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 Little Car (LS/2.2 Automatic) - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Andrew - January 24 - 8:58 pm

  Im a six and a half foot tall guy and my Cobalt has more than ample front seat room for me. Im a teacher and commute 90 miles per day to work, and 400 miles a weekend to my summer job for the past two years and I have had not one single problem with the car. Performance is great for the 2.2 engine as a commuter car. I currently have 73500 miles on the car and only have brought it back to the dealership for regular maintenance. When I keep it at 60-65 MPH on the highway, I regularly get about 425 miles to a tank of gas. In the summers, I drive from the Jersey Shore to Scranton, PA, and back, and still have enough in the tank to drive around town for a couple days. Id recommend to all.

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  2009 Nova SS - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Lance - January 23 - 8:14 pm

  I bought my SS Cobalt without driving one as every state west of the Mississipi had only 5 SS. I ordered one after reading my Road and Track, Motor Trend Mags and going around the Nurmburings track with a professional driver in the rain no less. Lap times just above 8 minutes, and the driver expressed great impressions of what the car is able to do. Seeing as how I want to do what I can to help the economy and own a true muscle car matching the numbers of a Buick GS 455, and getting 2 to 3 times the mileage I bought one. I have 4500 miles on the car, perfect seats that my 90 year old mother could actually not have pain after 8 hours in the passenger seat, and scarry fast, like-Corvette

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  Trustworthy - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By John - January 20 - 6:23 am

  This has been one my better vehicles ever. Except for a factory replacement of the fuel level sending unit a few days after purchase, (it wasnt gauging correctly), Ive had no problems. My wife uses it for a 50 mile daily commute and it keeps on going. It still runs like brand new and drives as straight as new, hasnt needed an alignment as of yet.

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  Love my Lil Red Coupe - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kyle - January 19 - 7:06 am

  I traded in my 00 Mustang V6 that was a piece of junk for this 09 Cobalt. It is my first new car and I am really pleased with my decision. The OnStar and XM are my favorite features plus the XFE sticker on the trunk is cool even though Im not sure what it means. I assume it is the sport package? At 64 and 330 lbs I fit very comfortably and dont feel cramped like I was in the mustang. I drive 100 miles to college and then 20 to work. so the gas mileage is very important. I am getting double what the Mustang was. Great car and worth the money.

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  My Red Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By RedCobaltLS - January 19 - 4:16 am

  Its a good car no problems yet? So far Ive got 2800+ miles on it. I hope the next 5 yrs dont bring me pain..Knock on wood. But Im finding out how hard it was to replace the headlight bulb. I wanted brighter lights and had to take off the whole headlight to gain access to the bulb. But other then that its a good car.

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  5000 mile Chevy Cobalt review - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By kochise - January 8 - 6:19 pm

  Nice little car to get around town in. I dont like the seats or interior. I think the seats are made very cheap. I bought for gas mileage and the price range was what I could afford to keep maintained. I think the interior is really cheap.

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  Detroits Little Muscle - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Michael - January 3 - 9:04 pm

  I bought this car for my wife after trading in on a 2001 GMC Jimmy. Havent had a whole lot of problems with the car. There were at times that it seemed to run rather hot, but the dealershp mechanics stated that running up over 235+ degrees is common. As long as the light doesnt come on and the vehicle doesnt run sluggish it perfectly OK. Also at around the same time the vehicle tended to want to stall out especially at sudden stops. But after a needed oil change and running the 93 octane with an octane booster/ injector cleaner it went away. The 148hp motor is very responsive and doesnt hesitate to peel the tires from a dead stop. I find it fun to drive when the wife lets me

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  Possible savior to GM? - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Joe Gerard - January 2 - 12:43 pm

  This is certainly an upgrade over the cheaper-looking Cavalier. Gas mileage is excellent. Depending on where you get gas at, you can get close to 400 miles on a full tank, and it doesnt cost much to fill up. It has a large trunk. Its certainly a fast car, closest thing to a Honda Civic out there. Its no wonder this is one of GMs best-selling vehicles right now. Considering all of the plant closings right now, I think GM was smart in upgrading the Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant, because this vehicle could end up as the savior to the worlds largest automaker.

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  Great looking rocket! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Brian - December 31 - 7:19 am

  Just bought my Cobalt Supercharged with 1400 miles on it. Was a demo. The car has been so much fun to drive. Getting 40 + miles per gallon going easy on the highway. The sport red color with the 18 inch chrome wheels is awesome. Other than an occasional minor rattle (might be beacuse its wintertime), this car is absolutely a must as long as youre not worried about a small backseat or using it for construction projects.I have a 2004 Avalanche that I now can use for carting my gear only. Im now saving a lot on gas and wear and tear. The bottom line: If youre looking for a fast and fun car to drive, youve got to consider this car! Feels like the old days. Power with no worry of fuel!

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  Better than I thought when I bought it - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By soupysales - December 23 - 7:54 am

  I have an LT package XFE (5M), so Ive got the electric windows and the center armrest. The car is quiet, handling is solid as a rock even at high speeds, and the hard seats are comfortable on long trips. Trunk room is spacious, but the opening is small. The 2.2 will scoot if you wind it up, which you can do with the manual transmission. This is a great car, lots of fun to drive, plenty of front seat room, and great mileage. Under the skin, the Cobalt is an Opel Astra, so if you like the personality of German cars, youll like this one. For the price that Chevy sells them for, its a bargain.