2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Chevrolet Cobalt. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Chevrolet Cobalt.

2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Review

Cobalt replaced Cavalier during 2005, becoming Chevrolet's first new compact design in 10 years. Larger and costlier than Chevy's Korean-built Aveo, Cobalt offered sedans and coupes that shared a basic structure with the Saturn Ion, though coupes didn't have Ion's rear access doors. Trim levels were base, LS, and LT for sedans; base, LS, and SS Supercharged for coupes. All shared Ion's 4-cyl engines. Base, LS, and LT Cobalts had 145 hp. The SS Supercharged coupe had 205 hp. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on base and LS models, mandatory on the SS Supercharged. A 4-speed automatic was standard on the LT, optional on base and LS. SS Supercharged models had 18-inch wheels, sport suspension, and 4-wheel disc brakes. Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, CD player, and 60/40 split folding rear seat were standard. ABS was optional on base models, standard elsewhere. Traction control was standard on LT and SS Supercharged, available on base and LS. Other options included front side airbags packaged with curtain side airbags, sunroof, and OnStar assistance.

Year to Year Changes

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt: Chevrolet expanded Cobalt's engine and model choices for 2006. Base models were renamed LS, LS became the LT, and LT sedans became the LTZ. Also added were non-supercharged SS sedans and coupes, powered by a 171-hp 4-cyl engine.

2007 Chevrolet Cobalt: Cobalt carries over unchanged.

2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Road Test

Pros	Cons

Fuel economy	Engine noise

Acceleration (SS Supercharged)	Rear-seat room

	Rear-seat entry/exit

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Cobalt and similar Saturn Ion have adequate acceleration with either the 145- or 171-hp engine and manual or automatic transmission. Even with manual, a test 171-hp Ion doesn't feel significantly faster than models with the 145-hp engine. SS Supercharged feels as quick as Chevy's quote of 6.1 sec 0-60 mph. We recommend getting the available limited-slip differential to minimize torque steer (unwanted pulling to the side) during acceleration. A test Cobalt LS sedan with automatic transmission averaged 25.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. Similar Ions with manual transmission averaged 24.9-25.4 mpg. The SS Supercharged is similar to Saturn Ion Red Line, and that Saturn averaged 19.4 mpg in our test. Note that 145-hp Cobalts use regular-grade fuel, and Chevy recommends premium for SS and SS Supercharged. Cobalts with optional 16-inch tires ride well, showing good stability over bumps. SS Superchargeds have low-profile 18-inch tires and a sport suspension, making them feel harsh on rippled pavement. Handling also is above average for the class. Base models tested showed good grip and quick steering. SS Superchargeds are more athletic still. These compacts are quiet enough while cruising, with supercharged models suffering coarse-surface tire thrum. The 145-hp engine sounds harsh during acceleration, but calms down when at speed. Interior materials are a big step up for General Motors compact cars. While there are still hard plastic surfaces to be found, they do not look or feel cheap. Supercharged models add a boost gauge on the left windshield pillar as well as stylish sport seats and metal-look cabin trim. Driver and front passenger comfort is typical compact-car fare. Cobalts have adequate head and leg room, though tall drivers may find the seatbelt does not adjust high enough for best comfort. SS Supercharged has more-bolstered sport seats that snug occupants, but at the same time are not confining. Visibility is good in standard models, but trickier in Superchargeds due to that model's tall rear spoiler. Rear passengers will find themselves short on leg room. Cargo space is good thanks to a standard split folding rear seat and strut-type lid hinges. But a narrow trunk opening precludes the loading of bulky items. Decently-sized door pockets partially compensate for a tiny center console.

