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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Chevy Cobalt, a true value - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
By Nick - October 21 - 10:30 pmFor the money, the power, build, and fuel economy it is just as good if not better than any import. Kudos to GM for this vehicle. And as a former Honda, BMW, Mercedes owner Im not just saying that. GM is again an entry level leader.
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Fun and Great on Gas - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
By Kristin - October 7 - 5:30 amSo far I love driving my new Cobalt. For a compact car, it packs in a ton of features without adding to the price tag. Chevy has done a great job with this vehicle making it fun to drive and very practical (60/40 rear seats with lots of trunk room, well placed interior features) with great fuel economy, even for city driving. This is the first car Ive bought and I couldnt be happier.
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Poor Quality Car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
By joewee - September 22 - 1:23 amUnlike most of the forgien manufacture, GM firmly believes you get what you pay for and that phlosophy is refected in this vehicle. Its just simply of poor quality and GM has a long line of excuses to explain its poor quality away. Excuses they are justifiable, they are not. After owning 12 General Motor vehicles, I have come to the conclusion that any GM vehicle outside of their trucks and SUV are just disposable. It truthfully saddens me to see a car manufacturer I once loved produce such garbage and then justify its short comings through excuses that they expect the dealerships to pass along.
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Drive at your own risk - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
By Moms - September 15 - 2:16 amThis is actually my 20 year old daughters car, and she loves it. But, it does take premium gas, and she drives it like a race car. She has the tickets and high insurance to prove it. So use it with caution. Rally yellow does tend to draw attention of all kinds.
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SS - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
By Alberto - August 27 - 9:30 amGreat car. Fun to drive. Comfy and accomodating interior. The exterior is sporty, yet livable. Ergonomics are great, nothing is out of reach. The shifter fits perfectly in your hand and requires only short throws. Effortless clutch activation and great brakes! No need to rev to the red line for power, the supercharger has almost no lag and kicks in low in the rpm range for great torque at low rpms. Shifter sometimes feels a bit spongy and hesitant, but overall, a great car, worthy of its SS insignia. Only 91 or above octane fuel on this car, anything less is a waste. 93 octane fuels work a miracle on this little four-banger. Not faster than the SRT-4 but certainly much more civilized and refined.
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Best car to purchase - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
By hblmo115 - August 10 - 4:53 amWe owned a z24 Cavalier before we purchased this car and I like this car even more than my Cavalier. It is a excellent purchase. I love my Cobalt. Lots of room because we have two children and they dont complain about it like they did the Cavalier.
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Best I Have Ever Owned - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
By 07SSOhio - July 31 - 6:26 pmI cant say enough good things about this car. Absolutely amazing, no problems, great mileage, super fun.
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Lemon - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
By Tammy - July 23 - 4:13 pmI have had my car for 5 months now and it has been in the shop 4 times for the longest visit being a 2 and 1/2 weeks stretch. I have had the air- conditioning quit working after only three days of ownership. It has been in the shop for rack and pinion steering problems 3 times. Finally the cruise control also has been working only intermetiately.
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Cobalt is an awesome car! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
By Jim - July 18 - 3:00 amI love my Cobalt. I never thought that I would like a smaller car, but it has much more leg room and head room than I expected. It also has electric steering which is the best steering I have ever driven with. It handles very nice and is definetly much nicer than the outdated Cavalier.
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Sport - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
By JohnS - July 16 - 1:56 amSo far, so good. Like other reviews, I am also pleased with the leg room in this car for the driver. The back seats have little room when the seat are all the way back though. However, this car ended up being perfect for me. Although the sport costs a bit more, it was well worth the upgrades: better stereo, wheels, tires, sunroof, auto-gnition, etc. Acceleration is great too.
