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:

• 

  08 Cobalt LS - glad I bought it - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By norb - November 11 - 2:42 pm

  Very good, solid car overall. Fun to drive, reasonably priced compared to the competition, and easy on gas. Ive put about 5000 miles on the car and have had no problems. Ive been getting 25-26 mpg around town, 31 mpg on longer trips, and I do have a habit of standing on the gas!

• 

  Extremely pleased with the Cobalt SS - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Chase Hess - November 4 - 7:30 am

  This car is very well rouded. It has performance, handling, style, fuel economy and isnt too expensive; $19,500 brand new w/all but 6 disc changer Power is solid up to 3500 rpm and then she just screams all the way up to redline at 6500 rpm with an auto trans The power is exhilarating. Handling is absoltutely superb while maintaining a pleasant ride (even my wife doesnt complain). Fuel economy is good considering the power (175 HP). I usually get about 26 miles per gallon with a pretty even split of city and highway driving(and my pedal to the floor). I think this car is the total package. I test drove a few other competitors with comparable economy and the Cobalt SS was the obvious choice

• 

  Great Car! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By AmZ - November 4 - 3:30 am

  Great driving, very smooth! Comfortable and spacious. Back seats are great! 3 adult size people fit very comfortable compared as the Eclipse Coupe. Sport look! Beautiful car! I highly recomend this car!

• 

  Reliable Commuter Car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mike O - November 3 - 12:35 am

  My Cobalt LS 4-door has been a great purchase and a terrific commuter car. I bought the car new for a very good price which included a rebate, dealer discount and GM Card credits. Out the door with a 100K mile warranty set me back $12.8K. The car has 15,000 miles on it and it has not needed any repairs thus far. The car is very reliable and runs flawlessly. I do the maintenance myself, which is very simple. Im pretty tall and I find the driver seat very comfortable. drive about 60 miles/day, so Im in the car about 2- 1/2 hrs/day. The car gets >30 mpg and has plenty of pep. The car handles pretty well for a small car.

• 

  Cobalt is a keeper - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kelvin - October 21 - 6:20 pm

  On our first long trip we got 33-35 mpg. Seats were comfortable considering it is a sub-compact. Very quiet ride, little tire noise with the Perelli tires and 16 inch wheels that came with the sports package.

• 

  My hot car! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kim - October 19 - 11:26 pm

  Overall I love it. I have a traveling job so I spend a lot of time in my car. My father is a mechanic and he typically is a "Ford guy", but he really liked the run of this model, which is a good sign to me! Due to my job, good gas mileage was the main reason for my choice with this car, its an added perk that it has so many other good qualities. One thing is for sure, my friends never turn down a chance to drive it!

• 

  Great Performance for the price! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By linz - October 16 - 10:38 am

  Ive had this car for over 2 years now and have 45000 miles on it. I had to order the car because I could not find an SS with a five speed and all the options I wanted. So I hadnt test drove one when it was ordered.Ive never had to take it in for service but did replace the brakes and rotors at 40,000. The interior aluminum paint has started to chip from wear and tear and the steering wheel leather has started to fade. I previously had a 2005 Grand Am GT and it was in the shop twice in the 2 years I owned it. The Grand Am had more get up and go than the cobalt but it was a V6 automatic. Decent car for the price, but some improvements could be made. Back seat is extremely comfortable for a coupe

• 

  One of the best cars Ive had - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By souprdog - October 7 - 5:55 pm

  Ive had this car for about 2 months now and I think the Cobalt SS (5 speed) is very under-rated among the other cars in its class and price range. With a stock engine pushing 205hp the car is very reliable. The day after I bought the Cobalt I drove 1100 just stoping to fill up for gas. In a month I put over 2000 miles on the car. Ihe interior is average for the size of the car. It does have a pretty big trunk. Also the factory Pioneer audio system with the sub was a very nice touch. The only problem that I had with the car was if you pump octane 83 gas on it (like I did) and drive for about 7-8 hrs the car will feel shaky like its not getting enough fuel so I stick with pumping it with 91 octane

• 

  Excellent car for the money - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By balt lover - October 6 - 6:00 pm

  I purchased this car nearly 7 months ago, and it has completely surpassed my expectations. I am just over 6 feet tall, and of all the small cars I tested this one felt the most comfortable to me. It is extremely fun to drive, and even with my heavy foot, I average about 28 mpg in town, and have gotten as much as 38 on the highway. I would highly recomend this car to anyone looking for an econobox that is a kick to drive.

• 

  Cobalt Review - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Daniel - October 4 - 6:00 pm

  The new Chevy Cobalt is an awesome car. It has great handling as well as some real get up and go. It out does V6 Mustangs and other cars with that kind of power. it has had some kinks like the E-brake light flashing on and off for no reason. Chevy realized it was a simple error in the car computer and fixed it. Both my interior door handles broke but all of that was covered in the warrenty. Overall, the new Cobalt is a fun car to drive. I am happy with the work GM put into this car.