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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  Great Buy - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bob S - March 6 - 10:19 pm

  I have been very happy with my 2005 Cobalt. The gas mileage exceeds the sticker average by a mile. At 55mph on a two hundred mile trip, we got 40.2 mpg. The car has been a pleasure to drive. City driving it gets 29mpg. Its quick and corners well.

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  Great Car for the money - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Joe - February 22 - 9:50 pm

  I just bought my Cobalt back in February and I cant complain about it at all. The Cobalt is decades better than the Cavalier and you cannot compare the two. The car handles so nice and the build quality is excellent. As well, the car has plenty of power with the 2.2L, especially on the highway in the higher RPMs.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By bmall - February 21 - 5:42 pm

  Love it! What more is there to say. Actual gas mileage could be a bit better for this vehicle. Fun to drive, accelerates like a speed demon when needed (but this is a SS engine & body, (not a 2 cyl), attractive. Chevy, you did it again for the mature, cost concious driver. Thanks

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  Practical and Fun - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By JBM - February 2 - 2:50 am

  I was pleasantly surprised at the interior design ideas that went into the Cobalt. With four children, the weight sensing air bag control made this car a practical choice for our family. The seat and steering wheel adjustments made it easy for wife, husband, and teenager to comfortably drive the car. The cup holders actually hold normal-sized cups. The car handles very well. It is responsive to acceleration, steering and braking. For a smaller car it offers a satisifyingly quiet and smooth ride.

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  The best car I have owned in a long time - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By cobaltken - January 31 - 10:03 am

  This car is a whole lot of fun all around. I think it is best on roads that have a lot of curves. The ride is a lot better then I expected.

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  Great Small Car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By meomalley - January 25 - 9:48 am

  I purchased a base model Cobalt LS 4- door sedan as a commuter car to go from home to work. I have the automatic transmission, upgraded radio, and the side curtain airbags and ABS as primary options. I chose the Cobalt in part because a relative visited me and rented a new LT model that I drove a few times. I was quite impressed by the car. The Cobalt is extremely comfortable for me. Im 61" and the seating and drivng position is idea. Plus, after sitting in the car for a few hours on bad traffic days, Im not sore or uncomfortable. The car handles very competently and has good pep for a small 2.2L four cylinder. The car was very inexpensive to buy.

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  Simply Amazed - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By VEGASDUDE - January 24 - 9:33 am

  After a lifetime of fast sports cars, I just totaled one, ouch!Decided Id get a bare bones econobox for cheap insurance, to tide me over til the new Camaro debuts. After looking at all the others I picked the Cobalt. I love this car! Fun to drive, decent power and mileage, plus it looks great in Victory Red. Love the tail lights! Lowered it with Eibach SportLines, bigger rims/BFG T/A KDWs, spoiler, full tint, sheepskins. Im gonna keep her as my daily driver after I get the Camaro. Highly recommended. Big bang for the buck ! Chevy, You won me back!

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  New car report - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Charles A. Werley - January 21 - 2:53 am

  I purchased this car because I wanted to save on gas! I drive 70 to 100 miles per day and gas prices are out of control. The window sticker said I would receive 33 MPG-- What a pleasent surprize I received --- I am receiving 40 to 44 MPG on my new Cobalt. I now have 1500 miles on my car.

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Teacher - January 10 - 5:56 am

  So far my Cobalt beats my expectations. Very fun to drive! Worth purchasing the "extras", leather, moonroof, etc. Only drawback is 21MPG in the city. Traded my Camry and am very happy so far!

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  GM got me back - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By hitmanws6 - January 8 - 1:43 am

  I love this car. It handles way better then my Integra did and the low end power is there. It pulls through the rpm range very strong. Shifts are very quick with no drama. Seats have lots of long haul comfort. I take this car 600 miles in a weekend just about every month and its a blast to drive.