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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  No Good.. - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Brydman - August 10 - 1:46 pm

  Where to start..for starters my cobalt was one of the many GM vehicles that suffered from a poor A/C system. It develops mold on the evaporator and theres nothing I can do. Even after a expensive cleaning the smell comes back after a month...its so horrible like Old musty shoes. I have 65,000 on it and for about a month it has been stopping abruptly when going under 15mph(signs of fuel filter going). So of course Im looking for another vehicle but with a resale of a mere $4000 its going to be awhile. Do yourself a favor....do not purchase a cobalt.

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  Lemon - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Terible car - August 8 - 1:05 pm

  Since I have had this Cobalt, it has been in and out of the shop. Power Steering went and 3 different computer chips had to be replaced and then I had to replace both sides of the wheel bearings and control arm bushings and also it stalls when coming to a stop. I am lucky that I havent been in an accident yet. It is eating up the gas after I replaced the fuel filter and air filter. I will never buy a GM car again.

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  Love my car! - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Wikia - August 7 - 7:51 pm

  This is the first vehicle I have purchased on my own, and I am very happy with it. I wanted something simple, but my dealer located a car for me with the sports package, a lot of fun extras. I traded in my old Chevy Blazer for a more fuel efficient and safer car, and I am so glad I did. About a month and half after I purchased my car someone ran a red light and t-boned me. Both myself and my passenger were ok, and I credit that to my car. The time that my car was in the shop, I missed it. Before buying my car I test drove Hondas and Fords, but with this car you get a lot of "bang for your buck": power, safety, fuel efficiency, comfort, etc. I think I made a very smart (and safe!) choice.

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  In the shop too much. - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By No More GM Guy - August 5 - 11:54 am

  Bought this car for my daughter, so she would have a reliable car, under factory warranty while attending collage. Has had fuel injectors, steering column, battery, starter, gear shifter and air bag sensor replaced. Well now it will go out of warranty this month. I am dreading what it is going to cost me in the long run to keep it on the road. The mechanics at the dealership said, we needed to trade the thing off. High depreciation rules that out.

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  Immaculate 88 Sentra to this.... - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Happy Camper - August 2 - 9:30 pm

  Compared to the old Sentra, this thing rocks, until you talk interior. The lack in braking with the LRR tires is also a bit of a drag. Got the XFE, and on the highway, its getting an amazing 44 mpg. Overall I couldnt be happier. I love this car. Thank you GM for not going hybrid, and for building an affordable little mileage monster. Im also way happy with what the base model comes with. Crank windows, manual seats.. no biggy. I love the DIC, and the stereo is great. While shopping, I saw others that wanted 3K for A/C, and used an idiot light as a temp gauge. Had no where near the gidup, and I seriously doubt they could match the MPG. Also used a timing belt.. Ill take a chain anyday.

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  Cash for Cluncker Deal - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By lesrice - August 2 - 7:28 am

  After driving a Fit, Yaris, Soul, G5, and a Focus, the only thing left out there after week one of cash for clunkers were manual Cobalts. It compared well with the other models and got better fuel economy (posted). The G5 had more features for the price, but they were the first cars gone by day 4. The Cobalt doesnt have all the features of the other vehicle, but it does have a trip computer, On Star and XM radio. With rebates, the price was 12,500 before my 4,500 cash for clunkers taking the price to 8,100. I can live with what it doesnt have for that kind of money. Time will tell and I will follow up with future post as we observe real world mileage and wear and tear.

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  Better than a Cavalier - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By sean - August 1 - 10:00 pm

  I ordered this car after combing through the entire STL region looking for a blue 2.4 ss with sunroof and airbags. Car came and was surprided to find xm was standard. I really didnt care for it but now after listening i cant live w/o it! Also FM and AM reception with antenna is poor. Gas mileage is tricky. In order to get 34 mpg you have to drive like 55 mph on the highway. At 65mph Im already at 2.5 K in 5th gear, could definitely use another gear for more gas saving. Overall I average 29mpg with 70/30 highway/city driving. Handling is sport like, but it was easily be pushed over its limits with body roll. Ride quality is very nice however, very smooth. Im looking forward to modding it

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  This is my 2nd Cobalt! - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By C-57D - July 29 - 12:49 pm

  What can I say - I bought a 2005 because I needed a car (my 92 Lumina Van croaked at 218000 miles). There was nothing wrong with the 05 but GMAC wanted to get rid of their leases and they made me a good deal! The 09 feels like it has a little more power and is a bit more solid overall than the 05. Never had a problem with either car.

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  08 Chevy Cobalt - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Chosen1 - July 27 - 7:25 pm

  I got my Cobalt 3 months ago and I havent had any problems. It handles great and is the best small sized car from GM. FINALLY GM has learned how to created a small car with great quality.

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  I wanted a safe, dependable car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Sad Dad - July 27 - 2:17 pm

  I wanted a safe dependable car to send my daughter off to college. She liked the sporty look, and we shopped until we found one with the bells and whistles. The car has 37,000 miles on it, so the bumper to bumper has expired (barely-- 36,000). While she was driving from Nashville, the power steering just quit working. Im glad she wasnt in a turn! Dealership and GM are not very sympathetic, but when I googled "Cobalt power steering," I found that this problem is widespread. I hope that anyone considering the Cobalt will use google and research this power steering failure.