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 Vette - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Thought - March 20 - 2:10 pm

  This car is a blast to drive! Its quiet in the cabin, huge trunk space, all seats are comfortable. Driven in all 4 seasons (heavy snowstorms too!) with no problems. Its simply the best car for the price for me. Ive installed Stage 2 and now the car is the king of the road and still better gas mileage than advertised for the 2.2! I love it, please dont buy one so that Im the only one with one!

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  Fun Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Brice - March 6 - 11:50 am

  Its more than I bargined for. This car handles great. In city traffic it is a little stiff but sporty.

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  Affordable, reliable, and fun! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Laura - February 26 - 1:10 pm

  I was looking into something sporty and reliable. The black Chevy Cobalt Coupe (not the sedan - wasnt fond of the four door) definitely had both! Cant beat the price: under $13k - brand new! Especially for what it has to offer. Ive had my car for about half a year and it still responds as it did the when I put in its first miles. Its not the SS of course, but you gotta love the pick up and handling. The gas mileage is average - I guess I was expecting a bit more (but not bad to be honest). This car is great for 2 people and if you want to put some people in the back, front seat gotta scoot up (depending on peoples size). Love the overall design, but mostly impressed with its price.

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  Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jkm777 - January 2 - 4:46 pm

  Just bought my Cobalt LS on Aug. 30th and so far Im really inpressed with this cars build quality. Ive owed 3 Hondas in the past and this Chevy really says something about GMs desire to compete with the foreign cars. Great styling, good gas mileage, great acceleration. Fit and finish is second to none. Very quiet & smooth ride.

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  Satisfied so far - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jonnyk981 - December 31 - 1:03 pm

  So far owning my 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LS has been nothing but a walk in the park. I have been a previous GM owner for many years now and this is by far the most impressive GM model that I have ever owned. I previously owned a 2000 Cavalier Z24 and my Cobalt puts it to shame! My Cobalt is loaded with fun features that werent even offered on most of the other cars that I was looking at in the same price range. The car is fun to drive, great on gas, and easy on the wallet too. The five speed manual transmission gives the car a sportier feel and I am very impressed with the perfomance of this cars four cylinder engine.

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  One last chance - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mercury - December 6 - 4:33 pm

  One last chance for GM, mainly because of GM card credits. Initial impression is favorable. The Cobalt LS is quiet, responsive, basic. I like the higher seating position and the information display on the dash (outside temp-mileage-economy-coolant temp-trip odometers). Seats are firm, comfortable for a short ride. Fuel economy is good. Dependability is the question mark. So far-so good.

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  Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By al - November 25 - 5:03 am

  Have had the Cobalt for 4 months now, and I am very happy with it. At first there were a few kinks to work out. The engine light kept coming on, but there was nothing wrong with the car. This car is very quiet, and rides great for a compact. You can also feel the quality that went into this car. I think GM has a winner.

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  Overall not that bad - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By wmiranda - October 19 - 11:23 am

  Ive had the car for two weeks only. It drive fairly well so far. I travel 60 miles a day plus and get 38 miles to the gallon. Its pretty quiet overall and handles really well.

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  My daughters first car, Happy Sweet 16 - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By cobolt - September 23 - 7:56 am

  My 16 year old daughters first car. She tells me its the best car she has tried out so far, its cool looking, stylish, and fits her well in terms of view to the road. (which to me is important as she has just received her license )

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  Cobalt SS Supercharged - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Littlegoose - September 17 - 10:36 pm

  Fun to drive. Quick. Great daily driver. Supercharger sounds awesome. GM offers performance upgrades.