylinder Chevy Celebrity I drove. The throttle was often fully depressed as I merged onto the highway and worked to pass traffic, and the result was an unimpressive low 20s mpg rating. While the powertrain comes up a bit short, the interior is better than expected. Upon first glance, you’ll notice a lot of plastic panels, but they all feel more solid than in previous GM models, and the bits are securely fastened with no exposed nuts and bolts. Both the parts you touch (dash, door panels, etc.) and those you don’t (lower console panels, pillar covers, etc.) match and offer the same grain pattern. The cloth seat fabric is ok, with the most durable textiles used on the inner parts of the seats. Side bolsters help keep front seat passengers squarely planted. Not that rolling around in the seats should be a problem, because few drivers will feel comfortable in pushing the Cobalt to its limits. The tires and suspension work to provide a pleasant highway ride, but allow for some rolly-polly action in the corners. As Wardlaw mentioned, the rear drums provide for some touchy brakes, but I’ve gotta say that I think the steering in the Cobalt, while not best-in-class, feels leagues ahead of its application in the Saturn Ion. GM has taken a step forward with the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, and we hope they find a way to continue onward not only with their small cars, but also with models higher up the food chain. Overall, the Cobalt is a good all-around commuter car with a respectable five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and if the selling price is where we expect, should prove to be a reasonable value. There may even be enough cash left over to get a sport bike for those twisty back roads. – Thom Blackett
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