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:

• 

  Very happy - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Dave Wny - November 18 - 2:25 pm

  So far I love this car. Fun to drive, sharp looking and excellent fuel economy. I purchased the LT 2 door coupe with the automatic. Plenty of power for regular driving and the interstates. Passing power is more then good enough. I am getting lots of compliments on the style of the car. I got a black one with the 16" rims and spoiler and chrome package. Lots of heads turn to take a look as I am driving. Rides and handles very nicely. It looks and drives great. I am very, very happy. No problems at all after the first 2 months. For the money its an excellent car to buy. I am more then pleased.

• 

  So far so good... - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mollie - November 16 - 10:03 pm

  Im quite impressed with the performance of my little Chevy Cobalt. My husband & myself are both over 6 feet tall & we have comfortable leg room. I have the LS sport, but my display gauges arent white, not sure how it happened

• 

  So far, exceptional value - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jake - November 13 - 1:38 pm

  I also bought "Go"balt during the GM employee price period. Nice incentive to get what turns out to be just about everything I hoped for, even the color I wanted - yellow. Great handling. Only 1600 miles but getting 27.2 mpg last check. Work ride between 40-50 mph at 60 miles each day. Wouldve liked hatchback. Rear deck just in the way & to hold speakers. Rear spoiler can block vision. Im 6-1"+ & seat is comfortable but I must cock my knees just so on entry. Interior a little chintzy but hey, its a commuter car with go-power. The refig display is different. I have trouble reading it in the variety of color combos it offers. Currently getting dealer installed cat- back system. A kid at 58!

• 

  08 Cobalt LS - glad I bought it - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By norb - November 11 - 2:42 pm

  Very good, solid car overall. Fun to drive, reasonably priced compared to the competition, and easy on gas. Ive put about 5000 miles on the car and have had no problems. Ive been getting 25-26 mpg around town, 31 mpg on longer trips, and I do have a habit of standing on the gas!

• 

  Extremely pleased with the Cobalt SS - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Chase Hess - November 4 - 7:30 am

  This car is very well rouded. It has performance, handling, style, fuel economy and isnt too expensive; $19,500 brand new w/all but 6 disc changer Power is solid up to 3500 rpm and then she just screams all the way up to redline at 6500 rpm with an auto trans The power is exhilarating. Handling is absoltutely superb while maintaining a pleasant ride (even my wife doesnt complain). Fuel economy is good considering the power (175 HP). I usually get about 26 miles per gallon with a pretty even split of city and highway driving(and my pedal to the floor). I think this car is the total package. I test drove a few other competitors with comparable economy and the Cobalt SS was the obvious choice

• 

  Great Car! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By AmZ - November 4 - 3:30 am

  Great driving, very smooth! Comfortable and spacious. Back seats are great! 3 adult size people fit very comfortable compared as the Eclipse Coupe. Sport look! Beautiful car! I highly recomend this car!

• 

  Love it but hate it - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By britt - November 3 - 10:03 pm

  I love my Cobalt. It gets great gas mileage. However I hate it. I have had my steering column replaced twice along with the control arms on both sides. These problems also created more issues for me with my brakes and needing to replace my tires because the dealership refused to fix them when I took my car in. But finally with persistence the issues were resolved. But its a month later and the noise is back. I was told this was not a problem that is heard of with my car but lately I hear that the cobalt is known for their front end issues. But other than the front end issue and overall when my car is fixed I do honestly enjoy it.

• 

  Reliable Commuter Car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mike O - November 3 - 12:35 am

  My Cobalt LS 4-door has been a great purchase and a terrific commuter car. I bought the car new for a very good price which included a rebate, dealer discount and GM Card credits. Out the door with a 100K mile warranty set me back $12.8K. The car has 15,000 miles on it and it has not needed any repairs thus far. The car is very reliable and runs flawlessly. I do the maintenance myself, which is very simple. Im pretty tall and I find the driver seat very comfortable. drive about 60 miles/day, so Im in the car about 2- 1/2 hrs/day. The car gets >30 mpg and has plenty of pep. The car handles pretty well for a small car.

• 

  Chevy Cobalts. Good Gas Mileage. Reliable - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mike - November 2 - 11:16 am

  I own a 2005 Chevy Cobalt LT 4 Door sedan, and I must say that this car has been extremely reliable. I average about 800 - 1000 miles a week driving on this car for work, and it has held up well. It currently has 166,000 miles on it and no major work needed. I dont care what people say about Chevy and GM, they do make wonderful cars. We also own a 2001 Malibu with 232,000 miles on it. An 2006 Equinox with only 19,000 miles on it and a new 2009 Cadillac CTS. All have required only minor work and maintenance done to them. If you keep up with the maintenance they will be reliable cars. We have twins that will be driving soon, and they will be getting the ever reliable Malibu and Cobalt

• 

  Terrible Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bryan18 - October 27 - 4:03 pm

  I bought this as my first car. I bought it as it was a new car in the price range of the used cars I was looking at. I mainly bought it for the warranty because any car I have been in it has always had many problems that the dealer needed to fix. This car was no exception!! I have been to the daelership at least one time a month to get something fixed on it, and it is always some stupid thing that needs to be fixed. Every time I have gone in their, they have given me a hard time about fixing the thing! I am very disappointed with GM for producing a car with this pad of build quality the electric power steering is also horrible, GM could you be cheap again and give us a normal hydraulic steering