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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  dissatisfied - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By robert minnie - February 22 - 6:25 am

  l purchased this cobalt last august and have not been happy with it, very poor gas mileage, rated for 48 and l get no more than 25/26, back seat leg room is real small, l feel embarrassed to take anyone with me, other than these little annoyances the car is ok, wouldnt buy another one

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  Engine Start up Noise - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Moogy - February 21 - 1:27 am

  We have an 09 XFE with the 2.2 Ecotec. The engine rattles loudly at start up for about three seconds then quiets down nicely. This car only has about 2400 miles on it. Anyone else having this type of problem? Im a little shy of this engine because of the noise.

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  crossing my fingers - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bob - February 18 - 10:11 pm

  I like the looks, the gas mileage and the price was affordable. A wheel cap fell off at 10K and at 19K miles, the steering column is being replaced for the second time! Each time for a different noise. I bought this car new, thinking I wouldnt have to worry about car repairs for awhile. I am now second guessing how much it will cost in repairs once the warranty is up.

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  Piece of Junk - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Dissatisfied in AZ - February 17 - 7:39 pm

  This car is a piece of junk! Chevy knows absolutely nothing about design and style. It is way over priced. This is like a 10k econo car and they have nerve to sell for way over that. If you live in AZ, this car is definitely junk. It was 75 degrees out today and had to use the AC and it totally dogged out not to mention the ac is cool at best. It will never make it thru the summer. hopefully it will be a lemon so i can get something else that Im not embarrassed to be seen in and is comfortable and affordable. This car should not be allowed on the market. Oh yeah, lets not forget the totally cheesy interior. I think the 1972 Ford Pinto did better than this one! Or the AMC Gremlin.

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  Just Not Sure - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By sw44057 - February 15 - 2:39 pm

  Bought this car because my Malibu broke down in front of a Chevy dealership and I was too pissed off to repair it again. Asked for a car with no frills (only planned to keep it a year or two) and got a cobalt. Rides well enough and no huge issues but recently things are going downhill. My car would not recognize that it was in park and had to fix it for $400. No I am being told that the control arms are shot and the mechanic said this is an issue on every cobalt he sees with more than 20k miles. I think Im going to trade it in on a F-150 with my tax return

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  A Champion car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ryan - February 13 - 9:00 am

  I bought this car a while ago and I love it, I have the LT edition and I get 36 on the highway, even though my car is packed full of stuff(Im currently moving). Great acceleration and breaking. The only downside is that it gets uncomfortable on long road trips.

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  Decided on a Cobalt - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Lenny - February 12 - 4:25 pm

  I bought my Cobalt a couple of months ago to replace my gas guzzling alero. however im only getting 450km a tank in my car :( and im only driving it highway to school and back so that was really disappointing. HUGE trunk and the car is really nice both inside and out and is fun to drive and reliable. sporty and fairly peppy for a 2.2

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  2006 Cobalt powerstering and key ignitio - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ash-816 - February 10 - 4:27 pm

  I purchased my 06 cobalt on feb, 2006. At aprox 36,000 miles, 2,000 miles after my warranty expired, one day my key would not release from the ignition.. So I left my key in the car until my brother found a tiny button inside the steering column that release my key. So I have to press it everytime. Then about 1 week later power steering light came on. No big deal right. Turns out it was electrical and the dealer wanted 1500.00 for power steering and 500 to replace key ignition.. Now that cant be normal on a brand new. Gm need to hurry up with a recall.. I would never buy a gm vehicle ever again

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  One mean little car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Fallenmoon - February 6 - 7:01 pm

  Bought used in early 2009. Handles well, corners great, and has some serious cumption. Has heated leather seats in the front which are a nice addition in the winter. The short range fuel use leaves a bit to be desired (22mpg), The long distance fuel use is great (41mpg at highest avg. was 38mpg over 1500 miles). The Interior is Black with silver high lights. Leather heated front seats with plenty of leg room (unless your really tall). My car being a sport has as lower profile that can cause issues, namely the lower grill can pop out. But other then that Its rather sleek. Over all the car feels like it was put together rather well, Handles like a dream and looks good too boot.

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  nice car - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ken - February 6 - 5:43 pm

  This car has been a very good car so far. It has 19000 miles on it and it is a 2008. Some of the editors review i totally agree with. The interior is a little on the cheap side but the seats are incredibly comfortable in the front even on long trips. I have the xfe and the gas mileage is superb. The braking mentioned by the editor has not been an issue but i dont drive on a race trac. The tires have done extremely well in the snow this winter. Over all really good car. Extremely comfortable and smooth on highway trips