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When I first drove the standard 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt a few months back, I knew it could be the perfect platform for a killer import tuner, as long as General Motors didn't mess it up. While I was right, it is a problem calling the Chevy Cobalt SS an import tuner because it's built in Lordstown Ohio. This hardly makes it an import, unless you want to call the buckeye state a foreign country. Chevrolet has a rich history of performance machines including the Corvette and muscle cars of a generation past. But this tradition is steeped in making horsepower from gas guzzling displacement rather squeezing power from a 4-cylinder powerplant. This new generation is similar to the muscle car era of the sixties where inexpensive cars like the Nova and Chevelle were empowered with muscle from huge engines. The youth movement of today is a generation of technology, taking inexpensive economy cars and tweaking engine output to unbelievable levels. How does the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt SS stack up to modified Honda, Toyota, Mazda and Nissan cars? Even the Dodge SRT-4 provides strong competition. In my opinion the Cobalt SS utilizes start of the art technology in a new and exciting package. Exterior styling is an attractive sleek sports coupe. Unlike some of the import econoboxes, the Cobalt is designed to look sporty. I think it bears a little too much resemblance to the previous Chevrolet Caviler, but the Cobalt is much more than a redesigned Caviler. The huge wing on the back deck, SS badging, and 45 series performance tires set on unique 18" titanium colored wheels make a real statement of what lies beneath the hood. Anyone can bolt on aftermarket parts and increase horsepower but just because you "could" doesn't mean you "should." Like putting lipstick on a pig, once you're finished you still have a pig. Based on the new Delta architecture the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt has the right foundation for a performance car. The new 2005 Cobalt benefits from an improved and exceptionally sturdy structure with emphasis on strengthening the lower foundations. In addition to a stronger chassis, Quiet Steel, an engineered multilayered sound deadening material has been used in the firewall to reduce noise, weight and cost. But it's the awesome performance that has everyone talking. At slightly over 2800 pounds the Supercharged 2.0 Liter ECOTEC engine blasts the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt SS from a standing stop to 60 miles an hour in six seconds. Twelve pounds of boost from the Supercharger increases the usable Horsepower to 205 by forcing air into the combustion chambers. The advanced technology employed by engineers allows the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt SS to still claim EPA mileage rating of 28 City and 38 Highway. This is a departure from "there's no replacement for displacement" philosophy of the muscle car era. The one area that I am most proud of Chevrolet is the interior. Some interiors of recent Chevrolet models have been an embarrassment. But the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt got it right. The dash feels better and looks like some thought was put in to the design. Audio and cruise control functions can be found on the leather wrapped steering wheel. The Cobalt SS receives very comfortable leather seats and a turbo boost gauge. Better storage and cup holders would be nice but this is a sports car not a minivan. In addition to the standard 3-year 36,000 mile basic warranty, all 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles come with a 5-year 60,000 mile powertrain warranty. I would like to hear a deeper throatier sound from the exhaust, but this is what "aftermarket" is for. Deep in the heart of the tuner philosophy is the need to personalize and accessorize each vehicle. Be aware that often modifications and alterations can limit warranties. The 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt SS is an excellent platform performance vehicle. Its fun to drive and with a base price of $21,995 is a bargain to fit any pocketbook.
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Front Wheel Drive Sport Coupe
Price as tested $23,085 28/38 MPG Additional Web only Information and Resources For Additional Reviews: |
©2005 - Stan Risener