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 rc31rider - December 31 - 1:21 pm

  This has been a great car! I have put 26000 miles on it, all trouble free. Went to the dealer one time for warranty work, just a stuck ecv valve, total time at the dealership was less than 1/2 hour. Gas mileage is great, better than the EPA estimates. It would be hard to find a better car for the money. While the Cobalt is the replacement for the Cavalier, the Cobalt has nothing in common with its predecessor. Everything about the Cobalt is leaps and bounds above the Cavalier.

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  Good car......some flaws! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jamie widrig - December 29 - 1:36 am

  I went from a ZR2 Blazer to a Cobalt. I miss the 4WD, but love the fuel economy. I drive approx. 3000mi. per month and have saved a lot in gas $$. But at 18000mi the trans. control module fried, I had to have a whole new sunroof put in within 2 weeks of purchase, the rearview mirror fell off, the e-brake light randomly comes on & i never use the e-brake, the cd player has a mond of its own. When braking hard on the highway, it makes a loud rubbing noise that nobody can figure out. But for the gas $$ I save these are just little things that are under warranty. Cant wait to see what goes wrong once the warranty runs out.

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  2005 Cobalt LS Coupe - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By JC - December 28 - 12:00 am

  So far my Cobalt has been great. I have the LS Coupe (5spd) with sport package. I have not had any problems at all. Gas mileage is ok; I get about 30-31hgwy, 23-24 City. Performance is pretty good; more standard power then civic or corolla. Ride is comfortable; very quiet also takes rough roads well. If your a fan of driving stick, like me, youll enjoy how this car shifts. Its smooth and not boxy like other cars. Im very happy thus far, other just missing the emlpoyee discount.

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  Great, affordable car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By mrd232 - December 18 - 2:40 pm

  I got a 2005 LS Cobalt as a lease while in college. After 34,645 miles, I have had no problems with the car. The only service the car has required are regular oil changes, seasonal maintenance, tire rotation, and yearly inspection. I have only had one issue - on occasion, CDs will stick in the player and it will return an error. They usually eject after pressing the button several times or turning the radio on and off. All in all a great car for the money. Excellent gas mileage, does well on road trips, has low road noise, and the computer gages are great for tracking gas mileage.

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  Excellent - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By 2006 Cobalt LS 4 dr - December 15 - 12:10 pm

  Overall performance is great and gas mileage was a lot better on highway. I got better than 32 miles per gallon. I also thought the shape of the car was dynamic and it resembles other high end cars of the market, which makes this car affordable, but stylish. Recommended to young people.

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  Cobalt looks and feels like a champ - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Steven - December 14 - 10:50 am

  Compared to the Dodge Neon and the Focus I would give it a higher rating. The engine noise is not that loud to freak you out and the Focus does get more gas mileage but to my opinion I think the Focus is to little for me and the Cobalt feels more comfortable. The dash and controls dont feel like theyre all bunched up into one little dsp

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  Great reliability, fun to drive - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By John Delmonte - December 11 - 6:23 am

  The Cobalt is a winner if you are looking for reliability and low maintenance cost. It runs very quiet and his extremely dependable. The interior back seat is a little small but the room up front good. Large trunk and easy access to the engine compartment make it easy to work on. Very impressed with the overall reliability, low cost of maintenance, low cost for repairs, 20-25 mpg. A basic car with five star value.

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  Sweet ride - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By TiMmY - December 4 - 9:23 pm

  Ive only had this car for a couple months and I love it. Its fun to drive and has just the right amount of room. The only problem Ive had is bad city gas mileage.

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  I love it! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By nutmega380 - December 4 - 7:42 am

  I love this car. I have driven it everywhere. It has made a trip from Mobile to Cali and from Cali to Cincinnati. I have put mass miles on this car in the two years I have owned it. I love the comfort, the power (for a 4C) and the stero is awesome! So glad I picked this car! My last new vehicle was an S- 10, and that ended up in the shop 4 times with repairs. So far this will be the first time I have had issues!

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  Love My Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Dee - December 4 - 3:50 am

  I live on Long Island where we have all 4 seasons. I have had no problem driving in rain or snow. I picked up the car in mid February 2005 and the following week we had quite a snow storm. The front wheel drive was great! No more getting stuck at work. I had an 85 Camaro which is rear-wheel and I always had trouble getting out of parking spaces at work--needed a push. And when I could, I would park with the nose out. With the Cobalt, it doesnt matter how I park. Of course its easier to pull straight out, but so far I have no problem. My husband finally drove the car last week and he was quite surprised. Said the steering was solid--thats a compliment.