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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  Cobalt - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Marge - November 21 - 9:46 pm

  I have owned a Chevy Cobalt for 4 months now. I have 2500 miles on it. I really enjoy driving this car. It handles well. It has good pick-up and is easy to drive. My daughter also likes to drive my new Cobalt. Everyone whos sees it likes the way it looks. It ia laser blue metalic. It is comfortable in the front and back. The features are great. You can program up to 36 staions on the radio. The driver information center is cool. Lots of good info available on it, miles per gal, oil life percentage, 2 trip odomoters, fuel range, outside temp and a couple of other things too. Highway driving I get 32-34 MPG. The rear seats fold down so you can get larger things in the trunk.

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  I Love My Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By KIMZEN - November 17 - 4:30 pm

  My car feels so sturdy and well made when I drive it because it is so quiet! I really love the circle "motif" with the rear lights and especially the chrome circled gages! I think they need to advertise it more because not too many people know about just how good it is- people might think that it is just a Cavalier with a different name!

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  GM built this? - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By cwm - October 27 - 5:20 am

  I reluctantly rented this car for a 1500 mile road trip through 4 mountainous states, becuase it was the only car left with GPS navigation. I was not expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised. The car is cheap and in many ways cheaply built, however GM put the quality into this car where it counts. The seats are comfortable but lacking in adjustments. This is one of the first automatic transmissions that I dont have to out-think to get the car to do what I want it to do. After driving 1500 miles to several national parks I can say that this was one of the most comfortable road trip cars I have ever driven.

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  Peaceful Car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ronna - October 26 - 1:36 am

  I got a 2008 Cobalt LS sedan, and its wonderful! Its great on gas and comforatble. I feel safe and secure in my new car. Its a perfect car for me, someone who likes to drive a lot and dont mind taking other people with me. It is a small car and though it does not look like it, it does have a lot of room for passengers without feeling cramped. It also tells you everything about the car with the push of a button :tire pressure in each tire, mileage left before needing gas, temp outside, avrg speed. Also, it is great with the fact that it is inslated well from the outside. I hear no wind noise or normal engine noise, so its a nice quite ride when I want it to be. I love it!

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  Extreme Fun - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ed Dunleavy - October 17 - 3:43 am

  I was looking for a fun, affordable, good gas mileage car, built in the USA. I found it. My experience driving this car has been a blast! Quick,agile, always willing and wanting to play.

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  My Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By a. dicicco - October 11 - 3:30 am

  In general, I am happy with my Cobalt. Handling is good and the ride is decent. Would like to see a little more sound suppresion for road noise.

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  The best you can get at the lowest price - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Grey Fox - September 29 - 9:06 pm

  First of all, the car is beautiful, and fortunately so is the price. Between the Honda Civic, Dodge Neon, Toyota Corolla, the Chevrolet Cobalt is the prime choice! Why? Great gas mileage, very very very quiet engine, excellent comfort, surprisingly excellent sound system, and in and out, just a well- built car.

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  2005 Cobalt LS Rocks! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jordan - September 9 - 1:36 pm

  Bought it new, and Im amazed at the craftsmanship and overall quietness of the car. Doors and panels have a solid feel to them, They are well-designed, totally unexpected. Mileage is on par with my previously owned Corolla, even though the Cobalt has a bigger engine and more power options. Im very pleased.

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  Awesome Car. - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Krystle - August 18 - 6:56 am

  I just bought mine but, i love it already. It really is a great car. It drives wonderfully. It handles great. Looks sporty for a great price.

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  2008 Chevy Cobalt Coupe LT - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Pam - July 9 - 2:16 pm

  Even though Ive only owned my Cobalt for 33 days, its performance and appearance(Revolution Edition Package) is outstanding. Im 49" and i have the seat all the way up, which puts me very close to the airbag should it go off Ill be in big trouble. The acceleration outdoes my previous vehicle, which was a 2005 Trailblazer LS 4-wheel drive. I own a 2.2L DOHC 4 speed automatic,not a 5M.