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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  Sweet Chevy Ride - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By somnambulist - September 19 - 5:16 am

  Chevy has hit the mark with the Cobalt SS. Its a great bargain, with amazing acceleration, a great stick, and a pretty kicking speaker system.

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  My LS coupe Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By S. J - September 18 - 8:20 pm

  This is my fourth Chevrolet, and I can say that is the best built Chevrolet I had so far. This is a small, fun to drive car. Since I have the coupe (sport package) I can only complain about the rear seats. They were made for small people only. I think that the quality that went inside this car is the best I have seen in an American car. I will say this, if you are thinking of buying a small car, you should have this Cobalt in your list, you will not be disappointed. Chevrolet is going in the right direction.

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  08 Cobalt SS user review - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Superbrowndude - September 18 - 7:59 am

  Great car, fun to drive. For the money you will not find a more powerful car from the factory with 260hp at 5200 rpm.

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  Avg 27city 32hwy! Solid Built! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Rob - September 18 - 12:00 am

  The gas mileage is great! The small car grows on you as you drive it. Fun. Easy to maneuver, turning radius 33! Decent pick up for the on ramp. Safety scores high! Gave the car to my DD and am now considering another one after shopping Mazda, Honda, Mitsubisi, and Saturn! Cant beat the price and quality, mileage and safety without all the options nickle and dimeing you to death!

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  My Cobalt Rocks! - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By HoosierDiva - September 17 - 7:16 am

  Its a small car! Handles beautifully, the Ecotrac whines a bit more than I like, but I love it! Having a compartment that is more easily accessed by the driver, yet secure would be helpful. the tray under the Emerg brake doesnt corral things well and they end up on the floor (not safe for drivers to fetch). XM may be a keeper and I feel much safer with the OnStar...some people may feel its big brotherish but if big brother wants to keep tabs on my grocery store runs...he can help load and unload them! ....the dishwasher too! ...can drive me to work too!!

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  Wow - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By dale - September 16 - 9:48 am

  Really surprized with this car. I needed an inexpensive car to drive to and from work. The gas mileage is unbeatable, it is averaging 39 mpg. I really like the 5 speed. It has plenty of power. This is a much better car than the Corolla I was looking at and a lot cheaper.

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  Update of 1/1/08 Review - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Matt - September 14 - 9:27 am

  I now have over 10,500 mi on the car and its still without any problems. I took the car to the shop 3 times: Once for an oil change and 2 because of something I did: Bent a rim and hit a deer. I abuse this car and it still treats me great. Im now getting 30-37MPG depending on how I drive. The front tires are now starting to show noticeable wear. My only big gripe with the car is the noisy wheel covers. They squeak and rattle over bumps and it makes the car seem like less quality than it actually is. Next time Im getting alloys. I still get compliments on the looks. Why are people still buying imports? Chevy packs quality, value, dependability, and fun all in one car. Check this one out!

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  Good, solid car - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By John - September 12 - 11:15 pm

  The drivers seat is very comfortable, the car drives good, rides good, and wind and road noise is minimal. The fuel economy is very good. The right rear speaker is defective, a new one has been ordered. One negative design flaw is that the arm-rest between the driver and front passenger seats has to be raised up in order to set or release the parking brake. A telescoping steering wheel would be greatly appreciated by long legged drivers such as myselg.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Disappointed - September 8 - 9:26 am

  I purchased this car to drive to work and school. Bought it brand new. Previously owned a Chevy Lumina for many years. I think the best indicator in do you really like your car is, Would you buy it again? My answer to this one is an absolute NO. I disliked this car so much that after two months of owning and 3000 miles later, I traded it in on a used Subaru. The Cobalt is just another version of the Yugo. At least thats how I felt when driving. Everything in the Cobalt looks and feels cheap, like it wasnt very well thought out. My new line is "I would rather drive a used Subaru than a brand new Cobalt."

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  Sporty at 40 - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By angel - September 8 - 12:53 am

  After driving an SUV for seven years,and the gas prices steadily rising, I had to get a more compact car. This is my first "sports car" and I really love it! I have all the bells and whistles that were offered. I have to get used to driving a smaller vehicle all over again. This car handles really well. People comment that it looks similar to a Mustang or a Cougar.