2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
Expert Review

The Cobalt is already a legitimate contender in the compact segment, and the XFE model ups the ante by delivering EPA fuel economy estimates of 25 mpg city/37 mpg highway, when equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. The clutch requires a little additional finesse to get the XFE rolling from a standstill because first gear is very tall, but the extra effort is rewarded with fewer trips to the fuel pump. Still an entry-level car and priced well under $20,000, the Cobalt XFE is a solid package with a balanced chassis, good steering and available amenities such as anti-lock brake system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth and stereo upgrades. The focus of the Cobalt XFE is fuel efficiency, and while the 5-speed manual adds some fun to the driving experience, be ready to shift down two or three gears to accelerate quickly. – Mike Meredith

Don't let the unattractive exterior fool you; the Chevrolet Cobalt is among the very best that America can produce (and that's quite a compliment these days). Even in the more frugal version, the XFE, it's a peppy drive with great handling. The manual transmission is practically perfect and the upshift light is amazingly accurate and helpful. I easily managed around 30 mpg with the 2.2-liter engine. The only drawback was the position of the gear lever and handbrake: They were both a little farther back than I would prefer. In spite of that, I looked forward to every minute in the Cobalt; it's a lot of fun to drive. Chevrolet should strive to make all of its cars as good as the Cobalt (and perhaps a little prettier). Try it. I think you'll like it! – Paul Hagger

While most people think of trucks when Detroit's Big Three are mentioned, cars like the Chevy Cobalt prove that an American automaker does know how to build a quality small car. Our tester came with a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. A shift indicator gauge near the speedometer advises the driver when to upshift to achieve optimal gas mileage. In 75 percent city/25 percent highway driving, I achieved a miserly 32 mpg using regular unleaded gas. However, space was tight, and getting in and out of the back seat was a chore, due to the seat belt being attached near the door opening. While the trunk was a decent size, the opening of the trunk was very small and difficult to get luggage in without pushing it. And if you are driving on hills, the e-brake was partially blocked by the armrest and was difficult to access. But overall, the Cobalt XFE was a great compact car very suitable for commuting. – Joe Chulick