The Good
The 2006 Cobalt offered a blend of practicality and appeal. The SS trim provided sporty performance, appealing to enthusiasts. Practical buyers appreciated its affordability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride. While not class-leading, its straightforward design and available features offered a reasonable value proposition.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses of the 2006 Cobalt include ignition switch issues that led to recalls, potential power steering failures, and reports of paint chipping. Premature wear of suspension components and occasional electrical glitches are also worth noting. Rust, especially in areas prone to road salt, is another area to inspect.
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.2L Ecotec I4: (Most common) 145 hp
- 2.4L Ecotec I4: (LT and some other trims) 171 hp
- 2.0L Supercharged I4: (SS Supercharged) 205 hp
- 2.0L Turbocharged I4: (SS Turbocharged, later models) 260 hp
- Horsepower:
- Ranges from 145 hp to 260 hp, depending on the engine.
- Fuel Economy:
- 2.2L I4: Approximately 24 mpg city / 33 mpg highway
- 2.4L I4: Approximately 22 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
- 2.0L Supercharged I4: Approximately 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times:
- 2.2L I4: Around 9 seconds
- SS Supercharged: Around 6.3 seconds
- SS Turbocharged: Around 5.7 seconds
- Towing Capacity:
- The Chevrolet Cobalt is not designed for towing, and towing capacity is not officially specified. It is not recommended to tow with this vehicle.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Base: Basic features including cloth seats, manual windows, and a basic audio system.
- LS: Adds features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, and upgraded audio.
- LT: Includes enhanced features like cruise control, remote keyless entry, and improved interior trim.
- SS (Supercharged): Sport-tuned suspension, supercharged engine, sport seats, unique styling.
- SS (Turbocharged): Turbocharged engine, Brembo brakes, sport-tuned suspension, and performance gauges.
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2006 |
| Make | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cobalt |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Coupe |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | LORDSTOWN |
Dimensions
| Doors | 2-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | LSJ |
| Engine Size | 2.2L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Have?
How long will the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety features included standard front airbags and optional side airbags. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were available on some models. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) wasn't widely available on lower trims.
Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) varied. The Cobalt generally received good scores for frontal crash protection but lower scores for side-impact protection, particularly in models without side airbags. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) also conducted tests, with ratings varying depending on the specific test and model year. The Cobalt’s safety ratings were considered adequate for its class but not exceptional. Optional features like side airbags could improve side-impact protection. The lack of advanced driver-assistance systems, common in newer vehicles, is a significant limitation.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Prices and Market Value
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Cost of Ownership
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Fuel Efficiency
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Safety Rating
NHTSA
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Compare to Other Coupe?
In terms of performance, the Cobalt SS (especially the turbocharged version) could rival some sportier compacts, but the base models were less impressive than the Civic or Mazda3. Features were generally comparable, though some competitors offered more advanced options.
Alternatives to the Cobalt include the Honda Civic (for reliability and resale value), the Toyota Corolla (for dependability), the Mazda3 (for driving enjoyment), and the Hyundai Elantra (for value and features). If reliability is a top priority, the Civic or Corolla are better choices. If a sporty driving experience is desired, the Mazda3 is a superior alternative. If budget is the primary concern, a well-maintained Ford Focus or Hyundai Elantra might also be worth considering. The Cobalt SS offers a unique blend of affordability and performance if those are primary considerations.
Ranks #1225 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (4.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 1225 | 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt a Good Coupe?
t money on January 10, 2025
broke down so many times that i had to return it onebroke down so many times that i had to return it one month later kept overheating and air was not working well hated it s
DubDubBrady on June 14, 2021
Good carBought the car used. Only issue I’ve noticed on them is the rocker panels seem to rust on a lot of them, but that Is a cheap and easy fix if you buy the clip ons. Overall a good car for the price.
KaylaW on March 25, 2021
Reliable car with a lot of life left in itThis car is manual, other than that I love this car! It’s fast, reliable, fair pricing, and has been a great car for me for 5 years.
Kiki99 on December 12, 2020
Clear Choice Auto Sales false advertisingI've driven this car before however when I drove the one specifically at Clear Choice Auto Sales there was definitely a clear choice that their inventory was shiny and not much else.
AnthonyNJ on December 9, 2020
Most Reliable Car I ownThis car meet all of my commuting needs would highly recommend as a first car for a new driver as well. Plus the vehicle does well on gas
TrueNorth on March 3, 2020
Most fun ride I haveThis car has plenty of legroom, a lots of space in trunk. The strong engine compare to the light body make the car last long and lo maintenance. I believe one of the best for its kind
Myah on January 21, 2020
This is my first car I’ve ownedI love my Chevy cobalt. I have a ‘06 LTZ Chevy cobalt. I have reached a high limit of miles on the car and it still drives great. The only problem I’ve had is with the Electric Steering. I had to replace my Rack N Pinion. Other than that it’s a pretty reliable car.
Sportcar on December 27, 2019
A fun car to driveThis is a great car to have fun in!! The seats are incredibly comfortable. Makes it easy to learn manual on. Has two cigarette lighters making for easy charging spots for any device. Tints are a plus when keeping the car cool in the summer and protecting your eyes from the sun. Auto dimming rear view mirror. Handles great in all weather conditions and when taking turns.
akkaren on August 3, 2019
Car is Unsafe to DriveCar is not safe to drive due to power steering randomly going out, jerks like it's missing then stalls out...dash lights chime and randomly come on. This car has had multiple recalls for some of these very problems but we are unable to find out if any of the recalls have been dealt with. We've had it into three garages and unfortunately, the car runs fine with a test drive. Since its so unpredictable, it's unsafe to drive.
Emily on July 13, 2019
Reliable and doesn’t take much gasThe car is reliable, but has a small electrical problem, runs great, and parts are cheap to repair when needed. Great for a first car!
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.