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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  The new Cavalier - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Adam - April 24 - 5:53 am

  Ive owned 2 Cavaliers both bought new, a 1991 with the 2.2 engine that had 151,000 and a 1994 3.1 that had 173,000. Both cars ran great and gave me little more than normal maintance repairs. So when I saw the Cobalt I said OK lets give it a try. Well the car is a dream to drive. It runs smooth and rides much better than a car this size normally would. Fit and finish are superior and with now 4,000 miles on it have yet to find anything that would require a trip back to the dealer. I bought this car for under 15,000 with taxes and tags.

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  Just Bought this! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tracy - April 4 - 8:00 am

  I like the way the car handles, not like the Cavalier that I traded. It rides more like a Ford, than a Chevy. The backseat (backrest) is hard, but the seats are fairly comfortable - I would not recommend this for long road trips. The tilt wheel doesnt allow the wheel to go all the way out of the way. The keyless entry is a dream and so are the power windows. I enjoy driving my new car and will recommend it. I rated 9s because its too new to tell really what is excellent. The information center is nice. 2 Negs:The fuel gauge stops at 3/4 of a tank and you have to manually put more in to fill up. Its one minor annoyance. Also, the automatic lights do not go on when it rains during the day

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  Surprising car! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By TVS_SS - March 24 - 11:13 am

  I picked up a supercharged Cobalt for a daily driver and will say i was more impressed after I bought it than I was before. The mileage is better than they rate. I can get 31.5mpg if I drive it normal / mostly freeway miles. Plenty of power for a 2.0L engine and itll get even better when Eaton comes out with the TVS supercharger upgrade. I have a 2000 camaro SS that has more power, but I enjoy driving the Cobalt equally if not more! When you take care of the understeer, the car is amazingly agile.

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  2.4L SS is best - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jeff804 - March 21 - 11:36 pm

  This is a acceptable car. My Jeep Cherokee (inline 6 cly) was only getting 14 mpg. I needed better mpg. for my 50 mile daily commute. Right now I am avg. 28mpg. and expect that to go up as engine is broken in. This car has some pep but nothing as exciting as Mitsubishi or Acura. Performance is good. Comfort is good for 100 miles but, I would not want to take a 500 mile trip in this car. Fun- to-Drive, the manual transmission was a lot more fun to drive than the automatic. It just felt like it had more "omph" in the manual trans. car. The SS supension is a lot of fun on winding turns but, big pot holes are definitely felt. Lt version suspension was much better for "in town" daily driving.

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  My Vette - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Thought - March 20 - 2:10 pm

  This car is a blast to drive! Its quiet in the cabin, huge trunk space, all seats are comfortable. Driven in all 4 seasons (heavy snowstorms too!) with no problems. Its simply the best car for the price for me. Ive installed Stage 2 and now the car is the king of the road and still better gas mileage than advertised for the 2.2! I love it, please dont buy one so that Im the only one with one!

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  Great car, Everybody should have one! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By TheCaptain - March 16 - 9:53 am

  Purchased on Sept. 1 06. 10000 Kms to date. This car is a blast to drive! I can barely stand to drive it slow. This car is not much of a town car, but is totally a highway car. Power is more than enough for daily driving, and space upfront is great. Rear seat space is excellent for a compact car. Trunk space could be a little better, but again, its a compact car. My only regret is I was unable to get the G85 Recaro Package (due to order date and GM product management difficulties)

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  Cobalt SS/SC - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By c0ld29 - March 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is perfect for me. I am in college and wanted a reliable, quick, and fuel efficient car. This car is all of the above. With 0-60 in 6 sec stock (with avaliable stage 2 upgrade under warranty even faster) and still getting 26-28 MPG in the city, and almost 40 on the interstate. I get compliments on the looks of the car all of the time also. This little car is awesome.

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  Fun Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Brice - March 6 - 11:50 am

  Its more than I bargined for. This car handles great. In city traffic it is a little stiff but sporty.

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  Good car to purchase for college student - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Key-Key - March 1 - 10:43 am

  The car handles and drives well and I love the way the speakers sound. I also love the fact that the radio will give you the name of the song playing. I also love the exterior appearance of the car. The best thing about this car is that it does not take up that much gas as I go from place to place. I purchased the car used and I have not had any problems out of it yet. I plan on having this car for year to come.

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  Wow, High Quality from GM - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By 2006 Black Cobalt LS - February 28 - 7:33 pm

  This inexpensive little car is a super bargain. At 29K the car has not had any reason to return to the dealer except for normal maintenace. I am shocked at the high quality of this car. The last time I had purchased a new GM car was 1980 and it was so bad I didnt think I would ever buy GM again. The car handles very nicely on the 15" aluminum wheels. The rear design is second to none. The only downfall is they wont install an armrest on the cars with sticks, so I bought one myself and installed it. The armrest is a huge improvement. The shifter is a bit too far back but that can be adjusted too. Now GM needs to keep up the good work and win back some of their lost business.