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 of the Domestics - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Hobbie2k - August 21 - 9:13 pm

  I bought my Cobalt for the rebates, otherwise Id be driving an import. That said, the Cobalt is a big improvement over the outdated Cavalier. Excellent fuel economy (Ive seen 36mpg; and with only 2000mi, it will improve when things loosen up). The metallic orange paint gets attention, and the 2.2L Ecotec is one of GMs best engines ever. However, a good engine and decent styling cant hide all the places GM cheaped out. Such as lock placement that makes them impossible to use while youre seated in the car, or the solid grey interior door panels (it would have been much classier to continue the dashs two tone them into the doors), or the cheap feeling steering wheel and shifter.

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  This Car Rocks! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By 6431 - July 20 - 8:56 am

  I find the car handles well, and picks up fast once you hit 3000 rpm. HP is actually a whopping 226! Outperforms a Corvette in the slalom and is kind of sexy in appearance. Watch out for potholes, because the car doesnt handle them well. I owned a 90 Z24 prior to the SS, and wow, what a step up! Keep up the good work GM! Look out imports and V8s!

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  2006 SS Supercharged - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By An0malous - July 11 - 5:26 pm

  An amazingly fun vehicle to drive. Put a cold air intake on this car, and it will howl and whine to the tune of your right foot. Handling and braking are superior, thanks to some very nice suspension, and a sticky set of pirelli Pzero tires. The potential of the peppy 2.0L engine is enhanced by aftermarket support by GM, covered under warranty, allowing you to comfortably reach 241hp. If you can control yourself to keep your foot out of it, it will reward you with a surprising 36-40mpg at highway speeds. Overall Im extremely happy with my 06 SS/supercharged Cobalt.

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  Fun ecomomy - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Shawn - July 1 - 10:56 am

  At the time I bought this car, I had an 87 mile one way comute to work. I was averaging 34-35 MPG. I have since relocated, and on my drive to my new location, I had averaged 41 MPG at one point of the drive I have recently noticed a dip in my fuel economy, but also received a recall notice for fuel injectors...hopefully getting them replaced will restore my original MPG. This car is fun to drive, has a great sporty look, and is pretty comfortable for 2 adults...rear seating is a little cramped. There is a lot of trunk space, but limited interior storage...an overhead compartment might be an option.

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  Look at better options - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By JoHo - April 13 - 4:00 pm

  If youre looking for a mechanically dependable car, youve found it. But the interior quality is what could be found in a $9000 car. Its made from cheap plastic and the paint that covers it likes to chip easily. As said in earlier reviews, the housing for the sun roof likes to fall out, a lot. It honestly wont stay put. I love the feel of the car when i drive it, but the horrible quality of the interior makes me wish i could drive it without being in it.

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  A plum of a car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By SBS - March 26 - 6:26 pm

  After 6 months of driving my Cobalt, I still love it. I was somewhat disappointed in the gas mileage but since I drive only 5-10 miles a day it doesnt show the possibilities plus we have not taken it on any long drives. However we have gotten 24-25 mpg on a 60-80 mile trip. So time will tell with the gasoline usage! And for those long or short trips the trunk is HUGE and amazing how many bags of groceries I can get in there!

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  2.4 SS Excellent - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By SSport - February 12 - 9:16 pm

  I would recommend this car to anyone. Its a little car with a big heart. Minor problems here and there, but to be expected in a brand new car! I love it and plan to love it for many years to come!

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  Chevy Cobalt Lil Red - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By don shannon - December 10 - 5:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle after having driven a rental vehicle of the same type for a month.We were pleased with the way the rental drove, and have been equally pleased with the purchased vehicle. We havc a five on the floor tranny and it is a great deal of fun to drive. The gas mileage has been much better than we expected, running over 30 MPG for most of our driving which includes city, highway and rural driving.

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  07 Cobalt SS - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By 04.08.07 - November 28 - 9:50 am

  This is my first econo car since I bought a Pinto in 1978. Im not crazy about FWD but it has real grunt and Ive found it easy to hot rod. I also feel good about saving a couple Americans their jobs and while the quality isnt what Im used to, neither is a 22k sticker. All in all Id consider another Cobalt but I would prefer RWD.

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  My first new car! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Delcorbett - October 17 - 12:00 pm

  I recently purchased this car and am nothing but happy so far. It is my daily commuter and I have nothing bad to say so far. It gets me to work and it runs great. Good on gas and very fun to drive. Anything beats my old Crown Vic on gas, but this one is great. This is no race car but it gets out of its own way very well.