Chevrolet Cobalt

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Chevrolet Cobalt
White Cobalt LT.jpg
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Production2004–2009
2011–present
Model years2005–2010 (North America)
2011–2020 (Brazil)
Body and chassis
ClassCompact car
LayoutFront engine, front wheel drive
Chronology
PredecessorGeo/Chevrolet Prizm (Cobalt)
Chevrolet Cavalier (Cobalt)
Pontiac Sunfire (G5)
SuccessorChevrolet Cruze (Cobalt & G5)
Buick Verano (G5)

The Chevrolet Cobalt is a compact car introduced by Chevrolet in 2004 for the 2005 model year. The Cobalt replaced both the Cavalier and the Toyota-based Geo/Chevrolet Prizm as Chevrolet's compact car. The Cobalt was available as both a coupe and sedan, as well as a sport compact version dubbed the Cobalt SS. Like the Chevrolet HHR and the Saturn ION, it was based on the GM Delta platform.

A Pontiac version was sold in the United States and Mexico under the G5 name for 2007–2009. It was sold as the Pontiac G4 in Mexico for 2005–2006 and as the Pontiac G5 in Canada for its entire run (where it was briefly known as the Pontiac Pursuit and later Pontiac G5 Pursuit). The G5 replaced the Cavalier-related Pontiac Sunfire. While the Cobalt was available as a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan in all markets it was offered in, the G5 was only available as a coupé in the United States while a sedan version was sold alongside the coupé in Canada and Mexico.

As with their predecessors, all Cobalts and its Pontiac equivalents were manufactured at GM's plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico and Lordstown, Ohio. The United States Environmental Protection Agency classified the Cobalt as a subcompact car.[1]

First generation (2004–2010)[edit]

First generation
Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe.jpg
Overview
Also calledPontiac G5 (2007–2010)
Pontiac Pursuit (2005-2006, Canada)
Pontiac G5 Pursuit (2006 only, Canada)
Pontiac G4 (2005-2006, Mexico)
Production2004–2010
Model years2005–2010
AssemblyLordstown, Ohio, U.S.
Ramos Arizpe, Mexico
DesignerPhil Zak
Body and chassis
Body style2-door coupe
4-door sedan
PlatformDelta platform[2]
RelatedOpel Astra H
Chevrolet Cobalt SS
Chevrolet HHR
Saturn ION
Powertrain
Engine2.0 L Turbo LNF I4
2.0 L S/C LSJ I4
2.2 L L61 I4
2.4 L LE5 I4
2.2 L LAP I4
Transmission5-speed F35 (MU3) manual
5-speed Getrag F23 manual
4-speed 4T45 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase103.3 in (2,624 mm)
Length180.5 in (4,585 mm) (coupe)
180.3 in (4,580 mm) (sedan)
Width67.9 in (1,725 mm)
Height57.1 in (1,450 mm) (sedan)
55.5 in (1,410 mm) (coupe)
Curb weight1,246 kg (2,747 lb) (sedan)
1,216 kg (2,681 lb) (coupe)
Chronology
PredecessorChevrolet Cavalier
Chevrolet Prizm
Pontiac Sunfire (G5)
SuccessorChevrolet Cruze (Cobalt & G5)
Buick Verano (G5)

Specifications[edit]

The front suspension was independent with MacPherson struts, while a semi-independent torsion beam was used in the rear. The wheelbase was 103.3 in (2,624 mm), longer than its competitors, and the width was 68.4 in (1,737 mm). Weight was average in-class, at 2,681 lb (1,216 kg) for the coupe and 2,747 lb (1,246 kg) for the sedan. For 2009, the United States Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy was increased to 24 mpg‑US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg‑imp) city/34 mpg‑US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg‑imp) highway with automatic transmission, and 26 mpg‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg‑imp) city/37 mpg‑US (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg‑imp) highway with manual transmission. The engine output was increased to 155 hp (116 kW).

Year-to-year changes[edit]

