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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  COBALT LS1A - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By TJB - December 1 - 11:16 pm

  Very smooth ride and smooth acceleration. Excellent fuel economy.

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  Great New Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By justin06 - November 27 - 10:46 pm

  Ive owned my Cobalt for almost three months now and I am highly satisfied with it. It is leaps and bounds better than my previous car, a 2004 Dodge Neon. Its a sporty coupe, which is exactly what I wanted. Even with all the extra features ordered, it only came to 17K. While shopping, it was between the Cobalt or the new, 2006 Civic, and I chose the Cobalt because it included more options at a lower price. To receive the same with the Civic, I would have had to purchase the highest-end model. All in all, my Cobalt coupe has been a pleasure to own.

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  Great Buy - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bill - November 6 - 12:33 am

  I purchased my Cobalt in March and enjoy this car so much. I cant get over how great it handles. It gets very good gas mileage and the car in general looks great.

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  This car is awesome!! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Rich Gregor - October 30 - 11:10 pm

  This car has it all! Im getting over 24 mpg, it accelerates like a sports car, goes around corners like its on rails, is loaded with equipment, and looks great to boot! The best all around car I have ever owned (and Ive owned over 30)by far. Plus I got it for less than $18,000 after incentives and GM card rebates. Proof that there is hope for GM after all, if they can only build more cars with this level of performance and value in one package.

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  Very impressed with my 2006 Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By matt - October 11 - 10:53 pm

  For the price I paid for my Cobalt and with the features that come standard such as driver information center, air conditioning and AM/FM CD Radio with great sound I think this car is an outstanding value. From the smooth quiet ride to the standard 144 horse power motor gets me up to speed quick with an average fuel economy of 30.6 MPG combo city/hwy (Manual Transmission)

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  Cobalt Love - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By matt - September 24 - 2:10 pm

  I traded my favorite car I have ever owned, a Chevy Tracker, for a new Cobalt. I was afraid of switching to a small sedan. I love it. It drives great. It is nice to look at. The paint is a deep blue that the sun sometimes reflects off as purple. Getting 31.4 mpg city/driving combined. Perfect big city car. Its a winner of a car if you dont have to have the biggest one on the road.

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  Black shows more dirt.. I like dirt! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Lori K - August 30 - 3:43 am

  I wanted a black car this time around, even though they show more dirt. The paint seems softer than most already soft black paint and has already spider webbed, and nicked. Despite it being the first year for the Cobalt, it seems to only have minor interior problems. The material from under the door pull wasnt stretched very well. And I have had to get a whole new inner panel because of it. It has an upgraded radio face, and sounds much better then other Chevy cars. It handles very well. I live in Ohio, where it snows more than its sunny. I bought the car April first which was a few days before our last big snow storm. I found out its handling capabilities very soon!

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  Couldnt Be Happier - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Randy - August 3 - 9:43 pm

  I really love this car. I am a 55 year-old sports car nut (on a tight budget) and my Cobalt is amazing for what it cost. Always fun to drive, it makes every freeway on/off ramp a blast. I manage to get a smile on my face every time I drive it, even after owning it for 2 years. The stock power levels are great but adding the GM Stage 2 kit really transforms the car into something special. The car is amazing quiet, especially at freeway speeds. Overall it is a well sorted out, balanced car, thank you GM for making this thing! Final thought I have not had one single problem with this car. Not one squeak or rattle, nothing broken, never back to the dealer. I couldnt be happier.

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  Surprising Quality and Fun! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By George P - July 31 - 3:10 am

  Ive never owned a GM car before and I bought this car because the price was right after my GM card earnings. After 2 weeks, I am impressed with interior design and how quiet the car is. Manual shifting and acceleration are quick and smooth. Gas mileage is good, 30+ in mixed driving, but GM needs to offer higher mileage vehicles to compete with Japanese manufacturers. Overall, a very good car at a competetitive price. I would like more options to be made available, not necessarily packaged.

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  Easy Ownership - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Halfcent - July 15 - 10:30 pm

  The Cobalt is a super easy car to own. Its easy to insure, easy on gas, easy to maintain, easy to drive anywhere. You will notice what seems like a very big difference in looks between the base models and the upgraded cars. Leather interior on this car makes it seems like an entirely higher grade vehicle. Spring for the extras on this one, it make a big difference. Heated seats, OnStar, MP3 radio with Pioneer speakers, many others. And it is a much better car then its Cavalier predecessor.