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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  Cobalt LS 4door - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By RunnerBee - August 15 - 6:33 am

  Great little car for the price. No problems after 7 mos. ownership. Handles well; excellent acceleration for a small engine--keeps up with the bigger vehicles on the freeways with no problem. For a basic affordable vehicle with no frills (i.e. manual locks & windows) its a good choice. So far Ive only had one small problem with a rear door lock.

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  Call it a Cavalier, No Comparison - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Itsnotacavalier - August 2 - 4:00 pm

  Great mileage, powerful 4 cyl. I absolutelyy recomend the Pioneer Sound for a measly $150.00. Could use a little less body roll. but that is easily fixed. Excellent ride, quiet, great interior, White face gauges are quite nice. This is the best small car for the money. Electric steering rocks. Interior fabric has a spendy sport car feel!!

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  Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By OMAR - July 10 - 12:30 pm

  I work as a salesman at a Chevy dealer. I get to drive all the new cars. When I looked at this car, I was like "nice". I drove and and was impressed. So I ended up buying it. I drive about 70 miles a day so good gas mileage is important. Which this car is getting 25 MPG in country roads. Ive owned it for a year now and am satisfied.

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  Great Small Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Chris H - June 21 - 7:36 am

  I recently purchased this car, upgrading from the 2000 Chevy Metro LSi (1.8L 4-cyl). I opted for the manual transmission with this car, instead of the automatic. Great car for the money! The car is much more responsive when you hit the gas, with no hesitation. The power seems like it would be for a much larger car. Fuel economy is fantastic! With most of my driving on the highway, I am getting around 35-36 mpg. The info display is a novelty, but useful. Only design negative I find is the headrest design. It feels like your head is being pushed forward, and is uncomfortable. Overall, a very good car.

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  Super Bee Colbolt - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Matthew - June 16 - 3:05 am

  My Cobolt is a Canarie yellow 2008 sport with 162.000 miles on it and in mint condition..Stickers from the factory are still on car frame..It is a five speed standard..My entire life I have owned muscle cars but I will tell you that this car will do what u want it to without any complaints..Regular maintenance is the key ..All I have had to replace are brake pads and 1 clutch..Yeah in some models there have been some upsets but if you can grab a 2008 sport 5 speed..Take it

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  This thing flies! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Black 07 SS - June 8 - 4:23 am

  This car is extremely fun to drive. The LDS helps keep the torque steer under control and the bolstered leather seats adorned with embroidered "SS" logos hold you firmly in place while accelerating. Driver be warned...you will quickly climb the RPM band with this supercharged power plant! The throws are short and the gears engage with ease, beware of the sportingly short clutch...not a bad thing! The car handles incredible through both the curvies and the straight aways. Not to mention, the gas mileage has been incredible...especially for a supercharged engine! Id definitely pit the "SS S/C" against the imports any day!

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  I like it - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By J Dancik - June 4 - 6:10 am

  I like the styling and performance. The only flaw I have found are both front doors swing open too far. You have to be very careful where to park it or there will be some damage if you allow the doors to open all the way

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  GM did it again - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tyler - May 24 - 6:43 am

  What can I say..GM did it again. This is a huge upgrade from the Cavalier. I was a big fan of the Cavalier z-24 and im a bigger fan of the Cobalt. I got the upgraded sound system with ten inch sub. Wow good job. I never had a white car but this Cobalt looked great in white.The handling is great. The all black interior is very smooth. Great on gas. I drive great distances to work and back...all i can say is wow. The car has the needed boost to get past those slow drivers with no problem. Great bang for the buck!

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  Good first model, needs some tweaking - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Surgecows - May 7 - 2:36 am

  I didnt know much about the Cobalt before looking at it, but I read up on reviews and such. Basically it sounded like a reliable car because its an updated version of the Cavalier, so it didnt seem like a gamble of a first model car since its an update on another model. Overall I really like the Cobalt LS coupe. Its reliable and seems like its going to last for a good amount of time. The design is nice but could use a little updating to compete better with foreign cars. Only general complaints are the bad blind spots due to small rear windows and poor interior lighting and the fairly cheap plastic interior.

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  Great car for the Price - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Dan P. - May 1 - 12:20 am

  Ive had this car for over a year and its been a solid performer. Ive only had one issue (warped rotors) and they were replaced under warranty. I get great gas mileage, especially on the highway. The car is a blast to drive and really gets up and goes. Youll have a hard time finding a car with as much torque and power as this one has for the price (and for being a naturally aspirated 4 cylinder).