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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  I love this car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By scope - January 25 - 9:10 pm

  If anyone belives the interior is cheap please check out the SS tuner. What a fun to drive head turner. Take one out for a spin and you will be sold. Also the tuner SS only comes in a five speed manual (need for speed)car. I never have to share it with anyone who cant drive a real car.

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  My Cobalt SS Victory Red - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Teddy Melendez - January 24 - 11:03 pm

  I use this car for work. In 9 months I have drove over 26k miles. This car has been worth every penny. Its great on gas, handling, and performance as I drive all over the state of Florida for my job. I would recommend this car. Im in the market to improve the 2.4 Ecotec engine.

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  More driving more fun. - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ryan - January 23 - 6:33 pm

  I have never driven a car that has ever been so much fun except for my classical 1962 Pontiac Tempest wagon. I love my car and I love to drive it. My girlfreind loves to drive it. She loves the power. I love the fact that it acts like a sporty race car. The car keeps accelerating when you push on the gas and it out performs any Ford, Toyota, BMW, and Honda that I have ever driven or riden in. The car is worth well over the price of the car.

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  Front axle woes - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Concerned GM buyer - January 18 - 6:36 pm

  Any time I turn right,for example, turning right into a parking space, the steering mechanism groans. I got the car new! Theres not yet 5000 miles on the odometer. The engine seems OK, simply peppy, but the noise turning hopefully can be remedied under warranty. I wonder about new GM cars with Magnasteer and GMs more upscale cars with steering, ride and handling. My mileage mpg is 27.5 shy of 31 mpg EPA testing.

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  Love my Purple SS! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Megz - January 7 - 1:00 am

  Really, you cant go wrong with a car thats got great MPG, is sporty, fun to drive, and good to look at. My husband laughs because its purple, but off the line and down the road, my Purple SS beat his 2500HD and left it in the dust.

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  Love It! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Leah - December 31 - 9:56 pm

  I like this sleekness of this car. the interior of the car is very spacious. it handles very well and it is good in the snow.

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  Excellent choice for the money - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By dwilburn - December 24 - 9:03 pm

  This car performs with cars 2 or 3 times the cost. It is fun to drive and gets excellent gas mileage. I am averaging around 27 mpg (city and highway combined). A real affordable sporty car.

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  My Best Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Sheryl White - December 15 - 4:46 pm

  I have never driven a better vehicle. It is easy to handle and takes curves great. It looks fantastic and makes me feel young again. The intel center provides great information, especially the oil sensor. No more need for sticker reminders on my windsheild.

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  Very Impressed - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By riftboy - December 14 - 4:30 pm

  Ive only had it about a week now, but I am very impressed by the performance and handling of this car. It is well worth the price at only $13,500.

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  Chevy Cobalt Lil Red - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By don shannon - December 10 - 5:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle after having driven a rental vehicle of the same type for a month.We were pleased with the way the rental drove, and have been equally pleased with the purchased vehicle. We havc a five on the floor tranny and it is a great deal of fun to drive. The gas mileage has been much better than we expected, running over 30 MPG for most of our driving which includes city, highway and rural driving.