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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  Excellent commuter car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Robert Russin - May 22 - 8:56 pm

  This car is good looking, fun to drive, handles great, and can carry an a lot with the split seats down too. Im very happy with the car. I like it more each time I drive it. I have a 2003 50th Anniversary Corvette and a 2005 Z71 Tahoe. I have been happy with Chevy products and the dealership I bought them from. The Cobalt is for my daily commute from Maryland into Virginia that was costing way too much to drive my Tahoe with gas prices the way they have become lately.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kingston SS - April 21 - 12:10 am

  Awesome Car for the price you pay. Excellent performance in the high- revs, this thing is a Civic killer. Most other small cars had better watch out.. as fast if not faster then a V6 Mustang. Tires wear quickly but have ultra-hard sidewalls and will take alot of punishment. I hit a curb going 50kph on a turn and took out a chunk of rubber the size of a nickel, no cord, nothing. barelly a scratched rim. Awesome car.

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  My baby Kolby! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Karl - April 12 - 9:40 pm

  I love my new car! I was blessed to aquire a 2005 Cobalt w/ the Sport Package and I love it! The car doesnt have any flaws, its fun to drive (sporty and fast for us teenagers), and it doesnt hurt the wallet! I wish I had a 1 touch sunroof but to make up for that the sunroof has a huge view! I also wish i had more headroom, but again open the sunroof and Ive got all the headroom I need :) I love the daytime running parking lamps, spoiler,sunroof, fog lights, steering wheel controls, CD player, and Pioneer sound system w/ the subwoofer! All I have to say is wow! This is a great 1st car for anyone, and especially for the younger generation! Chevry did a great job replacing the Cavalier!

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  Excellent vehicle for getting the girls - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Red Cobalt LS ohya - April 9 - 5:33 pm

  Its certainly not a Cavalier! This car is great, handles like a dream, and kept me out of quite a few accidents while driving too fast for conditions. Would definitely recommend buying one.

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  20,000 Miles Of SS - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By ADK_Samurai - April 9 - 2:56 pm

  I traded my 2005 Cobalt base coupe for the SS hoping for excellent performance... it delivered. This car is absolutely a blast to drive. In fact, Ive had the car since September and have put 20,000 miles on it because of the fun-to-drive factor. My only complaint about the interior is lack of an armrest. Other than that, kudos. This brings the fun back to GM. I would definitely recommend or buy another Cobalt/Cobalt SS! For the money, the car delivers so much more than most of the premium imports that I drove before purchasing my car.

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  My new little black car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jen - March 25 - 11:10 pm

  I looked at Hondas and Mazda3 but ended up with a Cobalt. Its sporty, has good pick up and easy on the gas. Back seat nice size.Get the extra options. Sunroof, XM radio, white dials, cruise control, steering wheel radio controls, etc etc. It makes it feel even more like a luxury car.

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  Good Quiet Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tom - March 16 - 7:36 pm

  This is my first car, and wow I LOVE IT! It has the most comfortable ride, and the Cobalt is very quiet but also fast at the same time. I recommend if you are looking for a nice car to drive, that you get a Chevy Cobalt

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  First Impression - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jay - February 27 - 10:33 am

  This vehicle is a very pleasant surprise. Im averaging 36 mpg overall. The ride is good, the car handles well, and it appears to be put together well.

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  Chevrolet Makes Driving Fun Again - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ray Knapp - February 19 - 11:20 am

  I have owned many sports cars in my life and recently A Landcruiser. This car is fun to drive, looks great, excellent gas mileage and far a away the best dollar value in the market today. Mine has all the bells and whistles which add to its overall appeal. In looking for an economical vehicle that would satisfy my sports car blood and be reasonably priced, the Cobalt is a 10.

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  Awesome car! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Darkonyx - February 8 - 8:20 am

  I have had this car for a while now, and have driven it quite a bit. I would commute 200 miles a day in it and no problems at all. Good gas mileage for what the car offers and plenty of pep in its step. The shift broke about 12k miles into it, dealer fixed under warranty no problem. Fun to drive and plenty of room. Back seat int he coupe is a little small for an adult but plenty for children. I even had a car back into at about 15mph and all it did was scratch my paint on the front bumper! I love this car, and you cant beat the quality for the price!