Overview & Reviews

If asked to name an economical, front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder compact car, chances are the average person would come up with an import, probably from Japan. However, the competent Chevrolet Cobalt was an example of America's ability to build a decent compact automobile as well.

True, the Chevy Cobalt didn't really upset the pecking order in the compact car world; the imports, by and large, still offered better driving dynamics and interior build quality. However, the Cobalt did offer some variety. It was available as a coupe or sedan and in a variety of trim levels. Chevy also offered a specialized SS model that was, in later years, quite impressive from a performance standpoint.

Although the Cobalt wouldn't be our first choice for a used small car, it offers respectable performance and an affordable price. As such, it may merit consideration from bargain hunters, but likely won't be on the radar for more discerning small car shoppers.

Used Chevrolet Cobalt Models
There was just one generation of the Cobalt, which ran from 2005-10. It was succeeded by the Chevrolet Cruze for 2011.

The Cobalt itself replaced the long-running Chevy Cavalier, which was both smaller and of much poorer quality. The Cobalt was available as a coupe or sedan. Trim levels (depending on body style) consisted of base, LS, well-equipped LT, luxury-themed LTZ, Sport and high-performance SS.

The base and mid-trim models have mostly stood pat through the years. Apart from the SS and short-lived Sport trims, all Cobalts were powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder that initially made 145 horsepower (increased to 155 hp for '09). Transmission choices consisted of a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. Even with the base engine, the Chevy Cobalt provided decent acceleration along with excellent fuel economy.

Lower and midlevel trims were typically equipped with air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control and a stereo with CD player. Upper trims may have leather upholstery, an upgraded Pioneer stereo, a USB port, a sunroof and remote start. Rear disc brakes and ABS were optional except on the highest trim levels. Side curtain airbags were optional.

The most significant changes for non-SS Cobalts were the addition of standard side curtain airbags for '08, the debut of the bare-bones XFE (extra fuel economy) model that same year, and the aforementioned boost in power for the base engine.

The SS was available initially only as a coupe with a 2.0-liter supercharged four that made 205 hp, matched to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. A sport-tuned suspension, bigger wheels and sport seats were other SS perks. For 2006 the SS line was expanded to include a coupe and sedan powered by a 2.4-liter, 171-hp version of the base 2.2-liter engine. The supercharged coupe was still available, and was called the SS Supercharged to avoid confusion with the lesser SS trims.

For '08, the lower SS versions were dropped, though their 171-hp engine saw duty in the new, one-year-only Cobalt Sport. That year, the SS Supercharged was replaced by a turbocharged SS (just called the SS) making 260 hp. The following year, an SS sedan joined the lineup. These turbocharged SS models were the most desirable of the SS run.

Small Chevrolet cars have never been known for the quality of their interiors, and the Cobalt didn't do much to change this. In editorial reviews, the car received negative commentary for its hard plastics, inconsistent build quality and limited storage. On the positive side, the Cobalt's interior was nicely insulated from road and engine noise, and the front seats were very comfortable. The SS was the bright spot of the line, boasting eye-popping acceleration and truly impressive handling.

User Reviews:

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  Its a real POS - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Phillip Najarian - August 6 - 4:41 pm

  I fell in love with this car when I was in high school, I loved yellow cars and it seemed like the best thing ever, a cute little bright yellow coupe. Unfortunately, I was better off loving it from afar. I purchased this car used, and it is the base model so other models may not be this bad, but IT IS HORRIBLE. Its so loud inside the car with road noise that you cant have a conversation, the doors are MASSIVE, if you are in a close parking spot you cannot get into the vehicle because the door opens 8 feet. The doors also weigh a TON, multiple times I have been bruised massively because I stick my leg out of the car to get out and the door comes back and pins my leg. The seats are the most uncomfortable things Ive ever sat on, if I ride in my car for over 30 minutes in a single day my back will be killing me, and I live out in the country so if I go anywhere beyond the gas station by my house it is over 30 minutes. The interior set up is stupid, if you push your seat all the way back you cannot reach the radio and climate controls, but if you move it closer then you feel like youre sitting at a desk because of the huge dash board. The back seat is basically nonexistent, I can fit one of my dogs back there. For such a small car it gets awful gas mileage, I usually average 25 or so, my old Dodge Neon got upwards of 40 mpg. Chevy itself is very rude about fixing the recalls on this car, and basically just acted like I didnt deserve to have a working, safe vehicle. It does what a car basically should do, it goes, it stops, it has seat belts and it has a radio which works (although the CD player does not). But it loses me on all of the little things that matter in a car, comfort, design, fuel consumption. It just doesnt make any sense as a car.

