I purchased a 2009 and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. My wife drives one and I use the other primarily for my Houston Farmers insurance agency business.
Both cars are base 4-door models with automatic transmission. List prices were just over 19K and we paid just over 16K (plus tt&l) after refund.
Our average fuel economy has been 23 mpg mostly in city driving. Handling is good with a smooth, quiet ride, and performance is fine. It is a good driving car for the price range. The sound system is above average. We have had no mechanical problems with either vehicle.
Standard features include air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, automatic headlights, rear defogger, power steering, AM/FM/CD/MP3/XM stereo, and an anti-theft key. There is a full line of extra cost options available. The Cobalt is scheduled to be replaced in the 2011 model year by the Chevy Cruze.
The Cobalt has a small compartment that opens to access the button to open the trunk. If you forget to close the compartment, you will get a nasty cut on your shin. My wife and I both have a small “cobalt scar” on our shins. Some lawyer out there… fix it! I think the seats could be a bit more comfortable. Insurance rates are low for the Cobalt, but government crash tests are mixed (good frontal-impact scores, but a weaker side-impact rating).
In general, if you want a small one because this could be a model to see. Since the model is being superseded, I would personally like an extra large rebate to consider buying Cobalt.
