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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  Great Car! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Don - July 10 - 4:17 am

  My previous car was a 2003 Dodge Neon which i must say after the 1st yr needed a front end job..yuk! Ive had the Cobalt for 15 months now and not a problem. Good power. Ride is good. Electric steering needs a little improvement. Great gas mileage. I get 30 around town. On long trips at first I was getting around 40mpg (automatic tranny) now around 38-39mpg. Dealer installed cruise for free. I love it!

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  Great Ride - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By abetar - July 9 - 11:06 am

  I have owned my SS for about a year and love every day driving it. I have got as high as 40 mpg on the highway and ussualy around 30-32 around town. Love the ride and love the performance

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  Never owned a chevy - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Woodboat - July 8 - 2:55 pm

  I have always owned Dodges or Fords. Never liked Chevys. I test drove every vehicle made in this class. This had the best ride, best fuel mileage,, smoothest operation, and best price. With factory incentives the car cost $12,100. I was very objective and simply couldnt pass up this great car. I liked the size of some others like the Scion XB but the ride was harsh and jiggly, gas pedal operation was abrupt. The Chevy is way easier to drive. We have them in our fleet at work and the mechanics say they are the most reliable cars we have ever owned.

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  Awesome for the price - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Chris - July 6 - 10:50 pm

  I bought my Cobalt last February. I originally wanted a VW Rabbit but after a bit of sticker shock ($17,000) I decided to keep things basic. With incentives and deals, my Cobalt was $12,500 out the door. I have no options but CD/mp3/auxillary jack and air condition were standard. I just drove from Detroit to Chicago and averaged 37 mpg by going 65 and easing of the gas pedal when going up hill. Its not as nice as the foreign competition, but I saved thousands on the car. The warranty is decent too. And I kept Americans employed with my purchase. Long live Detroit!

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  Better than some say - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By connin - July 6 - 7:55 pm

  I bought a 2005 Chevy Cobalt SS supercharged and so far I think it is a good car. I have fun driving it. There is a lot of power up dates that you can buy for them, and it gets better gas mileage than my last car. More power than Cooper

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  Whats Not to Like! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Dennis - July 6 - 7:21 pm

  Seriously, whats not to like about the Chevy Cobalt? Having long been a GM fan, Ive never really considered buying a compact GM vehicle. I always figured I would have to buy an import to get the quality and value that I desired to add to my fleet of full-sized GMs. Well, my 07 Cobalt has proven to me that GM can make a good, reliable compact car. Im not a small guy (62" and 245#) and this car fits me like a glove. The seats are supportive and there is more than enough leg room. I can easily keep up with my sons 07 Scion TC, and get WAY better fuel economy when doing so. Overall, this car cant be beat if you are looking for solid, economical transportation.

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  Pretty Cool - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cynt - July 6 - 6:25 pm

  Before I got this car I had a 2000 Chevy Prism that was amazing. So to compare the two has its ups and downs. The Prism got way better gas mileage. With the Cobalt it probably get about 25-29 MPG where before I was getting at least 35MPG. Its really stylish and I love the MP3 jack. Getting on the highway is great because it doesnt take long to get up to speed. I didnt get power locks or window and thats the biggest regret. It stinks to have to reach over and unlock doors and manually roll down windows. Wish the radio would crank up a little louder also. I love the digital display for the information center. However I wish OnStar and ABS was a standard. Overall pretty good and fun to drive!!

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  2005 Cobalt is great !! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jon B - July 2 - 6:36 pm

  Pretty good car. Does not get the fuel economy that I expected but very good design, and the 2.2 Ecotec engine runs great.

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  Hot hot hot - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By CHamilton - July 1 - 8:01 pm

  This car is fast. It almost has as much acceleration as my 750 cc motorcycle. Makes short work of an $80K BMW. This car is so much fun to drive. Looks great and to boot 40 mpg highway out of the 2.0 I chose the Cobalt due to the fact I had such great experience with the Cavalier. Car is loaded with everything you could want. Great job Chevrolet. Thank you

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  Way to Go Chevrolet - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Derek - July 1 - 10:29 am

  I recently purchased an 08 Cobalt LS brand new after owning a 1999 Chrysler Sebring Lxi Conv. for 9 months. That car stunk, but this car is great so far. I love the handling and the acceleration, even for an automatic like mine. For a 4 popper, you simply cannot beat it. The car is stylish and bold with many nice features. The engine sounds like a Honda. What blew me away was, however, the performance. I thought that it would have decent acceleration and good handling, but this car, even being the basic LS model, has terrific performance. Driving home from the lot I wanted to try it out, and a guy in a tricked out 07 GTI wanted to go and he enjoyed a view of my tailpipe.