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:

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By sushidog - September 2 - 1:50 am

  In 25k miles I have had no repair or warranty issues. It handles well in the twisties (drove "tail of the dragon" and "hellbender" in the NC mountains). It accelerates and stops like a much more expensive car, yet it gives great gas mileage for a 15.35sec (my actual 1/4 mile time)n/a 2.4l 4cyl. automatic. Its only slightly modded (I/H/E/&tune) Fit and finish are great for a $17.4k Chevy economy car.

• 

  love this car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By amazing car - August 25 - 9:44 pm

  Bought this car a couple years ago and I absolutely love it im 21 and to date ive had 23 cars, Ive always loved them for 2 weeks then hated them not the case with this car Ive had it for almost 2 years and love every time I get into it, looks sweet, I get 34.5 mpg on the highway, 27 avg, not bad for being supercharged, I love the interior and the radio is the best of anything ive owned and I put 2700 in my ss camaro so thats sayin quite a bit, I dont know what all you foreign car love are thinking Chevy makes great cars, not a dime spent on anything but oil with this car I would recommend it to anyone, and I kept my money in this country:), unlike you Toyota and Honda lovers. A+++++++ chevy

• 

  Eval - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By D*MuNNiE - August 21 - 12:06 pm

  Ive only had my Cobalt for less than 2 months. I love it. It has really quick acceleration, and the design of this car, doesnt say Cavalier AT ALL. I get compliments on it all the time. Its just a head turning car. Chevy definitely did a major step up from the way over cooked Cavalier! Right On CHEVY!

• 

  Great little Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Paul Ronn - August 21 - 1:30 am

  This is only our second new car in 25 years and we picked a good one. The LT Cobalt is great to drive. Corners like a dream and rides like a sports car. We think this is a wonderful car for the money. You get a bunch of neat goodies as standard features in the LT. We are averaging 26 MPG around town.

• 

  CSS Blast! - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By alcss - August 14 - 6:23 pm

  Bought the SS sedan 3 weeks ago. This car is a blast to drive! Have 2500 miles on it already. 3000 pound curb weight and 260hp is a great combo. Turbo-charged ecotec engine is fantastic. Exhaust has a nice rumble on hard acceleration, but its not tiresome on the highway. Tires, wheels, steering, braking and suspension/handling are all top notch, simply outstanding. This car can really perform and it is so much fun to drive. Seats are amazing. I would recommend this ride to anyone who needs a double extra dose of performance in their daily drive.

• 

  Not bad - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Rickey Miller - August 13 - 8:41 am

  I was expecting better fuel economy. But I only get about 25mpg avg (city and hwy). Its a fun car to drive, and Ill likely put some work into it once the warranty is up, but for now it has little power and poor mileage. Spend the little extra for the LT. I regret that I didnt.

• 

  Good Car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Shanna - August 12 - 6:42 pm

  Ive had my Cobalt for a little over a month. Its a wonderful first car. I read reviews here before buying this car. I read about someone hearing a cricket noise when the air conditioner was on, I hear this noise every time I have the AC on, it can get annoying after a while because I hear it over my music. Ive put aver 1000 miles on it since I got it. Now it has about 42,000 miles on it. It gets around 26-28 mpg in town. Its a wonderful car :-) I love it!

• 

  Love my car! - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Wikia - August 7 - 7:51 pm

  This is the first vehicle I have purchased on my own, and I am very happy with it. I wanted something simple, but my dealer located a car for me with the sports package, a lot of fun extras. I traded in my old Chevy Blazer for a more fuel efficient and safer car, and I am so glad I did. About a month and half after I purchased my car someone ran a red light and t-boned me. Both myself and my passenger were ok, and I credit that to my car. The time that my car was in the shop, I missed it. Before buying my car I test drove Hondas and Fords, but with this car you get a lot of "bang for your buck": power, safety, fuel efficiency, comfort, etc. I think I made a very smart (and safe!) choice.

• 

  Better than a Cavalier - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By sean - August 1 - 10:00 pm

  I ordered this car after combing through the entire STL region looking for a blue 2.4 ss with sunroof and airbags. Car came and was surprided to find xm was standard. I really didnt care for it but now after listening i cant live w/o it! Also FM and AM reception with antenna is poor. Gas mileage is tricky. In order to get 34 mpg you have to drive like 55 mph on the highway. At 65mph Im already at 2.5 K in 5th gear, could definitely use another gear for more gas saving. Overall I average 29mpg with 70/30 highway/city driving. Handling is sport like, but it was easily be pushed over its limits with body roll. Ride quality is very nice however, very smooth. Im looking forward to modding it

• 

  This is my 2nd Cobalt! - 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By C-57D - July 29 - 12:49 pm

  What can I say - I bought a 2005 because I needed a car (my 92 Lumina Van croaked at 218000 miles). There was nothing wrong with the 05 but GMAC wanted to get rid of their leases and they made me a good deal! The 09 feels like it has a little more power and is a bit more solid overall than the 05. Never had a problem with either car.