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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  My Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By shawn smith - July 22 - 10:55 pm

  I purchased my 2005 Chevy Cobalt in Oct. 2005. It is a wonderful car. It has great gas mileage. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Love it, love it, love it - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By eddie moreno - July 17 - 12:36 am

  A very smooth ride, great acceleration, awesome fuel economy (28-31 mpg) A very comfortable & reliable vehicle. I am very impressed with Chevy. Great job guys. Great price also!

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  Loyal to GM - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Beanie - June 21 - 3:13 pm

  Coming from a long line of GM owners, and not able to pass on "employee discount" offer, I decided fuel economy and style were #1 considerations. I chose the Cobalt LS 5-speed. Am getting 28.5MPG only if I drive like Grandma, but its better than GMC Jimmy was achieving. Fun car despite only a 4 cyl, but wouldnt get an automatic! Performance doesnt compare to my old 88 Z24 5-speed, but Im still getting there in style and on less gas.

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  Fun at a low price tag - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By kris - May 30 - 10:50 pm

  This car is a fun cruise around the city and it has a whole lot of acceleration. It lacks a little in the handling but it makes up in the style and design.

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  2006 LS - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By fcloud - May 17 - 10:20 pm

  The car is very well built. The initial quality is way better than I expected from any GM vehicle. I am pleasantly surprised by the vehicle.

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  Looks arent everything - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Robert - May 15 - 10:44 am

  I loved the look of the Cobalt and the practicallity of it. I bought it for my wife. At first she loved it. Good gas mileage, ran great. However all good things must come to an end. Shortly after purchase it started to fall apart. At first it was minor things and now pretty major. At least thats what I assumed when the dealers mechanics wanted to give me a rental but couldnt without GMs permission. This problem is still not solved and if and when I ever buy brand new again, it certainly will not be for looks or fuel economy. It will be by company and manufactures ratings, even if that means paying more for a good reliable car.

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  Not too shabby - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Franko - May 9 - 5:45 pm

  When I purchased the Cobalt last August, within 2 weeks abs and t/c light came on. Took it in dealership 4 times to get it fixed. So far no light has been on. I got the satin interior and the "paint" is starting to chip and come off. This is not suppose to happen being a 9 month old car. Interior is somewhat cheap looking, but performance and gas mileage is great as long as you dont have a lead foot. Hardly any room for backseat passengers.

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  Fun Fuel Efficient Vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Eric - April 14 - 9:56 pm

  Great little car. Owned for 4 months now and put 3000 miles on it. Got 25mpg in winter and now with 50 degree spring weather im up to 29.9mph according to the digital read out. The 2.2L engine gives it plenty of get up and go. Purchased the base model 2 door, with only power locks and keyless entry. Good buy for under $14,000. No mechical problems so far except a computer upgrade that was needed for the crankshaft sensor.

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  Fun - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By pandion - March 30 - 9:56 pm

  I love my Cobalt SS/SC. I just wish I could have gotten the gunmetal rims. I don’t think it’s as fast as most like to boast, but I have driven some very fast cars before this one. The styling is nice inside and out. It’s a little difficult to get comfortable in the seats; you just can’t seem to get just the right height and such. I’m 59" and still can’t seem to get comfortable. The back window is next to useless because it’s so small and the wing creates a blind spot even with the lower profile wing that I got. Handles very nice. Gas mileage could be better, but what else would you expect from a supercharger.

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  I dont think I would buy this car again - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mark - March 23 - 4:03 pm

  One of the reasons I bought this car is because of the great rebates, but I dont think its in the same class as an $18,000 Honda or Toyota. I think this may have been a great marketing plan by GM. There are definite engineering flaws with this vehicle, such as the cup holders being too close to the heating controls. The back glass in the back doors doesnt fit securely, allowing a wind noise. The back window has a channel on top that will be a problem with water build up. Rust on the screws that hold the gas filling tube. I have had my car into the dealership 6 times this month for service and the problem of wind noise still exists. My last mileage figure was 20.5mpg I wonder if the rebate will ever go away