  • 2006: A non-supercharged Cobalt SS was added to the lineup. This car was equipped with a 2.4 L naturally aspirated Ecotec inline-4. The LS became the base model while the LT was marketed as a mid-range package; the top level trim was now the LTZ. In addition, as with most other GM vehicles that year, GM's Mark of Excellence symbol was added to both front fenders near the doors.
  • 2007: Both engines were retuned for more power while retaining the same fuel economy. The 2.2 L Ecotec was now rated at 148 hp (110 kW) with the 2.4 L Ecotec rated at 173 hp (129 kW). Other changes include a new console, new steering wheel and new radio head unit that features an audio input jack. In addition, all models except the LS and LT1 now used a 5x110 wheel bolt pattern. The LS and LT1 retained the standard 4x100. In addition, the 2007 model year marked the introduction of a new 32-bit computer that replaced the 16-bit unit from 2006.
  • 2008: The 2.4 L naturally aspirated, high-output SS coupe and SS sedan were renamed to just "Sport Coupe" and "Sport Sedan" respectively. The new Cobalt SS features a 260 hp (194 kW) turbocharged engine, replacing the Supercharged engine which was offered from 2005–2007. At mid-year, the fuel economy was increased to 25 mpg‑US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg‑imp)5.5–7.5 km/liter city, 36 mpg‑US (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg‑imp)9–11 km/lite highway on the LS and 1LT, coupe and sedan models with manual transmission; now labeled with XFE badging (X-tra Fuel Economy).[3] XM Radio, side-impact air bags for improved safety, and MP3 player were now standard instead of optional. StabiliTrak stability control system was introduced. Other changes included the adding and removal of several exterior and interior colors. The new SS (turbocharged) coupe launched near the end of May 2008, as it was a facelift from the 2005–2007 version.
  • 2008 (Special Edition Package): The special edition package for the Cobalt was introduced on August 16, 2008, which featured all the options that were available on the previous SS models except the turbocharged 2.0 engine. Instead it was once again built with the 2.4 naturally aspirated engine similar to the Cobalt Sport models. The special edition package could come with a sunroof, GM ground effects kit, the Getrag F23 5-speed manual transmission, and additionally the 5 lug wheel bearings that the SS editions featured. The special editions were all had a "Special Edition" badge and came with unique variations of colors, and racing stripes.[citation needed]
  • 2009: The 2.4 L naturally aspirated "Sport Coupe and "Sport Sedan" models were both deleted, along with the 2.2 L L61 engine. Both were replaced by the 2.2 L LAP engine thus providing better fuel economy and more power, as well an SS sedan being added to the lineup. Three exterior colors were changed, and an interior color deleted. Bluetooth capabilities were added. An option for a reconfigurable performance display [4] available on the SS coupe, could read out various engine output data and alter performance settings.
  • 2010: The car was replaced by the Chevy Cruze.[5]

Safety[edit]

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) the Cobalt receives an overall top score of "Good" for front collisions.[6] However, it receives a "Poor" overall score for side impacts without side curtain airbags,[7] and an "Acceptable" overall score with side curtain airbags.[8] In 2008, side curtain airbags became standard, but the Cobalt's structure remains the same and consequently in structure/safety category of the IIHS's side impact test the Cobalt receives a "Marginal" score. Side airbags are limited to the curtain type; torso type side airbags are unavailable.[9] According to the IIHS's injury measurements taken from the side impact test, the driver's torso is given a "Marginal" score.

The IIHS also found 2005-08 model year Cobalts had the highest fatality rate in the small 4 door car class, with 117 deaths per million registered years compared to its class average of 71.[10]

2010 NHTSA sedan crash test:[11]

  • Frontal Driver: 4/5 stars
  • Frontal Passenger: 5/5 stars
  • Side Driver: 3/5 stars
  • Side Rear Passenger: 5/5 stars
  • Rollover: 4/5 stars

Before 2009 the Cobalt only offered stability control as an option on Sport models.[9]

Defects and recalls[edit]

In early 2007, 98,000 Cobalt coupes from the 2005–06 model years were recalled after it was discovered they did not meet federal safety requirements because of a lack of adequate padding in a specific area of the vehicle's trim. This resulted in an unacceptable vulnerability to head injuries, though GM claimed the vulnerability would only affect motorists not wearing a seat belt.[12]

On March 2, 2010, GM announced a recall of 1.3 million compact cars in North America, including the Chevrolet Cobalt, because of power steering problems.[13] GM implemented the repair on older models before fixing more recent models, as the car was replaced by the Chevrolet Cruze in late 2010. The Pontiac G5 and its international variants were also affected, though GM had already ended production of the Pontiac brand by that point.

