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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  I have owned 3 .. and LOVED them all!!!! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By KenyLee - April 12 - 4:22 am

  I received my first 2005 Chevy Cobalt LS for graduation. I ended up getting t-boned by a Ford F-350 going 70 on my driver side.. totaled the Cobalt but i only had a few scratches and was good to go. Next was my 2006 Chevy Cobalt LTZ. 10 times better than the first.. I owned it for 2 yrs had 56000miles on it. i drove it from Georgia to Alaska and had not ONE problem with it the whole time. i ended up trading it in for a 2006 Chevy Cobalt SS supercharged.. i wanted something sporty yet reliable and safe. this was it.. i love it and have had no problems with it yet!

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  Love it - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cobalt_Angel - April 9 - 6:43 am

  What can I say..I LOVE IT. The gas mileage is wonderful and its very reliable as far as dependibilty. Ive always been a Chevrolet girl and with gas prices going up here in northern California it helps to have something that last longer on gas

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  A big person in a little car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Leroy Kroll - April 8 - 6:30 am

  I bought my Cobalt in June of this year and have put almost 7000 miles on it. I must admit a couple of things. First of all I am 61 and 240lbs, so getting into a small car would seem impossible right? Not so with the Cobalt. As a matter of fact Im very comfortable sitting in it. I especially like the idea of being able to stretch my legs out and not have them hitting the dashboard. We recently drove to Florida and back in it. The car rode beautifully. I really liked the fuel economy I was getting during the trip. I was getting on average 34mpg, and that was doing 75mph on the highway. My wife especially likes the way the seat adjusts. All in all so far, the Cobalt is fun!

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  Fun but Unreliable - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Elizabeth - April 1 - 11:29 pm

  I loved my cobalt when I first got it it was fun and easy to drive. After the first year or so, a lot started going wrong, however. In the past 2 years Ive had to have 2 door handle replacements, the sunroof has gone offtrack twice, & in the past 4 months alone Ive had to fix a leak coming from within the hood of the car (they had to remove the passenger seats & headlights to figure out where it was coming from -- cost about $500 to fix), 2 tired replacements (wear very easily), had an alignment, and got a new battery because it went completely dead. Also the cruise control decides when it wants to work.

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  New Cobalt - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Dan - April 1 - 4:56 pm

  I really like my new car. I was looking at Focus and Cobalt. For the price, I just could not say no. I drive a long ways for work and I needed a quality car I can depend on. This was a good deal and I am getting around 34 to 35 mpg round trip, going over hills and all. The extras I get with this car, XM radio, ONStar, hands free phone and the price, I just could not say no.

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  Cobalt Fan - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Teen in Iowa - April 1 - 3:12 pm

  This was the car my parents bought for me. Its a 5 manual but still is fun to drive. Ive had no problems with the car. Easy to handle, and quick standard engine. Gets ok gas mileage in city and highway mileage is great. Love the smooth ride.

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  The SS actually stands for "SS" - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Blake - April 1 - 2:58 pm

  Id been eyeballing the SS Cobalt when it was supercharged. However, instead of purchasing it, I bought a 2007 Subaru Forester, XLT. (turbocharged) I turned 50 and decided it was time for my midlife crisis car. So, I added the 2009 Cobalt SS Turbocharged to my stable. I use my SS Cobalt as a commuter vehicle. Part of my commute is on a narrow winding road perched on the side of a canyon. The car is amazing on that road and I look forward to the drive. After the 14 miles of twisting road, everything else is boring. The car has an excellent ride. Oddly enough, the car rides better than the Subaru. I get a combined 28.5 mpg with the car and I dont drive conservatively.

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  this car is amazing! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By melvin666 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  i love it! i recommend everyone to buy!..its easy to drive and looks great on the outside!

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  Follow up review at 15K miles - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tomster - March 29 - 9:33 pm

  I have already reviewed my 2008 Cobalt LS sedan once, but I thought folks might appreciate an update. I have now owned the car almost ten months, and I have 15,150 miles on it. The car has performed flawlessly, and I have not had a single issue with it. I am getting about 27 or 28 MPG overall average, which is not too bad in my opinion for an automatic. I live in a rural area, and my driving is mostly on hilly, curvy, two lane country roads and in town. I am still amazed by how that little Cobalt will scoot! That 2.2L engine is amazingly powerful. I am extremely happy with the car.

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  Amazing Car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Vilkacis - March 29 - 7:03 pm

  I absolutly love my 08 Cobalt LS, I know its the cheap version, not the sport but its a very nice and fun car, especially since mine is a 5 speed manaul. Also very easy to work on and to mod.