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:

• 

  Lemon - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Terible car - August 8 - 1:05 pm

  Since I have had this Cobalt, it has been in and out of the shop. Power Steering went and 3 different computer chips had to be replaced and then I had to replace both sides of the wheel bearings and control arm bushings and also it stalls when coming to a stop. I am lucky that I havent been in an accident yet. It is eating up the gas after I replaced the fuel filter and air filter. I will never buy a GM car again.

• 

  GM Junk - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By disappointed - July 7 - 9:48 pm

  Fuel pump went out at 58,000. NEVER buying another GM product. Horrible gas mileage, impossible to work on and mostly dealer only parts. High maintenance for a cheap car.

• 

  Never Buy This Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Meg - June 14 - 10:22 pm

  I purchased the car in 2008. Been down hill since day 1. W/in the 1st week, the rear passenger window seal was bad, several fuses had to be replaced, the key got stuck in the ignition and the entire steering column was replaced bc it wouldnt lock into gear. Still does it. The glove box rattles, the instrument panel lights dont come on when the headlamps are on. The clock constantly resets itself to 12:00. The trunk now rattles. The plastic interior scratches way too easily. I know its not a Lexus, but GM could have done a better job. Will never buy GM again. All I can say is youll defiantly be using that warranty! Be careful!

• 

  Bad in accidents-Not Safe - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By LindaA - June 5 - 7:48 pm

  I am sad to say that I just had an accident in my March 2008 Cobalt. My Cobalt and a Mini Van collided at very low speeds and my car had $7,700 worth of damage. I could not believe how bad the damage was for low speeds of under 25mph. Air bags did not deploy. It was at a residential intersection. I have another 4 years to pay on this having taken out a 5 year loan. I am very upset about it all. I will not buy another Cobalt if they should be available.

• 

  junk - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By unknown - May 20 - 10:43 am

  dont buy!!! this car is junk my brakes never stop squeaking dealers cant explain. no room in car for anything seats stain with rain water windows dont roll down all the time airbag light on for no reason...drivers side door handle fell off...my dome light hangs down now cant get it back in!!! total garbage...my 2004 malibu rocked compared to this car

• 

  Terrible Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bryan18 - October 27 - 4:03 pm

  I bought this as my first car. I bought it as it was a new car in the price range of the used cars I was looking at. I mainly bought it for the warranty because any car I have been in it has always had many problems that the dealer needed to fix. This car was no exception!! I have been to the daelership at least one time a month to get something fixed on it, and it is always some stupid thing that needs to be fixed. Every time I have gone in their, they have given me a hard time about fixing the thing! I am very disappointed with GM for producing a car with this pad of build quality the electric power steering is also horrible, GM could you be cheap again and give us a normal hydraulic steering

• 

  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.

• 

  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."

• 

  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!!

• 

  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.