SMALL CARS
16. CHEVROLET COBALT SS
WHY IT'S ON OUR HIT PARADE: This Yankee Doodle set a dandy FWD record at Nurburgring, and it's easy to see how when you light the fuse on a twisty road. Impressive power applies smoothly, a limited-slip diff adds serious corner-exit bite, front Brembos generate fade-free race-car whoa, and the chassis control is admirable for an econocar. Even the ride quality is reasonable.
COOL FACT: Optional performance meter (coupes) displays power, torque, gs, and most of what a Nissan GT-R's can for just $295.
SUM UP: Cheap speed doesn't come better engineered than this.
THE DETAILS
Price: $24,095
Powertrain: 2.0L/260-hp*/260-lb-ft*/turbo I-4/5-sp man
Vital Stats: 0-60: 5.5 sec/quarter: 14.0 sec/EPA: 22/30 mpg. *SAE Certified
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