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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  Very nice car for the money! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By brazz - August 24 - 1:16 am

  I bought a Cobalt LS coupe (5 speed M) about a month ago, and I am very happy with the car. It has a lot of power and it drives nicely. The fuel economy with the first gas tank was not so good, but it has dramatically improved now (24 city/30 hwy). You can tell exactly how much fuel it is using because it has this computer feature. The manual transmission is a bit rough so if you are not a great manual fan, go for the automatic. Visibility is lower than in other cars, but IT IS a coupe and you can get used to it quite fast. Great car!!!

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  Love my SS - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By lovemySS - July 16 - 9:57 pm

  This car is a great all around buy! Gets good mileage, excellent performance for the money. Have only had minor wire harness problem, burnt thru the fuel injector wire, warnt covered. interior is nice, no rattles. I drive 88 miles round trip to work daily, and its a curvy hilly drive, and I love it. Makes going to work a pleasure. Downside, cramped back seats for anybody other than a child. Rough ride on a rough street. Could use a 6 speed gearbox. Definitely recommend this car

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  Great Car For The Price! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Crystal - July 13 - 10:21 am

  I really enjoy my Cobalt. I was lucky enough to have a friend who worked for Chevy. He worked everything out for me. My Cobalt is by no means a fast sports car or a luxury Lexus or anything, but it has been a wonderful car. I have had no problems in 2 years and anything I needed done got fixed promptly and w/o out any questions from Chevy. I do wish the gas mileage was a little better, but it rides great and is comfortable for trips. Its a great car for the low price

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  Think before you buy - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By avhhis - June 27 - 8:20 am

  I have had this car for two years and have many problems with it. It is currently in the shop right now for the 8th time and it only has 39000 miles on it. It was in the shop twice for problems with the sunroof, which is not that big of a deal. But I have had two major problems. One, the brake lines and brake fluid lines were bad. It was in the shop three times for brake issues, and the third time I took it in I had no brake fluid left in the car because of a major leak. The second problem has been with the steering. Twice I have had problems where the power steering message comes up and I lose control of the steering. If I could go back I would buy a different car.

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  Cobalt Supercharged Power - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jdogg - June 23 - 8:20 am

  The car has been very fun to drive and a head-turner on the road. Excellent handling and overall performance for the price. Much better than driving an embarrassing Dodge or Ford

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  My Cobalt Coupe - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Dave - June 17 - 8:40 pm

  The Chevy Cobalt LS coupe is an awesome car! I bought mine in late 05 and it came with everything except a sunroof and the supercharger but even the basic models of the Cobalt are fun cars to own. It has great acceleration for a 4cyl. and the Ecotec engine is very dependable. So far the most mileage I have gotten out of a tank of gas is 359 miles but the average is 280. It also has several after market parts for those who enjoy modifing. I highly recommend the upgraded 7 speaker Pioneer audio system, it packs an awesome punch. Overall this car is a great car and I highly recommend it.

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  Work Car, and More - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jeff Fitzgerald - May 11 - 10:23 am

  We bought this car ostensibly just to go to and from work, using our Subaru Forester for all the "heavy lifting." But I have to say that I enjoy driving this car. Comfortable, handles well, and has a lot of zip. It looks nice, and has been very solid and glitch-free. I had given up on American cars long ago, but I have to say, Chevrolet has earned another chance with this car.

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  I like my car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By LAURIEAF - May 4 - 10:56 am

  Although I have had the Cobalt for a short period of time, I would recommend it. My Cobalt is a five speed and is the third 5 speed that I have owned. It shifts gears smoothly. My sister was riding with me yesterday and she didnt even notice that I was shifting. With the gas prices so high, I appreciate the mileage I get from it. Also, I just found out my best friend purchased a Cobalt last month.

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  My Red Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By bitterdelight - April 30 - 12:23 pm

  I like my car. Ive had it just over a year. Its cute and runs well. I have had a couple of small issues that were covered by warranty and were not much of a pain at all. I get great gas mileage 38.2 freeway and 29.4 in town. Thats good if you ask me. It has plenty of room for my sons carseat and fun to accessorieze too. Its my family car thats still sporty.

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  Cobalt is a Keeper - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kevin - April 29 - 1:23 pm

  I bought my new red Cobalt LS 5-speed 2-dr coupe about 3 weeks ago. This is my first new GM vehicle, and I am very pleased with it so far. It is comfortable and fairly quiet, and has a very nice interior layout. The EPA rates it at 25/34 mpg city/hwy, but I got 33.6 mpg on my first tank, and 35.9 mpg on the second. My commute is 20 miles each way, mostly Interstate highways, but including weekends I expect that it is about 25% local/75% highway driving. I am driving efficiently, but I still keep up with traffic on I95 (70-75 mph). I use the A/C as necessary. It isnt as powerful as my 86 Mustang GT, but is still quite fun. I am very pleased with my purchase.