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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  One fun car to drive - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Donal - September 27 - 8:36 pm

  This car is exciting, powerful, and fun to drive. It makes my communte to work enjoyable. Days off even more. I have a Mercedes CLK 430 and it rarely leaves the garage now. Performance upgrades frome GM are great and inexpensive and make a huge difference.

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  Fun little car to drive - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jimbo - September 27 - 2:00 pm

  Downsizing from a 97 Caravan was an adjustment, but so far, I have been happy with the car. Only hiccup so far has been a muffler that ran hot, but the dealer fixed, no problem. The car is fun to drive. I love the overall feel of the car. It is also very quiet inside. I find myself checking the tach to make sure the engine is still running.The gas mileage has been better than I expected. The interior layout is pretty good. The standard radio is very impressive for stock issue. The stock Continental tires are OK, but there are much better out there. Shop around.

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  Fun Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By michelle81886 - September 27 - 1:41 am

  I have had it for a year and I totally love it! I have a few friends that also have Cobalts, and they love their cars also. Its a fun car to drive, and I would tell anyone to buy one!

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  Dangerous car with huge blind spot - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ryan - September 24 - 6:56 pm

  The coupe gets great gas mileage and I should have got the sedan. This car is very dangerous to switch lanes as the rear window is extremely small and you can barely see out of it when checking your blind spot. Youll probably want to get one of those small round mirrors to put on the side mirror or cut off the roof (of course not possible, but sure would be safer) as Im hesitant to drive freeways unless my girlfriend is with me to check the traffic in the right lane.

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  Check Edmund.com before buying - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Dr. Lattimore - September 21 - 2:20 pm

  Before buying check Edmund.com for the repair problem especially with the brake light staying on while driving. The problem existed with the 2008 and still continues with the 2010. Constantly at the dealership every 6 months and the dealership is not able to fix the issue

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  Not what I thought - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Stacy - September 18 - 12:36 pm

  Although I initially loved the look of the car, Im highly disappointed with the lack of visibility due to the high back and large blind spot on the drivers side. I feel unsafe driving the Cobalt because of this design. For the interior, the vents are poorly designed so that passengers do not get the air, either hot or cool, from them and this affects the defroster too. The pick-up and braking are great but the car could be lighter to improve gas mileage. My old Cavalier still gets better gas mileage than the Cobalt.

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  Brand New Car! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Shay - September 18 - 9:30 am

  We just purchased the Cobalt. My husband and I picked the Cobalt for the look and ride. We got a great deal on it and so far we love it! I hope it holds up good for the long run. But for right now its fun to drive, gets good gas mileage, and is very cute! We love it! I love the little info button that tells you everything!

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  Fun Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By kram nala - September 17 - 2:03 pm

  I only got the base model, but this is a great sporty economy car, not an economy sports car -- there is a difference. It handles well and is fun to drive. I havent opened it up yet, but heard from another Cobalt driver that highway speeds close to 100 miles are easily attainable. Not bad for a 2.2L motor. Ive had a number of comments like, "sharp car" in the weeks Ive owned it.

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  Buyer beware - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By fightnphoto - September 16 - 9:33 pm

  The Cobalt ss/sc was a great idea but GM blew the execution. With less than 20,000 miles on the odometer the car is on its third clutch, had an injector fail, the radio replaced, exhaust rattle repaired, dash cluster replaced, rear seat hinge fixed, rear package tray reattached and the best part is GM wont back there product. The clutches were "reworked" due to a manufacturing issue. GM claims they have addressed the wear issues but wants consumers to pay around $1600.00 to replace the part with the new one. I know that there is the real possibility I have bought a lemon but GM hasnt stood by there product. I would love to know the power of this car but cant Im afraid it will fall apart.

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  One year mark - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Andy - September 6 - 3:43 pm

  I bought the car a little over a year ago, and have enjoyed every second of it. It gets up and goes without breaking a sweat, and the full leather interior is very comfortable. I havnt had one problem, except my sunroof is a bit noisy when it opens and closes. The car is fairly easy to modify, and with the aftermarket starting to pick up for them, there should be more and more running in the 13s.