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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  Great coupe - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jorge gutierrez - July 21 - 9:16 pm

  I loved this car since the first time I drove off the lot. I love the aceleration, and I never had a problem with it. I just love this Chevy.

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  Love it, love it, love it - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By eddie moreno - July 17 - 12:36 am

  A very smooth ride, great acceleration, awesome fuel economy (28-31 mpg) A very comfortable & reliable vehicle. I am very impressed with Chevy. Great job guys. Great price also!

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  Surprisingly pleasant to drive. - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By First Chevrolet - July 7 - 5:20 pm

  This is a really solid offering from Chevrolet. With the 1SB package the handling is awesome and tight. There is no dead spot in the steering and with the adaptive steering low speed maneuvers are extremely easy. The ride quality is amazing. Better than the Corolla. The Pioneer sound system will rock your world! I can not say enough good things about this car. My wife is utterly impressed with it. This is the best offering in its class!

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  Loyal to GM - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Beanie - June 21 - 3:13 pm

  Coming from a long line of GM owners, and not able to pass on "employee discount" offer, I decided fuel economy and style were #1 considerations. I chose the Cobalt LS 5-speed. Am getting 28.5MPG only if I drive like Grandma, but its better than GMC Jimmy was achieving. Fun car despite only a 4 cyl, but wouldnt get an automatic! Performance doesnt compare to my old 88 Z24 5-speed, but Im still getting there in style and on less gas.

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  2007 LT2 Coupe/Automatic Trans. - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By JasonC - June 10 - 4:33 am

  I bought this about a month ago and have around 1150 miles. Car drives smooth with little outside noise. Very quiet engine! Electric power steering seems to working well with no problems. The interior is nice, however a bit nicer door panels couldnt hurt. Sunroof is quiet and a pleasant option to have. Seating in the front is very comfortable. Drivers side lumbar support is a nice feature, however it doesnt really make a huge difference. Instrument gauges are cleanly arranged, and the stock stereo is very nice! I love the features, and the XM that came with it! I have the 16" tires (instead of the stock 15") and I think it gives it a cleaner beefier look. Gas mileage is best at 65 mph.

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  Fun at a low price tag - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By kris - May 30 - 10:50 pm

  This car is a fun cruise around the city and it has a whole lot of acceleration. It lacks a little in the handling but it makes up in the style and design.

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  I Love It - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Carol - May 24 - 10:00 pm

  I bought my car last week and just love it. My son bought one in November last year and I took his out for a drive one day and had to get one. I traded in a 2000 Malibu with only 47,000 miles on it. It has great gas mileage which is great now the way the gas prices are going again. I will be hanging on to this car for a while.

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  Excellent commuter car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Robert Russin - May 22 - 8:56 pm

  This car is good looking, fun to drive, handles great, and can carry an a lot with the split seats down too. Im very happy with the car. I like it more each time I drive it. I have a 2003 50th Anniversary Corvette and a 2005 Z71 Tahoe. I have been happy with Chevy products and the dealership I bought them from. The Cobalt is for my daily commute from Maryland into Virginia that was costing way too much to drive my Tahoe with gas prices the way they have become lately.

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  2006 LS - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By fcloud - May 17 - 10:20 pm

  The car is very well built. The initial quality is way better than I expected from any GM vehicle. I am pleasantly surprised by the vehicle.

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  Looks arent everything - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Robert - May 15 - 10:44 am

  I loved the look of the Cobalt and the practicallity of it. I bought it for my wife. At first she loved it. Good gas mileage, ran great. However all good things must come to an end. Shortly after purchase it started to fall apart. At first it was minor things and now pretty major. At least thats what I assumed when the dealers mechanics wanted to give me a rental but couldnt without GMs permission. This problem is still not solved and if and when I ever buy brand new again, it certainly will not be for looks or fuel economy. It will be by company and manufactures ratings, even if that means paying more for a good reliable car.