by VIN, Year, Make, Model by License Plate

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Review: A Bad Cheap Car With A Short Life Expectancy

Rating: 3.84
Based on 100 Owner Reviews
Jovan | March 31, 2025
The 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt was introduced as a replacement for the Cavalier, aiming to offer a more modern and refined compact car. Available as a coupe and sedan, the Cobalt was produced from 2005 to 2010. Key trims included the base model, LS, LT, and sporty SS. Pricing ranged from around $14,000 to $22,000 new. Its affordability and availability of a sporty SS trim with a supercharged or turbocharged engine contributed to its popularity.
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 7L
Engine Cylinders 8
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

Vehicle
Specifications
Ownership
History
All History
Events
NMVTIS Title
History Check
Salvage/Rebuilt
Check
Accident
Check
Theft
Check
Open Lien
Check
Past Sale
Listings
Safety
Recalls
Odometer
Check
Market Price
Analysis

What Problems Does the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Have?

The 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is known for several frequently reported problems. The most prominent issue was the faulty ignition switch, which could cause the engine to stall and disable safety features like airbags. This led to a major recall affecting numerous vehicles, not just the Cobalt. Power steering failure was also a common complaint, with owners reporting sudden loss of power steering assist, making the car difficult to control. Other issues included problems with the fuel system, particularly fuel pump failures. Reports of paint chipping and peeling were also frequent. Long-term reliability concerns centered around premature wear of suspension components, specifically struts and ball joints. The 2005-2007 model years seemed to have a higher frequency of these issues compared to later years, possibly due to design flaws that were addressed in subsequent updates. Electrical glitches, such as issues with the instrument cluster or power windows, were also commonly reported. Rust can also be a concern, especially in areas with harsh winters and road salt.

How long will the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt last?

With proper maintenance, a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt can reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more. Many owners have reported exceeding this mileage with regular servicing. However, long-term durability depends heavily on maintenance habits. Neglecting scheduled maintenance, especially oil changes and fluid checks, can significantly shorten its lifespan. Weaknesses that emerge over time often include suspension component wear, potential rust issues, and the aforementioned electrical problems. The ignition switch and power steering issues, if not addressed by recalls, can also become long-term concerns. The durability of the engine and transmission is generally good, provided they are properly maintained.
Positive Owner Reviews
DubDubBrady
Bought 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
This 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.
TrueNorth
This 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
Negative Owner Reviews
akkaren
Car 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.
Jeremy
I got this car after I totaled my previous car. I needed a car and did not have the time to spend searching for one. I found this as it was relatively cheap but I still like the appearance enough. I was not expecting much but after driving it for 4 years, I'm glad I found it. There was nothing flashy or expensive about it but it got the job done. I rarely had any trouble with it and would recommend to someone looking for a cheap reliable car.
Swamprat6977
I have owned my `06 Cobalt since it came off the showroom floor and my only major complaint is that I have to get a new battery every 2 years in the middle of winter because it doesn?t get any heat. It doesn?t matter what brand either, what a pain in the.....

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt offered fairly basic tech and entertainment features for its time. Standard features typically included an AM/FM radio and a CD player. Higher trims might include features such as satellite radio (XM) and upgraded audio systems. Driver-assistance features were limited, with options like cruise control available on higher trims.

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
Summit White
Black
Sport Red Tintcoat
Precision Red
Blue Granite Metallic
Silver Metallic
Berry Red Metallic
Sandstone Metallic
Interior Colors
Gray Interior
Ebony Interior

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Prices and Market Value

When new, the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt ranged from approximately $14,000 to $22,000, depending on the trim and options. Currently, used market prices typically range from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on condition, mileage, and location. The Cobalt has depreciated significantly due to its age and reported reliability issues. Factors affecting resale value include the vehicle's condition, mileage, history of maintenance, and whether it has been involved in any accidents. The presence of desirable features like side airbags or a well-maintained engine can slightly increase its value.

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Cost of Ownership

The 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is generally considered relatively economical to own. Insurance costs are typically low due to its age and value. Fuel economy is decent, especially with the 2.2L engine. Maintenance costs can be moderate, but potential repairs related to the ignition switch, power steering, or suspension can add up. Parts are generally affordable and readily available. Long-term ownership costs depend heavily on maintenance and the need for unexpected repairs. Overall, it's a budget-friendly option, but be prepared for potential maintenance expenses.

