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By Chevrolet Company
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Strengths: |
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Solid driving dynamics; good comfort for the money. |
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Changes: |
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For 2008, the Chevy Cobalt has dropped the SS Supercharged coupe and LTZ sedan, and the SS models from 2007 are now called Sport models. In addition head curtain side air bags, XM satellite radio, and a tire pressure monitoring system are standard on all 2008 Chevy Cobalts, and the Sports models get StabiliTrak and OnStar standard. The LT offers a Bright Chrome Appearance Package that includes chrome door handles, chrome grille, body-color front and rear fascias, and fog lights. The Revolution Edition Package is also new on the LT, and adds four-wheel ABS, a rear spoiler, aluminum wheels, and a chrome exhaust tip. Imperial Blue Metallic, Blue Flash Metallic and Slate Metallic are 3 new exterior colors that join the 2008 palette. |
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Value: |
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The 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is well equipped and aggressively priced at just below $14,000. It is one of the few cars in its segment to offer two engine sizes, and its two body styles, three trim levels, and bevy of packages and options offer maximum flexibility for consumers. |
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Overview: |
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Introduced in 2005 as a replacement for the Chevrolet Cavalier, the 2008 Cobalt is in every way a more rewarding car to drive. Based on GM's Delta platform, which also underpins the Saturn Ion, the Cobalt adds a lot of refinements over its Saturn counterpart in both powertrain and chassis tuning. With two engine choices and three trim levels for each of two body styles, the Cobalt also offers buyers a lot of room for personalization.
The standard engine for both the coupe and sedan is a 148-horsepower, 2.2L Ecotec four-cylinder. Choosing the Sport version of either model gets you a 171-horsepower bored-and-stroked 2.4L Ecotec with variable cam timing. Along with impressive performance, you also get a modified sport suspension, and wide 50-series tires on 17-inch wheels. It also comes with four-wheel disc brakes, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, and a large rear spoiler. Optional are leather front bucket seats.
Most buyers are more likely to choose the less performance-oriented versions, but the Cobalt doesn't disappointment here either. The base LS models have a fair amount of standard equipment, including air conditioning with cabin filter, an AM/FM/CD player with an MP3 input jack, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a tachometer, and a rear 60/40 split bench seat with a trunk pass-through
Opting for the LT trim can add body color fascias, power windows, mirrors and door locks, and an upgraded stereo. The top-of-the line Sport trim adds fog lamps, and traction control and still comes in just shy of $20,000. |
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