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 LS1A - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By TJB - December 1 - 11:16 pm

  Very smooth ride and smooth acceleration. Excellent fuel economy.

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  Great New Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By justin06 - November 27 - 10:46 pm

  Ive owned my Cobalt for almost three months now and I am highly satisfied with it. It is leaps and bounds better than my previous car, a 2004 Dodge Neon. Its a sporty coupe, which is exactly what I wanted. Even with all the extra features ordered, it only came to 17K. While shopping, it was between the Cobalt or the new, 2006 Civic, and I chose the Cobalt because it included more options at a lower price. To receive the same with the Civic, I would have had to purchase the highest-end model. All in all, my Cobalt coupe has been a pleasure to own.

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  I love my Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By march - November 15 - 3:40 pm

  I normally drive much more expensive cars, trading in a supercharged Grand Prix GTP for this Cobalt 2.5 years ago, but I think this little car is great! Fantastic mileage, very comfortable on long drives, an automatic transmission that shifts perfectly, good power, good stereo, fun to drive, great visibility and versatile. I normally lease new cars every 3 years, but am planning to buy this one when the lease is up. Ive had the key stuck in the ignition, but thats really the only problem and its an easy inexpensive fix if you know how. The selling dealers service department is very poor, but Ive found another nearby thats far better

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  Great Buy - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bill - November 6 - 12:33 am

  I purchased my Cobalt in March and enjoy this car so much. I cant get over how great it handles. It gets very good gas mileage and the car in general looks great.

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  Horrible Quality - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By B - October 31 - 9:23 pm

  This car has horrible build quality. I have to be back to the dealer at least one time per month to have something fixed. My car has leaked water inside of it already and it didnt even have 9000 miles on it! Do not buy this car at all. Do yourself a favor an buy an import!!! Also have you even seen the safety ratings for this car, side impact is terrible without side- airbags, which the 08s most have on them, I wonder why that is.............

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  This car is awesome!! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Rich Gregor - October 30 - 11:10 pm

  This car has it all! Im getting over 24 mpg, it accelerates like a sports car, goes around corners like its on rails, is loaded with equipment, and looks great to boot! The best all around car I have ever owned (and Ive owned over 30)by far. Plus I got it for less than $18,000 after incentives and GM card rebates. Proof that there is hope for GM after all, if they can only build more cars with this level of performance and value in one package.

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  Chevy Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By ron - October 18 - 2:33 am

  I recently purchased this car and so far I am happy with it. The Chevy Cobalt is a peppy four cylinder that cruises nicely down the highway. It is fairly quiet for its size. The new ecotec engine is of German design and should last a long time trouble free. The trunk is spacious for a car this size. It has lots of leg room in the front and can accomodate the over 6ft. tall people easily. Overall I am very satisfied with this car and recomend it highly. Test drive it!

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  Very impressed with my 2006 Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By matt - October 11 - 10:53 pm

  For the price I paid for my Cobalt and with the features that come standard such as driver information center, air conditioning and AM/FM CD Radio with great sound I think this car is an outstanding value. From the smooth quiet ride to the standard 144 horse power motor gets me up to speed quick with an average fuel economy of 30.6 MPG combo city/hwy (Manual Transmission)

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  Did not live up to GM standards - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By CGrammer - October 2 - 8:55 am

  This car is absolutely the funnest car Ive driven yet. The major downfall to this vehicle is the amount of times you will be bringing it to the dealer to have it worked on. I have had everything replaced from front struts/control arms all the way to minor trim detail falling off. Ive had my manifold sensors replaced because it was causing my car to RPM at 400. Thats not even at idle RPM. When you are getting ready to leave for work and your car display reads "ENG PWR LOW," you get kinda ticked off. My car had to be turned off and on seven times before it would idle at 1100 RPM... enough to get it out of my driveway. I would never recommend anyone buying this model car. Maybe the 08 model.

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  Stylish, but theres a reason its cheap - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By pkbjw - September 30 - 8:26 pm

  We have put about 5500 miles on it now and we are pleased with its gas mileage, 30 mpg average, and we like the look of the car. It is reasonably comfortable, although being a small car, it can get uncomfortable on those long trips. The ride is average and the handling is above average for the class. Now for the bad news. Its cheap. Im not just talking about price either. The sheetmetal on the doors is very thin. Dont lean too hard on them or youll be going to the body shop. Also the interior has a tendency to fall apart. Nothing has broken or flaked off on ours yet, but I have seen several Cobalts with interiors that are falling apart at 30,000 miles. Im worried.