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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  07 Cobalt SS - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By 04.08.07 - November 28 - 9:50 am

  This is my first econo car since I bought a Pinto in 1978. Im not crazy about FWD but it has real grunt and Ive found it easy to hot rod. I also feel good about saving a couple Americans their jobs and while the quality isnt what Im used to, neither is a 22k sticker. All in all Id consider another Cobalt but I would prefer RWD.

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  Its an economy car, but there are better options - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Joe J - November 26 - 5:13 am

  The biggest thing to know about this car is that it is a cheap, barebones machine. It is a basic, boring, machine that gets you from point A to point B. The interior is beyond basic. Everything is plastic, and going down the road you can hear the pieces smacking against each other. The instrument cluster shows speed, tachometer, and gas. That is all. Its almost impossible to know if there is anything wrong with this car. The engine (2.2L) seems to be reliable so far, but is too underpowered. It is almost impossible to force this car to downshift. Once its in third gear, even if I press the pedal all the way to the floor, this car refuses to downshift. This has left me in some scary situations at times when I really need the car to accelerate and it refuses to. This car will also rust like crazy. The hood is falling apart, and occasionally pieces of rust will fall from the hood and smack into the windshield. I would have expected a car to last a little longer than this. I applied some rust preventers where I could, so time will tell how much longer shell last. My biggest problem with this car is how small of an opening the trunk is. Even putting a backpack is a hassle. You just cant fit anything. The other large issue is the doors. They are weirdly large, and parking in a normal parking spot makes it almost impossible to get out of the vehicle because of just how big the car is. I only bought this car because it was cheap, and it supposedly got great gas mileage. After owning it for a while, I really wish I would have gone with something else. I plan on trading it in for a Mazda 3 after this Michigan winter is over. Overall, Id AVOID this vehicle unless you can deal with something so barebones.

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  Love it! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ali - November 25 - 4:10 pm

  Having two small children, I did my research and decided on the Cobalt. I was very surprised at the roominess the back seat had. Most sedans I looked at had little if any room in the back. The 4 cylinder engine surprised me with its quickness. It handles & rides great. Gas mileage is awesome. I went from having to fill the tank 3 times a week with my SUV to only once a week with the Cobalt. The standard options were enough for me. However the car did come with a few extraÂ’s including anti-lock breaks. For an inexpensive car it has an expensive look. While at work I get at least one person a day, if not more, wanting to look at the car and asking questions about it. Chevy did an awesome job.

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  Buy American - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By BILL - November 25 - 6:13 am

  This car is better than my 96 Cavalier with 186,000 miles and sister-in-law is still driving it. The Cobalt is fun to drive and we get a lot of compliments on its looks. Very solid ride and feel. You feel like youÂ’re in a much bigger car.

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  I Love My Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Holly - November 13 - 1:26 pm

  Ive driven mostly larger vehicles with the exception of my Corvettes. I needed to have a gas economical car for my distance driving and was pushed to the Cobalt by my 19 year old son. I test drove the Cobalt and was impressed by the ride, comparing once again to the larger vehicles (SUVs) Ive owned in the past. I was very impressed at the handling, solid feel and pick-up for a "4-banger". I love my new Cobalt and love my son for pushing me toward looking at it closer (although he would have preferred I bought the SS; what teenager would have thought differently). Great car for the money. Ten stars to Chevrolet on this one!

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  Great Car, Fun Ride. - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Doug White - November 9 - 12:53 pm

  Leaps and bounds above all the other cars in its class right now. My only complaint would be the typical "plain" design on the interior that Chevy is famous for. Build quality seems improved over Chevys of the past. My In-laws have an Impala SS and its a couple of years old and havent seen any of the Chevy-Famous Squeaks that usually pop up in older Chevys. Good Car, Skip the Corolla & The Honda, pick up a Cobalt today, youll be glad you did.

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  Econo racecar with luxury feel. - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By CodeBlue - November 3 - 4:06 pm

  What can I say? Its a great car that GM has finally put some real effort into. For me, its been 1 month since I took delivery, and there hasnt been a day I didnt look forward to driving it. Moreover driving it daily has been a great experience. The fuel economy when not heavy footed (hardly ever, due to the rewarding power of the Eaton M62 Supercharger) is comparable to that of the ultra-compact econo-gas misers; Yaris, Aveo, etc The factory performence packages being offered by GMs Performence Parts division are the best to be found in the aftermarket. So you get more power out of your beast, while retaining full factory warranty (when installed c/o GM Service depts) hard to argue!

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  Great Car! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Drew D. - October 29 - 10:16 am

  After shopping around with the other US made car dealers, we decided on the LTZ. For the features, you could not find a better deal. Plus, we are pretty much Chevy fans. We made a great choice. Being overseas, we rode in Audi, Mercedes and Volvo cars with our friends, and unless you really want to spend $40+K for a foreign made car, the LTZ is the way to go. It is a great ride and the MPGs are great. We are averaging about 32 MPG. Plus, the Pioneer sound system in the LTZ is fabulous. Chevy definitely has made a winner.

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  Great car for the price - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Eric - October 29 - 9:43 am

  I have had mine since the end of June, and this is a great car for the price. Handles great, quick, great sound system. The controls are easy to use. The rear spoiler does take some getting used to, but really complements the car. Im 63, and it is a very comfortable car. Although, the seats might be a little tight for some people.

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  Giving the SRT-4 a run for its money! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jeff - October 28 - 5:03 pm

  Its fast, fun, and corners great! It looks good as well. Its about time Chevrolet put out something thats affordable and fast.