Value for the Money
Cobalt earns the Consumer Guide¨ Recommended badge as a reasonably priced, well-equipped compact available with many appealing features. Even the SS Supercharged offers good value in an off-the-shelf sport compact that's fun to drive, despite a jarring ride. If you can live with subpar rear-seat room and comfort, Cobalt merits a look.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Chevrolet Cobalt LS w. Sport Pkg., auto.	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	7

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	6

Quietness	5

Controls/Materials	5

Interior Room	5

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	3

Value within Class	8

Total:	52

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Fuel gauge: The engine may not start or may stall because the tank is empty yet the gauge shows fuel remaining, or the fuel gauge will not show full after refilling due to sulfur corrosion of the fuel level sender and if after treating with Fuel System Cleaner PLUS the problem remains, the sender may need to be replaced. (2005-06)

Interior trim: The shifter knob comes off the shaft of the SS Supercharged model and must be retained with self-tapping screw and glue. (2005)

Keys: The key won't come out because of a problem with the microswitch pin in the floor shifter assembly. (2005-06)

Oil leak: Oil may leak from the 2.2L engine front crankshaft seal, especially in the winter, as the seal is damaged if ice forms at the mating surface then rips the seal lip when the engine is started, for which there is an improved seal. (2005)

Water leak: Water leaks onto the passenger side floor from the A/C housing, requiring installation of a seal between the heater core and A/C housing. (2005-06)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$600

Alternator	$250

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$2,100

Brakes	$325

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$830

Constant Velocity Joints	$930

Exhaust System	$420

Radiator	$190

Shocks and/or Struts	$720

Timing Chain or Belt	$700

NHTSA Recall History

2005 Cobalt: The headlamp shields of some vehicles may loosen if they are vibrating. Dealer will replace both headlamp assemblies.

2005-06 Cobalt not equipped with optional roof-mounted side impact air bags: The vehicle fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 201, 'Occupant Protection in Interior Impact.' In a crash, head impact protection may be inadequate. Dealers will install energy absorbing plastic to the headliner trim to reduce the severity of head impacts in a crash.

2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

2005
Cobalt	$8,500-10,500	$7,700-9,500	$4,400-5,500
Cobalt SS Supercharged	$13,500-15,000	$12,300-13,700	$8,000-8,900

2006
Cobalt LS, LT	$9,800-11,500	$8,800-10,400	$5,100-6,000
Cobalt LTZ, SS	$11,800-13,000	$10,600-11,700	$6,600-7,300
Cobalt SS Supercharged	$15,000-16,500	$13,700-15,000	$9,600-10,600

2007
Cobalt LS, LT	$11,200-13,000	$10,100-11,700	$6,000-7,000
Cobalt LTZ, SS	$13,500-15,000	$12,300-13,700	$8,000-8,900
Cobalt SS Supercharged	$17,200-19,000	$15,800-17,500	$11,000-12,200

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door coupe	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	103.3	103.3

Overall Length, in.	180.3	180.5

Overall Width, in.	67.9	67.9

Overall Height, in.	55.7	57.1

Curb Weight, lbs.	2730	2780

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	13.2	14.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	13.9	13.9

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.7	38.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.0	41.8

Rear Head Room, in.	35.7	37.7

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	32.2	33.7

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Cobalt LS, LT, and LTZ have a 145-hp 4-cylinder engine. SS models have a 171-hp 4-cylinder. Both these engines are available with a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. SS Supercharged has 205 hp and a mandatory 5-speed manual.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc I4	2.2 / 134	145	155	5-speed manual: 25/34 4-speed automatic: 24/32	5-speed manual: 25.1 4-speed automatic: 25.9

dohc I4	2.4 / 145	171	163	5-speed manual: 25/34 4-speed automatic: 24/32	5-speed manual: 26 4-speed automatic: --

Supercharged dohc I4	2.0 / 122	205	200	5-speed manual: 23/29	5-speed manual: 16.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	2006 Cobalt	2005 Cobalt	2006 Cobalt	2005 Cobalt

Front Impact, Driver	4	4	4	4

Front Impact, Passenger	5	5	5	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Review:

Chevrolet Cobalt

Chevrolet Cobalt Road Test

Chevrolet Cobalt Reliability

Chevrolet Cobalt Prices

Chevrolet Cobalt Specs & Safety

Chevrolet Cobalt Photos

Chevrolet Cobalt Full Review