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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  And people wonder why GM is in trouble - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By John - March 11 - 12:30 am

  This car is fun to drive, and gets great mileage. However, it is NOT reliable. I have had the rear seal replaced at 32K miles because of a sudden and massive oil leak. The interior components are of a quality that is below a Barbie toy corvette. I think it is the same plastic, minus the pink color. The latest thing is failure to start at 62k miles. No one has a clue what is wrong with it, because there are no engine codes stored in the computer! It is barely over the 60k limit, and I am now stuck with a 3200lb paper weight. Maybe GM should close up shop. This will be the last GM vehicle I own after many years of patronage.

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  SS coupe alot of car for the money - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tom - March 9 - 5:29 am

  The cobalt SS is one powerful piece of machinery. The handling and power you get is unmatched of any car at this price range. One free year of OnStar and 3 free months of XM radio really sweeten an already good deal. My friend is a real snob about cars and hates American cars. After showing him a lot of SS reviews and giving him a ride in my new car he has had to admit this is a good car.

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  You better have that warranty - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cody - February 27 - 6:22 pm

  steering gear went out, windows vision warped, rotors warped, car interior RATTLES, glove box rattles, exhaust heat shield makes vibrating sounds, steering clunks over dips. Look people this is common for cobalts. Ill be honest, dont buy this car. Great power, and handling but things will break. Its not a maybe. This car isnt a lemon either... this is very common issues. Without the warranty your looking at a big issue. This is a cheaply made car. GM is failing and I dont care because this is what they sell. Go buy a Nissan, dont waste your money for god sake dont make the mistake I did.

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  FUN, FUN, FUN.....needs a tiny tweak. - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By mdillman - February 27 - 5:03 pm

  Overall I love this car - I won the car in a contest and decided before I took delivery the sport coupe was not for me. I test drove 10 cars at least and still could not find anything I liked better than this sporty coupe. Fast, quiet and smooth. Mileage averages 28-30 and the dashboard readout is a nice option. This would be a great car for my teenager, but I dont want to turn it loose!

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  Great Value - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By GV - February 19 - 7:28 pm

  Ive owned the car for about a month and havent got a single regret. Got the car at an exceptional price with all the incentives even though I hadnt planned on buying a car. This car is way quicker than my venerable 98 Sunfire and with way more ammenities for thousands of dollars less. The car is a pleasant surprise with all its features, conveniences and style.

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  Love it! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Scott - February 17 - 12:49 pm

  I have owned this car for over a year now and I love it. I would recommend this car to anyone. I have yet to have a problem with it. Now its not the most comfortable or stand out interior I have seen, but for the price its a great car. The handling is very good, I have driven a few other new cars (Mazda 3, Hyundai Elantra, Civic) I prefer the handling of the Cobalt. Its not sporty, just precise and easy.

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  Great Little Car (LS/2.2 Automatic) - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Andrew - January 24 - 8:58 pm

  Im a six and a half foot tall guy and my Cobalt has more than ample front seat room for me. Im a teacher and commute 90 miles per day to work, and 400 miles a weekend to my summer job for the past two years and I have had not one single problem with the car. Performance is great for the 2.2 engine as a commuter car. I currently have 73500 miles on the car and only have brought it back to the dealership for regular maintenance. When I keep it at 60-65 MPH on the highway, I regularly get about 425 miles to a tank of gas. In the summers, I drive from the Jersey Shore to Scranton, PA, and back, and still have enough in the tank to drive around town for a couple days. Id recommend to all.

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  Trustworthy - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By John - January 20 - 6:23 am

  This has been one my better vehicles ever. Except for a factory replacement of the fuel level sending unit a few days after purchase, (it wasnt gauging correctly), Ive had no problems. My wife uses it for a 50 mile daily commute and it keeps on going. It still runs like brand new and drives as straight as new, hasnt needed an alignment as of yet.

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  My Red Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By RedCobaltLS - January 19 - 4:16 am

  Its a good car no problems yet? So far Ive got 2800+ miles on it. I hope the next 5 yrs dont bring me pain..Knock on wood. But Im finding out how hard it was to replace the headlight bulb. I wanted brighter lights and had to take off the whole headlight to gain access to the bulb. But other then that its a good car.

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  5000 mile Chevy Cobalt review - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By kochise - January 8 - 6:19 pm

  Nice little car to get around town in. I dont like the seats or interior. I think the seats are made very cheap. I bought for gas mileage and the price range was what I could afford to keep maintained. I think the interior is really cheap.