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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  Fun Fun Fun - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Melissa - May 10 - 2:26 pm

  I love my new Colbalt. Im not a car expert, so I may be blind, but this car is perfect for my needs. Ill be going away to college this fall, and I needed something good on gas, with lots of room to haul stuff, that was resonably cheap, and this car fit all of it. I also love the look of it. It looks a lot more expensive then it is.

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  2006 Cobalt SS Supercharged – A fun toy! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By JonyyB - April 25 - 9:06 pm

  I had the car for one year now and 20,000 miles later, I love it as much as I did when I first drove one. So far, the car had only minor issues that were easily resolved by the dealer. Since the car is only in production 2005-2007, I am actually considering buying another one for my wife. This car is quick, fun, and brings excitement into any day! ItÂ’s a shame GM only kept the Supercharged Cobalt alive for 3 short years. I know I will keep mine for years to come.

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  Best Investment - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By SassyGem - April 5 - 6:56 am

  This is my first brand new car, and after years of driving hand me downs and discards, I love this car. I travel with my 100lb. dog and it has ample room for us both. Thats why I chose the sedan over the coupe. With XM Satellite radio, I couldnt believe I wasnt in heaven. While it uses a little more gas than Im used to (I drove a Honda for years and theyre gas misers), its not bad for an American car. I average about 26 mpg. During a recent road trip to VA beach from NY- I filled up once and it took me down with gas to spare! I am very pleased! My boyfriend loves the stereo system that came in the car.

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  Hot rod - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By wjdodg - April 3 - 4:13 pm

  I got the sports package with my Cobalt for another $1645. My favorite things it comes with is the XM satelitte radio free for three months and the white faced sport gauges. This is a very fun car to drive, also very appealing to look at. Ive heard alot of negative things about the spoiler, but I like it. You will see the younger generation driving this car, definitely not a family car. Chevy did a good job with this one. They will be very competitive with the Hondas and Toyotas of the world. Maybe not take over but they have a good start. Last thing my dealer said was " youve got yourself a real hot rod".

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  My Sunburst Orange Cobalt LT - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By maverickkat - April 2 - 1:06 pm

  When I went to the dealership to pick up my Cobalt I was unsure of what color I wanted, but when I saw the orange it was mine. I left the dealership with three miles on my car. I have had a few problems with my car. I have had to have the windsheild replaced as well as the shifter and had to have some body work done. The windshield has no weather stripping so moisture gets underneath. The keys to my car would get stuck in the ignition so the whole shifting unit had to be replaced. As for the body work the headlights on my car were not lined up properly so the bumper was rubbing on the headlights causeing the paint to scrape off my bumper.

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  I do not recommend this car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Lisa - February 27 - 12:10 am

  At first I liked this car but now it is my worst nightmare. I have had numerous problems with the ignition. The key does not turn back. First I was told it was the ignition switch, then it was the solenoid both were replaced. The ignition switch was replaced twice. The solenoid was replaced once. I was also told that the gear shifter cabled needed adjusted. That still didnt fix the problem. The last time I took it in they replace the shifter assembly. Hopefully this will work but Im not holding my breath. If you ask me you shouldnt put a car on the market if youre not sure that it works. This car is poorly built and I think all of them should be pulled off and not sold anymore.

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  As good as the imports - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By al - February 23 - 5:36 pm

  Purchased my new Colbalt in Feb. Already have a 2004 Saturn ION and even though I like the ION very much it is no comparison to the Cobalt. This car is solid inside and out no squecks or rattles and a great attention to detail. Without a doubt the most quiet economy car I have been in. GM keep up the good work America will eventually figure it out.

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  Performance and Good Looks - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Joe - February 4 - 6:06 pm

  The Cobalt SS supercharged is a truly great car. Its fast, reliable, and perfectly built. The features it comes with make it fun, and its good mileage makes it cheap to fill up. Since the car is so light and it has 205 horses it can accelerate extremely fast.

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  My first brand new car - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Judy - February 2 - 6:44 am

  I bought this car new I have taken good care of it ,it is ok driving local , but a long trip not so comfortable. I LOVE MY CAR What I love most the mileage l love the style the 2008 in my opinion is the best looking.

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  Great family car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By lifeartist - January 9 - 4:40 am

  The Chevy Cobalt is a great family car that gets terrific mileage. It is a comfortable ride, and the quiet steel exterior is a real plus, there is little outside road noise.