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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Super Quiet Ride - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
By Chesterwlth - November 19 - 11:30 pmThe coupe is a super quiet and smooth ride with suprising power for the 2.2L engine. Very good on gas.
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love my blue Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
By erica - October 19 - 11:36 pmI didnt know what a Cobalt was until i test drove one. It had the requirements that I wanted, small, blue, and it had a standard shift. It gets great gas mileage and has some added features that you tend to see on more expensive cars. The neatest thing I just recently noticed is that the car actually signals me to let me know when I need to shift to the next gear. I love it!
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Great for the money - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
By Greg A - October 13 - 9:33 pmCompared it to the Cavilier, Malibu, Focus, and Aveo. Drives as nice as the Malibu for the money of the Focus. I use to have a 99 Prizm, and (so far) the Cobalt is holding up as well. It handles decent, gets good mileage (25.5 mix HWY/CITY), and is a very quiet ride compared to others of this size/price. I can get A-Plan on the Ford products, but still chose the Chevy. This is not a redesigned Cavilier! Much nicer. No rattles and no squeaks after 36K miles!
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Fun little car to drive - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
By Jimbo - September 27 - 2:00 pmDownsizing from a 97 Caravan was an adjustment, but so far, I have been happy with the car. Only hiccup so far has been a muffler that ran hot, but the dealer fixed, no problem. The car is fun to drive. I love the overall feel of the car. It is also very quiet inside. I find myself checking the tach to make sure the engine is still running.The gas mileage has been better than I expected. The interior layout is pretty good. The standard radio is very impressive for stock issue. The stock Continental tires are OK, but there are much better out there. Shop around.
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Fun Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
By michelle81886 - September 27 - 1:41 amI have had it for a year and I totally love it! I have a few friends that also have Cobalts, and they love their cars also. Its a fun car to drive, and I would tell anyone to buy one!
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Buyer beware - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
By fightnphoto - September 16 - 9:33 pmThe Cobalt ss/sc was a great idea but GM blew the execution. With less than 20,000 miles on the odometer the car is on its third clutch, had an injector fail, the radio replaced, exhaust rattle repaired, dash cluster replaced, rear seat hinge fixed, rear package tray reattached and the best part is GM wont back there product. The clutches were "reworked" due to a manufacturing issue. GM claims they have addressed the wear issues but wants consumers to pay around $1600.00 to replace the part with the new one. I know that there is the real possibility I have bought a lemon but GM hasnt stood by there product. I would love to know the power of this car but cant Im afraid it will fall apart.
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Our Cobalt - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
By mlbollaert - August 27 - 12:50 pmEngine has plenty of power for a 2.2. So far the mileage holds true 24 city, 32 hwy. Steering is effortless but tight enough to feel the road. Handling is tight through the corners and the Pirellis hold the road even in the N.W. rain. Interior is excellent with all the comforts of the 21st century! Overall I give the car and the experiance an "A".
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MPG not what its billed to be - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
By Mike - August 10 - 12:30 pmI loved the style and shape. The car was purchased for my daughter who is 16 and will need a car through college. I preferred a Civic (have one), but couldnt afford another right now. Everything about the car pleases me so far except the mileage. I am averaging 18-20 in town and only got 29 on the highway. I hope the mileage improves. If not, I would not have bought it for that reason alone.
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OK for Now - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
By Lynley - July 27 - 12:28 pmI like my car, dont get me wrong. It gets great gas mileage, it was affordable, and its nice to look at. But I cant wait till I can afford more horsepower and luxury seating.
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Frustrated - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
By bthann - July 26 - 8:09 pmI have had my car for 11 months and it has been in the shop 13 times. It has had problems with the alignment, car pulls to the left, to the radio not working, needing to be replaced. Cruise control wont always engage, and the lock on the back passenger side broke.
