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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  Its a gamble - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Gene - October 22 - 7:49 am

  Based on the other reviews its clear that if you get a sound Cobalt its a good purchase. The car my wife and I bought was dangerous right off the bat. Aprox. 2 weeks after purchase while going 40-45 mph the car died. A wiring harness had to be replaced. Since then its been back to the dealership for numerous repairs.

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  Cobalt is a keeper - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kelvin - October 21 - 6:20 pm

  On our first long trip we got 33-35 mpg. Seats were comfortable considering it is a sub-compact. Very quiet ride, little tire noise with the Perelli tires and 16 inch wheels that came with the sports package.

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  My hot car! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kim - October 19 - 11:26 pm

  Overall I love it. I have a traveling job so I spend a lot of time in my car. My father is a mechanic and he typically is a "Ford guy", but he really liked the run of this model, which is a good sign to me! Due to my job, good gas mileage was the main reason for my choice with this car, its an added perk that it has so many other good qualities. One thing is for sure, my friends never turn down a chance to drive it!

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  Great Performance for the price! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By linz - October 16 - 10:38 am

  Ive had this car for over 2 years now and have 45000 miles on it. I had to order the car because I could not find an SS with a five speed and all the options I wanted. So I hadnt test drove one when it was ordered.Ive never had to take it in for service but did replace the brakes and rotors at 40,000. The interior aluminum paint has started to chip from wear and tear and the steering wheel leather has started to fade. I previously had a 2005 Grand Am GT and it was in the shop twice in the 2 years I owned it. The Grand Am had more get up and go than the cobalt but it was a V6 automatic. Decent car for the price, but some improvements could be made. Back seat is extremely comfortable for a coupe

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  Coballt SS/SC - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By SharpMan - October 15 - 9:40 am

  Looks great, fun to drive, good gas mileage. Build quality acceptable for price range of vehicle.

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  A very good American Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mike - October 12 - 11:50 pm

  I have had my Cobalt Coupe for a month now, and I am most impressed by the fuel economy and build quality. I am getting over 30 MPG in combined highway/city driving with the automatic. This car is assembled just as tight as a Honda or Toyota. I looked at the Corolla first, but the Chevy had more features, looked better, and was a couple of grand cheaper. I am not an import hater, as I have owned both Japanese and Korean imports in the past. GM has produced a first-rate car here at a very good price. This car is not like a Cavalier at all, it is well-built, gets good mileage, and is comfortable.

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  I Love My Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jana - October 10 - 8:53 am

  These cars are only a 4cyl.but they can get up and go. I bought my Cobalt and within a week I found myself putting extra mileage on it. I enjoy driving this car, and my childern love it too. They kind of look sporty, but they also have enough room for a family of five. The trunks are huge too.

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  So-So Feelings - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Doug - October 9 - 9:05 am

  I have an 07 SS Coupe. I drive a lot. My gas mileage has been less then desirable with getting at the most 27mpg highway. I have 42k on it now and at 40,500 I had to have my transmission replaced. Thank goodness for extended warranties or it would have cost a fortune. Styling is great. I get a lot of looks from people because the car looks hot in black. Tires are expensive to replace and the SS is so low to the ground it doesnt clear most speed bumps without scraping. Unless you get a great deal on this car, I would think twice.

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  Too Cavalier - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bill T - October 8 - 10:16 pm

  The 2007 Cobalt LS 2 door in some ways is a stylish car, but, from looking at the front and sides, looks too much like a re-vamped Cavalier. I expected more from this car than it delivered. Gas mileage on the 2.2 automatic is terrible for a 4 cylinder, eats far more gas than a Nissan Altima 2.5 4 banger, and isnt half as fast, in fact, its sluggish by comparrison. Comfort is basic, behind the times, needs better standard sound system w/ larger standard sized tires/ wheels. Vehicle is noisy inside passenger cabin, and exterior paint job inferior, marks/ chips easily. Many blind spots when parking, observing on- coming traffic from behind, and passing. Its a re-vamped Cavalier.

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  One of the best cars Ive had - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By souprdog - October 7 - 5:55 pm

  Ive had this car for about 2 months now and I think the Cobalt SS (5 speed) is very under-rated among the other cars in its class and price range. With a stock engine pushing 205hp the car is very reliable. The day after I bought the Cobalt I drove 1100 just stoping to fill up for gas. In a month I put over 2000 miles on the car. Ihe interior is average for the size of the car. It does have a pretty big trunk. Also the factory Pioneer audio system with the sub was a very nice touch. The only problem that I had with the car was if you pump octane 83 gas on it (like I did) and drive for about 7-8 hrs the car will feel shaky like its not getting enough fuel so I stick with pumping it with 91 octane