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  Never Again! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By madashell11 - May 22 - 3:01 pm

  where to start...hmmm 2007 4 dr cobalt , parts going after 3 mnths transmission synchro mesh No it is not my driving, suspension all of it replaced , battery has died, starter once , brakes are all kinds of messed up stabilizing link pooched ...worst car ever owned had a 500 $ car once that was more reliable!

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  Worst Car Ive Ever Owned/Driven - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By apex32 - August 4 - 8:50 am

  Just purchased this from ailing grandma. Ive driven and owned both American and foreign cars. Long and short of it, a 99 Ford Focus with 190Kmiles and a broken head gasket drives better than the cobalt with less than 16K miles on it. The cars braking is unresponsive and frighteningly unsafe on the interstate and city. The power steering is more of a suggestion than an actual option. Terrible understeer. Most days I can only attempt to "guide" it rather than steer it. Its a small cramped vehicle and Im 55 150lbs, no features, uncomfortable, unsafe to drive, and no Anti-Lock Breaks? What is this? The 1980s? Seems like ABS should be a standard safety feature as of 2005.

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  Piece of Junk - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Dissatisfied in AZ - February 17 - 7:39 pm

  This car is a piece of junk! Chevy knows absolutely nothing about design and style. It is way over priced. This is like a 10k econo car and they have nerve to sell for way over that. If you live in AZ, this car is definitely junk. It was 75 degrees out today and had to use the AC and it totally dogged out not to mention the ac is cool at best. It will never make it thru the summer. hopefully it will be a lemon so i can get something else that Im not embarrassed to be seen in and is comfortable and affordable. This car should not be allowed on the market. Oh yeah, lets not forget the totally cheesy interior. I think the 1972 Ford Pinto did better than this one! Or the AMC Gremlin.

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  Electric Power Steering As Useless As GM - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By sgtsquarepants - June 26 - 9:47 pm

  This is the first brand new car Ive ever bought. Its now been back to the dealership at least 10 times for various reasons. Half of which Chevy wouldnt fix. Now the topping on the cake is Im driving down the road and the power steering simply quits. After researching the problem, it appears that this is happening to a HUGE number of vehicles. This is EXACTLY why GM is dying and I say good riddance. Ill never buy a GM product again.

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  Leave it on the lot! - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By LucySue8780 - March 20 - 3:31 pm

  I bought my Cobalt and 11 days later, it was in the shop.I have had the car 15 months, and it has been in the shop 6 times for manufacture defects. Just this week, the lock cylinder broke. Its a good thing I was at work and not stuck in a dim parking lot at night.The steering column, the shift assembly, and the lock cylinder have all been replaced. I am waiting on the new radio to come in, which will actually be the 4th radio. The blinkers and front speakers will not work right if your radio is messed up. Very bad blindspots, when trying to look over your shoulder. Poorly designed overall.Fuel mileage, not that great. Brakes dont last.Chevy, quit making this piece of junk! Its not reliable!!!!!!!

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  Junk Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bill - February 10 - 11:51 pm

  This was a replacement vehicle for a 1989 Mazda B2600I 4x4 pickup. What a terrible trade that was. Right off the lot I could tell there was a transmission issue. Dealership refused to look at it because "It was a new car its just a break in period". After about 7k miles the problem got even worse. After several complaints to the dealer and at 15k miles the transmission was shot. After the mechanic tore it apart found some parts were missing, which caused the syncros to wear out. Even after the rebuild the transmission would still refuse to shift into 1st/reverse at times causing me to have to turn the car off to get it into 1st or reverse.

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  Sedan SS, what a bargain - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By ben - February 27 - 7:53 am

  The 2.4SS is such a great bargain. I mean come on, a 4cyl sedan nearly breaking into the 6 second 0-60 mark and running down the 1/4 mile in low 15s for only $17 grand? You cant beat it, with the nicely laid out interior and great sound system, and the best handling in its class. I love it!

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  Not a great car.. very dissapointing - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ashley - April 25 - 1:13 pm

  I have had this car for one year and in the last month I have had to take it to the dealership 5 times. Each time the dealership is unable to find what the problem is. The problems range from shifter column malfunction, stalling, poor gas mileage, sluggish to drive, broken CD player, needed a new heating and cooling system, key gets stuck in the ignition, car wont shift from park to drive, foul odor from vents when heat or vents are used.