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:

• 

  Affordable, reliable, and fun! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Laura - February 26 - 1:10 pm

  I was looking into something sporty and reliable. The black Chevy Cobalt Coupe (not the sedan - wasnt fond of the four door) definitely had both! Cant beat the price: under $13k - brand new! Especially for what it has to offer. Ive had my car for about half a year and it still responds as it did the when I put in its first miles. Its not the SS of course, but you gotta love the pick up and handling. The gas mileage is average - I guess I was expecting a bit more (but not bad to be honest). This car is great for 2 people and if you want to put some people in the back, front seat gotta scoot up (depending on peoples size). Love the overall design, but mostly impressed with its price.

• 

  Great performance for a great value! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By cheese9988 - February 25 - 3:13 am

  I have not owned a GM in a while. I must say for the price and for a 4 cylinder car, the performance is great! Handling is sharp, has every feature in most dealer models, the heated leather seats are great. I compared this model to a new Civic and a new Focus, this had more options and is faster for about the same amount. Although I have not had it that long, the build quality seems very good. Another thing to point out, its made in America! My fiance also recently bought a Pontiac G6 and is also very good, I would say one of the best cars they have built in a long time. GM is making some good changes, thier new lineup is more reliable, appeals to the market and still costs less!

• 

  Fine for basic transportation - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Paul M - February 24 - 9:27 am

  I purchased a 2010 LT2 back in Nov 2009. Tons of problems within the first couple of years and the dealership I purchased it from refused to honor the warranty. Heres a few issues I encountered during my ownership: 1. The A/C didnt work the first time I tried it. Had to take to a second dealership for them to fix it. 2. Dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree about a year later. Engine almost kept stalling while waiting at lights. Turned out to be some loose wiring. 3. Screw popped out of the steering column which helped to shut the turn signal off when straightening the wheel. 4. Power steering recall. 5. Ignition switch recall. 6. Poor handling. 7. Bad visibility. 8. Virtually no room in the back seats for adults. 9. Rock hard seats with little support. 10. Cheap plastic everywhere. 11. Poor build quality. 12. Car makes a weird creaking sound after a couple of minutes of being parked. The list goes on. This car is not one to buy if you can avoid it.

• 

  First new car - Love it! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jason - February 22 - 7:20 am

  This is a great car for the money. I got it with a $1000 rebate so it ended up being cheaper than a similarly equipped Aveo - and theres much more car here. Currently, using top-tier 87 fuel and synthetic oil, between town and highway driving, im getting about 35 miles/gallon. (on a 13 gallon tank I can get over 400 miles and still have over a gallon of fuel left) The audio input jack is a great standard feature and for those who wish to upgrade their audio on their own, theyll be pleased to find the battery in the trunk. I almost bought a used ford focus for around $10K, but This car after rebate, taxes, etc.. ended up being 13K and wasnt somebody elses problem. No regrets.

• 

  Auto Pilot - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By DaveH923 - February 12 - 5:06 pm

  This car has tried to kill my wife and I on several occassions. The cruise control kicks on when it wants. The car shuts off if it doesnt feel like running anymore and service doesnt see a problem with it. The alarm will unlock the car for no reason. The carpeting on the doors peeled off at 6000 miles! The gas gauge quit working twice. The dash lights come on when the car wants them to, not when you turn on the headlights. The car rattles worse than a city bus in the cold. Personally, I am fed up with American cars! This is the last American car I buy! You turned me off. My father warned me about GM. He was right. Never again!

• 

  Overall, well-built car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Blake Brown - February 9 - 11:46 pm

  Very exciting car to drive. I wake up every morning excited that I get to take a trip in it to school or work. Everybody who sits in my car thinks it very comfortable and likes it a lot. Lot of comments from strangers.

• 

  Great car and a great price. - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tim - February 7 - 3:30 pm

  I have just recently purchased my Cobalt and I love it. It gets great fuel mileage but it still has a lot of get up and go. The car could use some handling work but besides that its great.

• 

  Chevrolet Colbalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Brandon Landry - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best(no offense).I love it!Thank chevrolet for making this car.

• 

  Go and get this car! Now! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By BaltOwner - January 25 - 12:43 pm

  I was a Cavalier Z24 owner before this car and this is, in my opinion, the best car that I have ever owned. Its fast, fun to drive, and it has a SuperCharger! I dont see any others on the road so that is a plus as well. I normally drive a lot and when I had the Cavalier, I was very fatigued when I got to my destination. Not in this car, I still am amped up when I get there and I just want to get back out and drive it. Only put in 91+ octane in the tank, anything less and you dont get the performance.

• 

  Best car under 20k - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Josh - January 20 - 8:26 am

  I have only had my Cobalt one month but the car is really growing on me. I bought it because of an excellent lease option and GM card money. It has more than enough power and gets excellent gas mileage. Judging by the performance of the naturally aspirated 2.2 the SS edition should be a rocket.