On September 28, 2012, GM announced a recall of 40,859 cars including the Chevrolet Cobalt from the 2007-09 model year because of a potential fuel leak. Although the recall was limited to five states, vehicles from other southern states were covered for repair when summer heat caused cracks in the fuel reservoir assembly. The fuel vapor leak could be detected during hot days by a gasoline smell in the vicinity of the car.[14]

Faulty ignition switches in the Cobalts, which cut power to the car while in motion, were eventually linked to many crashes resulting in fatalities, starting with a teenager in 2005 who drove her new Cobalt into a tree.[15] "If only they had listened - HOW A GM LIFER SPENT YEARS TRYING TO WARN THE COMPANY, AND HOW IT SILENCED HIM" The switch continued to be used in the manufacture of the vehicles even after the problem was known to GM.[16] On February 21, 2014, GM recalled over 700,000 Cobalts for issues traceable to the defective ignition switches. In May 2014 the NHTSA fined the company $35 million for failing to recall cars with faulty ignition switches for a decade, despite knowing there was a problem with the switches. Thirteen deaths were linked to the faulty switches during the time the company failed to recall the cars.[17][18]

Engines[edit]

Years Engine Power Torque
2005–2006 2.2 L Ecotec L61 I4 145 hp (108 kW) 155 lb⋅ft (210 N⋅m)
2007–2008 2.2 L Ecotec L61 I4 148 hp (110 kW) 155 lb⋅ft (210 N⋅m)
2009–2010 2.2 L Ecotec LAP I4 155 hp (116 kW) 150 lb⋅ft (203 N⋅m)
2006 2.4 L Ecotec LE5 I4 171 hp (128 kW) 163 lb⋅ft (221 N⋅m)
2007–2008 2.4 L Ecotec LE5 I4 173 hp (129 kW) 163 lb⋅ft (221 N⋅m)
2005–2007 2.0 L Ecotec LSJ S/C I4 205 hp (153 kW) 200 lb⋅ft (271 N⋅m)
2008–2010 2.0 L Ecotec LNF Turbo I4 260 hp (194 kW) 260 lb⋅ft (353 N⋅m)

Sales[edit]

Model Year U.S. Sales
2004 4,960
2005 212,667
2006 211,451
2007 200,621
2008 188,045
2008 Special Edition SS 5,000
2009[19] 104,724
2010[20] 97,376
2011 127,472

Pontiac G5[edit]

The Pontiac G5 was a rebadged version of the Chevrolet Cobalt.

The Pontiac Pursuit was originally introduced in Canada as a sedan in 2005. The Pontiac Pursuit was only available as a sedan and was only sold in Canada from 2005 to 2006. In 2006, another version of the vehicle was released called the Pontiac G5 Pursuit in Canada, but it was now available as both a sedan and a coupe. This vehicle was available as both a sedan and coupe also in Mexico as the Pontiac G4 from 2005 to 2006.

In the United States, the Pontiac G5 went on sale in 2006 as a 2007 model, serving as the replacement for the Pontiac Sunfire. The Pontiac G5 in the United States was only available as a coupe. However, in Canada, and in Mexico, the Pontiac G5 went on sale in early 2007 as a 2007 model, available as both a sedan and coupe.

General Motors discontinued the Pontiac G5 in the United States in 2009. One year later in 2010, General Motors discontinued the Pontiac G5 in both Canada and Mexico. The G5 was discontinued as a direct result of General Motors phasing out the Pontiac brand in 2010. In the United States and in Mexico, the Chevrolet Cruze had replaced both Chevrolet Cobalt and the Pontiac G5. The Buick Verano had replaced the Pontiac G5 in Canada.

Replacement[edit]

Main article: Chevrolet Cruze

In 2009, Chevrolet launched the Cobalt's eventual successor, the Chevrolet Cruze (based on the new Delta II platform), in Europe, with launches in other markets (including the US) following in 2010. The Cobalt ended production on June 23, 2010.[21] With the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand by GM in 2010, the Buick Verano is marketed as the G5's successor in Canada, while the Cruze serves as a de facto replacement for the Pontiac G5 in America.

Gallery[edit]

  • Chevrolet Cobalt sedan

  • Chevrolet Cobalt coupe

  • Pontiac G5 coupe

  • Interior

Second generation (2011–present)[edit]

Second generation
Chevy Cobalt cab Recife 20150722-DSC 0132.JPG
Overview
Also calledRavon R4
Production2011–present
AssemblySão Caetano do Sul, Brazil (GM Brazil)
Asaka, Uzbekistan (GM Uzbekistan)[22]
Bogotá, Colombia (GM Colombia)
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
PlatformGamma II platform
RelatedChevrolet Sonic
Opel Corsa E
Powertrain
Engine1.4 L I4 flex-fuel
1.8 L I4 flex-fuel
1.5 L I4 gasoline
Transmission6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,620 mm (103 in)
Length4,479 mm (176.3 in)
Width1,735 mm (68.3 in)
Height1,514 mm (59.6 in)

In 2011, General Motors Brazil announced a new model bearing this name in the Brazilian market.[23] This Cobalt replaced the aging local Chevrolet Astra. The car is equipped with a 1.4 Econo.Flex engine. Although sporting a similar front end style, it is not directly related to the Chevrolet Agile, since it shares the overall underpinnings with the 2011 Chevrolet Sonic,[24] while the Agile is derived from the considerably older Opel Corsa B, from 1993.

