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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  Great mpg on XFE version - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By cobalt_xfe - August 8 - 12:19 pm

  I bought this car as a replacement to a 1993 Audi. I drive a lot and needed good fuel economy. I have almost 5000 miles on the car and my calculated mpg is 37.4. The headrests are uncomfortable from the factory (they tip my head forward), but they are easily reversed and quite comfortable when reversed. It is a little tight with 2 teenage boys in the back, but they can make it work. It handles well. It has good acceleration and cornering. I was a little afraid of the low rolling resistance tires, but they seem to perform well. The stereo is adequate, but lacks fidelity in the bass. I suggest the XFE version over the standard. Its performance seems about the same. Minor lines mismatch on hood

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  Lovin the Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Debbie - July 31 - 4:10 am

  Ive had this car about 3 weeks and love it. I chose this car over the Focus. it has almost the same ride, but the Cobalt has move room and a sporty look to it. It looks like most cars which are way more expensive. My tires are sqeaking like crickets with every bump, due to a wheelcover design which I believe should have been figured out before it was placed on the market. i love the car, but call me sqeaky. Supposedly this is a technical issue w/ Chevy which could lead to a recall. Until then, I have to wait to get this problem resolved. If you own this car, turn off the radio, and roll the windows down, and take a listen, this could your problem too.

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  Great First New Car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Patrick - July 30 - 12:43 pm

  I got the 2LT coupe in black with the appearance package, so it looks like a sport or SS, but sadly doesnt handle or perform quite the same. I definitely prefer performance and handling over the interior styling or comfort, but I also want the car to look good, and my Cobalt does both. It has response, even when compared to my old Volvo 850 Turbo. The handling is smooth, which makes this car fun on back country roads. My mom has the sedan sport, and even though she has the Pioneer speakers, mine still get super loud and have excellent bass.

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  2006 Chevrolet Cobalt LS - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kourtney Graves - July 28 - 10:10 am

  A very sporty car. Fits well in all parking spaces. Good view of other cars through mirrors and windows, Radio is very nice, good quality sound. Nice trunk space. Nice interior gages with different features as oil levels, fuel range, coolant temp, etc at the push of a button. Car seats go in and out well. Good car for college student, parents with small children, or if you just want to save money on gas. Nice ride quality, steering, and easy under the hood accesability. And believe it or not, even the base model is quick on its feet, its fun to quickly pass up more sportier cars, and see them dwindle away in your rear view mirror. Great car.

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  Awesome - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Paul Justice - July 22 - 1:30 am

  I bought this car to drive to and from work. It turns out that for only $20k you can get a car with this much zip and is so much fun to drive. Over 30mpg for a car that can beat most compacts off the line. Buy this car. It is so much fun and sporty looking too.

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  Buy a Cobalt! - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jenny - July 21 - 4:07 pm

  I overall love my little Cobalt. I bought a brand new 2008 Cobalt LT coupe, and now have 1,500 miles on it. I recently got it to 41 MPG average on the highway with the cruise control on. I got 0% interest for 60 months, so it was a smart buy too. I always liked the Cavaliars, but these feel less cheap, and more roomy. I got the dark Blue Metallic, and it really sparkles. The color is my favorite part, but hard to keep clean. I would have opted for the darker seats too, I got my light seats sprayed with a special scotch guard type spray with a warranty to keep the interior looking nice. Spoiler makes it dangerously hard to see out of back, but love the ways it makes the exterior look.

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  Chevy Cobalt - a good value - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By pvs68 - July 20 - 9:08 pm

  The base model seems to be the most car for the money and the quality so far seems to be competitive to leading imports. Even the most basic model comes with standard features that other cars in its class don’t come with. It is also easy and inexpensive to perform your own preventative maintenance (oil changes) on too. I like mine, a 2 door standard transmission, because it is sporty, economical, and practical. I did extensive research before buying it and had the most confidence with this purchase.

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  Great car for tall person - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By So happy - July 18 - 4:57 pm

  I am 6 7" and am very happy with my LS. I tried getting into most all the other compact cars and I just could not fit in them. I have not had a single problem with the car since I purchased. Perfect commuter car. I get about 30-31MPG combined and get 36- 37 MPG on the highway.

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  This car has been fantastic! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Brent - July 14 - 1:57 am

  I bought this car for my wife brand new and we currently have 37,000 miles on it. Other than having the key get stuck in the ignition (fixed under warranty) and replacing front brake pads, we havent touched the car. It gets great gas mileage and looks good to boot. Couldnt ask for anything better.

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  Great Car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Rob - July 12 - 11:36 pm

  I bought the sport version and so far it has been a pleasure. Looks good, drives good. It gets good gas mileage. Even with the the 171 hp version I average 28mpgs.