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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  Not an ideal long term car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By gessvt - August 23 - 3:50 pm

  Bought this car at the end of 2006, dealer took about $6000 off sticker. Car has had numerous repairs under the factory extended warranty, including 3 sunroof replacements. Car also eats brake rotors. Recommend buying the best rotors out there if you want to get mileage out of them have them bedded as well. Car is starting to show rust bubbles on hood, truly a shame since it gets washed and waxed on a regular basis. Painted interior materials flake away. Rattly steering column noises. Wheels corroded after about a year. No engine or transmission troubles yet. I hope to get a couple more years out of it, but by then it will be a disposable car with no trade-in value. Avoid.

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  Driver side door will not open - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By UpsetCustomer - August 22 - 10:55 am

  Went to lunch found my drivers side door would not open. 2x before lock issues. Supposedly fixed by Riverton. Apparently not. Two weeks after same issue. Took 8 months to get it fixed. They had my parts on the shelf and never called me back. Closed the repair order waiting for payment from the warranty company. Now the damn door will not open. Want to charge me $150 just to tell me what is wrong. I cut my panel, reached in, all of the mechanisms are working. Still cant get it open. This is a recall problem. Check the web and see how many others have the issue. I refuse to pay and I will continue my journey to find someone to fix my car at no charge. Never buy a GM again.

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  Problem under 300 miles - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By XCOPPER - August 16 - 10:43 pm

  Bought this car Brand new off the lot. 275 miles later the stereo volume control wouldnt work. buttons wouldnt work. They replaced with a new one, Parts guy stated there were several ordered because of this problem. Gas Mileage isnt as great as they tell you. Might be because its still breaking in, not sure. City I am getting around 19-21 MPG. I test drove the same model before I got this one ( it had 500 miles on it ) the A/C was not working.

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  2009 beige cobalt - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By christine Parker - August 16 - 12:39 am

  Fun to drive, 30000 miles, mechanical problems, turn signal wouldnt shut off, now "something " is draining the battery, in shop for diagnosis. could not locate fob for above mentioned car

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  Good car for the money. - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Roy "Rocky" Cathcart - August 7 - 6:46 am

  I purchased this car for my daughter, who was on her way to college. This vehicle has served us well, and looks like it will take us to graduation day. After graduation it will probably go to another member of the family who needs a good - serviceable - and economic automobile. We keep up with the maintenance schedule, and have it detailed (inside and out) every spring. I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a good quality car in that price range.

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  Comfortable - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jabel - August 6 - 3:14 pm

  This is my first new car straight from the dealer. I wanted to get many options without shelling to much money. I have all the options with a low monthly plan. I had some trouble in the beginning like a leaking windshield, alarm kept ringing, and unbalanced. I find the car very comfortable, reliable and the sound system is quiet nice. For the price Im paying I find it satisfactory.

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  Good car for the $$ - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Chevy loyal - July 13 - 8:13 am

  We bought our Cobalt new in 2008. Got a great deal & are very happy. We had one thing wrong with the mirrors when we first got it but taken care of quick and easy. Our cobalt is a manual & we get about 34-37 mpg on the highway, 30-33 in city. (depending on who is driving). Overall a good car, just not a lot of room in the back seat.

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  New Owner review - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By AmyF - July 12 - 5:11 am

  Have only had for 2 days, so this is a preliminary review. Handles well and drives smoothly. Very interested to see what my avg mpg will end up as since I drive so many highway miles. I traded in a minivan that got 24.5mpg avg.

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  Cobalt Impresses - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kormie - July 9 - 7:59 pm

  Fun, neat, car to drive. Had to semi- retire my Shane Mobile (Crown Vic) for something more emphasis on MPG. I am averaging about 29 Miles/ gallon, with about 70% highway driving. I have noticed on the instant mpg, up hills goes down drastically. But so far saving about $100 bucks week on gas. so after paying for insurance, and a $217 car payment, still spending less to ride this one. The info center is neat as it tracks mpg average, Oil Life, and Instant mpg so you can learn best driving practices maximize mpg. Getting about 340 miles on a 12 gallon tank. Im not a music buff, but sound system sounds great. Crossing my fingers and toes.

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  Meh comparable Honda was better - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By bwright1970 - July 4 - 9:27 pm

  This car is a car thats fine to get around but down the road will not retain its value. Could they make the windshield washer reservoir any smaller? Its like a funnel, doesnt hold much fluid for winter driving. My drinks are doing back flips with those lousy non functional cup holders. Already a recall on power steering