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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  Good little car, Good mileage. - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By kellyraew - March 16 - 12:18 pm

  Fun to drive, great u-turns, and good mileage. 123,000 miles so far. For the most part, I have been happy with my Cobalt up until recently, and I dont know if I should blame the car or my teen who drives it a lot! The key gets stuck in the ignition, and if I pull back gently on the shift lever while in PARK, the ignition locks so the key will come out. The radio/cd player has locked up on it own a couple of times, but then unlocks itself. Check engine goes on and off occasionally, and ENGINE POWER REDUCED too. But I shut down the car, restart it 20 min later and the problem goes away. Might have faulty PCM, heard there is a bulletin out on that particular Cobalt problem.

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  And people wonder why GM is in trouble - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By John - March 11 - 12:30 am

  This car is fun to drive, and gets great mileage. However, it is NOT reliable. I have had the rear seal replaced at 32K miles because of a sudden and massive oil leak. The interior components are of a quality that is below a Barbie toy corvette. I think it is the same plastic, minus the pink color. The latest thing is failure to start at 62k miles. No one has a clue what is wrong with it, because there are no engine codes stored in the computer! It is barely over the 60k limit, and I am now stuck with a 3200lb paper weight. Maybe GM should close up shop. This will be the last GM vehicle I own after many years of patronage.

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  SS coupe alot of car for the money - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tom - March 9 - 5:29 am

  The cobalt SS is one powerful piece of machinery. The handling and power you get is unmatched of any car at this price range. One free year of OnStar and 3 free months of XM radio really sweeten an already good deal. My friend is a real snob about cars and hates American cars. After showing him a lot of SS reviews and giving him a ride in my new car he has had to admit this is a good car.

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  Streetable Track Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Brian - March 5 - 7:24 pm

  One of the best cars Ive owned. I use it as my daily driver and weekend racer. I get 30 mpg on the freeway and 25 in town. I avg. about 27 mpg combined. Stock it has great power, track ready suspension, nice clean shifting gear box, good stereo- almost good enough to blow out the windows,comfy Recaro race buckets. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a sporty but gas friendly car or for road racing/ autocross. I also recommend upgrading it to the GMPP stage 2 kit for increased power.

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  Excellent car - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Roger - March 3 - 9:23 pm

  I bought a bottom of the line Cobalt for commuting. The price was unbeatable and the MPG is wonderful. Chevrolet has come a long way in quality. I have never really been happy with GM products , but this one changed my mind. It a pleasure to own and drive. The interior is wonderful and it has plenty of comfort. I love this little car and Im glad I didnt settle for an import. Thanks Chevrolet. Its a wonderful and reliable car!

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  You better have that warranty - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cody - February 27 - 6:22 pm

  steering gear went out, windows vision warped, rotors warped, car interior RATTLES, glove box rattles, exhaust heat shield makes vibrating sounds, steering clunks over dips. Look people this is common for cobalts. Ill be honest, dont buy this car. Great power, and handling but things will break. Its not a maybe. This car isnt a lemon either... this is very common issues. Without the warranty your looking at a big issue. This is a cheaply made car. GM is failing and I dont care because this is what they sell. Go buy a Nissan, dont waste your money for god sake dont make the mistake I did.

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  FUN, FUN, FUN.....needs a tiny tweak. - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By mdillman - February 27 - 5:03 pm

  Overall I love this car - I won the car in a contest and decided before I took delivery the sport coupe was not for me. I test drove 10 cars at least and still could not find anything I liked better than this sporty coupe. Fast, quiet and smooth. Mileage averages 28-30 and the dashboard readout is a nice option. This would be a great car for my teenager, but I dont want to turn it loose!

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  Arrival blue, SS coupe - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Katiebug12199 - February 26 - 10:30 pm

  I absolutely love my Cobalt. Ive had it for 5 months now. I came from a Honda Civic and never imagined Id afford a car with this much power. People stop me to tell me how much they love the car and the color. I drove it from MD to TN with no problems. Its had minor issues with the shifter and rotors but the car had been sitting for a while before I bought it and it was fixed right away for me. Its fun and sporty. All my friends want to drive it but Im not ready to get out of the drivers seat yet. I cant wait to personalize it with some aftermarket parts. I started out years ago in an 89 Cavalier Z24 that was passed on to me and hope this one lasts just as long.

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  Say No to GM - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By joewee - February 23 - 8:06 pm

  I have 8700 miles on the car (bought it new 05). I have had that CD player problem randomly, the brakes are pretty crappy, I have had replace the stock tires Conties stink, had two alignments (have never hit anything), the front fenders where they are joined to the inner fender wall are about 2mm out of spec (5.5mm) the front bumper cover never matched the rest of the car after complaining to the point of a coronary they painted it, still doesn’t match. Must be the material they are made of. Now since I got the car back the top end of the engine clatters for about 5-10min on cold start (crappy oil pump) it takes forever to prime.

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  Good car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kelly84 - February 22 - 9:03 pm

  I leased my Cobalt in 2005 and enjoyed having the car. I loved the gas mileage and turning radius that it had. I didnt like that the paint chipped within 2 weeks around the stereo. The door pull handle in the car broke off and I was cut badly many times.