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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  Awesome Car. - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Krystle - August 18 - 6:56 am

  I just bought mine but, i love it already. It really is a great car. It drives wonderfully. It handles great. Looks sporty for a great price.

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  Good and bad - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cobalt Review - July 19 - 1:36 pm

  When I bought my Chevy Cobalt, I loved it. It has great pick up, and it is fun to drive. I commute, so in almost a year I have driven 24k miles. It is hard to see out of the back windows, there isnt very much arm room when shifting. When I ride around with my husband, we always bump arms. After 3 months of having the car, I brought it in for a rattling noise and they replaced my steering shaft. That fixed the problem for a month and then the problem returned. I let it go for about a month just to make sure the problem was returning, and because I work all the time. I have had my steering shaft replaced twice and my whole column replaced, and the problem persists. They say its not a common issue, argh.

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  2008 Chevy Cobalt Coupe LT - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Pam - July 9 - 2:16 pm

  Even though Ive only owned my Cobalt for 33 days, its performance and appearance(Revolution Edition Package) is outstanding. Im 49" and i have the seat all the way up, which puts me very close to the airbag should it go off Ill be in big trouble. The acceleration outdoes my previous vehicle, which was a 2005 Trailblazer LS 4-wheel drive. I own a 2.2L DOHC 4 speed automatic,not a 5M.

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  Bang for the Buck - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By brad - June 29 - 6:23 pm

  This car is the ultimate bang for the buck. Great performance, great gas mileage, great style, and all under 20 grand. I picked mine up new for 19K. Couldnt have found a better choice for points all over the board.

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  2006 Cobalt SS coupe, victory red - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Brian - June 23 - 1:06 am

  So far my experience with this vehicle has been great. It is fast, great on gas, and rides much better than I ever thought an American car would. Prior to this car I had always bought foreign cars but this vehicle blew mw away with its quality and performance for the price.

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  Fantastic - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By nana - June 22 - 7:30 am

  This is awesome. A joy to own and drive. The cobalt leaves all the competitors in the dust. Great performer on the worst roads in America, [Chicago and suburbs.] Mileage better than sticker estimate. Love this vehicle. Modern sleek lines, seats are super comfy for 5ft to 6ft tall drivers. Battery in trunk makes good sense. Can ride for mega miles with no back or neck ache which occured with my Toyota, Lincoln and Suzuki. Feels solid and sound proof. Which was a great surprise to all of us. We plan to continue to see the USA in our Chevrolet Cobalt.

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  First 4banger - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By CC SS - June 16 - 2:33 pm

  I really like this car a lot. Its my 1st brand new car and 1st 4 cyl. Its a blast to drive for what it is and I love the sound system. I love the laser blue, i was told there was only 1 more blue 5 speed like it within 200m radius. My old cars were T/As so its still slow to me but its quick enougbh to be fun and handles very well in turns. I got a lot more than what I was expecting for this little 4 cyl. Now to get a procharger

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  Nothing else compared for the money - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jmariner - June 8 - 8:43 pm

  With 6000km behind me, I can say that Im very pleased with my purchase. The powertrain is superb and interior space provides comfort thats completely devoid of tacky gimics common to the Japanese competition. Handling is very good for a FWD car, but the ride is stiff. The brakes will send your dentures through the windsheid and the gearbox has an "American" feel to it. Longish throw but having solid, positive engagements. Its really nice actually and it feels strong. To my eye, the body styling is beutiful in its simplicity despite the wing. GM did not "cheap-out" with this platform. Tested at the Nurburgring, it shows.

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  First Two Weeks - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Maresha - May 26 - 2:56 pm

  I really like the look of the sport coupe with the rear spoiler. The tail lights on the sport coupe look sporty too, they remind me of Corvette tail lights. The sedan has different tail lights. It seems the rear of the sport coupe is a little higher than the sedan, & I like the angled rear lift appearance. The car handles & drives well for a 4 cylinder, considering Ive driven a V6 300ZX for the past 15 years. It would be awesome if Chevrolet made the sedan with the same rear lift and taillights that the coupe has, because I think a car like that with the spoiler & moonroof would scream! After driving a 2+2 300ZX, I had wanted a four door, but went with the coupe because the look is so hot.

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  Money Saving Coupe - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mike - May 15 - 6:36 am

  I leased this car have been having a blast driving it ever since. The stylish look and the awesome fuel economy are its two best features. The new 2005 paint scheme is a brilliant blue granite metallic that terns heads everywhere I drive. The peppy 2.2 engine really surprises me especially in 3rd gear 35mph to 60mph in a heartbeat, makes getting on the freeway a breeze. I currently commute 54 miles one way to work, so the fuel economy was exactly what I needed. It gets 34 mpg just as the sticker at the dealership stated, and in my opinion, looks far better than the Civic and for far less money.