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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  Buy a Cobalt! - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jenny - July 21 - 4:07 pm

  I overall love my little Cobalt. I bought a brand new 2008 Cobalt LT coupe, and now have 1,500 miles on it. I recently got it to 41 MPG average on the highway with the cruise control on. I got 0% interest for 60 months, so it was a smart buy too. I always liked the Cavaliars, but these feel less cheap, and more roomy. I got the dark Blue Metallic, and it really sparkles. The color is my favorite part, but hard to keep clean. I would have opted for the darker seats too, I got my light seats sprayed with a special scotch guard type spray with a warranty to keep the interior looking nice. Spoiler makes it dangerously hard to see out of back, but love the ways it makes the exterior look.

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  Chevy Cobalt - a good value - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By pvs68 - July 20 - 9:08 pm

  The base model seems to be the most car for the money and the quality so far seems to be competitive to leading imports. Even the most basic model comes with standard features that other cars in its class don’t come with. It is also easy and inexpensive to perform your own preventative maintenance (oil changes) on too. I like mine, a 2 door standard transmission, because it is sporty, economical, and practical. I did extensive research before buying it and had the most confidence with this purchase.

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  Great car for tall person - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By So happy - July 18 - 4:57 pm

  I am 6 7" and am very happy with my LS. I tried getting into most all the other compact cars and I just could not fit in them. I have not had a single problem with the car since I purchased. Perfect commuter car. I get about 30-31MPG combined and get 36- 37 MPG on the highway.

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  Miserable - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By sara - July 17 - 12:44 pm

  The 06 Cobalt was the first car Id bought. It has been extremely disappointing all the way around. Within the first month of owning it, I had to take it in twice: once because the wiring on the safety harness had been chewed by rodents at either the dealership or a GM facility and had remained undetected until my check engine light went on a couple weeks after I brought it home and next because my ignition stuck and it had to be towed to replace the gear shift in the floor. Since then, Ive had to replace the fuel sensor and the fuel pump. Other repairs are pending even now. The car has less than 8000 miles on it. My advice to all thinking about buying one is to research carefully!

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  This car has been fantastic! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Brent - July 14 - 1:57 am

  I bought this car for my wife brand new and we currently have 37,000 miles on it. Other than having the key get stuck in the ignition (fixed under warranty) and replacing front brake pads, we havent touched the car. It gets great gas mileage and looks good to boot. Couldnt ask for anything better.

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  Great Car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Rob - July 12 - 11:36 pm

  I bought the sport version and so far it has been a pleasure. Looks good, drives good. It gets good gas mileage. Even with the the 171 hp version I average 28mpgs.

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  Great Car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Stan - July 11 - 8:52 pm

  I just purchased my Chevy Cobalt and I love it. Its very quiet inside and has an extremely smooth ride for its size. The electronic powered steering has excellent feel and control and the vehicle corners very well. It has plenty of power and its a breeze to parallel park. I have the LS 4 door sedan in slate gray metallic. The light gray interior and silver pin striping add a rich touch. I highly recommend this vehicle!

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  Fun drive - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Beau2006 - July 10 - 2:54 pm

  Car is a blast to drive although if it had a little more power, it would be even better. I am sure it would be worth the extra money to buy the new 2009 turbo with 260hp. The 2006 Super Charged is fun with 205hp. It gets great gas mileage and seems to pull well on the top end. The interior is roomy for the front but if you have the seats all the way back, the back seat would be a little cramped. What can I say, its a coupe. I have a blue Cobalt and the paint seems to be of good quality.

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  Buy a Scion or Civic - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By marspiter - July 10 - 9:53 am

  This is my wifes car and she puts less then your average yearly mileage on the car. When she first bought the car it was a wonderful. In fact I actually found myself sneaking it time to time for little trips to the store. In terms of reliability. Well thats the sour point of this car. This is a list of the items that have been fixed since the car was new. Throttle body malfunctioned, Sunroof has broke and come off track twice, Every button in the interior has broke at least once. Have replaced the sunroof bezel 4 times. Electrical short in trunk that killed the electrical system. Final thoughts: Fun to drive, good gas mileage, horrible reliability. Will trade for a Honda Civic.

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  Under Rated Performance - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By InfinityzeN - July 10 - 5:13 am

  Here comes the underdog. It has a supercharger, it makes boost whenever you press the gas. The engine puts more horsepower to the ground then its rated at and has dominated every form of racing it has been used in. Brake performance is exceptional, especially when you consider the cars price class and weight. Ove all the best bang-for-buck performance car in the last few years.