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:

• 

  Better than some say - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By connin - July 6 - 7:55 pm

  I bought a 2005 Chevy Cobalt SS supercharged and so far I think it is a good car. I have fun driving it. There is a lot of power up dates that you can buy for them, and it gets better gas mileage than my last car. More power than Cooper

• 

  Pretty Cool - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cynt - July 6 - 6:25 pm

  Before I got this car I had a 2000 Chevy Prism that was amazing. So to compare the two has its ups and downs. The Prism got way better gas mileage. With the Cobalt it probably get about 25-29 MPG where before I was getting at least 35MPG. Its really stylish and I love the MP3 jack. Getting on the highway is great because it doesnt take long to get up to speed. I didnt get power locks or window and thats the biggest regret. It stinks to have to reach over and unlock doors and manually roll down windows. Wish the radio would crank up a little louder also. I love the digital display for the information center. However I wish OnStar and ABS was a standard. Overall pretty good and fun to drive!!

• 

  great car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By hud - June 30 - 9:50 am

  Had it for a year now and a great car with lots of power. 33 EPA and lots of fun to drive. Fairly loaded for $14000

• 

  Good concept, poor execution - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Brian - June 25 - 11:36 pm

  Poor build quailty! Ive had nothing but problems with this car. I bought this over the SRT-4 and regret it. Its been in the shop once a month since I got it.

• 

  Solid Transport - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Fred - June 23 - 5:42 pm

  Runs great, got the basic model but comes well equiped without costly options. Sure it may not be as good as a Honda or Toyota, but costs thousands less. Doesnt get as good gas economy as imports but thats due to more powerful engine. Just drive easy and you will get good economy. After 2 yrs bought another one for another family member.

• 

  My 2006 Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By smb - June 19 - 9:41 am

  I bought this car new, when my 2001 Malibu went into the shop for the what seemed like the 100th time. Anyway after dumping over 8000 in repairs into this Malibu, I reluctantly bought the Cobalt since I was not impressed with GM. But this car didnt bring my confidence back, after 2 months of ownership my drivers side window wouldnt go down I took in and a couple days after getting it back the door handle fell off, and the whole inside door panel was loose after they had taken it off. and never could get back on right. And to top it off this car lost half its value in 12 months, not good.

• 

  Gas mileage wins - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By MustangGT - June 16 - 12:19 pm

  In these trying times, our auto transmission LT sedan has shown outstanding gas mileage. Over 28 mpg around town all the time. It isnt suppose to be that good says the EPA, but well take it. Its a fun car, quieter than many other four cylinder cars in its class. We bought it used from a local Chevy dealer and after three months, no headaches.

• 

  Seems great so far - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By sdencar - June 14 - 3:13 pm

  Great car after only 2 days. Im 63" and this is the only car in the price class that I can comfortably fit in. Merges onto the highway very well, even from uphill on ramps. Very little room for rear seat passengers. Cheap plastics inside, but you get what you pay for in that area. I havent ridden in the passenger seat, but my 510" girlfriend said its plenty comfortable.

• 

  Great little car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By cobalt - June 14 - 9:36 am

  Bought this car used <10000 miles, now have 54000, aside from tires and oil changes no repairs needed. Have had many people of other makes ride in it all compliment the ride. Great gas mileage, have gotten up to 37 highway on extended trips, mostly around 32 daily.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Hanna - June 13 - 3:30 am

  I wanted a 4-door sedan type model so I was stuck figuring which one to get: the new Cobalt, Corolla, or Mazda-3. Found out the Corolla was too pricey for even the most basic features and the Mazda-3 was very sporty looking but being a young mom, I wanted a car that had the sporty look but can pass for a family car as well. So I got the Cobalt! Its a great new car for the price that I got it for.