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 car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By william71 - December 10 - 3:13 pm

  i love this car it is awsome , i must admit this a fun car in everyway and the 2.2 ecotec is so QUIET and fast . its a little corvette as chevy said in the ads

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  Piece Of Junk!!!!! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By itsme - December 9 - 12:04 pm

  I bought this car to replace my tundra because of the high gas prices and Im a single mom. I have had nothing but trouble with it it had 36000 kms on it when I bought it in June and in november it needed new steering column links for sway bar right side bushing for control arms. March left links and bushings. This november had to take it back for another steering column, I had to fight for them to replace under warranty. Its a steering column should last a lifetime mines on its third. The warranty on the replacement one was up only by 5 days and I had to fight for its replacement

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  Nice for the money - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mike_in_PVD - December 9 - 7:38 am

  Its quieter than my 07 Honda Civic. So far no problems. I have 8000 miles on it. Gas mileage on the highway is very good. I can maintain 40 mpg on a relative lt flat highway at 60 mph. I do not like the spare tire. There is none. Chevy now provides an air compressor with a bottle of stop leak attached to the compressor. What happens if I get a flat when its 20 degrees outside? What happens if I get a blowout? Im going to start calling junk yards for a real spare tire. It will fit in the spare tire wheel well. So why not just provide a real spare and a jack?

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  Go Buy One! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By SIlver06SS - December 7 - 9:36 am

  I purchased this car just recently and its nice to know I wont see one of these on the road every day. I purchased 1200 dollars in aftermarket parts and Im hittin 0-60 in 5.4 seconds!The interior I feel is better then anything for the price and the safety ratings are good also. Good job GM for finally getting rid of the Cavalier and bringing something new and exciting to the market. They underrated the HP numbers, stock they are achieving 215-225 horsepower to the wheels! Overall Im very happy with my purchase and if i had the choice i would buy it again. Thanks GM Also they are releasing a ton of aftermarket parts from GM that wont void your warranty.

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  BADbalt! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By BADbalt! - December 3 - 8:54 am

  When I bought the car the battery had to be charged b/c it was dead from sitting on the lot.SHOULD HAVE BEEN MY SIGN!7 days later I was stranded with a dead battery.2 months later brakes & rators had to be replaced. Now for the real problem...EVERYTIME it rains I have water sitting in my floorboard.3 yrs later and A LOT of parts replaced they still dont know where its coming from. I get in my car on 12/2/09 back up and hit the brakes and a waterfall comes rushing down from my roof onto me, my dash and filled my cup holders. Even though this is pre-existing GM wont help! But they want me to buy another car??? SERIOUSLY! I am so upside down with my wonderful GM product I have to hang onto it!

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  My former Cobalt - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Melissa - December 2 - 9:07 am

  I drove my 2008 Cobalt until just weeks ago when it was totaled. The car fully protected me in a head-on collision, airbag deployed, which is a major plus. At 26,000 miles, I had no maintenance issues outside of several annoyances with the radio / digital display. The car was quite reliable, quiet, and did extremely well on long trips. The stock sound was fantastic and the interior, albeit plain, was not bad for the value. The car handled the road very well for the value, also. This was the 2nd Cobalt Ive owned in the last 5 years (an 05 previously) and Ive not been disappointed. A great, reliable car for the value.

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  I am very sad. - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By John - November 22 - 2:22 pm

  I bought a 2009 Cobalt LT sedan two weeks ago. It is beautiful Sport Red Tint with Grey interior. After putting just 149 miles on it, the electric steering started making a death wail each time I turned a corner. The car now sits at the dealership. When they hooked up the diagnostic computer to it, TWENTY possible error codes came back. Fortunately, my salesman is letting me select another car, which is a shame, because I really liked that one. The 2009 rental Cobalt I am in drives perfectly with 31,000 miles on it. Maybe I just lucked out in getting the lemon?

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  Sick Car! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By nateo - November 17 - 5:03 pm

  If you put the money into your car like the intake system, big spoiler, tires and rims, and alarm system is very cool and fun to drive. I have only had a few problems but easy to fix. I hate the headlights though, very tough to replace!

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  BUY THE CAR - GET IT LOADED UP - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By PETERSON - November 17 - 2:03 pm

  Love this car. I purchased the LT package with all the bells and whistles. The pioneer stereo is more than adequate. It sounds as good if not better than some Bose systems Ive heard. Love the XM radio. Love the Onstar (Incase of a serious accident)- Has great comfortable leather seats with the 2-stage heat option. (VERY NICE) and airbags everywhere. I got the 17" Chrome style wheels with the Pirelli tires. This car sticks and corners SWEET!!! And I have owned 5 Corvettes!!!! You can take a 40mph curve at 70 and it will rail right around. Awesome!!!Traded a 07 Civic EX and yes the dash was prettier and may last a bit longer but I hands down LOVE the Cobalt much much better. Smooth/Quiet/Awesome

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  Cobalt - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cobalt - November 14 - 3:17 pm

  So far a good car. Has 60k on it now. Good MPG. About 30mpg avg. Nice looking car. Boring interior. Would recommend getting higher model with power opts. Dislike the cup holders. Way to big. Drinks spill all the time when turning. Dislike where the seat adjustments are. Hard to reach while in the car. Great car, fun being a 5- speed. Peppy 2.2L ecotec motor. Just take care of it, and it will do the same. Like any car! =)