You've been asking this question for the last 7 years, good grief!
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthr...urn#Post2079156
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthr...urn#Post2079156
Is the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt any good ?
- Thread starter sirgerman
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it is true, my Saturn keeps going
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
They made Saturns and Pontiacs until 2010. Find a newer one
I've owned an 05 ION since new. The Cobalt was based on the Delta platform introduced with the ION in 03. The Cobalt had 800 or so improvements that it shared with the ION in 05.
While it may be hard to fathom today, the Delta platform designers used the VW Jetta as their engineering objective.
Sway bar bushings have been a problem. Run the VIN for recalls as there is one for replacement of the electronic steering motor, and of course the ignition switch.
The ION has been inexpensive to run:battery lasted almost nine years [it's in the trunk], tires and oil changes, regular servicing. Still looks like a late model. Always beat the EPA #s as published in 05. The 10% hit EPA did on all it's ratings are even more off the mark.
Sonic 1.8 has a timing belt. Needs more frequent servicing than the 2.2/2.4. The 1.4 turbo uses a chain.
2.2 Engine is fine and the GM 4 speed auto is common and has been perfectly reliable. I keep both serviced using a severe duty schedule and Mobil 1 in the crankcase.
People bag on the Cobalt now, but the automotive press of the period thought GM & Chevrolet did a fairly decent job with their "premium" small car. Especially given the Cavalier that preceded it.
The 95 SL1 5M I bought with 116,000 miles was still so solid, that when my 99 Cavalier was totalled [also purchased new], a Saturn ION made the list. The Cobalts were overpriced and overloaded and thinly stocked at the Chevrolet dealership, and since I didn't want a truck or SUV, which were the bulk of the inventory there, I went to the Saturn dealer and found exactly what I wanted.
I had considered the Neon briefly, but by that time crash stats, depreciation and reputation put it at the bottom of the barrel in the segment and I've been a longtime Mopar fan. Too many negatives for me to overcome, even though the Cavalier swam in that same low end.
I will say that the manual in the ION I road tested sucked compared to the manual in the S Series. Had it been as instinctive to use as the SL1, I'd have purchased the manual over the automatic.
While it may be hard to fathom today, the Delta platform designers used the VW Jetta as their engineering objective.
Sway bar bushings have been a problem. Run the VIN for recalls as there is one for replacement of the electronic steering motor, and of course the ignition switch.
The ION has been inexpensive to run:battery lasted almost nine years [it's in the trunk], tires and oil changes, regular servicing. Still looks like a late model. Always beat the EPA #s as published in 05. The 10% hit EPA did on all it's ratings are even more off the mark.
Sonic 1.8 has a timing belt. Needs more frequent servicing than the 2.2/2.4. The 1.4 turbo uses a chain.
2.2 Engine is fine and the GM 4 speed auto is common and has been perfectly reliable. I keep both serviced using a severe duty schedule and Mobil 1 in the crankcase.
People bag on the Cobalt now, but the automotive press of the period thought GM & Chevrolet did a fairly decent job with their "premium" small car. Especially given the Cavalier that preceded it.
The 95 SL1 5M I bought with 116,000 miles was still so solid, that when my 99 Cavalier was totalled [also purchased new], a Saturn ION made the list. The Cobalts were overpriced and overloaded and thinly stocked at the Chevrolet dealership, and since I didn't want a truck or SUV, which were the bulk of the inventory there, I went to the Saturn dealer and found exactly what I wanted.
I had considered the Neon briefly, but by that time crash stats, depreciation and reputation put it at the bottom of the barrel in the segment and I've been a longtime Mopar fan. Too many negatives for me to overcome, even though the Cavalier swam in that same low end.
I will say that the manual in the ION I road tested sucked compared to the manual in the S Series. Had it been as instinctive to use as the SL1, I'd have purchased the manual over the automatic.
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Originally Posted By: DweezilAZ
... The Cobalts were overpriced and overloaded and thinly stocked at the Chevrolet dealership, and since I didn't want a truck or SUV, which were the bulk of the inventory there, I went to the Saturn dealer and found exactly what I wanted..
That's interesting! When I bought my 2007 Cobalt LS 4dr in mid 2007, there were seas of them at my local Chevy stores. I paid $12100 + TTL for it. I forget what it stickered for, but I think it was $16K? This was at the tail-end of the first huge gasoline price gouge of the era, when gas prices went from ~$1.89/gal to $3-4/gal for some time in my area. People were dumping SUVs like crazy.
... The Cobalts were overpriced and overloaded and thinly stocked at the Chevrolet dealership, and since I didn't want a truck or SUV, which were the bulk of the inventory there, I went to the Saturn dealer and found exactly what I wanted..
That's interesting! When I bought my 2007 Cobalt LS 4dr in mid 2007, there were seas of them at my local Chevy stores. I paid $12100 + TTL for it. I forget what it stickered for, but I think it was $16K? This was at the tail-end of the first huge gasoline price gouge of the era, when gas prices went from ~$1.89/gal to $3-4/gal for some time in my area. People were dumping SUVs like crazy.
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I really wish I can find another Saturn SL, mine has 181000, the Ac still work, I get around 38 miles per gallon, the only thing I replaced so far was the alternator, radiator, water pump, belt pensioner and starter, nothing big, the transmission still works, the Saturn is one of the best American cars when it comes to reliability.
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