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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  Streetable Track Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Brian - March 5 - 7:24 pm

  One of the best cars Ive owned. I use it as my daily driver and weekend racer. I get 30 mpg on the freeway and 25 in town. I avg. about 27 mpg combined. Stock it has great power, track ready suspension, nice clean shifting gear box, good stereo- almost good enough to blow out the windows,comfy Recaro race buckets. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a sporty but gas friendly car or for road racing/ autocross. I also recommend upgrading it to the GMPP stage 2 kit for increased power.

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  Excellent car - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Roger - March 3 - 9:23 pm

  I bought a bottom of the line Cobalt for commuting. The price was unbeatable and the MPG is wonderful. Chevrolet has come a long way in quality. I have never really been happy with GM products , but this one changed my mind. It a pleasure to own and drive. The interior is wonderful and it has plenty of comfort. I love this little car and Im glad I didnt settle for an import. Thanks Chevrolet. Its a wonderful and reliable car!

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  Arrival blue, SS coupe - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Katiebug12199 - February 26 - 10:30 pm

  I absolutely love my Cobalt. Ive had it for 5 months now. I came from a Honda Civic and never imagined Id afford a car with this much power. People stop me to tell me how much they love the car and the color. I drove it from MD to TN with no problems. Its had minor issues with the shifter and rotors but the car had been sitting for a while before I bought it and it was fixed right away for me. Its fun and sporty. All my friends want to drive it but Im not ready to get out of the drivers seat yet. I cant wait to personalize it with some aftermarket parts. I started out years ago in an 89 Cavalier Z24 that was passed on to me and hope this one lasts just as long.

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  Good car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kelly84 - February 22 - 9:03 pm

  I leased my Cobalt in 2005 and enjoyed having the car. I loved the gas mileage and turning radius that it had. I didnt like that the paint chipped within 2 weeks around the stereo. The door pull handle in the car broke off and I was cut badly many times.

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  Pretty Great Car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Daniel - February 7 - 10:11 pm

  The LS build was certainly a fun car to drive. Obviously its not a sport, so performance is not its focus. The LS is built tight with pretty good suspension. Despite the size of the engine, acceleration was adequate. The interior is clean and easy to follow with no confusion among the cluster gauges. The only thing I regret when I owned the car was that I opted for the basic model. Id strongly recommend upgrading to a higher model with automatic features, because it certainly improves the convenience. The fact that ABS is not standard is disconcerting. Ive not owned it a long time, so the Chevrolet rapport is disconcerting. Not too sure if this car will last like a Toyota.

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  Great car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By brnwrng - February 2 - 9:55 am

  I replaced my 05 Cavalier for an 05 Cobalt after the Cavalier was wrecked in a car accident. The Cobalt is everything the Cavalier was and more. It has great fuel mileage and has more power. The interior is a great upgrade from the Cavalier.

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  Nice reliable car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Steph - January 29 - 12:46 pm

  I bought my 08 LT sedan last May. Ive put 10k miles on it so far and it has been a pretty good car to drive. Its handled very well in the ice and snow recently. The remote start option has been good this winter with having an infant. Driving a mix of city and highway, I tend to get about 28 mpg. That was nice while gas prices were up. Even now that gas is back down its still wonderful not to have to spend as much on gas.

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  Go American - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By mr_comfort31 - January 25 - 11:23 am

  I looked at all the other small cars in this class and the Cobalt shined. The Kias and Hyundais I drove had no guts and felt very shaky. Honda and Toyota are expensive and arent what theyre billed to be. The Chevy has a great engine and tranny. The auto holds gears much longer than expected, and it can move onto the highway with no problem. The inside is well appointed also. The auto headlights are a plus, and so is the sound and climate controls. The little bits of chrome arounf the controls is a good finisher. The thing looks great after a wash and wax. GM did a great job here.

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  2009 Nova SS - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Lance - January 23 - 8:14 pm

  I bought my SS Cobalt without driving one as every state west of the Mississipi had only 5 SS. I ordered one after reading my Road and Track, Motor Trend Mags and going around the Nurmburings track with a professional driver in the rain no less. Lap times just above 8 minutes, and the driver expressed great impressions of what the car is able to do. Seeing as how I want to do what I can to help the economy and own a true muscle car matching the numbers of a Buick GS 455, and getting 2 to 3 times the mileage I bought one. I have 4500 miles on the car, perfect seats that my 90 year old mother could actually not have pain after 8 hours in the passenger seat, and scarry fast, like-Corvette

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  Love my Lil Red Coupe - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kyle - January 19 - 7:06 am

  I traded in my 00 Mustang V6 that was a piece of junk for this 09 Cobalt. It is my first new car and I am really pleased with my decision. The OnStar and XM are my favorite features plus the XFE sticker on the trunk is cool even though Im not sure what it means. I assume it is the sport package? At 64 and 330 lbs I fit very comfortably and dont feel cramped like I was in the mustang. I drive 100 miles to college and then 20 to work. so the gas mileage is very important. I am getting double what the Mustang was. Great car and worth the money.