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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  Great Car - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mark - June 10 - 2:08 pm

  Ive had my Cobalt LT sedan for a while now. I love it. Its perky, handles well and gets fantastic mileage. I had a Saab 9-3 before and I like the Cobalt seats much more than those in the Saab. Im glad I bought American this time, also.

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  Great Economy Car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jerry Cote - June 7 - 3:10 am

  My Cobalt is an 2008 LS Coupe with a 5 speed. It is the base model that lists at $14,330 and I bought it new for $9989. It is a second car that I use just to get back and forth to work. It is very economical & fairly comfortable. It is quieter than I expected and the stereo sounds nice with the XM radio. Although there is a lot of plastic in the interior, the fit and finish is very good. Overall it is an excellent car.

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  2005 Cobolt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Will Freese - May 28 - 5:23 am

  I recently purchased a 2005 Chevy Cobalt and love driving it. It handles very well around turns and has a deceptive suspension. What I mean by that is that you feel like you are doing 45 mph but really going 70mph. I am usually stuck in rush hour traffic and have the A/C on all the time, but I am getting over 30mpg which is great. The Cobalt has great seats that support your back and lumbar region, which is great if you have a bad back. My only complaint is the large coupe doors are hard to keep open, they want to close even before you are out of the car. Overall it has been a great car, with lots of features for the price.

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  Great Commuter Car and Fun To Drive - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Freddie - May 27 - 5:33 pm

  For the past two months I have been happy to get into my 2009 Chevy Cobalt and drive. There are three things that have impressed me about this car the most, and they are the quietness of the cabin, the strength of the engine at 155 HP and the transmission, being how smooth it is and quiet. There is little to no wind noise at 80 MPH, the engine really responds well and has great passing power when you need it. And the transmission is so smooth whether you are going up or down hills or just cruising on the freeway. The base sound system is great and the steering wheel radio controls make it easy to control when driving. There is plenty of cabins space for a two door.

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  GREAT BANG FOR THE BUCK - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By JOHNC352 - May 24 - 1:46 pm

  I have had this car less than a week and I love it. Engine power is great and the handling is very tight.Very good brakes. the sound system is very good also. Things that I dont like. Small fuel tank, only 13 gal and the fuel economy isnt that great but I hope that it will better after being broke in. Chevrolet needs to redesign the interior. To much cheep looking plastic. Also after I got my car home I discovered that the underhood liner was missing! Now this car went through at least half a dozen quality control people plus the dealership new car PDI and no one caught it! How the dealership handles this problem is yet to be seen.

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  Amazing first car for teenagers! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Shay - April 29 - 5:27 pm

  My dad purchased this car for me as my very first car. I was thrilled. We have had it for 4 years and honestly have had no problems! I have a 4cyl so although its not fast, it has NEVER broken down on me. I cannot find a flaw in it. We have put over 100k miles on it and it still looks and drives as if it was brand new. I definitely recommend this car for anyone looking to make a very good investment. My boyfriend lives an hour away and I have been driving it there and back every weekend for 2 years. It has never given me any kind of problems!

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  Great little Chevrolet - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Yury - April 22 - 6:59 pm

  My first US car, others were imports. I bought it used with 45k on it. I am pleasantly surprised, this car runs very smoothly, acceleration is excellent, confident braking steering is easy, practical interior, only a few squeaks. Spacious trunk, LT trim offers lots of things that make you feel like you are in more expensive car. Had two visits to dealership to fix minor issues left by previous owner. He even did not bother with scheduled maintenance. Good winter tires and careful driving will take you safely through Canadian winter. All in all, Cobalt has personality that is missing in many similar Japanese cars. Nice, solid, fun car with lots of practicality in it.

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  Bad Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Parrish Monroe - April 22 - 3:30 am

  This car is awesome; the only thing i dont like about it is the headlights they are the ugly white color. I like the blue color better. This car reminders me if a Mustang in the back, well except the tail lights

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  Absolute Success - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Phil - April 21 - 9:01 pm

  Performance: 2.2L ECOtec with the 5sp. is a very quick engine for what it is. A+ on the engine. Suspension needs work, too soft in the corners but smooth ride. The rear drums on mine constantly need adjustment. Comfort: I just drove from Ohio to Wyoming and back non-stop and had no problems with comfort. Fuel: For some reason, the higher the RPMs the worse my mileage... still get 26-7 Driveability: This car is a blast for what it is. Design:Exterior looks excellent except for the lame front bumper. Interior is well constructed and looks good but cheap materials were used. Build: Definitely built well Reliability: A couple minor things needed replaced but covered by warantee NICE CAR!

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  I have owned 3 .. and LOVED them all!!!! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By KenyLee - April 12 - 4:22 am

  I received my first 2005 Chevy Cobalt LS for graduation. I ended up getting t-boned by a Ford F-350 going 70 on my driver side.. totaled the Cobalt but i only had a few scratches and was good to go. Next was my 2006 Chevy Cobalt LTZ. 10 times better than the first.. I owned it for 2 yrs had 56000miles on it. i drove it from Georgia to Alaska and had not ONE problem with it the whole time. i ended up trading it in for a 2006 Chevy Cobalt SS supercharged.. i wanted something sporty yet reliable and safe. this was it.. i love it and have had no problems with it yet!