By the time the 2010 model arrived, the Cobalt had gone through several refinements, providing a more refined driving experience and improved features over earlier versions. Available in both sedan and coupe versions, the Cobalt was designed to suit a variety of drivers. Whether you were commuting daily or just looking for a dependable car for weekend trips, the 2010 model aimed to deliver a balance of practicality and performance.
Exterior and Interior Design
Available in both sedan and coupe body styles, it provided buyers with options that suited either a traditional or sportier aesthetic. The sedan was practical and subtly styled, perfect for commuting and everyday errands. The coupe, with its sleeker roofline and more dynamic stance, aimed to appeal to younger drivers or those seeking a slightly sportier look without venturing into performance territory.
The front end featured Chevy’s signature dual-port grille, flanked by large, angular headlights. The seating was comfortable enough for short- to medium-length drives, with front bucket seats offering adequate support. Trunk space was surprisingly good for a compact car, especially in the sedan, with the added versatility of a split-folding rear seat to expand cargo room when needed.
Performance and Driving Experience
The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt offered a respectable balance of performance and fuel economy, making it a solid choice for drivers looking for reliable, everyday transportation with a bit of spirit under the hood. While it wasn’t the most refined or powerful car in the compact segment, it delivered a capable and predictable driving experience, especially for its price point.
Engine Options and Power
Most 2010 Cobalt models came equipped with a 2.2-liter inline-4 engine, producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. This engine was part of GM’s Ecotec family, known for durability and efficiency.
The manual transmission offered slightly more engagement for drivers who enjoyed shifting gears, while the automatic was smooth and simple, catering to those who prioritized convenience. Fuel efficiency was one of the Cobalt's strong points.
The Cobalt SS: A True Sleeper
It featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 260 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with a close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission. This high-performance version could go from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds—an impressive feat for a front-wheel-drive compact car. It even included a "no-lift shift" feature, allowing drivers to change gears without taking their foot off the accelerator, making it a surprisingly track-capable machine.
Ride and Handling
Road and wind noise were present, but not overwhelming, and steering feel was adequate for most driving conditions. It wasn’t a car designed to excite, but it handled city streets and freeway cruising reliably and without fuss.
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Technology and Features
Standard Features
Even the base model of the 2010 Cobalt came equipped with a practical set of standard features that made daily driving more comfortable. These included:
- Air conditioning
- AM/FM stereo with a single-disc CD player and MP3 playback
- Auxiliary audio input jack, allowing drivers to connect external devices like smartphones or MP3 players
This level of standard equipment was fairly competitive for the time, especially the inclusion of OnStar, which added a layer of safety and convenience rarely seen in compact cars at this price point.
Available Upgrades
- Power windows, locks, and mirrors
- Cruise control
- Remote keyless entry
- Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
- Bluetooth connectivity (available in some trims/packages, though not standard across the board)
- Sunroof (available as an option)
These features added a touch of refinement and made the Cobalt more comfortable for longer commutes or road trips.
SS Model Enhancements
- Performance-enhanced instrument panel with boost gauge and driver information display
- Optional limited-slip differential for better traction
- Upgraded wheels and exterior trim
Missing or Dated Tech
- A touchscreen interface or built-in navigation system was not available
- Bluetooth was limited and not universally offered across trims
- No USB ports or advanced infotainment systems that became standard just a few years later
- Rearview camera and advanced driver assistance systems like lane departure warning or forward collision alert were absent
Safety
Standard Safety Features
- Dual-stage front airbags for driver and front passenger
- Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- OnStar® automatic crash response (with a subscription) for added emergency support
These features helped the Cobalt meet the basic safety expectations of the time, offering occupants a decent level of protection in common crash scenarios.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
One notable drawback of the 2010 Cobalt was the limited availability of electronic stability control (ESC)—a feature that was becoming increasingly important for accident avoidance. ESC was standard only on the SS and LT models equipped with the 2LT package.
Crash Test Ratings
The 2010 Cobalt earned mixed crash test scores from the major safety organizations:
- Frontal crash test:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Cobalt four out of five stars for both the driver and passenger in front-impact tests.
- Side-impact test:
With the standard curtain airbags, the Cobalt received three stars for rear-seat passengers and four stars for front-seat occupants from the NHTSA.
The Cobalt SS: A Sporty Surprise
Among compact cars of the late 2000s, few were as unexpectedly thrilling as the Chevrolet Cobalt SS. While the standard Cobalt was a competent and budget-friendly commuter, the SS version transformed the mild-mannered compact into a legitimate performance contender—earning respect not just from enthusiasts, but also from automotive journalists who often overlooked Chevrolet in the sport compact segment.
Turbocharged Power
This high-output version cranked out an impressive 260 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, delivered to the front wheels via a close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission.
Performance Engineering
The Cobalt SS wasn't just about straight-line speed—it also handled remarkably well thanks to a number of performance-focused upgrades:
- 18-inch alloy wheels with high-performance tires
These enhancements gave the Cobalt SS sharp handling, tight steering response, and a surprisingly composed ride even during aggressive driving.
Sporty Styling
Visually, the SS stood apart from the standard Cobalt with a number of aggressive styling cues, including:
- A prominent rear spoiler (a tall wing or smaller lip spoiler, depending on preference)
- SS badging and body-colored side moldings
Inside, the SS featured sport seats with extra bolstering, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and unique trim accents that added to the performance vibe.
An Underrated Gem
Part of this was due to the Cobalt name being more closely associated with the economy-focused base models. However, among those who drove it, the SS quickly earned a reputation as one of the best bang-for-your-buck performance cars of its time.
Its combination of power, handling, and affordability made it a true sleeper hit in the compact performance market.
Pros and Cons
While it may not have been the most refined or forward-thinking car in the segment, it delivered solid value—especially for drivers who prioritized affordability and reliability. Here's a closer look at the major pros and cons of the final-year Cobalt.
Pros
Strong Value for the Money
The Cobalt was one of the more affordable vehicles in its class, both in terms of initial price and long-term ownership costs. This made it especially appealing to students, first-time buyers, or anyone needing a budget-friendly daily driver.
Fuel Efficiency
With its 2.2L four-cylinder engine, the Cobalt delivered solid fuel economy, offering up to 33 mpg on the highway. This made it a practical choice for commuters and those looking to minimize trips to the pump.
SS Model Performance
The Cobalt SS was a standout. Its 260-hp turbocharged engine, Brembo brakes, and sport-tuned suspension made it a genuine performance car in disguise. It offered enthusiasts serious bang for the buck and remains a cult favorite to this day.
Cons
Dated Interior Design and Materials
Compared to competitors like the Mazda3 or Honda Civic, the cabin felt less refined and somewhat behind the times.
Limited Advanced Safety Features
While it had the basics—airbags, ABS, and OnStar—the Cobalt lacked electronic stability control on lower trims, and offered no modern driver-assistance technologies like lane departure warning or a rearview camera.
Lack of Tech and Convenience Features
No Bluetooth on base trims, no touchscreen infotainment, no USB ports, and no navigation system made the Cobalt feel dated even in its final model year.
