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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  Poor mans Vette - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By DARRELL lydick - July 1 - 9:05 am

  It is a fun and affordable car to own and drive, handles, performs, stops very well. It is comfortable to ride in and drive with 3 way adjustable drivers seat leather interior 7 speaker system. The handling, performance, style and cost of this car make this a poor mans Vette.

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  Compact Luxury - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By CobaltDad - June 25 - 5:30 pm

  My daughter drives this car to school - around 40 miles roundtrip. So far she is averaging 30-31 MPG with the trip to school on rural roads and just everyday driving in town-no freeway driving. We are pleasantly surprised considering all the bad press the Colbalt gets in many reviews for its "poor" gas mileage. We have 6942 problem free miles driven and have had only 1 (ridiculously expensive) oil change at the dealership. We are very pleased so far.

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  Whats Everyone Complaining About? - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By JimCity Commuter - June 24 - 7:40 am

  I hear so many people talk this car down, but this is literally the best car Ive owned so far. Fuel economy is great, and theres a never ending supply of get-up-and-go. I got the base model, which I suppose means fewer things to go wrong, but this car has only been in the shop for 8 hours (would have been less if the guys would have let me show them what was wrong when I first drove it in the shop). Had a bad coil pack. Not GMs fault their supplier gave em a junk part. Fixed it 9000 miles ago and still driving strong! I put 100 miles a day or more on this car and it loves every minute of it. Ill have this car for a very long time. You go GM!

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  Great Commuter Car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Schlog - June 22 - 5:50 am

  We purchased this car as a commuter for my wife, really not expecting an exceptional vehicle for $13,500 out the door. My feelings have changed after making several day long drives, really taking a liking to the car. With 266 miles on the odometer were getting 39 miles per gallon on the interstate, really great on a car that advertised 34 MPG Hwy. Secondly it handles exceptionally well and is comfortable to drive. 95% of the time I drive a full size truck, never paying attention to the fact that your constantly scrutinizing your size in a given space... it does weigh on you in commuting. This is a nice car and were actually discssing getting another in the Pontiac version. So far, elated!

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  Love my Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By psuphiman80 - June 12 - 1:21 pm

  The Cobalt is a great utility car. It gets me from point A to point B in relative good style and comfort. I cant really think of anything bad about the car. I just wish I had put more options into it. Great for the tuner scene once there is a computer tune for the car.

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  Very Underrated - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Joel Hryniewicz - June 8 - 5:01 pm

  I am always suprised to see how low the experts rate the Cobalt. I absolutely love this car! It has great looks, great gas mileage (35+ mpg), and is very comfortable. It seems to be a very well built car, and it is a blast to drive. If I had to buy a sport compact all over again, my choice would not change at all. GM did an excellent job in designing this car. Oh yeah, did I mention the great looks?

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  Must Have Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By bongo - June 4 - 7:40 pm

  The car is great, handling is awsome. Stock tires dont last long but they seem to grip the road very well. Very responsive throttle and the supercharger is the best ever. I would recommend the car to anyone who ask me what I think of it.

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  2006 Cobalt LS - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By mchuff - June 4 - 6:16 am

  A nice, somewhat sporty coupe at a very nice price. Fun to drive, manual shifts easily, good fuel economy (I ave. over 30 mpg.) Controls are easily accessable, CD standard, etc. A very nice value; good car for the money.

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  Best Chevy Ever! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Yynot - May 22 - 4:50 am

  I bought my SS 2.4 Colbalt with 147 on it. White with black interior has everything I wanted power everything awesome stereo, sunroof. This car is just the best ever for the price I paid and the competitors was prices just right and not over 20k for the options I wanted, I drove the Civic Si, the new Sentra Se R, Tiburion, even Saturn Ion Quad Coupe also the Pontia G5 the cousin of the Cobalt All these were either over priced or didnt have what I wanted to pay for. Chevy has finally got it right and I got the last White one in the area for 2007 sorry. I love it from the moment I saw it I wanted it. Love a first sight so to speak

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  America at its best-wave your flag - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By cragman1 - May 16 - 1:03 am

  I suppose every car has a "target market". Im not sure if they had me, a 52 yr old family guy who grew up in the 60s in mind, but Chevy won me over with this puppy. I had a lease coming to an end on a 2006 Saturn Ion (which I found to be "acceptable" like some reviews including the editors note) , so with the incentives offered by GM - it was off to the internet and the pavement. First off, this is a nice car for the money. Saturn dosent make a poor mans starter model car anymore so the divorce is final there. Chevy still makes a bang for the buck car here. And it kind of looks like a "little Vette" Drives great. Comfortable. Stylish.