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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  Call it a Cavalier, No Comparison - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Itsnotacavalier - August 2 - 4:00 pm

  Great mileage, powerful 4 cyl. I absolutelyy recomend the Pioneer Sound for a measly $150.00. Could use a little less body roll. but that is easily fixed. Excellent ride, quiet, great interior, White face gauges are quite nice. This is the best small car for the money. Electric steering rocks. Interior fabric has a spendy sport car feel!!

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  Super Bee Colbolt - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Matthew - June 16 - 3:05 am

  My Cobolt is a Canarie yellow 2008 sport with 162.000 miles on it and in mint condition..Stickers from the factory are still on car frame..It is a five speed standard..My entire life I have owned muscle cars but I will tell you that this car will do what u want it to without any complaints..Regular maintenance is the key ..All I have had to replace are brake pads and 1 clutch..Yeah in some models there have been some upsets but if you can grab a 2008 sport 5 speed..Take it

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  This thing flies! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Black 07 SS - June 8 - 4:23 am

  This car is extremely fun to drive. The LDS helps keep the torque steer under control and the bolstered leather seats adorned with embroidered "SS" logos hold you firmly in place while accelerating. Driver be warned...you will quickly climb the RPM band with this supercharged power plant! The throws are short and the gears engage with ease, beware of the sportingly short clutch...not a bad thing! The car handles incredible through both the curvies and the straight aways. Not to mention, the gas mileage has been incredible...especially for a supercharged engine! Id definitely pit the "SS S/C" against the imports any day!

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  I like it - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By J Dancik - June 4 - 6:10 am

  I like the styling and performance. The only flaw I have found are both front doors swing open too far. You have to be very careful where to park it or there will be some damage if you allow the doors to open all the way

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  GM did it again - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tyler - May 24 - 6:43 am

  What can I say..GM did it again. This is a huge upgrade from the Cavalier. I was a big fan of the Cavalier z-24 and im a bigger fan of the Cobalt. I got the upgraded sound system with ten inch sub. Wow good job. I never had a white car but this Cobalt looked great in white.The handling is great. The all black interior is very smooth. Great on gas. I drive great distances to work and back...all i can say is wow. The car has the needed boost to get past those slow drivers with no problem. Great bang for the buck!

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  Great car for the Price - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Dan P. - May 1 - 12:20 am

  Ive had this car for over a year and its been a solid performer. Ive only had one issue (warped rotors) and they were replaced under warranty. I get great gas mileage, especially on the highway. The car is a blast to drive and really gets up and goes. Youll have a hard time finding a car with as much torque and power as this one has for the price (and for being a naturally aspirated 4 cylinder).

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  The new Cavalier - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Adam - April 24 - 5:53 am

  Ive owned 2 Cavaliers both bought new, a 1991 with the 2.2 engine that had 151,000 and a 1994 3.1 that had 173,000. Both cars ran great and gave me little more than normal maintance repairs. So when I saw the Cobalt I said OK lets give it a try. Well the car is a dream to drive. It runs smooth and rides much better than a car this size normally would. Fit and finish are superior and with now 4,000 miles on it have yet to find anything that would require a trip back to the dealer. I bought this car for under 15,000 with taxes and tags.

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  Just Bought this! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tracy - April 4 - 8:00 am

  I like the way the car handles, not like the Cavalier that I traded. It rides more like a Ford, than a Chevy. The backseat (backrest) is hard, but the seats are fairly comfortable - I would not recommend this for long road trips. The tilt wheel doesnt allow the wheel to go all the way out of the way. The keyless entry is a dream and so are the power windows. I enjoy driving my new car and will recommend it. I rated 9s because its too new to tell really what is excellent. The information center is nice. 2 Negs:The fuel gauge stops at 3/4 of a tank and you have to manually put more in to fill up. Its one minor annoyance. Also, the automatic lights do not go on when it rains during the day

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  Surprising car! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By TVS_SS - March 24 - 11:13 am

  I picked up a supercharged Cobalt for a daily driver and will say i was more impressed after I bought it than I was before. The mileage is better than they rate. I can get 31.5mpg if I drive it normal / mostly freeway miles. Plenty of power for a 2.0L engine and itll get even better when Eaton comes out with the TVS supercharger upgrade. I have a 2000 camaro SS that has more power, but I enjoy driving the Cobalt equally if not more! When you take care of the understeer, the car is amazingly agile.

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  Great car, Everybody should have one! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By TheCaptain - March 16 - 9:53 am

  Purchased on Sept. 1 06. 10000 Kms to date. This car is a blast to drive! I can barely stand to drive it slow. This car is not much of a town car, but is totally a highway car. Power is more than enough for daily driving, and space upfront is great. Rear seat space is excellent for a compact car. Trunk space could be a little better, but again, its a compact car. My only regret is I was unable to get the G85 Recaro Package (due to order date and GM product management difficulties)