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:

• 

  07 Cobalt LS - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By ken - April 23 - 6:13 am

  Cobalt LS 4dr with no options. With almost 4 months and 5000 miles, I think this is going to be great commuter car. 31-34 mpg mostly highway commute to work. Great AC and adequate radio/CD/mp3. Comfortable front seats and adequate rear seat room. Big trunk. Added aftermarket cruise (really just expensive switch), factory servo controls are already there. Plastic wheel covers and small tires will be replaced with alloy wheels and bigger tires when appropriate.

• 

  2006 Chevy Cobalt LT - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bowtieboy50 - April 10 - 5:53 pm

  I love everything about this car. I bought this car and put 20% tints on it and it looks real good.

• 

  Great 2 Door Cobalt Coupe - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By CKTuba - April 7 - 6:30 am

  We had had it since last June, no problems at all. Been a great car getting at or close to the mileage all the time. Peppy and fun to drive. Quiet. Great Pioneer stereo w sub woofer and absolutely love the looks. Looks like the Honda Civic 2 dr coupe.

• 

  Excellent Compact - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Tyler - April 3 - 12:33 pm

  The Cobalt beats its competitors in nearly every way, except fuel economy, which still isnt bad at all. The engine is incredibly smooth, quiet, and powerful. Extremely high sophistication for its class. Automatic tranny is superb, as per usual for GM. Interior design and construction are greatly improved for Chevy and is generally excellent, though materials could be nicer. Handling is about average but the ride is amazing. Great room for a coupe, comfortable seats, a ridiculously large list of standard features, and great availability and affordabilty of optional features rounds out an excellent package. Have owned this car for half a year with no problems and on a college budget. Must buy

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Nick - March 30 - 1:33 am

  Looks great. Handles very well around corners. Good size engine, and a nice radio upgrade from the 06 to the 07 model. Only suggestion is to have better quality speakers. Other than that, a great car for a good price.

• 

  My 06 Cobalt LS - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Chad Wood - March 17 - 5:00 am

  I have had this car for 5 months now and love it. It is very sporty, and stylish. It moves pretty quick, and gets great gas mileage. It has a pretty good sound system, for a factory setup. I like the idea of the driver information center, which is easy to use. I havent had any problems so far. It has plenty of legroom even for us tall people. My sister has an 05 Cavalier, and it has absolutly no legroom at all. It is a major improvement over the Cavalier, and better looking too. I would recommend this car to anyone, looking for a sporty car thats good on gas.

• 

  I love my car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By rlinden86 - February 28 - 4:30 am

  Ive only had my car for 2 months, but I love it already. The only thing is, it seems like they built it too quickly and cheap. But I love the design and I got a great deal on it.

• 

  Best Car Chevy Builds - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By kyle86 - February 8 - 8:00 pm

  Needed something that was going to be better on gas but still looked great. Looked at Corrolla (dont like a 4 door), Civic (weird styling) and Scion Tc (just not impressed). Glad I stayed with Chevy and bought American! The car is such a huge improvement over the Cavalier you cannot even compare the two. The 2.4L engine is great off the line but Im not the biggest fan of VVT (variable valve timing.) I just hit 6,000 miles and still not one concern. I did have it in the garage because the sunroof button fell out of the roof, a common problem according to the dealer.

• 

  My Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Deb - February 6 - 7:03 am

  This car handles like a dream. It has alot of cool features that I love for an inexpensive car. It configures your gas mileage without you having to do a thing. And the CD player is standard in all models which is always nice :). The 4 door sedan is roomy and comfy and the trunk is huge. I highly recommend the 2005 Chevy Cobalt.

• 

  My new Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By sanmech - February 5 - 11:36 am

  Purchased car 3 weeks ago. Only 900 miles on it. I get 32 miles per gallon city/highway combined, mostly highway The handing is average, the engine is quiet, the interior I find uncomfortable. Transmission shifts nicely and low interior noise. I have leather interior but being the car was on the lot already. I dont have the leather steering wheel which should be standard with this interior.