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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  Cobalts rule - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jess77 - October 28 - 12:43 pm

  I like my car it is fast and fun to drive. It gets better gas mileage than they say as well I get thirty seven to forty and I drive 1000 miles or more each week I live in my car because of work or it is my office you might say.

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  Nothing but problems - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Chris W. - October 17 - 6:10 pm

  I have had my Cobalt for a month now, and it has had nothing but problems. Its been in the shop three times. First it was the AC, then it was a wiring problem causing dash and tail lights not to work, now the radio wont work. Think twice.

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  My first new car! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Delcorbett - October 17 - 12:00 pm

  I recently purchased this car and am nothing but happy so far. It is my daily commuter and I have nothing bad to say so far. It gets me to work and it runs great. Good on gas and very fun to drive. Anything beats my old Crown Vic on gas, but this one is great. This is no race car but it gets out of its own way very well.

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  Nicest car I owned so far. - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Anne Pennock - October 17 - 3:53 am

  This is a great step up from the Cavalier, I owned a 1999 and a 2001- I like them but this is really a much better car. Feels solid, rides well even over our bad roads. Very comfortable seating. Probably the best car Ive owned considering my low end price range.

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  Comfortable Gas Sipper - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By vc999 - October 11 - 1:00 pm

  Ive put 3000 mostly highway miles on this car in just over a month. I purchased side curtain airbags, the enhanced MP3 CD player, and Pioneer speakers as options to the automatic LS Sport package. The seats are comfortable for long distance driving, and the car does "feel" like a larger car. Im getting 29 - 31 MPG according to the digital readout. The steering column tilt lever should be redesigned to be smaller as it can be a knee stabber in the unlocked position. I also miss having a power seat control option. Thumbs up to Chevy for producing a competitive, fun to drive domestic small car.

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  Good Car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jarret - September 24 - 3:10 pm

  This is the first new car I have ever had. Good car for the $15,000 I spent after taxes. I have a middle of the road model with power windows and air conditioning. One irritating problem is that after owning the car for five months, I am now hearing a sound of something loose or rolling around in the front engine/tire area of the car whenever I make a moving right turn and sometimes a moving left turn. I took it to the dealer, and they claimed that only one of two mechanics who looked at the car could hear the sound. They stated that did not know what was causing it and could not fix it. I dont understand since sound is obvious, and I am continuing to press the issue with dealer.

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  Cobalt ss/sc 07 - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By splitintlss - September 18 - 11:33 pm

  I bought this car in January of 07 so far no complaints at all besides I cant seem to stay out of it. Chevy offers the stage kits that really make the car come alive. Styling is sharp, an altogether great sport compact for anyone in the market.

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  2.4L SS is sweet! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Quick SS - September 18 - 9:20 pm

  What a sweet car! The new Cobalt is a GREAT improvment over the Cavalier. The Cobalt has great looks inside and out is is really fun to drive. Have the first SS in the area and Im getting all the looks!

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  My Colbalts Review - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Phillip A. Fivgas - August 30 - 9:00 am

  I am first time buyer with little experience in car performance. However the Colbalt was a excellent buy as it performs great. Its got a great exterior design and the engine purrs, however Chevy can improve greatly in the interior design as well as offering more opinonal equipment as standard such as power windows and locks- but a great deal for the price.

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  BWs Cobalt Review - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bob Willard - August 19 - 11:36 am

  You have to drive it to believe the handling for such a low priced base car. The pick up from 0-60 is amazing tho at high speeds the pickup isnt quite as impressive. Fun to drive, affordable, and excellent handling are the top qualities of this low priced Chevy.