Cobalt's a bit of a love-hate car

0 Comments | USA TODAY, March, 2005 | by James R. Healey

Chevrolet Cobalt, the brand's replacement for the aged Cavalier small car, drives quite nicely and has the feel of a larger, more-expensive car. But it comes with a laundry list of gripes, making it a yes-but car.

It's built atop what Chevy parent GM calls its delta platform, similar to what's used under the Saturn Ion (but don't let that bland-mobile give you a bad image of Cobalt) and on GM's European-market Opel Astra.

Safety blemish: GM recalled 1,378 Cobalts last November because their headlight reflectors might loosen, tilt and blind oncoming drivers. That's according to files at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. GM and potential Cobalt buyers hope that's an aberration, not a harbinger.

Safety sheen: Cobalt with optional side air bags...