06 Cobalt SS S/C

[Randle2I]

Today I went on a short test drive in a black 06 Cobalt SS supercharged. First and foremost, this thing is fast .

First impressions are good, it has a very aggressive look to it and with the 18" rims, hunched over look, and HUGE spoiler it's certainly noticeable. The ride height isn't too high like the new 4x4 GTI nor is it too low that you'd be afraid to go over speed bumps.

Once I got inside it was about what I expected, with a few letdowns and a few nice surprises. For the dash strokers out there this isn't something to write home about, the plastics are fairly hard but it all looks to be put together very well. There where no squeaks, no rattles, and the panel gaps where tight. The headliner was also of good quality. I tested one with the LSD & Recaros, and while I was at first disappointed with the lack of seat adjustments (especially compared to the SC) I was actually able to get very comfortable. I'm not a large guy (5'11" ~150-160lbs) and had plenty of head and leg room. The side bolsters where able to hold me in place during some of the faster turns I took but they weren’t intrusive. Lumbar support is a manual crank. Two things that I noticed: the vanity mirrors had no lights that came on when the cover was opened, and there was no center console. While the vanity lights, IMO, aren’t a big deal, the lack of center console is. I took 3 CD's with me on the test drive and had to put them in the back seat or glove compartment. Some of the nicer things that I noticed were that the doors automatically lock when you start moving & automatically unlock when you turn the car off. Again, not major, but a nice touch. Also the radio doesn't turn off until you open the door regardless of if you turn the car off. I had seen this feature on older Cadillac’s and wasn't aware that GM was still doing it. It's nice to know they are.

On to the driving experience. The first thing my test drive required was backing up and this wasn't a good way to start off. First of all the HUGE rear spoiler is directly in your line of site and second of all there are very large blind spots blocking your view when looking over your shoulder. Both of these annoyances popped up again during my drive. While I was able to adjust to them it may be something to keep in mind. Perhaps on the bright side it makes you a more alert driver? However I can with confidence say that was the only negative I experienced during my drive. The car rode very smooth, power delivery was quick and continued up to 4500 RPM. The car continued to pull past that but being a new engine, a new car, and the sales consultant being with me I didn't take it higher than that, I had no reason to. The cars suspension was also tuned to my liking. The ride was by no means harsh while still being sporty. I detected no body lean during my higher speed turns. The manual shifter was easy to use and gave me no difficulties. When I go test drive the Civic SI I'll compare the two transmissions.

Some smaller things to note. I liked the steering wheel controls, they where nicely labeled and convenient. The sound system sounded nice as well, plenty of base (I played Harry Connick Jr. - She) for my liking. The leather is also of high quality and felt very thick. The car I test drove did not have a moon roof, but did have an in dash 6 CD changer. With a sunroof I don’t think my head room would have been any less diminished.

Overall I was very pleased with the car. In everyday driving I think that I'd be very happy with it as my DD. My only major gripes are the lack of a center console/storage area, and the rear spoiler (looks good from the outside, no so much the inside). For anybody in the Columbus area I went to Germain Chevrolet of Columbus on Morse Rd. My sales consultant was Jessica Taylor and while she was new to the job she was very nice, very helpful and was really a pleasure to work with. If anybody happens to go there I would highly recommend her.

[AmericanRevolution]

I got my friend to test-drive on of those. As a passenger in the rear seat *mumbles something about the salesman taking shotgun* I was at first not impressed. I could barely fit back there, and I'm only 5'10 and 145-150.

Once the drive got underway, though, I was quite suprised by the drive! Even though I wasn't up in front, let alone driving, the rear bench did well for holding me in, and that thing felt INSANELY fast!

[Ghrankenstein]

Good writeup.

I only have minor gripes about the SS/SC. I agree about the lack of adjustment in the seats, yet I, too, can eventually get comfortable. Overall, though, the seats take a page out of Honda's manual, in that their cushions are too short to offer adequate thigh support. My Cavalier's seats are better. I'm hoping they get the seats better in the G5, but I'm not very optimistic, and the seating is a deal-breaker for me, being 6-3.

The shifter is very familiar, being a Getrag. It's not Mazda snickety, but I find it smooth, quick, and accurate. The fact that I have a Getrag now meant that I was already able to manipulate the box with great effectiveness. The heel-and-toe pedal placement is light years ahead of my Cavalier's.

The steering is weighted perfectly, and any time that it's lacking the expected feedback, the chassis communicates exactly what I'm looking for. The handling is very good, though it reminds me of how how good a job GM did with my LS-Sport. The cars are equally tossable.

My other gripe is that first gear is way too short, with the engine smacking against the rev-limiter unexpectedly quick. It might serve to line up the other shift points to get the best 0-60 or 1/4 mile time, and people do buy these cars on their numbers, but from a usability and fun-to-drive aspect, it's a negative.

[camaro chris]

nice review. seems like a good car.

Originally Posted by Randle2I

Some of the nicer things that I noticed were that the doors automatically lock when you start moving & automatically unlock when you turn the car off. Again, not major, but a nice touch. Also the radio doesn't turn off until you open the door regardless of if you turn the car off.

my brothers 96 camaro and our 03 venture both have these features.