Hop into the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt SS and, at first glance, everything looks pretty good. There’s a simple but attractive dash layout, the front seats offer significant bottom and side bolsters, the shifter is within easy reach, and the steering wheel tilts for maximum comfort. The front buckets are courtesy of Recaro, so it stands to reason that they’d be comfortable and extremely supportive. That’s an affirmative on both counts, aided in part by those bolsters and a lengthy seat bottom that’s good for longer thighs, and adjustable headrests. There are only two side doors, but each opens nearly a full 90 degrees, so provided you’ve got a wide enough parking space, it’s easy for the driver and front passenger to get in and out. Padded armrests on the door are well-placed and round out the list of comfy features.

After that, things start to go awry. Starting up front, there’s no center armrest for storage or resting an arm on a long drive, and the steering wheel lacks a telescoping function, though given the price point that’s more of a quibble than a complaint. Move back to the rear seat to discover a rather inhospitable environment that is technically designed for three adults, yet in reality two children would be pushing comfort levels. Getting in is a challenge because the front buckets come without quick-release buttons, and between finding space to open the large doors, getting the front seat moved forward, and then contorting to access the rear seat – well, you’ve really got to want to sit back there to make it worthwhile. Once seated, rear passengers are subjected to tight quarters, a rather straight backrest, diminutive and hard side armrests, and claustrophobic plastic surroundings accented with mismatched grain patterns.

That rear seat splits and folds, allowing access to the trunk. However, a significant amount of cargo space is absorbed by the Pioneer subwoofer and a support beam running below the parcel shelf. Furthermore, the trunk opening is small, and reaching deep into the cargo hold means leaning over a potentially dirty rear fascia – it’s hard to look cool in your new SS when covered in road grime. Elsewhere, storage includes four cupholders and a few provisions for riders up front, while it’s suggested that any rear seat passengers come with big pockets or a backpack.