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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  Electric Power Steering As Useless As GM - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By sgtsquarepants - June 26 - 9:47 pm

  This is the first brand new car Ive ever bought. Its now been back to the dealership at least 10 times for various reasons. Half of which Chevy wouldnt fix. Now the topping on the cake is Im driving down the road and the power steering simply quits. After researching the problem, it appears that this is happening to a HUGE number of vehicles. This is EXACTLY why GM is dying and I say good riddance. Ill never buy a GM product again.

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  Cobalt supercharged - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By ladybug1701 - June 26 - 4:07 pm

  I loved this car when I first got it 5 yrs. Ago. Now I hate it the sunroof is messing up. I have had to replace 2nd gear already and that was at 50,000 miles. Now the transmission is going out and that is at 52,284 miles. Also my abs light is coming on and a mechanic informed me that it was my body control module, and there are 17 bcms on the car. The speakers have static. The glove box makes a noise. Also something in the door rattles. Plus to top it off it has a Saab transmission so you can no longer get parts without a huge hassle. It took me 3 weeks to get parts and that was before gm did away with Saab. Do not buy this car!

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  Chevy Cobalt Exceeded my expectation - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ding - June 25 - 11:52 am

  This vehicle drives very well, makes tight turns, responds quickly. The fit and finish is great, with no uneven gaps between body panels. The fuel economy is better than posted. I drive a mix of local roads and highway, and get about 32 MPG on average (with automatic transmission). The rear seats have ample leg rooms for my 2 teenage sons. Transmission is especially smooth. Never feel anything with gear changes. The vehicle has substantial weight, so on highway it does not "drift". A great value!

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  Cobalt LS Sedan - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Dee Page - June 23 - 1:46 am

  I am very impressed with the handling of this car. The car really hugs the road and there isnt any feeling of "losing" the back end in a sharp curve. I get better gas mileage than what is shown on the window sticker. The seats are firm and offer proper support. There is plenty of room and can get all my errands ran in one day. You get a lot of car for the money and is worth every penny.

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  Never Buy This Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Meg - June 14 - 10:22 pm

  I purchased the car in 2008. Been down hill since day 1. W/in the 1st week, the rear passenger window seal was bad, several fuses had to be replaced, the key got stuck in the ignition and the entire steering column was replaced bc it wouldnt lock into gear. Still does it. The glove box rattles, the instrument panel lights dont come on when the headlamps are on. The clock constantly resets itself to 12:00. The trunk now rattles. The plastic interior scratches way too easily. I know its not a Lexus, but GM could have done a better job. Will never buy GM again. All I can say is youll defiantly be using that warranty! Be careful!

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  be careful - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By carbuyer - June 13 - 8:59 pm

  Ive put this car through the crash test! At 25k miles, I had experienced some brake problems...eventually, they completely failed and I had $5k of damage to fix when I rearended a car (Chevy said they didnt fail and was my fault). At 35k miles, my radio screen broke, and 14k miles later the replacement broke. Ive had trouble with the key getting stuck and I cant get it out, and once couldnt get it on. Most recently though, I had a bad accident...I can say one thing - this car falls apart fast in accidents, but I walked away with minor injuries in what should have killed me...I wouldnt go chevy again due to all the problems Ive had...

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  Good car, but room for improvement - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Justin - June 12 - 7:53 pm

  I liked this car a lot when I first bought it. As time tells things start to happen. I have had the sunroof replaced, shift knob, and a vacuum pump in the gas tank, because the car would idle rough.

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  LOVE it! - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By SCMCGirl - June 11 - 4:12 pm

  I bought my Cobalt a year ago and still LOVE it! I had always driven v8s so was a little concerned about going to a 4 cyl, but was very surprised with how much power it actually has. It also handles very well. I live on back country roads and it takes curves wonderfully. Plenty of trunk space makes traveling easy. Also has a GREAT stereo system. The remote start is also great for warming up or cooling down the interior before getting. The back seat is a little tight though.

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  A hoot to drive - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By 01Z2806TBSS09CSS - June 11 - 3:27 pm

  I picked up a Cobalt SS Sedan to compliment the 01 Z28 and 06 TrailBlazer SS that I own. I have to say that I am totally impressed with the Cobalt SS. What a surprising car! If I had not seen on at my local track I would never have given owning one a thought. The handling of these cars is second to none. You forget you are in a FWD vehicle. Straight acceleration is a blast and you dont realize how fast you are going due to how stable the car is at speed. Gas mileage is great. With the cruise on at 55 Im getting 30+ MPG. City Im getting mid twenties.

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  Great Car - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mark - June 10 - 2:08 pm

  Ive had my Cobalt LT sedan for a while now. I love it. Its perky, handles well and gets fantastic mileage. I had a Saab 9-3 before and I like the Cobalt seats much more than those in the Saab. Im glad I bought American this time, also.