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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  Best value ever - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By gr - September 6 - 3:53 pm

  A pleasant surprise. XFE coupe getting 32 city, 40 highway mpg with careful driving. Paid $11,600. Very comfortable seats, high quality fit and finish. XM radio. Driver Info center. Big trunk. I cant imagine a Toyota or Honda being a better value than this. Chevys best kept secret.

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  Handles and looks great! - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Astrid - September 3 - 4:50 pm

  I thought this car one of the best cars. It handles very good like youre driving on air. Its so fast and the sunroof I got to say is a excellent feature epspecialy here in Flordia. The opitions on the wheel such as changing the station on the radio is a brilliant idea when it comes to driving. The interior is beautiful and nice.

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  Love it! - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By racegirl - September 3 - 3:54 pm

  This is the first car I have bought on my own. I love it. It is sporty and very realiable. Very good gas mileage!

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  Its been a great car. - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Gary - September 2 - 6:41 am

  I bought my Cobalt with 100,000 miles on it, so I was expecting it to need some work at sometime or another, and maybe have a leak here or there, but it simply hasnt been the case. I change my own oil and always do a look around underneath the car to check for issues, and I almost always come up empty handed. I now have 157,000 miles on the car, and all Ive had to change are the brakes, tires, and a couple control arm bushings. The reliability has been phenomenal. About the only gripe I have is that the interior is very basic and cheap looking

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  Great American Quality - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mike - August 31 - 6:21 pm

  For all of you out there that buy foreign because of the so called superior reliabilty this car is for you. Well built, fun to drive, excellent quality for your money.

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  Fix and repair daily! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Heath - August 29 - 7:59 pm

  I bought this car the day after Christmas 06. Didn’t have it a month and Air conditioner coil busted. March the fan troud begins rattling, AC compressor squeaks and random not starting. I took it to the dealer tightened the fan troud, replaced the Ac compressor and couldn’t find anything wrong why it wont start. June 08, gear shifter assembly fell apart! GM didn’t cover it, 321.86. A year later (out of warranty) these things are still occurring with the same response! These cars are pieces of junk! Something always needing to be repaired!!

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  Consistency - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By ImportBuster - August 29 - 12:53 pm

  Car drives great. Dont feel the bumps much but hear them like cracking noises. First few thousand miles were good but in the cold Vermont winters the car took so much gas. About 19 mpg mix of city and highway. It would make loud noises from the heater fan when cold. On ice would lose the car accelerator functionality for about 10 seconds. Even if just one wheel touches some ice - no gas pedal. The car feels sturdy even at high speeds and the steering gets stiffer as we go faster. Car is fast with good pickup and great sound system. The transmission is having trouble already in deciding what gear to take.

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  So happy - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By kayla - August 26 - 11:09 am

  I bought my Cobalt for 2 reasons. Its mileage was 10x better then my Jeep, and secondly my boyfriend who happens to be 65 could actually drive it. Its great for long trips and does wonderful in Indianas winter season.

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  Love the little car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Great Rig - August 25 - 2:44 pm

  I bought the car to get me from point A to point B safely and it does just that. Ive kept my foot off the gas and manage about 33-34 to the gallon for an average. The car handles well, I have power when I need it. It is fairly comfortable considering that I am six one and I drive a couple hours solid every day to get to work. I dont even hit my head on the roof. Only problem I have had is the bolts that hold on the front bumper started to go loose after 6500 miles with half the miles spent on dirt roads.

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  Klunky - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By JB - August 25 - 12:52 pm

  Bread truck handling, braking, and acceleration. Rattles and clunks. Cheapest kind of plastic and mouse fur interior. Air conditioning takes a long time to cool down on a hot day. That the vent always defaults to "open" doesnt help. The LED multi-function odometer tries to do too much. Noisy engine when pushed. Automatic transmission cant decide which gear it wants to be in. This cars begging for a stick shift. Gas gauge hard to read.