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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  Sweet car!! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By TV - January 21 - 7:00 am

  Ive owned a Toyota and Nissan that had problems from the start and this Cobalt has been perfect with on problems. Its fun to drive with good mileage and quiet interior. GM has made great car. Thank goodness an American company can build a world class car!

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  Cornbreads toy - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By cornbread - January 19 - 10:58 pm

  The salesman was very nice. I told him my payment range and what I liked. He pointed to a silver Cobalt, then a yellow one. The yellow LS Coupe was my choice. This is the most fun vehicle I have owned. I have added ground effects, dual exhaust, cold-air intake, strut tower bar, and hopefully bigger wheels soon. I have had no warranty problems. This is a very reliable and enjoyable car to own and drive.

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  A- - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ron - January 3 - 5:20 pm

  Have only owned the car for a little while. You get a lot of car for the price. Good gas mileage. Perfect for a young person wanting a sporty car at a cheap price. Ride quality is much better than I expected out of a small car. I have always had good service out of GMs four cylinder engines. Much better than the v-6s.

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  Awesome - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By sbadattitude - January 1 - 12:33 am

  I love my cobalt ss. This is the most fun car I have ever owned. Its fun to drive. Its just a nice sporty car. I have never had a problem with it. Im the second owner. This car is the best car. I give it a ten plus.

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  Great Ride! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By YLOWCOBALT - December 31 - 1:36 pm

  I bought my 2007 Cobalt LS coupe in September of 2006 and I love it. The performance for the money ($12850) is mind blowing. The handling isnt too bad either. I can sling the passengers around and a tire never slips (not so much as a squak). Refined suspension and a fairly powerful (148 hp) stock engine make for one heck of a back road driving experience especially with the easy to operate 5-speed tranny! If stock isnt for you, dont worry, GM makes more than enough goodies for this car and if they wont do, think about it, this car is probably Americas best compact car. Aftermarket companies are drooling right now!

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  2007 Cobalt - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Nate - December 25 - 6:43 pm

  Great car for the performance-minded driver on a budget. Plenty of power for what is typically expected of a 4-cyl. FWD vehicle. It looks great too.The 18" gunmetal rims look incredible in all lights. Luckily Chevy offered an optional low spoiler option for 07, because that was the only gripe I had about the car. Gas mileage is excellent as well. With a 50/50 mix of city/hwy driving I get 25-27 MPG, and have got as high as 34 MPG on highway cruising. Very competitive in its class. You may find slightly nicer interior finishes on the competitors, but not enough to pass up the incredible whine of the blower at full throttle. Great sound system and the ipod jack is really useful.

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  From Monte Carlo SS to Cobalt SS/SC - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By 06blackg85ss - December 19 - 1:03 am

  First new car, used to drive a 1986 Chevy Monte Carlo SS. Much nicer car, better handling, no problems, great fuel economy, and much more comfortable. Only thing Ive had to do so far is change the oil. Im at 23,000 miles so far and its been great. Interior is a little cheap looking, due to the plastic used everywhere, but the seats are fantastic (G85 Recarro package) but for a $20k car its great.

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  Update to 1/14/06 Review - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Evan - December 10 - 5:30 pm

  After 29500+ miles, this car has been excellent. PROS: Performance, passing in 3rd gear. The seats have worn nicely, I still get 30mpg on the hwy and avg 24 on my mixed daily commute. When youre really racing it though, expect 8-14mpg. Maintenance is ok, $95 for Schedule I, $130 for Schedule II at the Chevy dealer. CONS: Stock tires wore out at 18k and theres only 5 or 6 tires you can replace them with. Glove box plastic-rub rattle is annoying, same with squeak in int. LR quarter panel. MI/OH roads beat up you (and the car) with the stiff suspension.

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  MUSCLE CAR ? - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By pappachubby - November 10 - 10:00 am

  IM A 50 YR.OLD GUY THAT WAS PART OF THE "MUSCLE CAR " ERA AND HAVE OWNED SS396 CAMAROS AND A 71 SS454/450 CHEVELLE AND ALTHOUGH THIS ISNT IN THAT CATEGORY IT IS ABOUT AS CLOSE AS IVE COME. IT IS FAST ! ! ! FUN TO DRIVE AND DOESNT LOOK BAD EITHER. THE FIT AND FINISH IS SUPERB ! BRAVO CHEVY !

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  05 Pocket Rocket - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By geebsz - October 27 - 4:26 pm

  This has been a wonderful car for me. Im a bit of a spirited driver, and this little car with the upgraded suspension and wheels makes it a trip to drive. Ive added a Magnaflow catback exhaust and a K&N filter, but even before that the car was great. Going from a Tahoe to this was a treat in the gas mileage department too. With as many miles as Ive put into it and as hard as Ive driven it, its done very well. Some things to watch for: The shifter may have to be replaced to fix the problem of getting the key out when putting it in park. The passenger rear quarter window seal leaks. The sunroof switch bezel fell off. All of these things are easy fixes for the local dealership.