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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  Beats a civic all to hell - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cory - April 10 - 10:44 am

  Car works great, lots of power for 4 cyl. Ive had it going 220 km/h, way better car for the money than a Civic. However the electronic power steering failed me but gm has since recalled it at no cost to me, also the front suspension is not built to last, will need struts soon at 78,000 kilometers. The 7 speaker pioneer stereo sounds great with factory XM is a must also the 17 inch wheels look great and car handles perfectly at high speeds, looks great in black with limo tint Windows. Overall very happy with the appearance and performance

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  A diamond in the rough - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By pawntec - April 8 - 10:28 pm

  I had low expectations for this car because I only bought it for the mpg (which became much higher after adding in an aem cai and an 2.25" cat-back) it was much faster after a few upgrades. I was able to keep up with Civic sis (both 2dr & 4dr) & some times beat them if I can keep the tires from spinning from a dig. Got to love that torque which is lacking & higher stock cobalt ls vs. Stock Civic si. But had to upgrade clutch after first year :-d. Anyways its a great tuner car just wish the market would embrace the mighty cobalt which gm already helped with there ecotec recipe book look it up trust me youll want one to after reading through the stage upgrades 4 gm doing the R&D for you already

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  Love it - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By D - April 1 - 4:07 pm

  Bought my Cobalt 3 months ago and love it so far. Im averaging an incredible 32.5 mpg on my 92 mile/day commute. Not the most comfortable inside but Im 63 and 220 lbs so any car would be uncomfortable. Better mpg and horsepower than Corolla/Civic etc so if you take it for what it is theres no better car in its class. Highly recommended for a commuter

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  Buggy - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By colopete - March 31 - 7:28 pm

  Bought the car new and have found it to be a fun car to drive, it handles pretty well although the torque steer under hard acceleration is pretty amazing. No issues with any of the major mechanical systems although it could use a better suspension as the car will hop pretty badly under hard acceleration off the line. Very irritating minor quality issues -- particularly with the interior and while it is not an expensive car, should not be happening in todays quality driven environment. GM missed the mark overall and we most likely will not buy another GM product for many number of years due to our continued irritation with this car. Wont say stay away, just buyer beware!

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  Cobalt - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By RickD - March 27 - 5:16 pm

  Best quality of this car is its QUIET. Nice riding car with lots of power.

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  Power Steering - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By skl - March 19 - 11:49 am

  I bought my car brand new, have not had any problems until March 5, 2010 was leaving walmart my warning light came on and my power steering went out it eventually came back. On March 17, 2010 i had left the mall my warning light came on and my power steering went out again i turned my car off and back on it was ok again. i heard on the news there was a recall on the chev cobalt. i looked it up online and found the recall and called the chev number the guy told me there was not a recall it was under investigation to ignore it. Its hard to ignore when your going down the hwy and your p/s goes out. the guy told me to ignore. This could case a serious accident

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  My gas sipping money saver - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cher - March 15 - 4:49 pm

  I love the gas millage this car gets. I have had it a year and it still gets 37mpg highway and 26-27 city. I do 65mph on the highway, not 55. However, to keep the gas mileage great you must change the oil and filter once every 3,000 miles, not 6,000 miles like the dealership tells you to. THIS IS A GREAT ALTERNATIVE TO A HYBRID CAR. I couldnt afford a hybrid so I bought this car and it really does get the gas millage Chevy advertises. Not to mention its a lot better looking than a Toyoda Prius. The lock cylinder on the car did go at 16,000 miles but my warranty covered that.

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  Problematic - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By 05 Chevy Cobalt - March 6 - 11:03 pm

  The many problems I have had include the car cutting completely off while I was driving, cd player locks or says error, the embellem in the back looks like it is melting, the door handles on the inside have peeled off & is sharp, there is a knocking sound in the back (very scary esp being a woman), my mirrors show different views of the car behind me (the one that says closer than they appear is actually farther away), the back seat release in the trunk broke off, piece of the seatbelt that attaches to the car broke off, etc. there are many more but im running out of characters! All in all the car runs and I am thankful but many problems

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  Good Daily Driver - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Joe - February 22 - 12:22 pm

  I have had this car for only a few weeks, but I have to say as a get up and go to work car, it does great. I especially love passing the gas station by.

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  Engine Start up Noise - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Moogy - February 21 - 1:27 am

  We have an 09 XFE with the 2.2 Ecotec. The engine rattles loudly at start up for about three seconds then quiets down nicely. This car only has about 2400 miles on it. Anyone else having this type of problem? Im a little shy of this engine because of the noise.