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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  Pleasantly surprised - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Chris N. - August 7 - 2:08 am

  I wanted to give an American vehicle one more chance to impress me and the Cobalt been up to the task. I have the base model LS with only cruise control as an added option. It has gotten terrific gas mileage on long trips (36 mpg) and around town averages over 32 mpg. I have had no mechanical problems with it after almost 2 and half years of daily use. It still rides quietly and comfortably and has plenty of ummp! to merge into traffic on the highway. It seats 4 avg. size adults. My only complaints are lack of interior storage space and, while the storage capacity of the trunk is ample for an economy car, the trunk entry is too small. Other than that, for a daily commuter GM got it right.

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  When will GM learn - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By sanmech - August 6 - 4:16 pm

  Bought this car new with 0% down for 72 months. Good deal-- With 9000 miles on the car I finally realized why my hands were killing me when I drove the car. The steering wheel is hard as a rock, and I cannot drive it anymore. So, I give it to my wife and guess what? Her hands hurt. A call to GM was made and of course they said sorry, but that is all. Car now in shop for a rattle they cant find. They replaced 2 struts and 2 strut mounts, 2 stabilizer links and 2 control arms. Still rattles. How many more times can one get burnt with a GM product. Last time for me. My Honda Civic 2003 I just bought still runs and rides like a new car with 86000 miles on it. You tell me why to buy American again!

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  08 Cobalt LT Sedan - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By J - August 4 - 9:50 pm

  I own a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Sedan. I like the car for the most part, one thing that worries me is the brakes stink. When the car had just over 4000 miles on it I began to notice really odd noises when braking, took it in they said it was the hubcap. It did it on the drive home. Took it in again at 4500 miles and got new brake pads put on they said they must be factory defects. Well it started again at 5500 miles then just the other I day I hit the brakes on the highway and they immediately locked up. I like the car but the brake problems worry me a little bit, I had a Chevy Malibu prior to this and never had a problem with the brakes ever.

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  So Far...So Good - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Colleen - August 2 - 12:54 pm

  I bought mine 3 weeks ago with 39,000 on it. The gas mileage on this thing is incredible. (Coming from a former Jeep owner). I wish the interior cloth and carpet was a bit darker though, it stains pretty easily. Cupholder placement is a bit idiotic. Roomy interior. The sensor for the passenger seat airbags is great, and so is the DIC (driver info. center). Trunk is huge! Looks nice, cute and sporty without being over the top. Exactly what I needed.

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  Lovin the Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Debbie - July 31 - 4:10 am

  Ive had this car about 3 weeks and love it. I chose this car over the Focus. it has almost the same ride, but the Cobalt has move room and a sporty look to it. It looks like most cars which are way more expensive. My tires are sqeaking like crickets with every bump, due to a wheelcover design which I believe should have been figured out before it was placed on the market. i love the car, but call me sqeaky. Supposedly this is a technical issue w/ Chevy which could lead to a recall. Until then, I have to wait to get this problem resolved. If you own this car, turn off the radio, and roll the windows down, and take a listen, this could your problem too.

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  Great First New Car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Patrick - July 30 - 12:43 pm

  I got the 2LT coupe in black with the appearance package, so it looks like a sport or SS, but sadly doesnt handle or perform quite the same. I definitely prefer performance and handling over the interior styling or comfort, but I also want the car to look good, and my Cobalt does both. It has response, even when compared to my old Volvo 850 Turbo. The handling is smooth, which makes this car fun on back country roads. My mom has the sedan sport, and even though she has the Pioneer speakers, mine still get super loud and have excellent bass.

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  2006 Chevrolet Cobalt LS - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kourtney Graves - July 28 - 10:10 am

  A very sporty car. Fits well in all parking spaces. Good view of other cars through mirrors and windows, Radio is very nice, good quality sound. Nice trunk space. Nice interior gages with different features as oil levels, fuel range, coolant temp, etc at the push of a button. Car seats go in and out well. Good car for college student, parents with small children, or if you just want to save money on gas. Nice ride quality, steering, and easy under the hood accesability. And believe it or not, even the base model is quick on its feet, its fun to quickly pass up more sportier cars, and see them dwindle away in your rear view mirror. Great car.

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  Big bang for the buck! - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By beagler54 - July 27 - 7:41 am

  I have owned this just about a month, and cant believe how much money I have already saved! Cant beat it, Great MPG: 38 hiway, 33 city so far, great trunk space than orginally thought, enough pep, seats are more comfortable..and I got the manual which I had not driven in over 20 years, and was very comfortable. I would recommend this as a good value for the money. Looked at Astra, but would have spent extra 4k. Only con, maybe more nooks and crannies, for little things i.e coins, sunglasses, etc. Other than that very, very happy with this purchase. And even enough back seat room in 4dr sedan!

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  Cobalt great - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By sam - July 22 - 11:20 pm

  I have the 2.2 engine with a 5 speed manual transmission. I never get below 34 mpg even in the city. The car has plenty of power and the only maintenance needed is oil changes.

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  Awesome - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Paul Justice - July 22 - 1:30 am

  I bought this car to drive to and from work. It turns out that for only $20k you can get a car with this much zip and is so much fun to drive. Over 30mpg for a car that can beat most compacts off the line. Buy this car. It is so much fun and sporty looking too.