2009 Chevrolet Cobalt LS XFE Detroit MI

December 10, 2009   By Zach Bowman, DriverSide Contributing Editor

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt


2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
DriverSide Overview 
In the American lexicon, economical is nowhere near synonymous with enjoyable . Blame it on the sort of transportation travesties the country suffered through the early to mid-‘80s or the obvious lack of small, fun to drive cars in the land of the free, but something in the American mind simply can’t put the two terms together. Or at least it used to be that way. General Motors has unleashed a rash of new, fuel-savvy cars that pass on the pump while still doing more than simply survive interstate traffic. The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt LS XFE is a prime example. With 155 horsepower on tap from a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, the coupe has all the guts it needs to put a smile on your face, but still delivers an EPA-estimated 37 mpg highway. Make no mistake, the interior makes sure you know this is basic transportation, however, the drive is anything but.
 

What's to Like 
There’s plenty of power for a fuel miser and the well-planted suspension makes the car actually enjoyable to drive. Despite the EPA rating and a low MSRP, the Cobalt LS XFE doesn’t look like the rest of the dweeby compacts out there, either. A decent dose of style and fuel economy that bests segment titans like the Honda Civic make this a smart choice.
 
What's Not to Like 
GM has a lot of work to do to get the Cobalt’s interior up to par with the rest of the competition. Cheap materials and poor assembly plague the car’s cabin. Though the standard five-speed transmission makes the best of the car’s power, it can be clunky and difficult to get into first gear. A lack of standard equipment is also a negative.
 
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions 
Under normal commuting conditions, the Cobalt’s 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine serves up plenty of torque and is quiet as can be. A helpful shift light prompts the driver to shift at or below 2,000 rpm and, surprisingly enough, the engine seems to thrive at this range. The ride is comfortable without any sort of suspension wallow and the brakes do their job without breaking a sweat. Shirk the four-lane for more twisty tarmac, and you’re rewarded with a light-weight, pitchable machine that likes to hang out in the upper reaches of the power band. The LS XFE weighs more than 200 pounds less than the powerful Cobalt SS , and while the lack of weight doesn’t quite make up for the horsepower gap, it does make the LS XFE surprisingly fun from behind the wheel.
 
Engine and Drivetrain  
The Cobalt LS XFE is powered by a 2.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. Despite the relatively large displacement, General Motors has managed to squeeze an impressive amount of fuel econo...

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