I am interested in a Chevy Cobalt but do not know if the ’08 or the ’09 is better. How do they stack up in the ratings? Gas, safety, etc.
The 2009 Cobalt gains a bump in fuel economy on its non-high-performance SS models with help of changes such as variable valve timing and different transmission gearing. Base automatic transmission Cobalts gain 2 mpg in city and highway ratings, now sitting at 24/33 mpg city/highway.
The base manual transmission Cobalt, called XFE for Xtra Fuel Efficiency, has its highway fuel economy rating bumped by 1 mpg to 25/37 mpg city/highway compared to the 2008 XFE.
As rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2009 Cobalts carry the same safety ratings as the 2008; both have standard side airbags. The Cobalt scores IIHS’ Good for frontal-offset, Acceptable for side-impact and Good for rear crash protection.
Additional features for 2009 include Bluetooth capability on 2LT sedans with the sport appearance package, plus available iPod USB integration on all models except the base LS.
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I agree George, it should have at the very minimum, a 6-speed manual, and atleast a 5 speed auto. They have both of these transmissions alread, in other vehicles. I do like the 2.2 motor, but I have to say with 248,000 plus miles on my 96 sunfire, I can't complain!
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The 2.2 engine finally doesn't stink, but it is still coupled to either 4 speed automatic or a 5 speed stick.