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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  Excellent car for the money - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By balt lover - October 6 - 6:00 pm

  I purchased this car nearly 7 months ago, and it has completely surpassed my expectations. I am just over 6 feet tall, and of all the small cars I tested this one felt the most comfortable to me. It is extremely fun to drive, and even with my heavy foot, I average about 28 mpg in town, and have gotten as much as 38 on the highway. I would highly recomend this car to anyone looking for an econobox that is a kick to drive.

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  run in the other direction! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By notbuyingchevyagain - October 5 - 11:33 pm

  we bought this car at a good price new, and it has been nothing but trouble from day one. it has had a rough idle for over a year and multiple things have been replaced (engine mounts, throttle body, maf sensor, etc) and nothing helps. it has been in the shop more than it has been on the road and is still not fixed.

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  Great mileage...get the options - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mark - October 5 - 4:13 pm

  My 2006 Cobalt has been fantastic to own so far. I have 43,000 mile swith the original tires and brakes still intact. The ride comfort leaves a little to be desired,and there is some front end noise the dealer says is normal. I drive 64 miles a day to work and average about 36 MPH as high as 42 on a good day.If you buy this car get all of the options you can afford otherwise you will tire of this car quickly. I have the LT package with the alloy rims and bigger tires as well as the pioneer radio system that was a huge suprise for a stock system. I live in Ohio and this little car has handled the last two horrible winters like a champ. It handles very well in all weather conditions.

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  Its OK, if you have no other choice - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Leona - October 4 - 10:53 pm

  I got this car 4 years ago (in January) and when the lease is up, its gone! Dont get me wrong, the car gets great mileage, and its fun to just step on the gas and go! But its a really light vehicle, and I get afraid of driving thru a puddle on the highway. Ive had to bring it to get fixed twice, and its had a recall. The gas gauge also never says that the tank is completely full, something thats evidently a recurring, "accepted", problem for Chevy cars..

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  Cobalt Review - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Daniel - October 4 - 6:00 pm

  The new Chevy Cobalt is an awesome car. It has great handling as well as some real get up and go. It out does V6 Mustangs and other cars with that kind of power. it has had some kinks like the E-brake light flashing on and off for no reason. Chevy realized it was a simple error in the car computer and fixed it. Both my interior door handles broke but all of that was covered in the warrenty. Overall, the new Cobalt is a fun car to drive. I am happy with the work GM put into this car.

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  2009 SS Cobalt - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Why Not - October 4 - 1:02 pm

  Bought the Cobalt SS Sept 15. So far IÂ’m very impressed. The turbo really helps the 2.0 liter create power. It feels faster, stops quicker and handles better than my 96 TransAm WS6 (and it was a performer in its day). The reconfigurable display is awesome, the Brembos fell like an anchor is thrown out to help stop it and it handles like its on rails. The seats feel great, standard bluetooth is cool and the short-throw shifter is outstanding. Ive had Vettes, TransAms, and tons of 60s era muscle cars. At 54 years old, this car puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. With the GMPP plan offered last month, IÂ’m sorry I didnÂ’t buy two of them for $22,400.

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  I love my Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By elle11 - September 24 - 12:22 pm

  I needed a car and I had never heard of a Cobalt till I got to the dealer. This was the first car that I looked at and I wanted one that day and didnt want to go anywhere else. I love this car. It is a smooth ride with huge trunk space. I cant believe though that the Saturn Ion is said to be the same car. The Cobalt is 100% better than the ION all around. I cant even believe that the Cobalt is getting compared to such an ugly hunk of cheap junk. I am not saying that the Cobalt is expensive or luxury, but it is next to the ION. I would not trade my Cobalt. My dog even loves it. I have had a few minor problems, but that had something to do with the dealers error. This is a great car.

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  $15,000 Nightmare - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Harry - September 23 - 5:13 pm

  Well, to sum it up in one word, the word "nightmare" comes to mind. The car is actually very nice to drive, handles better than my Mustang ever did, and it has just enough pep to get me into trouble. However, let me tell you the bad about it. There is this rather loud, annoying rattle, which can not be figured out by two different dealerships. Had it in five times, parts replaced every time, and still nothing. Also, it has this little issue that makes it not start at the most of inconvenient of times. No one can figure that one out either. I will tell you that to me, this car is the biggest waste of money, and "GM integrity" that I have ever encountered. GM: Build a better Cobalt!

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  Unbelievable Value - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tomster - September 21 - 9:04 pm

  Given the extremely low sticker price, I dont see how anyone with reasonable expectations could be disappointed with a Cobalt. I bought my LS 4 Dr Sedan with auto tranny on June 3, 2008. The sticker price was only $15,530, with the auto tranny and the spoiler being the only options. There was also a $2000 rebate at the time. I cannot believe what a sweet little car that Cobalt has turned out to be, especially considering the low sticker price. I bought the car purely for fuel economy, but I ended up with a car that is really fun to drive. It has amazing acceleration for a gas sipper, a quiet ride, a huge trunk, good handling, and great looks. I am totally pleased with this car!

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  Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Madcatz - September 19 - 4:08 pm

  2.2L with 5-speed manual transmission. Great car, Ive had no problems with it yet at 32k miles. I could not say enough about the awesome gas mileage I get out of it. I average 400 miles per tank of gas, usually about 420 miles, and have gone over 450 miles on one tank before. Gets about 39-40mpg at 50-55mph. But being as a manual transmission, gas stinks in traffic jams. A/C works great, it gets cold really fast. Heater warms up very quick in the winter.