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:

• 

  Love my SS - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By lovemySS - July 16 - 9:57 pm

  This car is a great all around buy! Gets good mileage, excellent performance for the money. Have only had minor wire harness problem, burnt thru the fuel injector wire, warnt covered. interior is nice, no rattles. I drive 88 miles round trip to work daily, and its a curvy hilly drive, and I love it. Makes going to work a pleasure. Downside, cramped back seats for anybody other than a child. Rough ride on a rough street. Could use a 6 speed gearbox. Definitely recommend this car

• 

  Easy Ownership - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Halfcent - July 15 - 10:30 pm

  The Cobalt is a super easy car to own. Its easy to insure, easy on gas, easy to maintain, easy to drive anywhere. You will notice what seems like a very big difference in looks between the base models and the upgraded cars. Leather interior on this car makes it seems like an entirely higher grade vehicle. Spring for the extras on this one, it make a big difference. Heated seats, OnStar, MP3 radio with Pioneer speakers, many others. And it is a much better car then its Cavalier predecessor.

• 

  Great Car For The Price! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Crystal - July 13 - 10:21 am

  I really enjoy my Cobalt. I was lucky enough to have a friend who worked for Chevy. He worked everything out for me. My Cobalt is by no means a fast sports car or a luxury Lexus or anything, but it has been a wonderful car. I have had no problems in 2 years and anything I needed done got fixed promptly and w/o out any questions from Chevy. I do wish the gas mileage was a little better, but it rides great and is comfortable for trips. Its a great car for the low price

• 

  Poor mans Vette - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By DARRELL lydick - July 1 - 9:05 am

  It is a fun and affordable car to own and drive, handles, performs, stops very well. It is comfortable to ride in and drive with 3 way adjustable drivers seat leather interior 7 speaker system. The handling, performance, style and cost of this car make this a poor mans Vette.

• 

  Think before you buy - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By avhhis - June 27 - 8:20 am

  I have had this car for two years and have many problems with it. It is currently in the shop right now for the 8th time and it only has 39000 miles on it. It was in the shop twice for problems with the sunroof, which is not that big of a deal. But I have had two major problems. One, the brake lines and brake fluid lines were bad. It was in the shop three times for brake issues, and the third time I took it in I had no brake fluid left in the car because of a major leak. The second problem has been with the steering. Twice I have had problems where the power steering message comes up and I lose control of the steering. If I could go back I would buy a different car.

• 

  Compact Luxury - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By CobaltDad - June 25 - 5:30 pm

  My daughter drives this car to school - around 40 miles roundtrip. So far she is averaging 30-31 MPG with the trip to school on rural roads and just everyday driving in town-no freeway driving. We are pleasantly surprised considering all the bad press the Colbalt gets in many reviews for its "poor" gas mileage. We have 6942 problem free miles driven and have had only 1 (ridiculously expensive) oil change at the dealership. We are very pleased so far.

• 

  Whats Everyone Complaining About? - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By JimCity Commuter - June 24 - 7:40 am

  I hear so many people talk this car down, but this is literally the best car Ive owned so far. Fuel economy is great, and theres a never ending supply of get-up-and-go. I got the base model, which I suppose means fewer things to go wrong, but this car has only been in the shop for 8 hours (would have been less if the guys would have let me show them what was wrong when I first drove it in the shop). Had a bad coil pack. Not GMs fault their supplier gave em a junk part. Fixed it 9000 miles ago and still driving strong! I put 100 miles a day or more on this car and it loves every minute of it. Ill have this car for a very long time. You go GM!

• 

  Cobalt Supercharged Power - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jdogg - June 23 - 8:20 am

  The car has been very fun to drive and a head-turner on the road. Excellent handling and overall performance for the price. Much better than driving an embarrassing Dodge or Ford

• 

  Great Commuter Car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Schlog - June 22 - 5:50 am

  We purchased this car as a commuter for my wife, really not expecting an exceptional vehicle for $13,500 out the door. My feelings have changed after making several day long drives, really taking a liking to the car. With 266 miles on the odometer were getting 39 miles per gallon on the interstate, really great on a car that advertised 34 MPG Hwy. Secondly it handles exceptionally well and is comfortable to drive. 95% of the time I drive a full size truck, never paying attention to the fact that your constantly scrutinizing your size in a given space... it does weigh on you in commuting. This is a nice car and were actually discssing getting another in the Pontiac version. So far, elated!

• 

  My Cobalt Coupe - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Dave - June 17 - 8:40 pm

  The Chevy Cobalt LS coupe is an awesome car! I bought mine in late 05 and it came with everything except a sunroof and the supercharger but even the basic models of the Cobalt are fun cars to own. It has great acceleration for a 4cyl. and the Ecotec engine is very dependable. So far the most mileage I have gotten out of a tank of gas is 359 miles but the average is 280. It also has several after market parts for those who enjoy modifing. I highly recommend the upgraded 7 speaker Pioneer audio system, it packs an awesome punch. Overall this car is a great car and I highly recommend it.