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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  I love it - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By her lil sports car - December 15 - 7:00 am

  I love this car! It is fun to drive. Handles great. Fuel mileage is pretty good too. I average 26.5 town/hwy and 31 on the freeways. The sound system in it is awesome too! Taking corners is awesome in this car. I think with a custom sway bar it would be better. All in all I love this car. The good outweighs the not so good. The few things I dont like is the emergency brake and the middle console are on top of each other, making the emergency brake difficult to access. Seems to have a bit of a lag in between some of the gears, and 1st is way too short.

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  Great small car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tom R. - November 22 - 5:03 pm

  I couldnt believe this was built by GM. I traded my roadworn Civic for this model because I really like the fit and finish of the interior, and general overall apperance.

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  The "Zoom Zoom" of the American Cars - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jeff Howard,Cpt,USAr - November 22 - 3:30 pm

  My expectations were not high at the outset when I purchased my new Cobalt LS. I thought I was buying another Chevy Cavalier for the good gas mileage. I was very wrong. Cobalt LS 2 door is beautiful to look at and fun to drive. The ride is exceptional and the handling is finer than any sports car Ive ever driven. Accelleration is quick and braking is smooth and accurate. As for the gas mileage? I was expecting high 20s in the city and about 32 on the highway. Not so! I get a little heavy in the foot at times and still get 30-32 mpg in the city. On the highway? Step back! Im consistently getting 37-38 mpg. WOW! Every seat is comfortable, and for a tall man, how could I possibly be happier? Ive not found any room for improvement on a job well done. Ive owned Fords, Buicks, Dodge cars and trucks, Chrysler cars and convertibles, Merkur Scorpios (very impressive car), and driven cars and trucks of every description. Ive always found fault somewhere. Not so on the Chevy Cobalt coupe.

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  Love It - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By SSCharged - November 21 - 10:40 pm

  The Cobalt is one of my favorite cars, and thats why I bought it. The supercharger is awesome, and the many things you can do to this car. Its very affordable.

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  Orange SS - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By JohnR - November 21 - 9:50 pm

  This has been a great car. I drive a lot of highway miles. Have about 10K on it already. I can get up to 33-34 mpg on the highway. Im a big guy, 61" 245lbs and I fit just fine in it. That was my worry before I test drove it, but I checked it out and theres plenty of room for me. The only thing that Id like to change is the seat material. I got the sport cloth and it seems kinda cheap, so I will get leather put in eventually with custom seats. My brother, who has a Lexus IS300, loves my car. He says it really flies, and handles really well. The SS suspension is really tight and stiff. The engine growls when you punch the gas, and the auto tranny is really smooth.

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  Three weeks and lovin it - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By brn169 - November 15 - 10:33 am

  After 3 weeks and some 1800 miles my Cobalt and I have come to know what to expect from each other. This mild mannered compact rocket is a solid commuter at about 32mpg at average highway speeds of 70-80mph. What is truly surprising is that when you need a little burst of excitement or feel the need to circumnavigate the occasional left lane obstacle, a quick crack to 3rd and back to 4th makes you want to kiss your sales man for suggesting you test drive the S/C. As for the responsive handling, considering the base model is the offspring of the Caviler it is a blast to drive even with some mild under steer. Style is 1st rate in the sport compact class. Only one bad thing, GM why no S/C in 2008?

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  2006 COBALT - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By S Kirtwright - November 9 - 9:06 pm

  The Cobalt has a simple but true fact that it is easy to keep in track on the highway even in high cross wind situations. The gas mileage that I got was higher than what it was rated for, but the roads that I was traveling on were it very good condition.

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  Vic Red Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Lar - November 5 - 10:30 pm

  Fun little car, great gas mileage, very peppy for the price. Ability to get on the Interstate (merge w/70 MPH traffic) even though it is only a 4- cylinder sold me.

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  Cobalt SS 2.4 - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By xbalt06x - November 5 - 5:13 pm

  I have owned this car since January and I cant be any happier. The ride is perfect, some say its cheap with interior, not in this SS model. the 2.4 vvt engine puts out a lot of power for a non supercharged Cobalt. This would be one of the best cars under $20,000. Its a great buy and I could not be happier. Great car, looks amazing, and performs with great gas mileage. Go Chevy!

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  I love it! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By coupegal - October 29 - 12:33 am

  I love my car! I commute 2hours everyday to college and its great on gas. Not to mention that it is comfortable and very cute! I get a lot of heads turning to look at the car. I didnt get fancy bells and whistles but honestly I dont need them. I will keep this car until it sees a better day.