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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  LS Coupe with Sport Package - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By mjoconn - October 9 - 11:00 am

  Surprising attributes for a compact car from GM. Solid firm ride without any harshness. Quiet, quieter than my wifes Buick LeSabre. Resonable power for a car that gets 35 MPG on the highway. So far Im getting around 27.4 MPG driving around town. (according to the trip computer) Would like to have the S/C engine in this car but dont want the stiff suspension and sky-high spoiler.

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  Do not buy! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By chevy_3948 - September 29 - 6:40 am

  I bought the car June 30 2006, I was so excited to get it, I traded my 2006 VW Jetta 2.5 for it. The day I bought it, it went in to the shop for the first time with me found out later it had been in the shop previous to me buying it. It has had probably almost $10,000 in work done to it. It has had and O2 sensor, PCM, 6 radios, HVAC controls, 3 valve cover gaskets, pass. window switch, Supercharger, tranny, clutch, drivers side drive axle, interior trim pieces from peeling, exterior temp sensor, rear bowtie, the rims are corroding and Im sure there is more I lost track though.

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  2010 Cobalt - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By B. Frushour - September 21 - 4:09 am

  5 Speed manual transmission. Few flaws, some normal wear and tare.

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  A Few Problems - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By CZ006 - September 18 - 11:53 am

  After having my Cobalt for a month, I noticed that the paint was peeling on the roof. I returned to the dealer and they indicated that it was some chemical problem with the paint. They had the spots painted for me. Upon getting it back there was a new spot so I had to return it again. I wasnt really happy with the spot painting because if it can happen on the roof whats to stop it from happening on the rest of the car. Also have a problem with the cloth coming up around the door handle which they did agree to fix as well. All in all, Ive been to the dealership 8 times and I have only owned the car 2 1/2 months. Im sad that my first experience with a new car had to be like this.

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  Dissapointment - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By cobalt - August 23 - 9:06 am

  I bought this car brand new. The first week it was fine. But within the second and third week of driving, strange noises started coming from the front engine area - these weird ratting sounds that would come and go. And after 3 weeks, a horribly loud noise suddenly started clicking. It sounded like it was coming from the right front tire. So I had to take it back to the dealership to get fixed. The brakes also make a strained sound, and they arent paticularly as sharp as Id like them to be. The clanking sound is unnerving and extremley annoying. Now I have to go out of my way to get it fixed. This is inconvienent and not fair - Ive only owned for less than a month!

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  Nothing else compared for the money - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jmariner - June 8 - 8:43 pm

  With 6000km behind me, I can say that Im very pleased with my purchase. The powertrain is superb and interior space provides comfort thats completely devoid of tacky gimics common to the Japanese competition. Handling is very good for a FWD car, but the ride is stiff. The brakes will send your dentures through the windsheid and the gearbox has an "American" feel to it. Longish throw but having solid, positive engagements. Its really nice actually and it feels strong. To my eye, the body styling is beutiful in its simplicity despite the wing. GM did not "cheap-out" with this platform. Tested at the Nurburgring, it shows.

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  My Sunburst Orange Cobalt LT - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By maverickkat - April 2 - 1:06 pm

  When I went to the dealership to pick up my Cobalt I was unsure of what color I wanted, but when I saw the orange it was mine. I left the dealership with three miles on my car. I have had a few problems with my car. I have had to have the windsheild replaced as well as the shifter and had to have some body work done. The windshield has no weather stripping so moisture gets underneath. The keys to my car would get stuck in the ignition so the whole shifting unit had to be replaced. As for the body work the headlights on my car were not lined up properly so the bumper was rubbing on the headlights causeing the paint to scrape off my bumper.

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  As good as the imports - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By al - February 23 - 5:36 pm

  Purchased my new Colbalt in Feb. Already have a 2004 Saturn ION and even though I like the ION very much it is no comparison to the Cobalt. This car is solid inside and out no squecks or rattles and a great attention to detail. Without a doubt the most quiet economy car I have been in. GM keep up the good work America will eventually figure it out.

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  My first brand new car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Judy - February 2 - 6:44 am

  I bought this car new I have taken good care of it ,it is ok driving local , but a long trip not so comfortable. I LOVE MY CAR What I love most the mileage l love the style the 2008 in my opinion is the best looking.

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  Nice try - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jack interstein - December 6 - 9:03 am

  Im generally pleased with this new effort from Chevy. Definitely like the looks and feel. Surpised and disappointed by poor city driving mileage. Has plenty of pep and good mileage on the open road. This car needlessly weighs about 200 to 300 lbs more than its Hyundai, Corolla and Civic competitors so additional HP is wasted in my opinion. Braking required surprising effort. Interior is well laid out but somewhat plastic looking. Despite above comments, was actually overall quite pleased!