![]() While it approves of the powertrain and accessories quality, just about everything else gets a fail. Power is nonplussed with the 2009 Cobalt. Some comments from owners: "Better than my previous vehicle … a Saturn SL1," "Centre console obstructs parking brake" and "This car is everything I would expect from a small car." Problem areas include the electrical system, suspension, body equipment and the ever-present "squeaks and rattles." It fares better than either the 2008 or 2010 model, as far as this organization is concerned. Lots of niggling bits and pieces, in other words.Ĭonsumer Reports gives the 2009 Cobalt an "average" used-car prediction. Some examples include "binding" difficulties with the ignition key/switch, issues with the airbag wiring in the front seats, loss of reverse gear with the automatic transmission, problems with the turbocharger unit in the SS models, and a range of electrical gremlins throughout the vehicle. NHTSA has an impressive 59 technical service bulletins out there for the 2009 Cobalt, and they cover just about every aspect of the car. You never know, some of these cars could have made their way into Canada. The fuel pump can fail, start leaking, and cause a fire. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also has these two on file, as well as a fuel pump warning for vehicles sold in Nevada, Texas, Arizona, and California. This could lead to the vehicle possibly rolling away. The second has to do with a poorly designed transmission shifter that may read "Park" and allow the driver to remove the ignition key when in fact the vehicle is still in gear. Not a life-threatener, and apparently the vehicle's Driver Information Centre gives plenty of warning. One involves a possibly malfunctioning power steering mechanism that could fail and leave the driver with non-power steering. Transport Canada has two safety recalls on file for the '09 Cobalt. That said, the Cobalt did feature a slightly larger trunk than the Civic (394 litres versus 340 litres) and offered more interior headroom. By way of comparison, Honda's Civic was similarly priced, but featured a higher standard trim level. However, air conditioning, ABS and extra airbags were optional and the bare-bones model had precious little in the way of modcons. In 2009, the Cobalt was one of the lowest-priced sedans sold in Canada. If you followed the upshift indicator religiously, you could garner 8.0 litres/100 km in town and 5.4 litres/100 km on the highway. This was a small yellow light located within the instrument cluster that flashed at the driver when optimum shifting points were reached. It did, however, feature an upshift indicator light. The manual gearbox suffered from a lack of refinement and poorly designed shift linkage. Two transmissions were available: five-speed manual and four-speed automatic. By far the most popular engine choice with buyers, the normally aspirated Ecotec powerplant was bigger than many of its rivals, with higher horsepower numbers, but was criticized for having an unrefined feeling. This latter engine was slightly smaller but featured significantly higher power output – 155 hp versus 260 hp. ![]() There was also a turbocharged model, in the form of the SS. Power for the 2009 edition was provided by the rugged but agricultural Ecotec engine, which displaced 2.2 litres. It came in two body styles: four-door sedan and two-door coupe. Definitely an improvement over its predecessor, it too was discontinued, in 2011, and replaced by the Cruze. Replacing the unloved and often-dissed Cavalier in 2005, Chevy's Cobalt was a GM entry-level model. ![]()
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