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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  Better than a Cavalier - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Chevy Always - June 23 - 7:53 am

  So far so good, this car is alot of fun. I have had only one problem so far as a high pressure switch went out on my air conditioning. It was gratefully worked on and fixed. There were a couple of recalls that I had to take of, but hey, for the price, no problem. I would recommend this car to anyone. Im only mad that I didnt get the higher performance engine.

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  Not without a warranty - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By avery - June 20 - 8:48 pm

  This car I ordered and waited 6 months for it, it didnt disappoint. The power the feel best bang for your buck. However it is built kind of like a home made rocket ship, amazing performance, questionable quality. Build quality should go negative for this car

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  Good car for the money. - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Shawn E. - June 19 - 10:25 pm

  Ive had the car for a little over a year and I think that it is a good car for having over 16,000 miles already. There are some improvements that need to be made though. It has great fuel economy at 30 mpg, and that is not highway! Comfortable seating in front but not the back. good stereo system. Car is fun to drive on winding roads. The car has been in the shop twice. Once for bad control arm bushings and warped rotors. And the next for a loud grinding sound in the brakes. I think that it needs a 6 disc cd changer. Overall it is a good car for a low price.

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  Great Car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By DJ - June 19 - 10:06 am

  Just wanted to say that the Cobalt is a great car. I have had it for about 3 months and I put about 6000 miles on it and I have had no problems. Car runs great and handles well. And for a 4cyl it has some pick up. I do city and highway driving and I am getting an avg of around 30 mpg. When I am on the highway I am getting at least 35 mpg. I wish I would have known the Cobalt XFE was coming out. I would have waited because if I am getting 35 mpg on the highway with the reg Cobalt, the XFE has to be getting atleast 40 mpg on the highway. For around $12,500 you cant go wrong!

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  My 2006 Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By smb - June 19 - 9:41 am

  I bought this car new, when my 2001 Malibu went into the shop for the what seemed like the 100th time. Anyway after dumping over 8000 in repairs into this Malibu, I reluctantly bought the Cobalt since I was not impressed with GM. But this car didnt bring my confidence back, after 2 months of ownership my drivers side window wouldnt go down I took in and a couple days after getting it back the door handle fell off, and the whole inside door panel was loose after they had taken it off. and never could get back on right. And to top it off this car lost half its value in 12 months, not good.

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  Gas mileage wins - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By MustangGT - June 16 - 12:19 pm

  In these trying times, our auto transmission LT sedan has shown outstanding gas mileage. Over 28 mpg around town all the time. It isnt suppose to be that good says the EPA, but well take it. Its a fun car, quieter than many other four cylinder cars in its class. We bought it used from a local Chevy dealer and after three months, no headaches.

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  Gas Mileage is Bad! - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Boo~ - June 16 - 11:53 am

  I really love this car, love the look, enjoy the feel of it while driving, having OnStar has been fun- and my daughter loves usign the OnStar phone. Plenty of room for the family dog in the back seat as well. In sport read this car was my idea of a fun car! I get 27.5 miles per gallon using the interstate between home and work, I am very disappointed in the gas mileage. I use cruise control every day and I never get more than 27.5- some folks say they are getting 400 miles out of 11 gallons Yeah Id like to see that done in person, you have to see it to believe it. Other than the gas issue at 4.12 per gallon I really love this little car.

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  Was my first car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kelly - June 15 - 11:42 pm

  I got the 2006 Cobalt lt sedan for my first car. I love how easy it is to drive, it is small enough to fit into tight parking spaces. It has great turning capacity as well! It has really awesome gas mileage. It has a large trunk which surprised me when I got the car because most smaller cars have small trunks. I have had it for two years now and it runs great. It has great brakes too! I havent had any problems with it except for recently the back window stopped rolling down so I am having the window motor replaced. Interior is holding up well so far. It is a good size for a first car or for a small family. I have one son now and it works well for everything that I need to bring with me.

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  My new car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kristine - June 15 - 12:04 pm

  Bought this car because I read a lot of positive reviews on it. Then the test drive came and I loved it. I used to drive a 1995 Jeep Cherokee Laredo but I was a victim in a car crash and it was taken away from me. So safety was my key concern and let me tell you, I feel safe in this car!

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  Seems great so far - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By sdencar - June 14 - 3:13 pm

  Great car after only 2 days. Im 63" and this is the only car in the price class that I can comfortably fit in. Merges onto the highway very well, even from uphill on ramps. Very little room for rear seat passengers. Cheap plastics inside, but you get what you pay for in that area. I havent ridden in the passenger seat, but my 510" girlfriend said its plenty comfortable.