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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  Chevy Junk - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By dale3568 - October 23 - 5:40 am

  I bought this car on July 3rd 06 and it has been in the shop most of the time since. It is the sorriest made car I have ever had. The first day I had it the door lock broke and the temp gauge went crazy. I have had the seat worked on several times. I will never buy another American made car they are junk.

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  Cobalt LS - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jim C - October 19 - 3:56 am

  Car seems to stand higher than the old Cavalier models. Fit and finish are Japanese-like, interior materials are upscale for this class of car. Ecotec 2.2 litre engine is very smooth. Auto transmission shifts are almost undetectable. Electric steering give a very good road feel in this model. This car is fun to drive.

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  Chevrolet Builds A Winner - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By mn13237 - October 18 - 11:20 am

  2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LT sedan was driven RT from Dallas/FtWorth to New York City when it had less than 200 miles at the beginning of the trip. The car performed beautifully. The handling and steering feed back are excellent. I am over 6 feet and I found the car with proper seat adjustment to be very comfortable and supportive during my long distance drive. Driving between 60 and 65, the driver information system reported I got as much as 35.4MPG on the highway because I used moderation in starting and stoping the car.

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  I like it - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Dennis - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a little better gas mileage than my 99 Taurus, and since I work for a Chevy dealer the Cobalt was my choice. I really like my SS so far(pretty low miles at this point). I was worried about visibility out the back, but it hasnt been a problem. Visibility is one of my biggest complaints about GM cars in general. I drove A LS for a week before getting my SS. I was suprised how different the two models are. The LT rides better and is far quieter on the road, so if this is important to you I would drive them both before buying. The Cobalt drives and feels like a bigger car. My gas mileage at 400 miles is 24.9. not too bad, but hoping it goes up a little. very nice car.

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  Good to be back in a small car. - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jeff - October 9 - 11:46 am

  My last small car was a Toyota Tercel, after which I drove trucks for 14 years. I test-drove and looked at every other small car I could find before buying this. I am currently driving it locally around town (computer says average speed 21 mph), and like the 29 MPG Im getting after putting a whole paycheck into my truck every month. Its nimble, turns very tight, and has decent acceleration. Since I dont drive very fast at all, I love it. The drivers seat took some fooling around to get comfortable, but my long legs are happy. This has the same engine as our 05 Malibu, which has run perfect for 2 1/2 years now. We did buy the center armrest for our LS, I recommend it.

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  No complaints - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Dennis - October 5 - 4:33 am

  For the money (with rebate = $11,700 with a rear spoiler the only option), I am very happy with this car. Im getting 34 mpg, and I have enough acceleration when I need it. Im getting too old to drive crazy, so this car is fine. Its got a solid ride for a coupe and looks great. The onboard trip computer is awesome too. For the money, you cant go wrong on this car. Id have preferred going with a Civic or Corolla, but take the nameplate off this Chevy and you wouldnt be able to tell the difference. And this car looks better to boot.

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  Sporty, But Not SS Material. - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Gunsnroses572 - September 26 - 1:03 pm

  It was a fun ride, but still not SS material, I have never thought of a SS tag on a four-cylinder car, and after driving this, I dont think the SS tag belongs on it, maybe if it was a 6 cylinder but no little 4 banger, if I were chevrolet, Id never produce the SS version for this car, and maybe give up the SS tag because nothing they put the tag on lives up to its name. Maybe they should think about putting it on the corvette

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  Stick with a foreign car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By therealcatman - September 20 - 4:10 am

  I bought the Cobalt expecting to get a good economy car at a good price. I got a nice looking fun to drive car that eats gas and doesnt always work right. I have had numerous problems, all fixed, not enough for lemon status yet. The car is nice to look at and has nice features. But 19 MPG in the city and 29 on the highway says something is wrong. I could understand if it was being hotrodded around town but my wife drives it like a granny. Called GMs Customer Dis-service people and they blame the dealership, who in turn blame Chevy. My suggestion, stick with a foreign car with a good track record.

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  06 Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Doug - September 15 - 7:43 am

  I am impressed with the quiet ride of this car. I own 2 other Chevrolets and this one is the best riding car of them all. It is very solid and for a car in this price range, I am impressed. I bought it for fuel economy, and on my first long trip of about 500 miles, got over 32 mpg. I bought the stick shift and it is smooth and fun to drive.

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  LT Coupe w/automatic poor mileage - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By richard dallas - September 11 - 2:16 pm

  Traded in my 2003 Cavalier for this Cobalt. After reviewing all information on competitors, foreign and domestic, found this to be the best for the money. I got it loaded with all the bells and whistles including leather interior, XM radio with Pioneer sound system and the automatic transmission. It is by far the most fun car I have ever driven! Its sporty and fun to drive with the tightest turning circle,easy to park. My only complaint so far is the poor gas mileage. I am only averaging 19-20mpg. I only do city driving though.