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:

• 

  Cobalts are JUNK - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By PA Cobalt Owner - June 16 - 7:26 pm

  Was happy with the car for the first couple of weeks, but since it has been nothing but a headache. All sorts of problems including door locks trapping us in or out of car, serious vibrations when driving, cheap and fast-wearing interior, manual tranny problems, leaking sunroof, and headlight issues.

• 

  Amazing car! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By amazing car! - June 13 - 3:48 pm

  I bought my car in April of this year. Im a 16 year old girl and this is my first car. I have a 2 door lt orange car automatic w. Leather seats. I absolutely love this car! I couldnt have picked a better one! I love driving it and its very reliable. I havent had anything go wrong with it which is good. But it is a great car for new drivers! I would definitely recommend this car!

• 

  Too many problems - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Dayna - June 9 - 11:26 am

  Granted, I bought my car used from a used dealership Im reading all the above problems from all other consumers and find Im having the same problems! Struts! Radio locking up! The metal lining on interior doors chipped and very sharp! Power steering! Shakes when I go to a stop like its going to stall out on me and now the car wont even start! The engine light just comes on!

• 

  Junk! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By usereks1187 - June 9 - 10:01 am

  Bought car when it was one year old, spent so much time in shop I got a second car so I had something to drive. All the interior trim has broken the front end has pretty much fallen apart steering is awful had many transmission problems. Dealership service along with GM customer service is the worst I have ever seen. Do yourself a favor and a big headache get something other then GM.

• 

  Awesome car - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Renea - June 8 - 10:04 am

  I love my Cobalt! Handles great, dependable, looks fantastic, plenty of room in back seat and front lays way back. Perfect car

• 

  Just bought mine used 2.4 L - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By liltrey - May 27 - 10:27 pm

  Just bought this used. Ive had it for about 3 weeks now and nothing has gone wrong yet just noticed that the passenger window rolls up slower than the driver side. No biggy just hope the window motor doesnt go bad. Good sized 4 cyl got some get up and go. Like the sounds system, its good for being stock. The only thing I want to do to this car is put in a turbo kit and she will fly.

• 

  Heres mine - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By mike - May 25 - 10:01 am

  Bought an 06 LS coupe Dec 2005. With in 1½ year had 80,000 miles on it ( a lot of free way driving). MPG is 25 city, 36 highway. At 89K CEL light on - was an old hose. Replaced it (cost $20 for a 2 inch hose). Now, getting 30 MPG city and right over 40 highway. Interior could be better, at 115K, still on original rotors, shoes, pads, shocks, exhaust & clutch. Last dealer check shows no issues with any of them. Had 2 recalls on it so far. Paid $12K for it and was worth it!

• 

  Not bad so far. - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By skypfry550 - May 21 - 7:12 pm

  Ive had the vehicle four years now. I declined to return it after the four year Smart Buy. Ill own it in three more years. 50,000 miles on it. No problems whatsoever except for the radio, which I had to replace at about 40,000 miles. Its been very reliable. I took a leap of faith by keeping it. I hope not to encounter any major problems before it hits 100,000 so Im gonna continue keeping it serviced regularly and take it easy out there.

• 

  Im back (2 years later) - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By cragman1 - May 19 - 10:30 am

  Third review from me on my 08 Cobalt base LS w/automatic. Most owners probably either sell or trade 2 yr old cars nowadays. Which is my reason for a 3rd review. Since buying this in Jan of 08, weve seen Toyota go through their inevitable fall from grace, and Hondas numbers are down as well - no doubt due to lack of interest from generation X, Y, or is it Z by now? Either way, once we have all small cars starting to look like Scions or Mazdas, Id swear its starting to look like a science fiction movie version of The Stepford Wives - only done in a small car theme! ~0 . Anyway, I still have my 08 white Cobalt with nifty round red taillights and it still purrs along nicely!

• 

  Awful arm rest - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By lee - May 17 - 3:33 pm

  After reading a number of complaints, I can count myself blessed. My problem is the arm rest that collapse under warranty and now has collapsed again. The trim around the sun roof fell off. I was told that I had to purchase the kit & it was simple to snap back in place. I couldnt do it. Paid 48.00 for the dealer to put it on, same problem the trim has fallen off again. Visor mirror cover snap off in my hand. Buyer beware of the small things too.