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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  Very Nice Car! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By JD - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car today so I havent had much time in it but after reading some of these reviews I will have to disagree. I think its a great car! The radio sounds great, ample trunk room, quiet ride, great instrument panel, AC/heat works great, very comfortable, plenty of inside room (we had 4 big adults and a kid in a booster seat comfortably). Overall so far it seems like a very good car. Like I said though Ive only had it a day but Im really liking it. The gas mileage is a big seller as well! I have a feeling this has been a very good purchase!

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  Power Steering motor recall - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Carol - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I noticed steering issues with my 2007 LS Cobalt. The dealership replaced it at no cost to me since there was a recall. It has made a huge difference in the feeling of control when Im driving. I dont drive much so I wasnt sure if I was just imagining this lack of control or not but I feel a lot safer now.

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  My best investment in a car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By ofrae - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I think U.S cars have been underrated. Sometimes i get 76 mpg inst. Dont waste money on phony hybrids. Cobalt is the best kept secret in cars. Its very roomy inside, i cant believe its a compact car and plenty of leg room. Its worth every single penny.

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  Reliable SS/SC - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jason - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought car 1 year old with 20,000 kms on it. Then upgraded with GM Stage 2 & Catback exhaust, dual pass intercooler, short shifter, etc. I only drive this car 6 months a year as snow and salt in Eastern Ontario is a little excessive. However in the past three summers this car has driven to all but 2 of the 13 provinces in Canada and racked up 75,000 km (47,000 miles),of driving without any major issues. All in all great performance, good fuel economy (7.0 L/100 km or 33 mpg) on the highway if you use the cruise, and good stereo.

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  2009 Cobalt LS #2 Automatic coupe - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jim - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Loved the first 2009 Cobalt I bought in January, bought a second one. Different color same equipment. Same ride, same great mileage, this one has a spare tire and spoiler- luxury. 36 mpg hwy with the automatic- measured on fill-ups, not the trip computer in the car (which shows 33.8 avg.)

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jtucker0142 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I drive this car at least an hour back and forth to work every day and it has never once broke down. I change my oil every 4000 miles and keep a clean air filter. I just hit 90,000 and going strong. my key has never once got stuck in the ignition and gas does not come gushing out when its full. Really dont understand why there are so many bad reviews.

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  2 Door Coupe quick and sporty. - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By chevyguy - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a 2007 Malibu for my mother and it has been a good car for her, so I purchased the 2010 Cobalt for myself. I havent driven Chevy products for many years, but have been impressed by my 2 door LT Cobalt. It is a fun little car to drive, handles well, and has plenty of get up and go. Fit and finish are much better the past Chevys. Many features included that you would expect to be on a much more expensive car. Shifts smooth given the fact that it is a 4 speed auto. Handles and rides well, hope it continues to perform well with many miles put on.

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  Got a Good One - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mike - September 17 - 2:00 am

  The longer I have my Cobalt, the more I appreciate it. I bought a basic LS model at the end of 2007 to get me to and from work. I have a 60 mile commute daily and it just doesnt make sense to wear out a high-priced car so quickly. My car has 49K miles and only one thing has had to be repaired: a wire in the engine compartment that powers the daytime running lights flexed to much and broke. Thats it. The steering column and power steering motor was replaced under the recall, but I never had any steering issues. I do the maintenance on the car myself, which is very simple and inexpensive. The car is comfortable and handles well. Best commuter car purchase I could have made.

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  So far, so good - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Carol - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2007 Cobalt LS when it was approx. 1.6 yrs. old. I was very nervous about buying a NA car and it took me about twenty-five years to buy another one. So far, Ive been very happy with my car. Im very proud of its appearance. I dont expect it to be completely problem free now, but so far I have just had the oil changed. The dealership has been very good to me. Im okay with the standard door locks...less to go wrong...and Im not in a hurry. If this one does well, I will buy another NA car. I love the way the back end of this car looks. For the money...its been great.

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  A Great American Made Car - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By MichaelB2009 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I was in the market for a new compact gar with Great MPG. When I went to Vegas in 2008 I rented a Toyota Corolla, Then in 2009 I rented a Focus for a Week then My next Trip I rented a Cobalt, Each one I rented for 7 days & I put on close to 1000 miles in the week going to the Grand Canyon and Red Rock Canyons. Even drove through the Dessert. The Toyota is a death trap,the accelerator stuck on me. The Focus (Mexican Built 1.8 engine) is not as fast and struggles to get up. to speed and has noisy acceleration. The Cobalt 2.2 is the fastest 0-100 & Top Speed hands down. I drove it hard & it impressed me with 32 MPG with Auto Trans.Paid about 11K with all Rebates combined & my 4K GM Card Rebate