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May 27, 2010
 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LT; photo by Greg Wilson. Click image to enlarge |
The Cavalier wasn’t a poster child for reliability, but it was cheap and simple to fix. Thus far, Consumer Reports’ data shows the Cobalt appears to be on the same path: the publication notes no serious mechanical flaws, but there are a few things to look for.
A problem listed by CR in its “Transmission – Minor” category is most likely a well-known manual transmission linkage fault in which the “roll pin” breaks. When this happens, it feels as though the shifter is no longer connected to anything, which, in effect, it isn’t. This thread at ChevyCobaltForum.com is a photographic replacement how-tow, handy for shadetree mechanics. It looks like a relatively simple fix for an owner comfortable with wrenching on their own car. Note, too, that this problem is primarily an issue in cars driven hard.
The Cobalt’s suspension, particularly front struts and control arm bushings, are known for premature wear, as are the brakes.
  2006 Chevrolet Cobalt SS; photos by Chris Chase. Click image to enlarge |
This thread at CobaltSS.net talks of the paint around the door frame rubbing off onto the door’s weatherstripping, leaving bare metal behind. Note that most of the owners posting here drive SS models, but the problem likely affects all Cobalt trims.
CR also notes fit and finish problems including some reports of bad power windows, squeaks and rattles, wind noise and loose interior trim pieces.
Canadian Black Book pegs used Cobalt values from $6,275 for a 2005 base model, to $14,875 for a 2009 SS Coupe. A 2007 Cobalt LT with automatic transmission represents a popular version of this car, and is worth $9,250; a 2006 LT is worth $7,725, while a 2008 version carries a value of $10,550. Like the cars themselves, prices for the Cobalt and its Pursuit/G5 twin will be virtually identical given a similar trim and options.
Cobalt values will be pretty close to those of a Hyundai Elantra or Kia Spectra, while being far less than those for Japanese competitors like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla or Mazda3.
As an enthusiast, the only member of the Cobalt family that really turns my crank is the sporty SS coupe. The old supercharged motor lacked refinement but was strong, and the new turbo motor is several orders of magnitude better in just about every regard. The Cobalt’s apparent poor interior quality is a bit troubling, but a basic model without a lot of frills should prove a solid little car for a good, low price.
 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt LT; photo by Chris Chase. Click image to enlarge |
So, aside from the SS, this isn’t a car I’d recommend for anyone who fancies themselves a car enthusiast, but for someone looking for A-to-B transportation, the Cobalt actually doesn’t look like a bad choice. When test driving, pay particular attention to the brakes and suspension and whether either system feels worn or weak, and in manual transmission cars, ask the seller or consult the car’s maintenance records to see if the shift linkage has needed a repair yet. My usual advice applies, too: get any prospective purchase checked over by a trusted mechanic, and look for a car that comes with proof of regular maintenance.
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Pricing
Black Book Pricing (avg. retail) May 2010:
Online resources
Recalls
2005-2010: Certain vehicles equipped with electric power steering may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving. If the power steering assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Centre and a chime sounds to inform the driver. Steering control can be maintained, as the vehicle will revert to a manual steering mode, but will require greater driver effort. The sudden change in steering may increase the risk of a crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the electric power steering motor.Transport Canada Recall Number: 2009076; Units affected: 31,458 (includes other models) 2009: On certain vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not be fully engaged. Should this occur, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. As such, the driver could move the shifter to PARK and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not actually be in the PARK position. This could allow the vehicle to roll away, possibly causing property damage and/or personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the shift cable. Transport Canada Recall Number: 2005252; Units affected: 188 2006: On certain vehicles, the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) do not function as a result of incorrect programming of the Body Control Module (BCM) during vehicle assembly. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the BCM and assure proper DRL function. Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004412; Units affected: 376 2005: Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 108 – Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment. Shields inside the headlamps became loose during a vibration test. If this occurred while under way, oncoming driver’s may notice additional glare. Correction: Dealers will install two new headlamp assemblies.
Crash test results
Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy. For information on recalls, see Transport Canada’s web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov. For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov. For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com. |
Related posts:
- What’s New: 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
- Buyer's Guide: 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
- First Drive: 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
- Test Drive: 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LS Coupe
- Buyer's Guide: 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt/Cobalt SS
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