Chevrolet had no plans to bring the Cobalt to the North American market, which already had the Chevrolet Sonic and Chevrolet Spark as the subcompact cars in the continent. In GM Brazil's line-up, it is situated above the Chevrolet Prisma and below the Chevrolet Cruze.

In January 2013, it was launched on the Russian market, where was imported from Uzbekistan.[25] There, it has been offered with a 1.5-litre engine, producing 77 kW (105 PS) and 134 N⋅m (99 lb⋅ft).[26][27] It was retired on that market in the December 2015, when Chevrolet decided to minimise its presence only to its iconic models.

It received a facelift in late 2015 for the 2016 model year.[28] Its main rivals are the Nissan Versa and the Renault Logan.[24]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Gas Mileage of 2008 Subcompact Cars". Fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
  2. ^ GM Delta platform
  3. ^ "Chevy squeezes more miles out of Cobalt". Orlando Sentinel. September 14, 2008. Archived from the original on December 5, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  4. ^ "GM's Reconfigurable Performance Display an option for '09 Cobalt SS and HHR SS". Motor Trend. August 26, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  5. ^ "GM's recalled Cobalt was a failure from the start". CNN. April 21, 2014. Retrieved December 2, 2018.
  6. ^ "IIHS-HLDI: 2005–08 Chevrolet Cobalt – FRONTAL OFFSET TEST". Iihs.org. November 5, 2010. Archived from the original on August 27, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
  7. ^ "IIHS-HLDI: 2005–07 Chevrolet Cobalt – SIDE IMPACT TEST WITHOUT OPTIONAL SIDE AIRBAGS". Iihs.org. September 18, 2009. Archived from the original on August 27, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
  8. ^ "IIHS-HLDI: 2005–07 Chevrolet Cobalt – SIDE IMPACT TEST WITH OPTIONAL SIDE AIRBAGS". Iihs.org. September 18, 2009. Archived from the original on August 27, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
  9. ^ Jump up to: a b "2008 Cobalt – Safety Features | Chevy Cobalt". Chevrolet. Archived from the original on August 27, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
  10. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on June 11, 2014. Retrieved April 4, 2014.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  11. ^ "Safercar.gov". Safercar.gov. Archived from the original on May 27, 2010. Retrieved April 22, 2010.
  12. ^ "GM announces Cobalt recall". The Vindicator. January 25, 2007. Archived from the original on April 26, 2009. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  13. ^ Reuters (March 2, 2010). "GM recalling 1.3 million vehicles over steering problems". Retrieved 2010-03-02.
  14. ^ "GM recalls 40,859 cars for potential fuel leaks". USA Today. September 29, 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  15. ^ Tim Higgins and Nick Summers (June 23, 2014). "If only they had listened - HOW A GM LIFER SPENT YEARS TRYING TO WARN THE COMPANY, AND HOW IT SILENCED HIM". Time Australia.
  16. ^ GM recall was delayed by internal miscues CNN Money, February 28, 2014
  17. ^ "GM fined $35mn for delays in recalling faulty cars". Detroit Star. Archived from the original on May 17, 2014. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
  18. ^ Vlasic, Bill (March 28, 2014). "An Engineer's Eureka Moment With a G.M. Flaw". The New York Times. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
  19. ^ "Deliveries December 2009". General Motors. Retrieved February 19, 2014.
  20. ^ "December 2010 Sales: General Motors – Cheers & Gears Forums". Cheersandgears.com. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
  21. ^ "GM taking some unusual risks in bringing its Chevrolet Cruze small car to market". cleveland.com. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
  22. ^ "Chevrolet Cobalt, Made in Uzbekistan". Archived from the original on November 12, 2012. Retrieved December 2, 2018.
  23. ^ "All New 2012 Chevrolet Cobalt Revealed in Production Form, will be Available in 40 Countries". Carscoops. November 5, 2011. Retrieved April 14, 2016.
  24. ^ Jump up to: a b "Testes: Chevrolet Cobalt LTZ 1.4 8V - Quatro Rodas". quatrorodas.abril.com.br. Archived from the original on June 3, 2012. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
  25. ^ http://wardsauto.com/industry/uzbek-gm-plant-prepares-cobalt-exports-russia
  26. ^ http://eng.autostat.ru/news/view/7483/
  27. ^ http://chevrolet.uz/en/Cobalt.html
  28. ^ http://g1.globo.com/carros/noticia/2015/12/chevrolet-cobalt-reestilizado-custara-partir-de-r-52690.html

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