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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  A Disaster in Navy Blue - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By emily207 - April 23 - 7:01 am

  Never in my life have I had such an experience with a car. I traded a 1996 Pontiac Sunfire for my 2008 Cobalt, and within months, wanted the Sunfire back. The major issue I had with this car was the lock cylinder. Eventually, I had to have the car towed out of my garage because the key simply wouldnt turn in the ignition. It sat in the shop for a month. I got it back in the middle of January, was rear-ended two days later, and got stranded in a parking lot three days after that when the key wouldnt turn AGAIN. I was completely fed up with the Chevrolet experience and traded it for a 2006 Jetta. I think a person is supposed to be sad to see a car go, but I was HAPPY.

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  Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kelly - March 17 - 2:36 pm

  Bought my cobalt and was in love with it. Couple months in my window washer motor went out. At the same time my door locks kept locking and unlocking. I had bought an extended warranty Thank God! The a/c motor went out my struts needed replace along with the sway bar and bushings! My car spends more time in the shop than at home. My car locks me out whenever it likes and they say there is no problem!!! My husband demanded I buy Chevy when I went looking for a car I should have stayed with FORD. Now there is a recall on the steering. I wish I could afford to trade it in

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  dissatisfied - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By robert minnie - February 22 - 6:25 am

  l purchased this cobalt last august and have not been happy with it, very poor gas mileage, rated for 48 and l get no more than 25/26, back seat leg room is real small, l feel embarrassed to take anyone with me, other than these little annoyances the car is ok, wouldnt buy another one

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  2006 Cobalt powerstering and key ignitio - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ash-816 - February 10 - 4:27 pm

  I purchased my 06 cobalt on feb, 2006. At aprox 36,000 miles, 2,000 miles after my warranty expired, one day my key would not release from the ignition.. So I left my key in the car until my brother found a tiny button inside the steering column that release my key. So I have to press it everytime. Then about 1 week later power steering light came on. No big deal right. Turns out it was electrical and the dealer wanted 1500.00 for power steering and 500 to replace key ignition.. Now that cant be normal on a brand new. Gm need to hurry up with a recall.. I would never buy a gm vehicle ever again

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  Too Many Problems - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By April - February 4 - 9:22 am

  We bought this car new and soon after had AC/Heat problems. Dealer fixed those. Replaced tires not long after that. Car always pulls to the left. Interior is breaking and chipping. Had to have a shifting solenoid replaced. A/C started leaking into the car after the warranty was up. We were told it was over-charged and would correct itself (not true). Had to replace tires again. Shifter wouldnt go into park so unable to turn car off. Way too many problems for a new car.

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  do yourself a favor and stay away - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By dontbuy - January 8 - 10:41 am

  I bought this car new and it has been in the shop more and for longer periods of time than ANY other car I have owned. I am picking it up again today from the dealership after the transmission was rebuilt at 10,788 miles. There is a water leak that they have yet to find and the car smells like mold. They want me to bring it back when the new carpet they ordered for it comes in! this has been an ongoing thing since early last summer with the mold. The first time they just sprayed something in the vents. there is standing water in the trunk wheel well.

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  worst car ever!!!! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Fousek11 - December 17 - 1:53 pm

  I bought this car hoping 2 get away from a all the problems... But in all reality.. Ive had more problems with this 1 car than I had with the 2 other ones I had before it... Brakes go bad quickly, one of the cylinders went bad ($200), the vent motor is broken ($220), fixin the bumper after an accident cost $600... N now the best part... I need a new a/c compressor ($300-$600 for the part alone... And about $250-$300 for the labor)... Ive spent more money tryin to fix this car Rather than just paying it off n being on my way... I used to love Chevy... Now my view on them is very vague...

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  this is why imports are better - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jhodges83@yahoo.com - November 5 - 10:47 am

  Ive always had import cars. Ive had an 02 eclipse and a 03 Audi 1.8t. Due to the economy and a recent child I need to get something a little more reasonable. I found an 05 cobalt an decided to buy it. Well now Ive had it for a month an Im mad about it. The thing is junk. It looks like a big piece of plastic. The inside looks looks cheaply made. Even my base eclipse looked an drove a of a lot better then this.

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  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jstrachan84 - October 28 - 4:47 pm

  So I bought my Cobalt BRAND NEW. There was literally 1 mile on my car when I got it. Well of course now my car is out of warranty and at 39,000 miles the power steering light comes on the dashboard. A really cool extra feature happens and the steering wheel completely locks up. I looked this problem up on the internet and apparently this happens pretty frequently. After much arguing, Chevy agreed to pay for the part. The motor for the electronic power steering is what went. This part has been an ongoing problem with the Cobalt but the part has not been recalled. Even the mechanics at the local Chevy dealership by my home were arguing with Chevy that this is not a part that should of broke.

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  Never Again - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By not happy - August 24 - 7:26 am

  Ive had this car for 3 years and until the initial manufacturer warranty ran out I had no problems with the car, had great gas mileage until I hit 36000 miles, everything went down hill from there. The radio had to be replaced, the check engine light has gone on about 8 times in the last year, fuel pump had to be replaced along with 2 new gas tanks, and 2 new fuel level sensors, this past weekend it totally died on me, it has to be either the starter or alternator but this shouldnt be happening to a 3 year old car. I have stacks of paperwork for the many times it has been in to Chevy and not just for oil changes. Ive been in a rental way too many times. I will be buying a new car this week