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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  Better luck next time - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By nomochevy - April 4 - 4:01 pm

  I had a 2005 ss/sc and it was a fun car to drive but after having to get the shift knob fixed 5 times and the seats starting to crack from the cheap leather, I went back to Honda a now own a 2007 si sedan and am not looking back. The fit and finish are so much better and it looks like a better built car.

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  Pizza crap! We were wrong!!! - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kathy Chapel - March 29 - 10:08 am

  When the cobalt was new we had FOB and computer lock up problems, now that we worked through that early on, its been great! Best attribute ? The deep , big, trunk!!! Its great!!!

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  Chevrolet Fun with Satellite Radio - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Nancy Harrington - March 6 - 2:13 am

  Its full of pep. I like its (red) look. Subwoofer in trunk. I especially think it was clever of someone to design a foot rest near the driver door (to the left of brake pedal).

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  Very pleased - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By archcommus - February 27 - 7:03 pm

  Bought an 07 LS coupe in May, this is my first new car and also my first GM car. Have to say Im very pleased so far. Love the exterior looks, love the dash and interior layout, plenty of space for me and comfortable seats, excellent gas mileage (currently getting about 29.7 city), fun to drive, smooth ride, great features (automatic headlights, auxiliary audio jack, MP3 player), affordable, all in all a great car to own and drive.

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  Improved Quality - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Primo - February 8 - 9:10 pm

  The Cobalt SS 2.0 is fun to drive and a big step forward for Chevrolet in its competition against the imports of the same class. The Cobalt SS 2.0 handles nice, stops well rain or shine, and accelerates with the power of a V6.

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  I love this car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By John Underwood - January 17 - 12:53 am

  This is the most fun Ive had with four wheels since 1969. It goes, stops, turns, all with a great feel and precision. 20 MPG in stop and go commute and 34 MPG on a freeway trek of 200 miles doesnt hurt my feelings either. Best bang for your buck hands down.

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  Dont listen to those who dont own one - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By #1cobaltdriver - January 16 - 3:46 pm

  Well lets see, this car is fast! Also it is a great deal as far as bang for the buck. Gas mileage is also a plus if drive like me you will get around 25 mpg but you can get up to 30 mpg. If youre looking for a fast car you need this car. "Sleeper" is a great term to describe this car because there you dont see many and no one really knows what they are capable of doing since they are a new model... so go test drive one and be impressed

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  Chevys best kept secret - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Paul Wernich - December 24 - 4:26 am

  I was ready for a new car and wanted to spend less than $15k. The Cobalt was a no-brainer. The 2 door laser blue coupe looks fantastic and I got it with all the goodies I wanted for under $14,000. Ive owned it for a few weeks and I have only a couple of complaints. The doors are long and locking/unlocking them is awkward, power door locks should have been standard. No armrest, whats up with that? The interior of the doors are all one color, light gray. Adding a darker gray to the door would have looked sportier and hidden stains better. Window crank handle fell off in my hand after only a few uses, just snapped it back on and all is well. Gas mileage seems OK, a few more mpg would be nice

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  Best bang per buck - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By mikedubreuil - December 17 - 1:50 am

  This car has to be the best bang per buck for performance and styling. I get nothing but compliments about it and the same people are very surprised its a Chevy

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  Just a flashy entry-level car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By John - December 12 - 4:16 am

  For the first 3K miles, this car was great. Then the noises began. Car constantly makes both a squeaking/chirping noise and a loud snapping sound around the b-pillars like the car is breaking in half over bumps and during turns. The sunroof also rattles and its switch repeatedly falls out of the headliner. Mechanically, I havent had any problems in terms of the engine, transmission, suspension, etc. But when your car is a rattle trap, its hard to enjoy it. All my cars have been American and theyve been great and lasted for years. However, once my loan is paid off Im going right out and getting something else.