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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  Cobalt Review - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Maurer.139 - July 26 - 5:49 pm

  Besides the brakes needing to be replaced I have never had a problem with this car. It looks nice and it drives well.

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  All the Options - Lower $ - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kimers - July 25 - 6:50 pm

  Lease was up on my 06 4 dr Mazda 3 (loaded) - Had to get my payments down. Saving $50 a month by purchasing the Cobalt. Went with the 2010 2 dr Cobalt LT, black, Olympic Team option, chrome accents, Loaded.My driving habits are mostly city driving.Used to having a 4 dr so 2 dr is going to take a little getting used to. The only option the Cobalt is missing that the Mazda had is auto wipers-Chev sales person said auto wipers only come in Cadillacs. 2010 is going to be the last year GM is making the Cobalt. So if you are ok driving around a car which is going to be outdated right away, even though there are a lot of them on the road, that is why there are such good deals to be found.

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  Little Demon Car - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kevin - July 23 - 4:23 pm

  First off, I always get tons of crap from my buddies when I tell them I got a cobalt until I take em for a ride. Amazing power for such a little car and the brakes stop on a dime. Only real problem is everywhere I go, people try to race me lol

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  Fun ride - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By shaun - July 2 - 10:11 pm

  I bought this car back in may and i have never owned a small car but i just love this ride. Its fun to drive and mine has all the options on it and its a beautiful silver color.

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  Like the Cobalt a LOT - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Lori Lou - June 24 - 6:05 pm

  Have had the Cobalt almost a week now - averaging over 30 mpg already in my commute (17 miles each way). It has a lot of nice features for an "entry level" car. Got the chrome package, love the Bluetooth and OnStar. Adults can sit in back seat - even with my seat back for driving! Manual seat has lumbar adjustment and pumps up and down for height adjustment - NICE!

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  A very nice car - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By S&N - June 19 - 4:50 am

  This car is just a tight & quiet as any larger passenger vehicle I could find. The fuel economy is excellent on the highway with the 4 speed automatic. The stereo is very good & has the bluetooth option. The value for the money is terrific. I would recommend this car to anyone in the market for a smaller fuel efficient car.

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  Amazing car! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By amazing car! - June 13 - 3:48 pm

  I bought my car in April of this year. Im a 16 year old girl and this is my first car. I have a 2 door lt orange car automatic w. Leather seats. I absolutely love this car! I couldnt have picked a better one! I love driving it and its very reliable. I havent had anything go wrong with it which is good. But it is a great car for new drivers! I would definitely recommend this car!

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  Awesome car - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Renea - June 8 - 10:04 am

  I love my Cobalt! Handles great, dependable, looks fantastic, plenty of room in back seat and front lays way back. Perfect car

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  Im back (2 years later) - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By cragman1 - May 19 - 10:30 am

  Third review from me on my 08 Cobalt base LS w/automatic. Most owners probably either sell or trade 2 yr old cars nowadays. Which is my reason for a 3rd review. Since buying this in Jan of 08, weve seen Toyota go through their inevitable fall from grace, and Hondas numbers are down as well - no doubt due to lack of interest from generation X, Y, or is it Z by now? Either way, once we have all small cars starting to look like Scions or Mazdas, Id swear its starting to look like a science fiction movie version of The Stepford Wives - only done in a small car theme! ~0 . Anyway, I still have my 08 white Cobalt with nifty round red taillights and it still purrs along nicely!

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  Love it - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By sgemrald5 - May 16 - 1:23 pm

  I have never owned an american made car before this one. I love this thing! it rides great, so quiet, has given me up to the 50s in mpg on highway. displays everything on a screen that i would ever want to know. I got it with 32,000 miles on it and havent had any problems. Its a breeze. Fun to drive, reliable, great on gas. highly suggest it for the commuting college student or worker, its great.