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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  Just a flashy entry-level car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By John - December 12 - 4:16 am

  For the first 3K miles, this car was great. Then the noises began. Car constantly makes both a squeaking/chirping noise and a loud snapping sound around the b-pillars like the car is breaking in half over bumps and during turns. The sunroof also rattles and its switch repeatedly falls out of the headliner. Mechanically, I havent had any problems in terms of the engine, transmission, suspension, etc. But when your car is a rattle trap, its hard to enjoy it. All my cars have been American and theyve been great and lasted for years. However, once my loan is paid off Im going right out and getting something else.

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  Update to 1/14/06 Review - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Evan - December 10 - 5:30 pm

  After 29500+ miles, this car has been excellent. PROS: Performance, passing in 3rd gear. The seats have worn nicely, I still get 30mpg on the hwy and avg 24 on my mixed daily commute. When youre really racing it though, expect 8-14mpg. Maintenance is ok, $95 for Schedule I, $130 for Schedule II at the Chevy dealer. CONS: Stock tires wore out at 18k and theres only 5 or 6 tires you can replace them with. Glove box plastic-rub rattle is annoying, same with squeak in int. LR quarter panel. MI/OH roads beat up you (and the car) with the stiff suspension.

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  Avoid at all costs - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By kemorc - December 8 - 10:50 pm

  Ive been in the dealership for constant warranty work on this thing. Ive got the 2.2 and the terrible Getrag manual transmission. Lets start with the tires. Continentals are junk, if there is moisture on the road, traction has become a thing of the past. Brakes have ceramic pads but terrible rotors. Youll find that they warp rather quick! Engine leaks like a sieve, and Im only at 12k miles. Needs new head, valve cover gasket and if the main seals leak, those too. Transmission requires you to sit 10-15 seconds at a stop to shift into reverse. Tranny is incredibly weak, its built to withstand the engine. Anything added for performance is questionable to the tranny. Please note that this is a SAAB designed engine, and an OPEL designed car, its not truly a GM vehicle, and its starting to show, a GM vehicle wouldnt be this terrible.

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  Super Quiet Ride - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Chesterwlth - November 19 - 11:30 pm

  The coupe is a super quiet and smooth ride with suprising power for the 2.2L engine. Very good on gas.

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  MUSCLE CAR ? - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By pappachubby - November 10 - 10:00 am

  IM A 50 YR.OLD GUY THAT WAS PART OF THE "MUSCLE CAR " ERA AND HAVE OWNED SS396 CAMAROS AND A 71 SS454/450 CHEVELLE AND ALTHOUGH THIS ISNT IN THAT CATEGORY IT IS ABOUT AS CLOSE AS IVE COME. IT IS FAST ! ! ! FUN TO DRIVE AND DOESNT LOOK BAD EITHER. THE FIT AND FINISH IS SUPERB ! BRAVO CHEVY !

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  Think twice - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By lil mah - November 2 - 4:16 am

  At first the car was cool, however the problems began within 2 months. Its too small. The interior plastic paint chips. Factory (Perelli) tires are awfull in the winter. Rear light panel shorted out completely after two times in the shop to replace all back lights. The front end pulls to the left. Had the right passenger side axle and cv joint and boot replaced and it still still pulls to the left. The rental cars are better than my car. The wind blows you across the freeway. Theres no leg room for your passengers, you feel like clowns. Tends to guzzle gas for a small car. It needs bigger rear windows (too much of a blind side) The suspension stinks. A poorly made car.

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  05 Pocket Rocket - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By geebsz - October 27 - 4:26 pm

  This has been a wonderful car for me. Im a bit of a spirited driver, and this little car with the upgraded suspension and wheels makes it a trip to drive. Ive added a Magnaflow catback exhaust and a K&N filter, but even before that the car was great. Going from a Tahoe to this was a treat in the gas mileage department too. With as many miles as Ive put into it and as hard as Ive driven it, its done very well. Some things to watch for: The shifter may have to be replaced to fix the problem of getting the key out when putting it in park. The passenger rear quarter window seal leaks. The sunroof switch bezel fell off. All of these things are easy fixes for the local dealership.

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  love my blue Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By erica - October 19 - 11:36 pm

  I didnt know what a Cobalt was until i test drove one. It had the requirements that I wanted, small, blue, and it had a standard shift. It gets great gas mileage and has some added features that you tend to see on more expensive cars. The neatest thing I just recently noticed is that the car actually signals me to let me know when I need to shift to the next gear. I love it!

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  Great for the money - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Greg A - October 13 - 9:33 pm

  Compared it to the Cavilier, Malibu, Focus, and Aveo. Drives as nice as the Malibu for the money of the Focus. I use to have a 99 Prizm, and (so far) the Cobalt is holding up as well. It handles decent, gets good mileage (25.5 mix HWY/CITY), and is a very quiet ride compared to others of this size/price. I can get A-Plan on the Ford products, but still chose the Chevy. This is not a redesigned Cavilier! Much nicer. No rattles and no squeaks after 36K miles!

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  Chevy Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Brent Tuag - October 11 - 9:53 am

  This is one of the cars to drive this year. It has great handling and its supercharger really kick in.