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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  Best bang for your buck - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ryan - November 3 - 9:53 am

  I was seaching for a car this summer after my 1997 Ford Escort gave out and I was looking at the Saturn ION coupe but I couldnt afford the price tag. My friend was the salesman at the dealership so he told me to go check out the Cobalts cause they are the same car minus the halfdoors. This car is phenominal for the price, I never thought that a NA 4banger could keep up with my friends v6 Mustang but it does. The back trunk is huge granted you can get your stuff beyond the tiny opening.

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  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jstrachan84 - October 28 - 4:47 pm

  So I bought my Cobalt BRAND NEW. There was literally 1 mile on my car when I got it. Well of course now my car is out of warranty and at 39,000 miles the power steering light comes on the dashboard. A really cool extra feature happens and the steering wheel completely locks up. I looked this problem up on the internet and apparently this happens pretty frequently. After much arguing, Chevy agreed to pay for the part. The motor for the electronic power steering is what went. This part has been an ongoing problem with the Cobalt but the part has not been recalled. Even the mechanics at the local Chevy dealership by my home were arguing with Chevy that this is not a part that should of broke.

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  POWER STEERING - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By TODD W. - October 26 - 8:00 pm

  The Cobalt is a fun car to scoot around town but the reliability of this vehicle severely lacks the dependability that a Chevy product should have. This is the 2nd time Ive had to put vehicle in shop because of the power steering problem. If dealership cant fix the problem, why dont they admit to it and possibly buyout the vehicle or offer a refund on balance of loan - to put toward another vehicle (not GM). This continuing problem has changed my mind about GM products (not to the better).

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  Has been good car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jimmyjam2009 - October 26 - 7:05 pm

  over all the car has been great the dealer has been very great! only problem I did have with the car was the steering shaft was making noises and had too be replaced at 33k miles. GM took care of problem. I just put new tires on the car it now has 44k miles on it. Brakes have never been changed and still have tons of life in them. Mine is a stick transmission 5 speed and the trans is very tight and fun too shift. sometimes is a little hard too get in first gear. But over all I would say the cobalt is a good car still needs a little refinement with some interior parts and rattles..

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  Love it - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bryan - October 24 - 2:26 am

  Its very good on gas yet fast at the same time which is great. The acceleration on this car is really good and the handling is perfect. If you are looking for a fast car and want to save money on gas at the same time, I highly recommend the Cobalt SS supercharged.

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  Not the same car as the 2005-2007 models - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By GMcustomerNoMore - October 23 - 10:04 pm

  Used to have a 2005 LT: features, fit and finish were impeccable! Based on my experience, I bought a 2009 LT2 sight-unseen. First impression was the downgraded interior materials: silver plastic replaced wood-grain, vinyl for chrome, lower-quality leather. Engine compartment and trunk soundproofing were dropped so much noisier than the 05. Trunk lid does not sit flush and gaps between body panels vary widely. Trunk floor sags where spare tire well cover was eliminated. Center cap fell off after 2 weeks, a clicking noise developed in a rear door after 1 mo, molding above the drivers door peeling back after 5 mo and sunroof rattling after 6 mo. Goodwrench said irreparable under warranty!

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  My Cobalt - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bobby - October 16 - 5:56 am

  We got the Cobalt early May 07, and by late May I have almost 4000 miles on it already and it seems like a pretty decent car. Has some pretty good pep for a 4cyl, fuel economy is great compared to the SUV we traded in for it, however not the 34 mpg that they advertise, still Im getting around 27mpg. The stereo system cranks good for a stock radio and CD player. We can not fit the whole family in it leagally, or safely for that matter, but thats what the wifes mini-van is for. All in all Id have to say Id give it a thumbs up, lets see what breaks on it in the first 50K or 100K miles.

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  Great fun car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Chevy27 - October 15 - 6:45 pm

  I hated the dealership I got this car from so for all my service I go to a different dealership, but outside of the dealership the car is great. I get 27mpg city driving, the get up and go is a little slow but its just a 4 cylinder so thats okay she handles turns great and handles the occasional long drive out of state. Great first car for me. Body lines are clean and the size and shape are ideal for Jersey driving and parking. Love it, and would recommend this car!

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  Love the XFE - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jeff - October 13 - 4:53 pm

  Ive had my Yellow XFE coupe for about 4 months and 10,000 miles. I commute about 120 miles per day and average 38.5 and 39.1 MPG...you have to love that! The car is very comfortable and has great pickup when its time to hit the on ramps. I was about to buy a civic, but saved myself 6 grand and get better mileage. I expect it will be a great car for years.

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  07 SS/SC Chevy Cobalt - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By ninjahampster - October 9 - 2:43 am

  This car has it all from great looks to awesome handling. The brute force in the supercharger is amazing and the Stage 2 upgrade makes it feel like a whole different car.