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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  My Red Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By bitterdelight - April 30 - 12:23 pm

  I like my car. Ive had it just over a year. Its cute and runs well. I have had a couple of small issues that were covered by warranty and were not much of a pain at all. I get great gas mileage 38.2 freeway and 29.4 in town. Thats good if you ask me. It has plenty of room for my sons carseat and fun to accessorieze too. Its my family car thats still sporty.

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  Cobalt is a Keeper - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kevin - April 29 - 1:23 pm

  I bought my new red Cobalt LS 5-speed 2-dr coupe about 3 weeks ago. This is my first new GM vehicle, and I am very pleased with it so far. It is comfortable and fairly quiet, and has a very nice interior layout. The EPA rates it at 25/34 mpg city/hwy, but I got 33.6 mpg on my first tank, and 35.9 mpg on the second. My commute is 20 miles each way, mostly Interstate highways, but including weekends I expect that it is about 25% local/75% highway driving. I am driving efficiently, but I still keep up with traffic on I95 (70-75 mph). I use the A/C as necessary. It isnt as powerful as my 86 Mustang GT, but is still quite fun. I am very pleased with my purchase.

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  Chevy Gets It Right - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By TC - April 29 - 9:46 am

  The handing is smooth and it has that big car ride quality. The engine is torquey, pulls hard and attatched to a smooth shifting 5 speed making it a blast to drive. The interior and exterior fit and fininsh are comparable to Toyota and Honda. Its got a great stereo and extremely spacious trunk. The gas mileage is awesome. Theres nothing not to like about Chevys Cobalt sedan.

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  GREAT CAR - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jan - April 22 - 12:30 pm

  Handles great, get almost 400 miles to a tank of gas! I love it! Comfortable, but would have like a little more room in the back seat. Although I have 2 teens and they dont complain. Trunk space is amazing!

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  Great car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bruce - April 21 - 3:16 am

  This is the least expensive new car I ever owned, It is fun to drive. Its got a great 2nd. 3rd gear winds out great. Got lots of coments. Going to put chrome wheels on it, and she will look great. Just a base car, but got all the right equipment. Chevy is on the right road with the Cobolt. I think its got it all. A fast little SS and a great base

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  Bang for the buck - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Gregg - April 15 - 12:16 pm

  Excellent car for the price. My son bought this vehicle to replace a 10 year old Saturn. I was impressed with the performance, styling, and safety features of the Cobalt. This may not be one of the "in" Japanese sport cars, but my son is getting a lot of comments about the car. The best part is that he can afford it.

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  Better luck next time - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By nomochevy - April 4 - 4:01 pm

  I had a 2005 ss/sc and it was a fun car to drive but after having to get the shift knob fixed 5 times and the seats starting to crack from the cheap leather, I went back to Honda a now own a 2007 si sedan and am not looking back. The fit and finish are so much better and it looks like a better built car.

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  Pizza crap! We were wrong!!! - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kathy Chapel - March 29 - 10:08 am

  When the cobalt was new we had FOB and computer lock up problems, now that we worked through that early on, its been great! Best attribute ? The deep , big, trunk!!! Its great!!!

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  Great Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cobalt - March 27 - 7:33 pm

  The car is a blast to drive. Its very responsive on the road. I was surprised at the fuel economy and how fast the car wanted to drive on the road. Its a nice sporty car. The trunk is huge. The one draw back is there is not a ton of room in the back seat. Overall I think its a great car.

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  Great Car, Great People, Real Fun! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mike Carlson - March 23 - 4:36 am

  I have owned my Cobalt for a little while now. This is a great car for the price. Its a blast to drive. I look forward going to work and leaving work because of this car. The people that complain about the interior and style should have not spent the money on it and saved till they can afford a million dollar car. The interior is very clean and nice to keep that way. Performance-wise, like I said, fun!. They did a great job and I drive defensively at times and still average 28 mpg, but mostly 35 mpg. All I can say is that Chevy did a great job!