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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  Cobalt SS/SC - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By c0ld29 - March 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is perfect for me. I am in college and wanted a reliable, quick, and fuel efficient car. This car is all of the above. With 0-60 in 6 sec stock (with avaliable stage 2 upgrade under warranty even faster) and still getting 26-28 MPG in the city, and almost 40 on the interstate. I get compliments on the looks of the car all of the time also. This little car is awesome.

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  Good car to purchase for college student - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Key-Key - March 1 - 10:43 am

  The car handles and drives well and I love the way the speakers sound. I also love the fact that the radio will give you the name of the song playing. I also love the exterior appearance of the car. The best thing about this car is that it does not take up that much gas as I go from place to place. I purchased the car used and I have not had any problems out of it yet. I plan on having this car for year to come.

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  Wow, High Quality from GM - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By 2006 Black Cobalt LS - February 28 - 7:33 pm

  This inexpensive little car is a super bargain. At 29K the car has not had any reason to return to the dealer except for normal maintenace. I am shocked at the high quality of this car. The last time I had purchased a new GM car was 1980 and it was so bad I didnt think I would ever buy GM again. The car handles very nicely on the 15" aluminum wheels. The rear design is second to none. The only downfall is they wont install an armrest on the cars with sticks, so I bought one myself and installed it. The armrest is a huge improvement. The shifter is a bit too far back but that can be adjusted too. Now GM needs to keep up the good work and win back some of their lost business.

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  Great performance for a great value! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By cheese9988 - February 25 - 3:13 am

  I have not owned a GM in a while. I must say for the price and for a 4 cylinder car, the performance is great! Handling is sharp, has every feature in most dealer models, the heated leather seats are great. I compared this model to a new Civic and a new Focus, this had more options and is faster for about the same amount. Although I have not had it that long, the build quality seems very good. Another thing to point out, its made in America! My fiance also recently bought a Pontiac G6 and is also very good, I would say one of the best cars they have built in a long time. GM is making some good changes, thier new lineup is more reliable, appeals to the market and still costs less!

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  First new car - Love it! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jason - February 22 - 7:20 am

  This is a great car for the money. I got it with a $1000 rebate so it ended up being cheaper than a similarly equipped Aveo - and theres much more car here. Currently, using top-tier 87 fuel and synthetic oil, between town and highway driving, im getting about 35 miles/gallon. (on a 13 gallon tank I can get over 400 miles and still have over a gallon of fuel left) The audio input jack is a great standard feature and for those who wish to upgrade their audio on their own, theyll be pleased to find the battery in the trunk. I almost bought a used ford focus for around $10K, but This car after rebate, taxes, etc.. ended up being 13K and wasnt somebody elses problem. No regrets.

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  Overall, well-built car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Blake Brown - February 9 - 11:46 pm

  Very exciting car to drive. I wake up every morning excited that I get to take a trip in it to school or work. Everybody who sits in my car thinks it very comfortable and likes it a lot. Lot of comments from strangers.

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  Great car and a great price. - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tim - February 7 - 3:30 pm

  I have just recently purchased my Cobalt and I love it. It gets great fuel mileage but it still has a lot of get up and go. The car could use some handling work but besides that its great.

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  Chevrolet Colbalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Brandon Landry - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best(no offense).I love it!Thank chevrolet for making this car.

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  Go and get this car! Now! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By BaltOwner - January 25 - 12:43 pm

  I was a Cavalier Z24 owner before this car and this is, in my opinion, the best car that I have ever owned. Its fast, fun to drive, and it has a SuperCharger! I dont see any others on the road so that is a plus as well. I normally drive a lot and when I had the Cavalier, I was very fatigued when I got to my destination. Not in this car, I still am amped up when I get there and I just want to get back out and drive it. Only put in 91+ octane in the tank, anything less and you dont get the performance.

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  Best car under 20k - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Josh - January 20 - 8:26 am

  I have only had my Cobalt one month but the car is really growing on me. I bought it because of an excellent lease option and GM card money. It has more than enough power and gets excellent gas mileage. Judging by the performance of the naturally aspirated 2.2 the SS edition should be a rocket.