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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  crossing my fingers - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bob - February 18 - 10:11 pm

  I like the looks, the gas mileage and the price was affordable. A wheel cap fell off at 10K and at 19K miles, the steering column is being replaced for the second time! Each time for a different noise. I bought this car new, thinking I wouldnt have to worry about car repairs for awhile. I am now second guessing how much it will cost in repairs once the warranty is up.

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  A Champion car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ryan - February 13 - 9:00 am

  I bought this car a while ago and I love it, I have the LT edition and I get 36 on the highway, even though my car is packed full of stuff(Im currently moving). Great acceleration and breaking. The only downside is that it gets uncomfortable on long road trips.

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  Decided on a Cobalt - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Lenny - February 12 - 4:25 pm

  I bought my Cobalt a couple of months ago to replace my gas guzzling alero. however im only getting 450km a tank in my car :( and im only driving it highway to school and back so that was really disappointing. HUGE trunk and the car is really nice both inside and out and is fun to drive and reliable. sporty and fairly peppy for a 2.2

• 

  nice car - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ken - February 6 - 5:43 pm

  This car has been a very good car so far. It has 19000 miles on it and it is a 2008. Some of the editors review i totally agree with. The interior is a little on the cheap side but the seats are incredibly comfortable in the front even on long trips. I have the xfe and the gas mileage is superb. The braking mentioned by the editor has not been an issue but i dont drive on a race trac. The tires have done extremely well in the snow this winter. Over all really good car. Extremely comfortable and smooth on highway trips

• 

  Just bougt an 08 - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By LongDriver - February 1 - 4:40 pm

  Just bought an 08 Cobalt and for the money boy am I happy. Im a long distance commuter (200 miles one way) and the gas savings are great (31.8 avg mpg driving 60 to 65 half in the hills and half in the flatlands). Im 6ft 225 and there is ample room for my 3 hour drive. All I wanted was a cruise control, automatic transmission, and an AC. I ended up with a full featured car including heated leather seats, sunroof, power everything, pioneer sound system with a big ole subwoofer. Steering is tight, brakes responsive, and plenty of get-up-and-go when I need it. For the money I spent Im one happy Chevy Dude.

• 

  New car - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By St Helens Matt - January 28 - 11:58 pm

  I am getting 35 MPG and the cabin is quite. Best of all, I got it brand new for $10,000.

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  Needs to be Recalled - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By What a joke - January 26 - 9:44 pm

  I have had several minor problems with my cobalt, over the years, including needing a new windshield wiper motor after two years. However, this new problem takes the cake. The sensor that signals the car is in park doesnt work. Therefore I cannot turn off my car and remove my key, until the battery dies. My friend who also has a 2006 cobalt had the same problem, she got hers fixed for $450. They claim not a common problem, but strange both of us had the issue. Mine is automatic and hers is manual, so that sounds like more than a few people would have this problem.

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  Good for what it was bought for. - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By John - January 23 - 7:44 pm

  I bought this car yesterday with 57,735 miles. I needed a car to get me back and forth to work. I was very surprised by the acceleration, the decent ride. I know this is not a high end car, but It does what it does for a really good price. I paid $7500 and it has a 100k powertrain warranty. My toy is a 2002 Z-28 that has 400HP, and Im spoiled by the balls to the wall acceleration it has. For what I paid this thing works just fine.

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  09 Cobalt LS Automatic - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jim - January 15 - 8:11 pm

  Wanted a base coupe to replace an 04 Cavalier coupe automatic. Other than looks, not too much has changed. Same basic layout with a few more features. Nice car for way cheap money. End of year pricing and rebates put this less than the competition (Kia- Hyundai- Nissan-Focus). Only drawback - 6 year old design. Looks like a 10 to me. I might buy one more before the Cruze swings into production. (or they move the Cobalt tooling to Mexico)

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  Short-time review - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By JJR60616 - January 13 - 2:00 pm

  My expectations going in were low. I was just looking for a new car to replace my S10 Pickup my daughter beat up in a couple accidents. Looked for cheap cars, best rebates, something simple. Was pleasantly surprised at the handling, features, fit & finish and performance of the 2009 Cobalt.