Chevrolet Cobalt

The Chevrolet Cobalt is a compact car introduced by Chevrolet in 2004 for the 2005 model year. The Cobalt replaced both the Cavalier and the Prizm as Chevrolet's compact car.

The Cobalt was available as both a coupe and sedan, and is based upon the GM Delta platform also shared with the Chevrolet HHR, Pontiac G5, Astra (Opel, Vauxhall, Holden, and Saturn marques), and the Opel Zafira (a seven seat MPV). Also available was a high performance, Super Sport variant. All Cobalts were manufactured at GM's Lordstown Assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio. The United States Environmental Protection Agency classifies the Cobalt as a subcompact car. Since its introduction in 2004, GM has sold 1,019,842 Cobalts through the 2010 model year.

Chevrolet Cobalt For Racing

Chevrolet Cobalt Interior View

Chevrolet Cobalt Hatchback

The front suspension is independent with MacPherson struts, while a semi-independent torsion bar is used in the rear. The wheelbase is 103.3 in (2,624 mm), longer than its competitors, and the width is 68.4 in (1,737 mm). Weight is average in-class, at 2,681 lb (1,216 kg) for the coupe and 2,747 lb (1,246 kg) for the sedan. For 2009, the United States Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy has increased to 24 mpg-US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg-imp) city/34 mpg-US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg-imp) highway with automatic transmission, and 26 mpg-US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg-imp) city/37 mpg-US (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg-imp) highway with manual transmission. The engine output has increased to 155 hp (116 kW).

Sporty Blue Chevrolet Cobalt

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) the Cobalt receives an overall top score of "Good" for front collisions. However, it receives a "Poor" overall score for side impacts without side curtain airbags, and an "Acceptable" overall score with side curtain airbags. In 2008 side curtain airbags became standard but the Cobalt's structure remains the same and consequently in structure/safety category of the IIHS's side impact test the Cobalt receives a "Marginal" score. Side airbags are limited to the curtain type, torso type side airbags are unavailable. According to the IIHS's injury measurements taken from the side impact test the driver's torso is given a "Marginal" score.