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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  A Disappointment - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By dsf - February 13 - 12:20 am

  Ive had the car for six months and have put 5600 miles on it. I was quite pleased at first, but the quality of the car is now in decline: wind noise, rattles in dash and glove box, fuel gauge problem, occasional cruise control problems. I fear things will just get worse, and am now looking forward to the day I can trade the car in.

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  10,000 recap on SS 2.4 auto - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By azdiva - January 15 - 12:23 am

  07 is last production year of SS models. Not to many made. engine flawless, vvt low maint timing chain. Proven drivetrain. exc handling, performance, and economy 25 mpg city. great a/c in 115 temps. windshield angle not extreme blocks heat and sun. suspension tight and rigid,great brakes,all you need for defensive freeway driving. Out accelerates most cars. Body tight. Composite graphite dash better than vinyl for durability in heat.power features galore. rfid passkey 3. effective fog lamps. Auto lighting is great,lumbar and thigh supports, trunk and not hatch with wiper, battery in rear, oil filter element on top. this car rocks. resale? ill wait a few years let the market decide.

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  A world-class small car from GM - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ed - December 11 - 11:06 am

  My Cobalt is light years better than the Saturn ION it replaced. Interior material quality and fit and finish is up there with the best from Japan, and performance is like that of a European car. Its the best of all worlds.

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  This Is My First Car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Knicole - December 11 - 7:43 am

  This car was my first purchase. I absolutely love how much room you have in the back and front seats, when compared to other similar sized cars. Also has great trunk room for storage or traveling. My Cobalt also has excellent gas mileage. It only takes $30 to fill up my tank, and lasts me for two weeks of going to school and work. Ive noticed that it also has great quick acceleration that comes in handy when on the interstate. Im definitely satisfied with my Cobalt.

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  Pams first new car ever - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Pamela Frank - November 25 - 8:06 pm

  I think it is a great car. It might be small but it acts like it is all grown up.

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  Cobalt - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Marge - November 21 - 9:46 pm

  I have owned a Chevy Cobalt for 4 months now. I have 2500 miles on it. I really enjoy driving this car. It handles well. It has good pick-up and is easy to drive. My daughter also likes to drive my new Cobalt. Everyone whos sees it likes the way it looks. It ia laser blue metalic. It is comfortable in the front and back. The features are great. You can program up to 36 staions on the radio. The driver information center is cool. Lots of good info available on it, miles per gal, oil life percentage, 2 trip odomoters, fuel range, outside temp and a couple of other things too. Highway driving I get 32-34 MPG. The rear seats fold down so you can get larger things in the trunk.

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  I Love My Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By KIMZEN - November 17 - 4:30 pm

  My car feels so sturdy and well made when I drive it because it is so quiet! I really love the circle "motif" with the rear lights and especially the chrome circled gages! I think they need to advertise it more because not too many people know about just how good it is- people might think that it is just a Cavalier with a different name!

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  Great Buy - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Vic - November 1 - 7:56 pm

  Overall its a great little car, excellent fuel economy, and plenty of power. I even tow my 16" boat with it! It is sharp looking and drives great considering the price. Not a lot of bells and whistles, but I think its a great buy for the money.

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  GM built this? - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By cwm - October 27 - 5:20 am

  I reluctantly rented this car for a 1500 mile road trip through 4 mountainous states, becuase it was the only car left with GPS navigation. I was not expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised. The car is cheap and in many ways cheaply built, however GM put the quality into this car where it counts. The seats are comfortable but lacking in adjustments. This is one of the first automatic transmissions that I dont have to out-think to get the car to do what I want it to do. After driving 1500 miles to several national parks I can say that this was one of the most comfortable road trip cars I have ever driven.

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  Peaceful Car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ronna - October 26 - 1:36 am

  I got a 2008 Cobalt LS sedan, and its wonderful! Its great on gas and comforatble. I feel safe and secure in my new car. Its a perfect car for me, someone who likes to drive a lot and dont mind taking other people with me. It is a small car and though it does not look like it, it does have a lot of room for passengers without feeling cramped. It also tells you everything about the car with the push of a button :tire pressure in each tire, mileage left before needing gas, temp outside, avrg speed. Also, it is great with the fact that it is inslated well from the outside. I hear no wind noise or normal engine noise, so its a nice quite ride when I want it to be. I love it!