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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  Love it! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By suzanne - June 12 - 2:51 pm

  My first two cars were a Cavalier and Sunfire. The Cobalt by far is of much higher quality and is made far better. I originally was considering the Aveo when I went shopping for my 3rd car, but the quietness and smoothness of the ride got my hooked to the Cobalt. Its wonderful to drive in the snow. I feel very safe in it. After a 9 hour road trip its still comfortable.

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  Price and performance - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By mcabuyer - June 11 - 7:54 am

  I wanted a "fun little car". Looked for a 5 speed, and all of the Ford dealers told me to buy one, to test drive one. I found a Cobalt sport litterally round the corner. It was the demo of a salesman we just bought an Impala from. He litterally threw me the keys, and told me to take it for a "thrashing". Lots of fun, and good mileage. handles like a race car, and if I keep my foot out of it, I get over 34 mpg. Im 53, and some kid in an Acura wanted to race, I laughed, and when the light turned green, I laughed. I blew him away. Only item I do not like, is the arm rest. cant get to the parking brake, and the design could be better. I cant imagine the performance of the turbo.

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  Awsome deal - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By krock - June 10 - 1:28 pm

  I have owned this car since November of 2007. I absolutely love it! Great trunk space, fun to drive, sporty look, awsome gas mileage and great power for a small engine. It even has a 100,000 mile warranty so I have no worries about my purchase. Oh and I love the mp3 input its very convenient. Great features for a great price.

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  Love it! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Gorgeous Gal08 - June 8 - 1:45 pm

  Good handling car. Has good get up and go power for a 2.2 4 cylinder. Rear end is a little high with spoiler to back up on onto a slight incline. Love the round tail lights and the sleek finish on the front. Good car for the money and gets awesome gas mileage.

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  Cobalt sport coupe - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bumble bee - June 4 - 12:22 pm

  I love my Cobalt sport coupe. I fell in love with it the day I saw it at the dealership I was working in. Its a quick little beast, Ive had Civics trying to match up and I leave them looking at my rear end. Its a nice spoty vehicle with good gas mileage and comfty smooth ride. I have the short shift 5 speed, and its an awesome machine to drive. I highly recomend it.

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  This car is so fun to drive - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By SEXYmans19 - June 3 - 4:12 pm

  When I bought this car Ive had no real common problems. But a lot of people have giving me a lot of compliments on the car. The gas mileage is great. I had 36.5 mpg before I accidently reset it.

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  Love 2007 base model Cobalt Coupe - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Eddie Z - May 24 - 4:14 pm

  This base model 07 Cobalt had me thinking twice about 4 cyl engines. As soon as I took off in this car, the performance was great. It handles really well on the curvy roads where I live in and the fuel economy is outstanding, 30 M+PG. I was also surprised by the amount of space that is present in the trunk, lots of it. Being that Im 6 feet tall, I have enough room to sit behind the wheel. I was also surprised to see the battery in the trunk.

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  My Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By lisa - May 21 - 8:10 am

  I purchased this little Honey a few months ago. Its perfect for me, but I would have liked power windows. I didnt know they made power doors and not power windows both on a car. I thought it was standard. Go figure. Its drive is perfect. The driver seat adjusts for a shorter person like me and I love it. Chevy has been really considerate for the shorter people. In my last car, I needed a pillow to see over the steering wheel, even with tilt steering. This is also my first Chevy, but wont be my last.

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  Quality Domestic Compact - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Scar - May 14 - 11:03 am

  This car with the XFE 2.2L engine over achieves the 36 mpg with the 5 speed manual transmission. Actually getting 40+ mpg. Comfort, features, price structure, warranty, and quality compare at or above the cars in its class. I test drove the Focus and Accent the same week I bought the Cobalt. I havent bought a GM product since 1982, and was pleasently shocked by the product I eventually bought.

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  My brand new victory red 2 door Cobalt LS - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By LILLADY - May 11 - 11:05 am

  Ive had my Cobalt for about 6 months now. I brought it brand new with 3 miles on it. As much as I drive I already have almost 11,000 miles on it and it still rides brand new with the brand new car smell. I road 6,000 miles over before I got my oil changed and the light still hasnt came on. I much money am I saving! The car is beautiful!