Segment:
Compact Car / Economy Car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, commuters
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Mazda3
Vehicle Strengths:
Affordability, available sporty trims (SS), decent fuel economy, relatively simple mechanicals.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential information for safe operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features, saving time and preventing potential repair scams.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission operation (automatic and manual)
Chassis:
Braking system (ABS, EBD), steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting (interior and exterior), instrumentation, infotainment system, power accessories (windows, locks), climate control system
Body:
Body features, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, exterior trim, safety belts, airbags
Operation:
Starting and driving, parking, fuel filling, operating controls, using climate control, using infotainment system, using safety features
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, tire rotation recommendations, bulb replacement guidance, fuse replacement guidance
Troubleshooting:
Warning lights and messages, basic diagnostic indicators, common operational issues
Depth:
Owner-level operational and basic maintenance guidance; does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair instructions found in service manuals.
Engine 1:
2.2L Ecotec L61 I4
Horsepower 1:
148 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 1:
150 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Engine 2:
2.0L Ecotec LNF Turbocharged I4 (SS Trim)
Horsepower 2:
260 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque 2:
260 lb-ft @ 2000-4200 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
NHTSA Driver Frontal Crash:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
NHTSA Passenger Frontal Crash:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models
Airbags Front:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Available front side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags on some trims
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts, pretensioners for front seats
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Consult manual for severe driving conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 22,500 miles; replace as needed.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect annually; replace as needed (if equipped).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API Certified SN or newer)
Coolant Spec:
GM-specific orange coolant (Dex-Cool), ethylene glycol-based, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Dexron III / Mercon (or equivalent)
Windshield Washer Fluid Spec:
Automotive washer fluid (non-flammable, low-temperature rated)
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (struts, bushings), brake pads/rotors, exhaust system corrosion, wheel bearings.
Engine Specific Concerns:
Ecotec engines can be sensitive to oil changes; potential for oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket); occasional issues with ignition coils or spark plugs. Turbocharged engines may have turbocharger maintenance considerations.
Transmission Specific Concerns:
Automatic transmissions can exhibit harsh shifting or delayed engagement if fluid is not maintained. Manual transmissions are generally robust but clutch wear is normal.
Electrical System Concerns:
Water pump solenoid failure (leading to overheating), body control module (BCM) issues, power window regulator failures.
Chevrolet Legacy:
Chevrolet, established in 1911, is one of America's oldest and largest automotive brands, known for a wide range of vehicles from economical compacts to heavy-duty trucks.
Cobalt Introduction:
The Chevrolet Cobalt replaced the Cavalier and was introduced for the 2005 model year. It was positioned as a more refined and modern compact car.
2009 Updates:
For 2009, the Cobalt received minor styling updates and feature shuffling. The SS Turbocharged model continued to be the performance flagship.
Production Period:
2005-2010
Manufacturing Locations:
Lordstown Assembly, Ohio, USA
