2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Review

Reasonably priced Cobalt is a sophisticated compact offering driving kicks.

Hey, kids -- forget those little modified Japanese "rice rockets" with go-fast aftermarket parts that cause engines to blow up like grenades if you drive too hard. The Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged coupe might be the answer to your automotive needs.

Actually, one need not be a member of the young "fast and furious" crowd to enjoy this supercharged Cobalt -- a sophisticated compact car reasonably priced at $20,925. Anyone who likes driving kicks probably will fall in love.

The four-cylinder Cobalt replaced the venerable Chevy Cavalier several years ago and comes as a coupe or sedan in LS, LT, LTZ and non-supercharged SS trim levels, besides the supercharged SS. The supercharged coupe is the top Cobalt, even though it's not offered with an automatic transmission. That item would detract from its sporting nature.

Other Cobalts, which start at $13,125, are entry-level cars with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmissions, although the upscale LTZ comes only with the automatic. Most have a 148-horsepower four-cylinder, while the non-supercharged SS has 173 horsepower.

As you can see, Chevrolet likes to spread things around with the Cobalt, offering a variety of trim levels.

It's been two years since I drove a supercharged Cobalt SS to a Downstate family reunion. That involved a one-day round trip of 250 miles, and the supercharged Cobalt SS took it in stride.

A numerically high 4.05:1 axle ratio used for fast acceleration at lower speeds caused rather high engine revs at 75 mph. Still, the supercharged Cobalt SS delivers an estimated 30 mpg on highways, although only 22 mpg in the city. Premium gasoline is recommended.

Helping highway economy is an overdrive fifth gear in the car's modified manual transmission, which has a short-throw shifter. While fun to use, the shifter works with a stiff clutch and sometimes becomes balky when moving from fourth to fifth gear. Downshifts to fourth gear are needed for the best passing times on highways.

The supercharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine is quite sophisticated, with twin camshafts, 16 valves and an intercooler that helps cool pressurized air sent to the cylinders for more power. The engine has such exotic items as oil-jet piston cooling, forged steel crankshaft and sodium-filled exhaust valves. No wonder premium fuel is recommended.

The engine propels the supercharged Cobalt SS to 60 mph in only 6.1 seconds if you stand on it. But, unlike some of those modified Japanese small cars, this Chevy model offers a good warranty and more than fast acceleration. It has a performance suspension that provides sharp handling that almost makes you forget it's a front-wheel-drive car with a nose-heavy 60/40 weight distribution.

The ride is firm, but supple and generally comfortable. However, the car doesn't absorb sharp impacts very well because its low-profile 45-series tires on large 18-inch wheels don't have much sidewall area to help cushion the ride.

The speed-sensitive electric power steering has a firm feel and is extremely quick. Large anti-lock disc brakes with performance pads stop the car quickly and surely, with good pedal feel.

The supercharged SS looks the part with such items as unique front and rear fascias, rocker panels, body color mirrors, fog lights and special emblems. However, if a driver isn't careful, the low front spoiler can be damaged by small concrete barriers in parking lots at such places as 7-Elevens.

A large high mounted rear spoiler helps aerodynamics at higher speeds but partly blocks vision out the back window. It also occasionally made me feel as if a car was following too closely when I glanced in the rearview mirror.

Long, heavy doors are a hassle in tight parking spots. And seat belts get in the way when entering or leaving the rear seat area, which provides room for two 6-footers if the front seats aren't shoved too far back.

Despite its high-performance nature, the supercharged SS has lots of comfort and convenience equipment, including heated leather-covered seats that are heated up front, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, XM satellite radio, cruise control, remote trunk release and power mirrors, windows and locks with remote keyless entry. However, side curtain air bags cost $395.

The standard front bucket seats offer good support, but too bad my test supercharged Cobalt SS didn't have the $1,500 Performance Package, which contains exceptionally supportive Recaro front seats. That option also has a limited-slip differential, which cuts down on front-drive torque steer, but my test car had that item because it's offered as a stand-alone $795 option.

The small supercharger boost gauge on the left windshield pillar looks like a last-minute add-on and should be on the dashboard. Also, gauge numbers are too small to read quickly in bright sunlight. Climate controls are large and audio controls are easy to use, as are the dual front cupholders.

The nicely shaped trunk is fairly spacious but has a high opening. At least the lid has inner padding and raises well out of the way on hydraulic struts. Split rear seatbacks flip forward to enlarge the cargo area.

The hood also has an inner lining for sound insulation and raises on a strut to reveal an engine compartment with easily reached fluid filler areas.

Regular Cobalts should be fine for folks of any age looking for a pleasant economy car, but the supercharged SS model is something special.

2007 CHEVROLET COBALT SS SUPERCHARGED

PRICE: $20,925.

LIKES: Fast. Sharp handling. Sporty appearance. Fairly roomy. Good manual shifter.

DISLIKES: Long, heavy doors. No automatic transmission. Stiff clutch.