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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  SS is a GREAT BANG for the BUCK!!! - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By camaroguy - April 23 - 2:08 am

  I live in Arizona also and my SS doesnt have any issues with the A/C...you should go get it checked out..I also have a new camaro in which this is my daily car and its great power even stock, very comfortable and smooth ride to drive even on nice long trips that I take to cali, the A/C blasts Ice cold to where I have to turn it off it gets too cold, and overall for the price of the car and with the warranty the cars a steal if you can get your hands on a SS...Ive never been happier with any of my everyday cars as I am with this one

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  2009 Chevy Cobalt LT - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Thomas - April 22 - 10:55 pm

  I got this car to replace my 02 VW Passat because it was starting to cost me anywhere from $1000 to $2000 every other month in repairs. The Cobalt reminds me of a cross between Toyota Corolla and a Toyota Yaris without the dorky exterior of a Yaris. It drives fairly well and has zero blind spots.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Sandra Wyatt - April 20 - 7:38 pm

  I purchased this car new in 2005. The primary driver is my son who is now 22. Other than regular maintenance (oil changes, fuel filter replacement, etc) the car has not required anything except new front rotors. It now has 115,000 miles on it and runs as good as the day I purchased it. It gets 28 to 32 mpg. My son has also wrecked it 3 times. Two were serious accidents and he did not get hurt in either. The most recent wreck was in March of this year when he was hit by a Semi truck. The car is currently being repaired from this wreck. I couldnt ask for a more reliable and safe vehicle. My mother recently purchased a 2009 and said she will never own another Ford again.

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  Great car overalll but could be better - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Rich - April 20 - 9:57 am

  I got this to replace my old pickup, I think its a great car for the price. Went on a 1100 mile road trip, gas mileage ended up being 40.1 mpg on highway. I fit more than I know in the truck during my travel and performance only decreased on hills. Ive had to replace the control arms and wheel bearings shortly after I got so Im assuming the last driver drove it hard. Luckily under my warranty. The thing Im not about is the interior quality. I replaced the stereo to allow iPod integration. The seats stain easily. I feel like I may break some pieces of plastic when I clean. Overall, I cant complain. Ive put ~15,000 miles on it and its a fun car.

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  Happy with the car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By 2005 Chevy Cobalt - April 19 - 12:06 pm

  We bought this car with 27,000 miles on it and now it has 90,000+. The car has been great for us, as we have had absolutely no problems. It is a lot more fun to drive than the other economy cars. Ours is fairly loaded with the bigger tires and alloy wheels, and the spoiler. We still get compliments on the appearance of the car. Our city MPG averages about 24, and we get about 30 in the highway.

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  Beats a civic all to hell - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cory - April 10 - 10:44 am

  Car works great, lots of power for 4 cyl. Ive had it going 220 km/h, way better car for the money than a Civic. However the electronic power steering failed me but gm has since recalled it at no cost to me, also the front suspension is not built to last, will need struts soon at 78,000 kilometers. The 7 speaker pioneer stereo sounds great with factory XM is a must also the 17 inch wheels look great and car handles perfectly at high speeds, looks great in black with limo tint Windows. Overall very happy with the appearance and performance

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  A diamond in the rough - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By pawntec - April 8 - 10:28 pm

  I had low expectations for this car because I only bought it for the mpg (which became much higher after adding in an aem cai and an 2.25" cat-back) it was much faster after a few upgrades. I was able to keep up with Civic sis (both 2dr & 4dr) & some times beat them if I can keep the tires from spinning from a dig. Got to love that torque which is lacking & higher stock cobalt ls vs. Stock Civic si. But had to upgrade clutch after first year :-d. Anyways its a great tuner car just wish the market would embrace the mighty cobalt which gm already helped with there ecotec recipe book look it up trust me youll want one to after reading through the stage upgrades 4 gm doing the R&D for you already

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  Love it - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By D - April 1 - 4:07 pm

  Bought my Cobalt 3 months ago and love it so far. Im averaging an incredible 32.5 mpg on my 92 mile/day commute. Not the most comfortable inside but Im 63 and 220 lbs so any car would be uncomfortable. Better mpg and horsepower than Corolla/Civic etc so if you take it for what it is theres no better car in its class. Highly recommended for a commuter

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  worst car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By danny olsen - April 1 - 9:46 am

  I bought my cobalt last year and ever since i have had problems with it i had to replace the radio twice cause it always said (lock or error) the power steering went out the ac started licking the bolt joint on both front wheel broke of there is still a knocking sound in both front wheel and i had a recall last week about it but the warranty is over now. That is for sure the last time i will purchase a GM product. IN SHORT STAY AWAY FROM THAT CAR. WORST CAR EVER.

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  Buggy - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By colopete - March 31 - 7:28 pm

  Bought the car new and have found it to be a fun car to drive, it handles pretty well although the torque steer under hard acceleration is pretty amazing. No issues with any of the major mechanical systems although it could use a better suspension as the car will hop pretty badly under hard acceleration off the line. Very irritating minor quality issues -- particularly with the interior and while it is not an expensive car, should not be happening in todays quality driven environment. GM missed the mark overall and we most likely will not buy another GM product for many number of years due to our continued irritation with this car. Wont say stay away, just buyer beware!