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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  08Bolt - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Murphalo - November 5 - 9:41 pm

  I love this car. Its reliable, gets great gas mileage, and really is fun to drive. Has a great look to it, and the stereo system is great.

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  Best bang for your buck - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ryan - November 3 - 9:53 am

  I was seaching for a car this summer after my 1997 Ford Escort gave out and I was looking at the Saturn ION coupe but I couldnt afford the price tag. My friend was the salesman at the dealership so he told me to go check out the Cobalts cause they are the same car minus the halfdoors. This car is phenominal for the price, I never thought that a NA 4banger could keep up with my friends v6 Mustang but it does. The back trunk is huge granted you can get your stuff beyond the tiny opening.

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  Love it - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bryan - October 24 - 2:26 am

  Its very good on gas yet fast at the same time which is great. The acceleration on this car is really good and the handling is perfect. If you are looking for a fast car and want to save money on gas at the same time, I highly recommend the Cobalt SS supercharged.

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  Great fun car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Chevy27 - October 15 - 6:45 pm

  I hated the dealership I got this car from so for all my service I go to a different dealership, but outside of the dealership the car is great. I get 27mpg city driving, the get up and go is a little slow but its just a 4 cylinder so thats okay she handles turns great and handles the occasional long drive out of state. Great first car for me. Body lines are clean and the size and shape are ideal for Jersey driving and parking. Love it, and would recommend this car!

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  07 SS/SC Chevy Cobalt - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By ninjahampster - October 9 - 2:43 am

  This car has it all from great looks to awesome handling. The brute force in the supercharger is amazing and the Stage 2 upgrade makes it feel like a whole different car.

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  Buy only if your in it for the long haul - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By turbofiat - September 29 - 6:25 pm

  This is a good little car but I wouldnt buy one unless your in it for the long haul. If you want something thats good on gas, fun to drive and cheap, the Cobalt is a good choice but I wouldnt buy a GM product unless I planned on keeping it for 10 years. Its poor resale value overwhelms the cost of paying it off. Overall its a well built car but the plastic interior is a bit cheap. Also dont slam the glove box or it will crack at the opener like mine did.

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  Greatly Pleased, and Proud - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By GreenPurgatory - September 29 - 1:20 am

  This car is incredibly luxurious considering it is close to $20,000. I love the performance, handling, comfort, sound system, fuel economy, shifting, styling, and overall just in love with my new Cobalt. I wish they would continue making the Cobalt!

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  Two months later - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Happy Camper - September 20 - 11:29 pm

  With just over 2200 miles, Im noticing the MPG going up.. average has gone from 31 to 35. Acceleration is a real kick, and with the windows now tinted black, this little white coupe looks even sharper. A/C works like a champ, and cools the car in about a minute with fan speed initially set at 3. From there it drops to 1, or its too cold.. and were talking So. Ariz. The engine runs cool.. about 195 in the heat of the day. The ride is great, and was complimented by a friend who drives a Volvo. I love this car, and as an old motor head, I rate it right at the top with some of my past hot rods and trucks, even my Sentra. Killer mileage, and it doesnt get hot. What a relief.

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  A Drivers Car - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By sr001 - September 7 - 10:07 am

  Car is engaging, it communicates through the steering wheel, suspension and exhaust sound. It does not attract attention, the interior does not communicate (steering wheel blocks freeway speeds and generally no useful notification system, trust onStar). Step on the throttle and it accelerates very quickly, no bad boy behavior, just the rush. On curves, following instinct only, the posted speed limit is generally exceeded (significantly). As a passenger, it is a Chevy Cobalt. Its not a great family car, except that everyone in the family wants to drive it.

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  2006 Cobalt a good basic car value - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By billt - September 2 - 6:26 am

  I purchased this car because I needed a 3rd vehicle which I could "run the wheels off of". I had rented automatic versions while on business trips and found the vehicle to be quite acceptable. I immediately drove the car to Florida (approx 1,000 miles) straight thru and felt no discomfort at all. The car is well "laid out" and its performance (2.2 liter with manual 5 speed) is quite acceptable. My other vehicles are a 2004 Mach I mustang and a 2004 Expedition, so I really appreciated the 32+ MPG that I have been getting in this vehicle.