Offering more interior passenger and cargo space than subcompacts, yet still delivering the fuel efficiency that consumers expect, compact cars are clearly in demand right now. In fact, some dealers are having trouble keeping some models on the lot, such as the Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid. Fortunately for consumers, however, there are plenty of fuel-efficient compact models to choose from. Indeed, compact cars comprise half of the 2008 Automotive Environmental Index (AEI) Top 30 models. The list includes some of the best-selling models in the U.S., including the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla , Ford Focus , Chevrolet Cobalt and Toyota Prius —all among the top 20 in year-to-date sales. 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
The 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is a carryover model from 2007, and is available in either coupe or sedan body styles and in LS, 1LT, 2LT and Sport trim levels. The top-of-the-line Sport model offers the most features, including electronic stability control and a more powerful 2.4-liter high-output engine and sport suspension. The front-wheel-drive Cobalt comes with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The 2.2-liter Ecotec dual overhead cam (DOHC), 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine is standard on 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt LS and LT models and produces 148 hp. The Sport model has a 2.4-liter high-output DOHC 4-cylinder engine delivering 171 hp. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2.2-liter engine are 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway.
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