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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  Good so far - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jeff - April 15 - 9:46 am

  I was looking at all the usuals. But I could not afford a VW, the Mazda only had like a 2yr 24,000 warranty, the Toyota dealer would not give me the time of day, and the Accent was too small. So between the Focus and Cobalt the Cobalt won. Mine is stripped, no add ons. Good ride, but cheap tires. Getting 30-33 MPG. Decent interior, but cheap plastic on the door sills. Big trunk. Roomy for a compact car. 11,000 miles on it and no problems except for a flat tire. Had a bit of molded rubber on the bead, dealer fixed. It will get out of its own way, but not a hot hatch. Cant beat the price

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  07 Cobalt LS 5sp updated - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By ken - April 13 - 9:21 pm

  This is an update from my 9/13/07 post. This is a great little car. Fuel economy is 34 to 36 on my mostly highway commute at about 60 mph. Got 40 mpg on trip once. Seats are still comfortable. Shifting is not as crisp as when new. Never been back to dealer for any warranty service. Oil change is super easy with the front cartridge filter and oversize filler cap. Tires will need to be replaced before next winter.

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  A big person in a little car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Leroy Kroll - April 8 - 6:30 am

  I bought my Cobalt in June of this year and have put almost 7000 miles on it. I must admit a couple of things. First of all I am 61 and 240lbs, so getting into a small car would seem impossible right? Not so with the Cobalt. As a matter of fact Im very comfortable sitting in it. I especially like the idea of being able to stretch my legs out and not have them hitting the dashboard. We recently drove to Florida and back in it. The car rode beautifully. I really liked the fuel economy I was getting during the trip. I was getting on average 34mpg, and that was doing 75mph on the highway. My wife especially likes the way the seat adjusts. All in all so far, the Cobalt is fun!

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  Follow up review at 15K miles - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tomster - March 29 - 9:33 pm

  I have already reviewed my 2008 Cobalt LS sedan once, but I thought folks might appreciate an update. I have now owned the car almost ten months, and I have 15,150 miles on it. The car has performed flawlessly, and I have not had a single issue with it. I am getting about 27 or 28 MPG overall average, which is not too bad in my opinion for an automatic. I live in a rural area, and my driving is mostly on hilly, curvy, two lane country roads and in town. I am still amazed by how that little Cobalt will scoot! That 2.2L engine is amazingly powerful. I am extremely happy with the car.

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  Love my Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jim H - March 29 - 2:20 pm

  Great little car as a daily driver. Sunroof occasionally squeaks, also have a squeaky noise somewhere around the left rear side window. No problems in over a year and a half. Good factory performance, though I just ordered a cold air intake to replace the restrictive factory intake to try and eliminate throttle lag. Very comfortable and easy to drive, I’ve had no problems with blind spots with the exception of the high profile wing blocking a significant portion of the rear view. Mirrors are plenty big for side blind spots if you lean forward slightly.

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  Ford Girl, turns Chevy - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By michelle n - March 28 - 3:43 pm

  I recently traded my 2003 Ford Explorer for the 2009 Chevy Cobalt LT XFE 4-door sedan, in sport red, with a manual 5 speed transmission. I love the way this car rides and handles. I especially love the mpg this car gets, I travel 40+miles, six days a week, and Im averaging 29.9 mpg. Compared to my Explorer, this is like getting gas for half price. Considering this is a compact car, it is extremely roomy, with quite a large trunk. I cant believe how quietly this car travels, with no road noise to be heard. The OnStar is a plus also. Great car for the price. I love it!

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  A Decent Car for the Price - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Peter - March 25 - 12:13 am

  The first flaw I noticed with this car was that there is a severe premium on storage space. My map book wouldnt even fit in the glove compartment! The (optional) arm rest storage compartment is a must-have, even though it interferes with the parking brake. I found that the seat belt latch was located a little too close to the body and therefore difficult to access. The seats themselves are comfortable enough and there is more than enough head and leg room (Im 6). The display module is located a little too low on the dash. I found that it was obscured by the steering wheel spokes while turning so that the "low traction" warning couldnt be seen if you were turning on a patch of ice.

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  Good value - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By AA - March 21 - 6:04 pm

  Great price. Overall good features with the LT package, great fuel economy, smooth ride and comfortable even for a tall person like me.

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  Nice Economy car for a good price - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By PD - March 16 - 9:46 pm

  Just got the car today. Its a base auto with AC and ABS. It drives and rides pretty good for an economy car. Gets very good gas mileage so far 30+ mpg. Got mine for 12.5k which is a great price for a new car. Its not the most exciting car to drive, but thats not why I bought it.

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  Good little car, Good mileage. - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By kellyraew - March 16 - 12:18 pm

  Fun to drive, great u-turns, and good mileage. 123,000 miles so far. For the most part, I have been happy with my Cobalt up until recently, and I dont know if I should blame the car or my teen who drives it a lot! The key gets stuck in the ignition, and if I pull back gently on the shift lever while in PARK, the ignition locks so the key will come out. The radio/cd player has locked up on it own a couple of times, but then unlocks itself. Check engine goes on and off occasionally, and ENGINE POWER REDUCED too. But I shut down the car, restart it 20 min later and the problem goes away. Might have faulty PCM, heard there is a bulletin out on that particular Cobalt problem.