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:

• 

  Exactly What I Expected - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By fastcolin - November 12 - 8:29 pm

  I want to start this review by saying I absolutely love my Cobalt. Starting with the good, the car is quick for a 4 cylinder, rides smooth, has a great stock stereo system, easy and cheap to maintain, comfortable, and very reliable. It has never left me stranded. With all of that being said, I absolutely hate how cheaply everything was built. Everything that shouldnt move moves. The dome light lens rattles, the window cranks rattle with the radio on, the dash pieces move, and worst of all is the steering column. Everyone Ive talked to has the same issue. It rattles between 55 and 75 mph and over bumps at low speeds you replace the steering column, and itll wear out again.

• 

  An okay car with a few flaws.. - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By danielsmith85 - September 24 - 11:37 am

  I have to say my Cobalt has been a pretty good car in terms of reliability. Theres been a few problems but Ive had most of them were fixed by my local dealership. At 23,000 miles my power steering pump quit while merging on the interstate, lol wonderful right? (Replaced under warranty) At 51,000 miles my radio would randomly turn off and start working again when it wanted to. (Replaced by GM under warranty) And my door speakers would only work when its warm outside. (I just had new ones installed from Best Buy.) But besides these things the car has been great. Its fun to drive and has a lot of pep for a 4 cylinder. Its great on trips and I plan to have it for many years to come.

• 

  Dont Buy!!! - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jackieevilla12 - September 15 - 12:32 pm

  First off, there is a recall on the ignition switch that is highly dangerous. I bought my car 6 months ago, 68,000 miles on it, and it seemed to be in great condition. I got the ignition switch replaced by the GM dealership, and 2 months after that the car started having problems. Right now Im still not sure if it is the battery being drained or if the alternator went out. The car itself is still in great condition and should NOT be having this problem. The first time the battery was drained, nothing on the vehicle was working. Not the remote, not the break pedal, and on top of all that, the key was stuck in the ignition and wouldnt come out until i got a jump start.

• 

  Nevermind... - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By mikearcure - August 27 - 12:49 am

  Im late writing this, but after having this car for 14 months I have to say it was worst car Ive ever owned. My initial review was good, but I mustve spoken too soon because not a few weeks later I started having major problems. First, the rear passenger exterior door handle broke off during normal use. Then, the car made this terrible clunking noise under the passenger seat. I took it to multiple repair shops and no one knew what was wrong. Finally, the transmission went for no reason (mind you this was an 8 year old car). It was worse than my 13 year old Cavalier! As the cost to get a new trans cost more than the car was worth, I just junked it and bought a new 2013 Kia Rio.

• 

  Still Reliable at >121,000 Miles - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By momalley1 - August 13 - 6:32 pm

  I bought this car new in Dec. 2007 and have put more than 121K miles on it. This has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. Other than replacement of the recalled ignition switch and electric power steering motor and a repositioning and splicing of the daytime running light harness at the radiator support and oiling of the HVAC fan, this car has had no other maintenance other than prescribed preventive service, which I do myself. Maintenance on this car is simple and not expensive.

• 

  Reliable and sporty - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jeaninmt - July 27 - 11:13 pm

  Bought used with 30,000. Put on 150,000 miles. We live in Montana and it winters well. Its gone through 3 brake jobs but no other repairs. Mpg on highway mid 30 mpg, less in winter. Not made for gravel roads which we live on. The wheels go out of balance easily with mud and dirt or snow build up. Its not a car for teaching kids to drive as the steering is a little too quick. Trunk is tight to get a cooler in. A small kids bike will go in. Its amazing in parking lots and great for quick acceleration to get on the freeway.

• 

  Expensive Mistake - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By cmbear - July 11 - 4:29 am

  I purchased this car used with 10k miles. Loved it at first, then the it revealed its true colors. I have replaced the wheel bearings, sway bars, control arms and bushings three times. The second time the repair was under warranty. The first and third were quite expensive. Additionally, the inside door handles have peeled. I have just paid it off and am ready to get rid of this monster. Learned my lesson. Chevy wont get my business again.

• 

  2005 Chevy Cobalt major problems - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By shadow076 - July 7 - 6:33 pm

  On 6/22/14, I was coming home from Philadelphia and while on the Brunswick Highway, my 2005 Chevy Cobalts dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree and I lost my power steering, traction control, brakes, abs, engine lock, door locks were clicking on and off and I had to pull over 4 times off the highway. My odometer didnt work either. This also made my transmission jerk and slip. It was so bad that when it was switching gears, it was making my entire car shake. I was afraid for my life. I nearly crashed into a semi-truck because my brakes and power steering didnt work. Also, I couldnt go below 65mph on the highway because the transmission was slipping. I made it home but I was still shocked

• 

  Six years, Too long, Never again. - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By sanwich - June 16 - 3:01 am

  I bought it with 3 miles, It was good on gas, Never should of traded my truck for it. I will start this with how big of a P.O.S this car is and build like so.. 2 days in the Door panels get ripped off by other Interior pieces. 3 months in the trunk no longer latches properly, 4 months random shifting times (lag to shift up or fail to shift down when needed). 6 months all Cobalts reduced to 9995 after I paid 15,995 for mine lol.. Speakers, stuts, Exhaust, and hood prop failures.. and then All the recalls started. "faulty ignition switch linked to 33 crashes and 13 deaths" No thanks, I have since traded and only got 5k for it

• 

  ignition recall - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By wuzzle - May 6 - 1:28 pm

  my 2005 cobalt has 67000 miles they replaced the ignition within one week my car caught fire and does not run gm and the dealership say not thier fault how can a car with only 67000 miles never any problems always maintained go to a dealership for a recall and then not even run