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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  Cobalt - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By RickD - March 27 - 5:16 pm

  Best quality of this car is its QUIET. Nice riding car with lots of power.

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  Fast reliable economy car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ryan07SS - March 26 - 11:54 am

  Bought this car from the dealership brand new. I added the stage 2 kit and the gmmp exhaust which all was under warranty. I have ran the car hard and to this day have had no problems with it. It gets 25 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. This is the best car Ive every own the so much fun to drive.

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  fun eco box - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jimmy - March 21 - 4:04 pm

  I had the SS Cobalt a little over a month now. It is a blast to drive. I handles great and has a bunch of power. It gets great gas mileage. Has little turbo lag. Its got plenty of room in the front. Very comfortable on road trips.

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  Power Steering - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By skl - March 19 - 11:49 am

  I bought my car brand new, have not had any problems until March 5, 2010 was leaving walmart my warning light came on and my power steering went out it eventually came back. On March 17, 2010 i had left the mall my warning light came on and my power steering went out again i turned my car off and back on it was ok again. i heard on the news there was a recall on the chev cobalt. i looked it up online and found the recall and called the chev number the guy told me there was not a recall it was under investigation to ignore it. Its hard to ignore when your going down the hwy and your p/s goes out. the guy told me to ignore. This could case a serious accident

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  Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kelly - March 17 - 2:36 pm

  Bought my cobalt and was in love with it. Couple months in my window washer motor went out. At the same time my door locks kept locking and unlocking. I had bought an extended warranty Thank God! The a/c motor went out my struts needed replace along with the sway bar and bushings! My car spends more time in the shop than at home. My car locks me out whenever it likes and they say there is no problem!!! My husband demanded I buy Chevy when I went looking for a car I should have stayed with FORD. Now there is a recall on the steering. I wish I could afford to trade it in

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  FANTASTIC CAR - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By KenN - March 17 - 7:28 am

  I bought the Cobalt and love it, I keep reading its uncomfortable but I think its very comfortable front and back seat. It is very peppy on road and fun to drive, if you read the manual on Auto. transmission and use the half pedal deflection on passing it flys. Interior is mostly plastic but that makes it very easy to keep clean, seats are comfy with plenty of adjustments height, back, head lets face it its a economy car but I love it. Doesnt feel like a small car and looks sharp.

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  My gas sipping money saver - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cher - March 15 - 4:49 pm

  I love the gas millage this car gets. I have had it a year and it still gets 37mpg highway and 26-27 city. I do 65mph on the highway, not 55. However, to keep the gas mileage great you must change the oil and filter once every 3,000 miles, not 6,000 miles like the dealership tells you to. THIS IS A GREAT ALTERNATIVE TO A HYBRID CAR. I couldnt afford a hybrid so I bought this car and it really does get the gas millage Chevy advertises. Not to mention its a lot better looking than a Toyoda Prius. The lock cylinder on the car did go at 16,000 miles but my warranty covered that.

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  Problematic - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By 05 Chevy Cobalt - March 6 - 11:03 pm

  The many problems I have had include the car cutting completely off while I was driving, cd player locks or says error, the embellem in the back looks like it is melting, the door handles on the inside have peeled off & is sharp, there is a knocking sound in the back (very scary esp being a woman), my mirrors show different views of the car behind me (the one that says closer than they appear is actually farther away), the back seat release in the trunk broke off, piece of the seatbelt that attaches to the car broke off, etc. there are many more but im running out of characters! All in all the car runs and I am thankful but many problems

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  take care of it/takes care of me - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By steve - March 3 - 8:02 pm

  Bought my 2005 4 door base model cobalt new 09/05. I bought a "cheap" model, so, my expectations were commensurate. 79,520 miles later I am quite pleased with my investment. Only problems to date, ignition coil went out at 23,000 miles, warranty replacement. Also, A/C evap drain was plugged with insulation on the firewall, allowing condensate water to drain inside the vehicle passenger side front. this I found myself, after dealer said no problems detected. Tire pressures checked min. of twice/week. rotate every 5,000 miles along with the oil changes, only have used synthetic 5/30. new air filter every 10k, replace HVAC filter spring/fall, plugs every 25,000 miles. fun to drive and own!

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  Good Daily Driver - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Joe - February 22 - 12:22 pm

  I have had this car for only a few weeks, but I have to say as a get up and go to work car, it does great. I especially love passing the gas station by.