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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  My Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By lacey miller - November 8 - 10:20 pm

  I drive 45 minutes to and from work everyday and I love driving my Cobalt. I love my XM satellite radio and my Pioneer sound system.

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  Great Car For Great Price! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Laly - October 28 - 2:00 pm

  Got my Cobalt early this month and totallyl ove it! Personally, I love the look of the coupe much more than the sedan. What caught my eye was its low price. Although the price had me skeptical - coming from a Chevy oriented family - I had to give them a shot! Car is very responsive, great on sharp turns and fun to drive. Getting to know it, I would have preferred an SS - but I got what I can afford. My friends simply say, the more you see it - the more you get to like it. Speaks for itself. Great start off car for a teenager parentals! This is my second and wish I would have had anything similar to it as my first!

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  Its Worth it! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By FC - October 19 - 2:30 pm

  I had a WRX before the SS. Although the WRX runs better test numbers, everyday driving wasnt as fun as the SS, because there wasnt much going on below 4000 RPM. I dont know about everyone else, but American engines always hold a place in my heart because of low end torque. L.E.T. is what I find fun when Im driving around. I drove an S2000 a while back and although it was a "refined" car (whatever that means), I didnt feel that great about it because just driving around, it was like driving an old Civic. Why? Because you have to rev that engine up to the sky to have fun. High RPM is cool for the track, but Ill take torque from a car like the Cobalt SS when Im going to the store.

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  Overall not that bad - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By wmiranda - October 19 - 11:23 am

  Ive had the car for two weeks only. It drive fairly well so far. I travel 60 miles a day plus and get 38 miles to the gallon. Its pretty quiet overall and handles really well.

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  Great car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By robert painter - October 19 - 1:40 am

  This is a great work car for me, or anyone. It runs exceptionally well on highway and back roads. Fuel economy, cant complain. Engine and suspension give it a very sporty feel.Overall, it is a great car.

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  Solid - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jon - October 8 - 5:43 am

  Ive driven some pretty awful cars, so I would have been happy with a well constructed cardboard box with a transmission. I would have liked an expensive V6, but the wallet didnt seem to agree with me. To my surprise though, this cars quality is way more than what I had anticipated for the price I paid. The design, overall power, drive quality, and value are exceptional. The coupe has a few blind spots in the back and my model doesnt have power windows (But is an LS...I dont have any clue how that happened...)

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  No reservations about this choice! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bill Oetjen - October 3 - 2:13 pm

  Hi - This is my second brand new Chevy. After a couple of Fords, I bought a used S10 pickup and found it to be reliable and cheap to keep. Then I bought a new one (this was after decades of swearing Id never buy a GM). That S10 is the most trouble-free vehicle Ive ever owned. So, when it was time for a new passenger car, I compared the Cobalt to lots of similar imports and found it to have the best blend of features, performance, and economy. The 5 speed is the way to go.

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  My daughters first car, Happy Sweet 16 - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By cobolt - September 23 - 7:56 am

  My 16 year old daughters first car. She tells me its the best car she has tried out so far, its cool looking, stylish, and fits her well in terms of view to the road. (which to me is important as she has just received her license )

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  Cobalt SS Supercharged - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Littlegoose - September 17 - 10:36 pm

  Fun to drive. Quick. Great daily driver. Supercharger sounds awesome. GM offers performance upgrades.

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  Cant get enough! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tasha - September 15 - 10:43 pm

  I purchased my Colbalt right before the GM employee discount came out. At first I was bummed that I paid a higher price, but after owning and driving it for almost 3 months, I couldnt care less! It gets up and goes, hugs those tight curves and is easy on gas. The roomy interior is one of the pluses, but if you need backseat room, youre out. Being a two door car, the doors dont seem to swing really wide like others do. Ive had numerous comments on how it looks. I know the engine can go, my husband just got a ticket in it the other day, pushing 90 and he said it handled just as well as it does at 30. This car handles open, curvy, hilly and traffic clogged roads all equally well.