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 - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cobalt - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Roomy and comfortable car with a large trunk. Low exterior noise. Window handle and seat belt keeper need to be of better quality.

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  Chevrolet Cobal - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By ? - September 24 - 4:16 pm

  Difficult to read the speedometer in the daytime. Would rather forego tach and have speedometer in center. Hard to enter and exit due to slope of windshield. Once inside, the car drives great. Good acceleration and good steering - cornering.

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  Cobalt Love - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By matt - September 24 - 2:10 pm

  I traded my favorite car I have ever owned, a Chevy Tracker, for a new Cobalt. I was afraid of switching to a small sedan. I love it. It drives great. It is nice to look at. The paint is a deep blue that the sun sometimes reflects off as purple. Getting 31.4 mpg city/driving combined. Perfect big city car. Its a winner of a car if you dont have to have the biggest one on the road.

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  LT - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Matt - September 6 - 1:30 pm

  Loved the color of the vehicle and the radio. It has good acceleration and abs brakes grab smoothly. So far fuel economy has been great. The computer in dash is real nice. This car will make a nice commuter car

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  Great For The Price You Pay - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Biggie B - September 1 - 1:50 am

  This vehicle is by no means one for someone who loves to race on the street, but is an excellent choice for the money that you spend on. I got mine for invoice, and $10,000 dollars for a 6 year waranty is well worth the money. Say goodbye to car repair with this sweet deal. I love this car

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  Black shows more dirt.. I like dirt! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Lori K - August 30 - 3:43 am

  I wanted a black car this time around, even though they show more dirt. The paint seems softer than most already soft black paint and has already spider webbed, and nicked. Despite it being the first year for the Cobalt, it seems to only have minor interior problems. The material from under the door pull wasnt stretched very well. And I have had to get a whole new inner panel because of it. It has an upgraded radio face, and sounds much better then other Chevy cars. It handles very well. I live in Ohio, where it snows more than its sunny. I bought the car April first which was a few days before our last big snow storm. I found out its handling capabilities very soon!

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  Much better than Cavalier - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mark - August 27 - 8:30 am

  Its a great little car that is fun to drive. Before passing it by I would give it a test drive. I think most will surprised that it is a GM product.

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  Very nice car for the money! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By brazz - August 24 - 1:16 am

  I bought a Cobalt LS coupe (5 speed M) about a month ago, and I am very happy with the car. It has a lot of power and it drives nicely. The fuel economy with the first gas tank was not so good, but it has dramatically improved now (24 city/30 hwy). You can tell exactly how much fuel it is using because it has this computer feature. The manual transmission is a bit rough so if you are not a great manual fan, go for the automatic. Visibility is lower than in other cars, but IT IS a coupe and you can get used to it quite fast. Great car!!!

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  Couldnt Be Happier - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Randy - August 3 - 9:43 pm

  I really love this car. I am a 55 year-old sports car nut (on a tight budget) and my Cobalt is amazing for what it cost. Always fun to drive, it makes every freeway on/off ramp a blast. I manage to get a smile on my face every time I drive it, even after owning it for 2 years. The stock power levels are great but adding the GM Stage 2 kit really transforms the car into something special. The car is amazing quiet, especially at freeway speeds. Overall it is a well sorted out, balanced car, thank you GM for making this thing! Final thought I have not had one single problem with this car. Not one squeak or rattle, nothing broken, never back to the dealer. I couldnt be happier.

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  Surprising Quality and Fun! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By George P - July 31 - 3:10 am

  Ive never owned a GM car before and I bought this car because the price was right after my GM card earnings. After 2 weeks, I am impressed with interior design and how quiet the car is. Manual shifting and acceleration are quick and smooth. Gas mileage is good, 30+ in mixed driving, but GM needs to offer higher mileage vehicles to compete with Japanese manufacturers. Overall, a very good car at a competetitive price. I would like more options to be made available, not necessarily packaged.