For those of you who have been waiting for the new Chevrolet small car after a decade of the less-than-wonderful Cavalier, meet the Cobalt, a small car better in every way than its pre-decessor. This is Chevrolet's attempt to offer the kind of equipment, power, value, and price that competes directly against the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus.
Chevrolet says the Cobalt is the quietest, stiffest, strongest, most refined small car it has ever built, and after a test drive, we give them high marks on almost all counts. If you're looking for inexpensive, high-value transportation with a new-car warranty, the Cobalt is worth a long look.

The all-new 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt is designed to be a premium compact car, complementing the entry-level Chevrolet Aveo, which was introduced as an all-new model for 2005. Cobalt features an expressive design and a dynamic driving experience. Premium features are available like heated leather seats, XM Satellite Radio, MP3, and OnStar.

The 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt comprises four models, the base coupe and sedan ($14,190), the LS coupe and sedan ($16,485), the LT sedan ($18,760), and the special high–performance SS coupe ($21,995).

Base and LS models come with small but smooth- and quiet-riding 15-inch wheels and Continental tires, the LT comes with 16-inch Pirelli tires and alloy wheels, and the SS comes with 18-inch high-performance Pirelli tires and alloy wheels. The base car comes with disc/drum brakes, and the others come with disc/disc brakes with ABS. The 4T45-E four-speed automatic is an option on lower models ($850), standard on the LT, and not available on the manual-only performance SS version.

For a small car, the Cobalt has an option list that is a very complete one: power sunroof ($725); the OnStar system ($695); XM Satellite Radio ($325), a rear spoiler ($275), a radio upgrade to MP3 ($150). The Sport package ($595) includes a brushed metal trim package for the dashboard, white-faced gauges, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, rear spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli tires.

Safety features include dual-stage front air bags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, rear center shoulder belts, and the LATCH child seat retention system. All but base models come with ABS. Other safety features cost extra. Head curtain side air bags ($395) designed to provide head protection are optional. Also optional: OnStar ($695) whose operators can provide assistance after an accident and will direct emergency crews to your exact location should your airbag go off.

Cobalt is built on the GM Delta platform that it shares with the Saturn Ion and the upcoming Chevrolet HHR retro truck in the U.S. and the Opel Astra in Europe. But with its single-bar grille and bowtie emblem, it looks like a proper Chevrolet small car right down to its shoes and socks.

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There are huge plastic bumper fascias on both ends of the car and the body panel fits are extremely tight. So tight, in fact, that there are no rubber trim gaskets around the compound complex headlamps. The coupe bears a stronger resemblance in its shape to the Cavalier than the sedan, which has a new and more modern roofline sweep. The base, LS and LT coupe and sedan models have no spoiler as standard (it's optional), and the SS coupe version carries a huge, tall rear spoiler than certainly makes a design and intent statement.
Cobalt is heavier, longer, wider, and lower than most of its direct competitors, its engine is the most powerful base engine in the class, and its interior dimensions and trunk capacity are close to the competition in every respect. After 10 years and 6 million Cavaliers, Chevrolet has learned a few lessons, and that's apparent in the size, shape, and equipment of the Cobalt.