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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  Detroits Little Muscle - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Michael - January 3 - 9:04 pm

  I bought this car for my wife after trading in on a 2001 GMC Jimmy. Havent had a whole lot of problems with the car. There were at times that it seemed to run rather hot, but the dealershp mechanics stated that running up over 235+ degrees is common. As long as the light doesnt come on and the vehicle doesnt run sluggish it perfectly OK. Also at around the same time the vehicle tended to want to stall out especially at sudden stops. But after a needed oil change and running the 93 octane with an octane booster/ injector cleaner it went away. The 148hp motor is very responsive and doesnt hesitate to peel the tires from a dead stop. I find it fun to drive when the wife lets me

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  My first Chevy - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ron Freborg - December 20 - 10:41 pm

  My commute is 135 miles per day, and the gas prices were eating me alive in my 22 mpg Ranger. We determined that if I could get about 32 mpg, the gas savings would make the car payment. The car felt good, the dealer wasnt pushy and although it was used it was a certified car. I have taken it to the dealer for two minor warrenty issues, and have been very happy. This is a great little comuter car, that for 2 avg size people could be a cross country car. The interior has a few issues with the cheap plastic, but for the price of this car, its quite affordable with a good safety rating. For the same price, I could have got an older, high milage Corolla without as many features

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  The Blue Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jason H. - December 17 - 7:06 am

  Have had the Cobalt since the beginning of August. Great car with some exceptions. I have had some major/minor glitches. My back window shattered out of no where, my sunroof switch cover fell off and has not been replaced yet, my car is rattling, and my emergency break light seems to come on at random when driving.

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  Rollover and walk away - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By mike - December 10 - 5:20 pm

  We bought this car for my 18 year old daughter for her high school graduation. She loved it and we loved the cost. Last Sunday she had an accident on the highway in which she hit some black ice. Smashed into a wall. And than the car rolled over landing on the roof. She was wearing her seatbelt. Thank God. Without a scratch she gets out of the car. Calls me first and than called 911. I arrived before the emergency services and she was sittinbg on the side of the road with out a scratch on her. Needless to say that after the insurance pays off I will be getting her another Cobalt. This car did a great job in protecting my kid and it will do the same for yours, buy American. All in all I cant thank Chevy caring enough and not cheaping out on the safety aspect of this little economy car

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  Great car for price, needs work - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Brittany - December 10 - 8:58 am

  I love this car. For being a young female its great, a lot better than my old Escort. It does need a little help though. I dont have a lot of rear seat passengers but they couldve given the rear more leg room. Very roomy in front. Only problem Im having is with the brakes. Yes, after 6500 miles the rotors got warped. Composite rotors with semi metallic pads dont combine well. Its a nice little car for me, rides smooth (other than the brake issue), good on gas and comfy for a tall person like me. Decent style outside for the price. I paid for what I got. Not much to complain about with it.

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  Good gas mileage? - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bob H - December 5 - 7:50 am

  Bought this car new in March of 2007 and currently have just over 20k miles. The selling points of this vehicle were the gas mileage and comfort of the interior (considering its size). The sticker stated 24 mpg city and around 30 mpg highway. On the highway the car gets the 30 mpg but in the city Im lucky to get 17mpg. I have a 1999 Subaru Outback with 189K miles that gets better mileage in the city. Very dissapointed. The car its self is pretty reliable. I had it to the dealer 5 times (3 for the same problem). I think the 5 trips to the dealer speaks more for the dealership than the car. Finally, if you get this car step up to the LT model. No power windows or door locks gets tiresome.

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  Cobalt XFE - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bob - December 1 - 7:37 am

  XFE (5 speed) is tuned for highway driving. Flat terrain at 58mpg = 38-42mpg. Subtract 4-5 mpg for air conditioner! Poor in town mpg (23-26). Not good for stop and go commuting in a hot climate. Enjoy XM radio. Good seat adjustments (up/down, back-forth, tilt-lumbar). Chevy. Get rid of Coupe design. Dangerous, cannot see out of back, especially with worthless spoiler. Change to hatchback. Trunk is deep, but opening is miniscule. Cant even put a standard cooler chest in it. Poor access to rear seats. Also Chevy failed to support the XFE sedan. Could not find 1 in the whole US! Corporate didnt know either. Inexcusible. No wonder they are bankrupt!

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  Love it but hate it - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By britt - November 3 - 10:03 pm

  I love my Cobalt. It gets great gas mileage. However I hate it. I have had my steering column replaced twice along with the control arms on both sides. These problems also created more issues for me with my brakes and needing to replace my tires because the dealership refused to fix them when I took my car in. But finally with persistence the issues were resolved. But its a month later and the noise is back. I was told this was not a problem that is heard of with my car but lately I hear that the cobalt is known for their front end issues. But other than the front end issue and overall when my car is fixed I do honestly enjoy it.

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  Chevy Cobalts. Good Gas Mileage. Reliable - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mike - November 2 - 11:16 am

  I own a 2005 Chevy Cobalt LT 4 Door sedan, and I must say that this car has been extremely reliable. I average about 800 - 1000 miles a week driving on this car for work, and it has held up well. It currently has 166,000 miles on it and no major work needed. I dont care what people say about Chevy and GM, they do make wonderful cars. We also own a 2001 Malibu with 232,000 miles on it. An 2006 Equinox with only 19,000 miles on it and a new 2009 Cadillac CTS. All have required only minor work and maintenance done to them. If you keep up with the maintenance they will be reliable cars. We have twins that will be driving soon, and they will be getting the ever reliable Malibu and Cobalt

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  Coballt SS/SC - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By SharpMan - October 15 - 9:40 am

  Looks great, fun to drive, good gas mileage. Build quality acceptable for price range of vehicle.