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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  Great second car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By John - March 2 - 12:00 am

  I traded in my gas guzzler after gas topped $3 a gallon. I needed a car that averaged atleast mid 20s to a gallon. After some serching and not wanting a 4 door the cobalt was my choice. I got the LT version for 18,000 including taxes. So far the car has performed well, but did have a paint peeling issue on the front bumper, which they repaired. There is nothing to jump up and down for on this car, its transportation. Its basic wheels.

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  Adequate for the cost - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By scottwalker69 - December 19 - 7:16 pm

  I have just driven this car over 59,000 miles since my purchase about 2 1/2 years ago. I average around 38 MPG on the highway and around 30-32mpg average on each tank I have not had to take the car into the shop at all since I bought it except for routine oil changes. There is a minor squeak when the heater is turned on and some rattles in the dash, but overall, I have been satisfied with my purchase. The material is "cheap" but does the job. I drive around 100 miles per day for my commute and I have been content with the car. It has been reliable. The only reason I would not buy this car ever again is because there are some foreign cars that are more reliable.

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  Great small car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tom R. - November 22 - 5:03 pm

  I couldnt believe this was built by GM. I traded my roadworn Civic for this model because I really like the fit and finish of the interior, and general overall apperance.

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  Cobalt LS - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jim C - October 19 - 3:56 am

  Car seems to stand higher than the old Cavalier models. Fit and finish are Japanese-like, interior materials are upscale for this class of car. Ecotec 2.2 litre engine is very smooth. Auto transmission shifts are almost undetectable. Electric steering give a very good road feel in this model. This car is fun to drive.

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  Sporty, But Not SS Material. - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Gunsnroses572 - September 26 - 1:03 pm

  It was a fun ride, but still not SS material, I have never thought of a SS tag on a four-cylinder car, and after driving this, I dont think the SS tag belongs on it, maybe if it was a 6 cylinder but no little 4 banger, if I were chevrolet, Id never produce the SS version for this car, and maybe give up the SS tag because nothing they put the tag on lives up to its name. Maybe they should think about putting it on the corvette

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  LT Coupe w/automatic poor mileage - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By richard dallas - September 11 - 2:16 pm

  Traded in my 2003 Cavalier for this Cobalt. After reviewing all information on competitors, foreign and domestic, found this to be the best for the money. I got it loaded with all the bells and whistles including leather interior, XM radio with Pioneer sound system and the automatic transmission. It is by far the most fun car I have ever driven! Its sporty and fun to drive with the tightest turning circle,easy to park. My only complaint so far is the poor gas mileage. I am only averaging 19-20mpg. I only do city driving though.

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  Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By OMAR - July 10 - 12:30 pm

  I work as a salesman at a Chevy dealer. I get to drive all the new cars. When I looked at this car, I was like "nice". I drove and and was impressed. So I ended up buying it. I drive about 70 miles a day so good gas mileage is important. Which this car is getting 25 MPG in country roads. Ive owned it for a year now and am satisfied.

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  Great Small Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Chris H - June 21 - 7:36 am

  I recently purchased this car, upgrading from the 2000 Chevy Metro LSi (1.8L 4-cyl). I opted for the manual transmission with this car, instead of the automatic. Great car for the money! The car is much more responsive when you hit the gas, with no hesitation. The power seems like it would be for a much larger car. Fuel economy is fantastic! With most of my driving on the highway, I am getting around 35-36 mpg. The info display is a novelty, but useful. Only design negative I find is the headrest design. It feels like your head is being pushed forward, and is uncomfortable. Overall, a very good car.

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  Good first model, needs some tweaking - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Surgecows - May 7 - 2:36 am

  I didnt know much about the Cobalt before looking at it, but I read up on reviews and such. Basically it sounded like a reliable car because its an updated version of the Cavalier, so it didnt seem like a gamble of a first model car since its an update on another model. Overall I really like the Cobalt LS coupe. Its reliable and seems like its going to last for a good amount of time. The design is nice but could use a little updating to compete better with foreign cars. Only general complaints are the bad blind spots due to small rear windows and poor interior lighting and the fairly cheap plastic interior.

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  2.4L SS is best - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jeff804 - March 21 - 11:36 pm

  This is a acceptable car. My Jeep Cherokee (inline 6 cly) was only getting 14 mpg. I needed better mpg. for my 50 mile daily commute. Right now I am avg. 28mpg. and expect that to go up as engine is broken in. This car has some pep but nothing as exciting as Mitsubishi or Acura. Performance is good. Comfort is good for 100 miles but, I would not want to take a 500 mile trip in this car. Fun- to-Drive, the manual transmission was a lot more fun to drive than the automatic. It just felt like it had more "omph" in the manual trans. car. The SS supension is a lot of fun on winding turns but, big pot holes are definitely felt. Lt version suspension was much better for "in town" daily driving.