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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  So much fun - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By mikee - June 26 - 6:26 am

  This car is so fun to drive. I used to have a Sentra Spec-v and this Cobalt SS is so much more fun. I love it

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  An Impressive Chevy...Finally - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Merc - June 21 - 10:53 pm

  I purchased this car under a GM smartbuy...$2000 down and $65/month. I wanted something I could drive back and forth to work and get good gas mileage. But I got MUCH more. This car has NO options. But it comes with so much...A/C, CD player, tilt, rear defroster, auto on and off lights, etc. Im very pleased with the power and refinement of the 2.2 ecotech engine...its sneaky fast. The car is very composed and quiet on the road. It shifts effortlessly. If youre considering a small car, DRIVE this one....its an eye opener!

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  Forget the Imports - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By TonyM - June 15 - 5:13 am

  Im in my 50s and I have to say this is the best build quiality Ive seen in a car in a long time if at all. This car is tight. I do a lot of stop and go driving and am very hard on a car. The Cobalt is a dream to drive, peppy, comfortable and stylish. The pioneer sound system is unreal, Probably better than most home systems.I have had no problems with the car and am approaching 8000 miles. The bottom line is GM has it together on the Cobalt. Its everything I wanted and more. I bought the LT-2 with the sport appearance package and Leather seats and with taxes it was alittle over 18000. The imports cant even come near that with the options I have. I love it.

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  LT COUPE 5 SPEED 2.2L ECOTEC inline 4 - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Eric Struebel - June 7 - 2:03 pm

  I purchased this vehical cause chevy seems to always have the most reliable vehical. The power the 2.2 puts out, but a little more wouldnt hurt! The shifter is to close to the driver, but has a nice short shift package. The emergancy brake is ok if you dont have the armrest console in the middle of the car, you cant use the ebrake when parking without dumping everything inside the console. The seats are Not to comfortable for long drives more than a hour, but for short trips and to work its ok. I was impressed with the stereo, sounds wonderful, also liked the controls for it on the stearing wheel. Trunk is big,opening to small. I had to put a clutch in already at 12800miles, wasnt happy!!!

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  Think twice - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Glennn - May 26 - 5:56 am

  Lacking in acceleration, only 28mpg on highway. My 2005 Malibu 6cyl gets 34mpg, what is up with that? Dealer say everything is within specs. The Malibu has lots of power and better gas mileage. Im going to trade.

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  Not a Porsche but not $40,000 - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Lee - May 24 - 6:56 pm

  Ive had my Cobalt for 7 months and it is time to rate it. Its great. Im really a big car fan but this is a fun car. I drive about 250 miles every 4 to 5 days and I enjoy. I got every option except the ashtray for $18,200, lets see Honda beat that. Okay it does have cheap plastic interior like thay say but for the money I think it is a fine car.

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  Great car for the dollar - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By david schenk - May 19 - 7:23 am

  What a surprise to pull into a gas station and fill up this vehicle! 38.4 miles to the gallon out on the highway. Wait until this car is broken in. I just saved 45 dollars a week in gas money. Thats awesome. Keep it up Chevy

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Don stroud - May 7 - 10:23 am

  Gas mileage is poor from 19.6 miles to the gallon in city driving.To 23 miles to the gallon driving on the open road.

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  Loved the car for a month or so, but now - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Joe - May 2 - 4:10 am

  I have owned my Cobalt for about 3 months and my initial impression has been very good. Very little rattles, good mileage, and the 4-cylinder engine has more power than I expected. But the car has been to the dealer twice now for an oil leak from the manual transmission, first at 800 miles and now at 1300 miles. It is in the shop right now and the dealer is replacing the transmission. Safe to say I am not happy. A three-month-old car with 1300 miles and the transmission needs replaced. Hopefully the new replacement will be fine. I am keeping my fingers crossed. But at this low of mileage I think the whole car should be replaced.

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  Lemon! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By rattler - April 25 - 10:16 pm

  Bought my new 2007 Cobalt in July 2007, pulled off the dealer lot to get groceries, and noticed my front running light was out on the passenger side of the car. Went thru the first tank of gas, fair gas mileage, started to hear a rattle in the front passenger side of the dashboard, started to rattle after 800 miles on the Cobalt! Should have gotten a Honda Civic EX!