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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  08 Chevy Cobalt - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Chosen1 - July 27 - 7:25 pm

  I got my Cobalt 3 months ago and I havent had any problems. It handles great and is the best small sized car from GM. FINALLY GM has learned how to created a small car with great quality.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kade Joslin - July 27 - 9:55 am

  The car is great! Plenty of room for me and the few passengers I drive around with on the weekends. I am 62" and fit in the drivers seat perfectly wit the seat adjusted of course. The rear seat has little to no leg room if myself and another tall person are sitting in the front seats. The gas mileage is great for commuting to work and school, filling the tank is super cheap compared to my 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 I had before. The 5speed manual equipped in the car shifts nice and can handle the power-shifting I do when I feel driving fast. The engine/exhaust has a nice tone also. I put a K&N Short Ram Intake system on it to spice up the performance, gas mileage and sound. It is the best running vehicle Ive had and it did awesome during the winter. If youre a parent looking for a car for your child, this is the car to get. Its cheap to buy, its reliable, sporty and gets great gas mileage.

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  Best bang for your buck - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By gregp1 - July 26 - 6:04 pm

  Traded in a 2007 GMC 4x4 pickup due to a job transfer and a 60 mile a day drive to and from work. Took a while to get use to smaller size, I am a 62" man, but after a week it is comfortable. Mileage is super, 28 mpg average with spirited driving. Ride comfort is great with SS seats. Handles like it is on rails. Turbo 4 cylinder is fun, runs better than most V8s. To bad GM is stopping production, this car puts a smile on your face.

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  Love my Cobalt - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Latona - July 7 - 4:47 pm

  I love my new cobalt! The vehicle was much better than I initally thought. My Cobalt is fully loaded with Black leather interior, Premium Pioneer sound system (with a sub!),heated seats, Onstar, Bluetooth, HUGE sunroof. I like the fact that my Chevy makes it easy to keep your car up on maintenance as well. I know my tire pressure, coolant levels, oil level, gas mileage and more. I never paid attention to that stuff before, I always had my husband take care of it. The trunk is also very big. We are very Pleased with our purchase!

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  Best Compact Car In Years - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By krocket - July 5 - 1:56 pm

  Ive owned Honda Accords, and Toyota Camrys (from the early 90s, back when they were mostly 4 cylinder). The Cobalt is a sedan to be reckoned with. It is by far the best handling car I have owned to date. Highly recommend it to everyone! They are fun to drive, and great on gas. 145 HP, and 205 on the SS! Plenty of room for passengers and drivers. I have the 16" wheels, sport package, along with upgraded stereo and subwoofer. Turns on a dime! Nice size trunk, cool having the battery in the trunk! Driver information center is a treat. I plan to keep this car for a very very long time. Buy one, you wont regret it!

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  Underestimated - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jdc7659 - July 2 - 2:36 pm

  The Cobalt is more capable and fun to drive than any of its competitors.

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  My new Toy - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tonya - June 30 - 6:46 pm

  I purchased this vehicle Dec 05 with 4 miles on it. I cannot say enough about the 06 Cobalt. I truly love it. Its handling, the way it looks, warranties, etc. It was the best purchase I have ever made. And talk about great fuel economy. My household has 2 people driving this 1 vehicle and we still only fill up 1x/wk for about $25.00. The insurance is awesome too. I recommend this vehicle to everyone!

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  Chevy Cobalt Exceeded my expectation - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ding - June 25 - 11:52 am

  This vehicle drives very well, makes tight turns, responds quickly. The fit and finish is great, with no uneven gaps between body panels. The fuel economy is better than posted. I drive a mix of local roads and highway, and get about 32 MPG on average (with automatic transmission). The rear seats have ample leg rooms for my 2 teenage sons. Transmission is especially smooth. Never feel anything with gear changes. The vehicle has substantial weight, so on highway it does not "drift". A great value!

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  LOVE it! - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By SCMCGirl - June 11 - 4:12 pm

  I bought my Cobalt a year ago and still LOVE it! I had always driven v8s so was a little concerned about going to a 4 cyl, but was very surprised with how much power it actually has. It also handles very well. I live on back country roads and it takes curves wonderfully. Plenty of trunk space makes traveling easy. Also has a GREAT stereo system. The remote start is also great for warming up or cooling down the interior before getting. The back seat is a little tight though.

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  A hoot to drive - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By 01Z2806TBSS09CSS - June 11 - 3:27 pm

  I picked up a Cobalt SS Sedan to compliment the 01 Z28 and 06 TrailBlazer SS that I own. I have to say that I am totally impressed with the Cobalt SS. What a surprising car! If I had not seen on at my local track I would never have given owning one a thought. The handling of these cars is second to none. You forget you are in a FWD vehicle. Straight acceleration is a blast and you dont realize how fast you are going due to how stable the car is at speed. Gas mileage is great. With the cruise on at 55 Im getting 30+ MPG. City Im getting mid twenties.