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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  Great Value - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By GV - February 19 - 7:28 pm

  Ive owned the car for about a month and havent got a single regret. Got the car at an exceptional price with all the incentives even though I hadnt planned on buying a car. This car is way quicker than my venerable 98 Sunfire and with way more ammenities for thousands of dollars less. The car is a pleasant surprise with all its features, conveniences and style.

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  Love it! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Scott - February 17 - 12:49 pm

  I have owned this car for over a year now and I love it. I would recommend this car to anyone. I have yet to have a problem with it. Now its not the most comfortable or stand out interior I have seen, but for the price its a great car. The handling is very good, I have driven a few other new cars (Mazda 3, Hyundai Elantra, Civic) I prefer the handling of the Cobalt. Its not sporty, just precise and easy.

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  Not bad for a daily commuter - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Biestie - February 15 - 7:35 am

  I bought this car for my daily 75 mile round trip to work. Gas mileage and price was the #1 reason for purchasing Cobalt. In this respect, it does very well. Many people expect great things from a $12000 car, but you get what you pay for here. Interior is as cheap as Ive found in almost any car, but functional. The seats can become uncomfortable if driven more than a few hours. No arm rest. Shallow cup holders. After 45000 miles of harsh MN roads, several rattles have developed including the wiring to the dome light overhead. Front wheel bearing failed at 30k CHEAP Continental tires replaced at 32k Bent front steel wheel after hitting large pot hole at 44k Rear defroster failed at 25k

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  Junk Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bill - February 10 - 11:51 pm

  This was a replacement vehicle for a 1989 Mazda B2600I 4x4 pickup. What a terrible trade that was. Right off the lot I could tell there was a transmission issue. Dealership refused to look at it because "It was a new car its just a break in period". After about 7k miles the problem got even worse. After several complaints to the dealer and at 15k miles the transmission was shot. After the mechanic tore it apart found some parts were missing, which caused the syncros to wear out. Even after the rebuild the transmission would still refuse to shift into 1st/reverse at times causing me to have to turn the car off to get it into 1st or reverse.

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  Pretty Great Car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Daniel - February 7 - 10:11 pm

  The LS build was certainly a fun car to drive. Obviously its not a sport, so performance is not its focus. The LS is built tight with pretty good suspension. Despite the size of the engine, acceleration was adequate. The interior is clean and easy to follow with no confusion among the cluster gauges. The only thing I regret when I owned the car was that I opted for the basic model. Id strongly recommend upgrading to a higher model with automatic features, because it certainly improves the convenience. The fact that ABS is not standard is disconcerting. Ive not owned it a long time, so the Chevrolet rapport is disconcerting. Not too sure if this car will last like a Toyota.

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  two ton paperweight - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Leah - February 7 - 1:17 pm

  i previously had a 97 grand am and i think that ran better than the cobalt sometimes, considering it had over 180,000 miles on it. i just dont get how you all get like 45 miles a gallon geeez thats unreal well i only get 21.1 right now. its around 25 in the summertime. well the only problems ive brought to a shop were the alignment and tire balance. the tires that come with it are no good and had constnat slow leaks. it also has a problem with the radio oncce in a while it works when it wants to. i dont like how it didnt come with floormats either. anyways ive got in 3 accidents since getting this car and it still runs decently.

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  Not all that - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By JOI - February 5 - 4:50 pm

  The Cobalt had a few recalls. The sedan is supossed to be a 5 seater. There is a cup holder in the middle of the floor in the rear making the car a 4 seater. The trunk is deep but not wide enough to load many things. The car looks spacoius but it isnt. This is a nice first time car not a family car.

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  Great car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By brnwrng - February 2 - 9:55 am

  I replaced my 05 Cavalier for an 05 Cobalt after the Cavalier was wrecked in a car accident. The Cobalt is everything the Cavalier was and more. It has great fuel mileage and has more power. The interior is a great upgrade from the Cavalier.

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  Nice reliable car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Steph - January 29 - 12:46 pm

  I bought my 08 LT sedan last May. Ive put 10k miles on it so far and it has been a pretty good car to drive. Its handled very well in the ice and snow recently. The remote start option has been good this winter with having an infant. Driving a mix of city and highway, I tend to get about 28 mpg. That was nice while gas prices were up. Even now that gas is back down its still wonderful not to have to spend as much on gas.

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  Go American - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By mr_comfort31 - January 25 - 11:23 am

  I looked at all the other small cars in this class and the Cobalt shined. The Kias and Hyundais I drove had no guts and felt very shaky. Honda and Toyota are expensive and arent what theyre billed to be. The Chevy has a great engine and tranny. The auto holds gears much longer than expected, and it can move onto the highway with no problem. The inside is well appointed also. The auto headlights are a plus, and so is the sound and climate controls. The little bits of chrome arounf the controls is a good finisher. The thing looks great after a wash and wax. GM did a great job here.