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Type Gasoline
Fuel Capacity -
City Mileage -
Highway Mileage -

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Safety Rating

NHTSA
Overall Rating Not Tested
Overall Frontal Star Rating Not Tested
Side Overall Star Rating Not Tested
Overall Rollover Star Rating Not Tested
Combined Front Seat Rating Not Tested
Combined Rear Seat Rating Not Tested
Overall Frontal Star Rating Not Tested
Frontal Barrier Star Ratings Not Tested
Side Barrier Star Ratings Not Tested
Rollover Resistance Star Rating Not Tested

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Recalls & Defects

Structure
Recall date 2007-01-18
Recall no. 07v014000
Source NHTSA
Summary Certain Passenger Vehicles NOT Equipped With Optional Roof-Mounted Side Impact AIR Bags Fail TO Comply With THE Requirements OF Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard NO. 201, 'occupant Protection IN Interior Impact.'
Consequence IN A Crash, Head Impact Protection MAY BE Inadequate.
Remedy Dealers Will Install Energy Absorbing Plastic TO THE Headliner Trim TO Reduce THE Severity OF Head Impacts IN A Crash. THE Recall Began ON March 21, 2007. Owners MAY Contact Chevrolet AT 1-800-630-2438.
Notes GM Recall NO. 06217. Customers MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Http://Www.safercar.gov.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Recall date 2009-10-29
Recall no. 09v419000
Source NHTSA
Summary General Motors IS Recalling Certain Model Year 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn ION Vehicles Originally Sold IN or Currently Registered IN THE States OF Arizona and Nevada; and Model Year 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5 and Saturn ION Vehicles Originally Sold IN or Currently Registered IN THE States OF Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada and Texas. THE Plastic Supply or Return Port ON THE Modular Reservoir Assembly MAY Crack. IF Either OF These Ports Develops A Crack, Fuel Will Leak From THE Area. IF THE Crack Becomes Large Enough, Fuel MAY BE Observed Dripping Onto THE Ground and Vehicle Performance MAY BE Affected.
Consequence Fuel Leakage, IN THE Presence OF AN Ignition Source, Could Result IN A Fire.
Remedy Dealers Will Replace THE Fuel Pump Module Free OF Charge. A Special Coverage Will BE Implemented IN THE Same Time Frame FOR Model Year 2006 Vehicles Registered IN Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, NEW Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas and Model Year 2007 Vehicles Registered IN: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, NEW Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee. THE Safety Recall IS Expected TO Begin ON or Before February 4, 2010. Owners MAY Contact Chevrolet AT 1-800-630-2438, Saturn AT 1-800-972-8876 and Pontiac AT 1-800-620-7668 or AT THE Owner Center AT Www.gmownercenter.com.
Notes GM Recall NO. 090226.owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO <A Href=http://Www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
Steering:electric Power Assist System
Recall date 2010-03-03
Recall no. 10v073000
Source NHTSA
Summary General Motors IS Recalling Certain Model Year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and Model Year 2007-2010 Pontiac G5 Vehicles Equipped With Electric Power Steering. THE Driver MAY Experience A Sudden Loss OF Power Steering Assist That Could Occur AT ANY Time While Driving.
Consequence IF Power Steering Assist IS Lost, IT Would Require Greater Driver Effort AT Low Vehicle Speeds, Increasing THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy Dealers Will Replace THE Electric Power Steering Motor Free OF Charge. Owners ARE Being Notified ON A Rolling Basis Between March 29 Through November 2010. A Copy OF THE Mailing Schedule IS Located IN THE Recall File. Owners MAY Contact Chevrolet AT 1-800-630-2438 and Pontiac AT 1-800-620-7668 or AT THE Owner Center AT Www.gmownercenter.com.
Notes Gm's Recall NO. N100023.owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO <A Href=http://Www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
Electrical System:ignition:switch
Recall date 2014-02-10
Recall no. 14v047000
Source NHTSA
Summary This Defect CAN Affect THE Safe Operation OF THE Airbag System. Until This Recall IS Performed, Customers Should Remove All Items From Their KEY Rings, Leaving Only THE Ignition Key. THE KEY FOB (IF Applicable), Should Also BE Removed From THE KEY Ring. General Motors LLC (Gm) Notified THE Agency ON February 10, 2014 That They ARE Recalling 619,122 Model Year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 Vehicles. ON February 25, 2014, GM Increased THE Recall TO Include AN Additional 748,024 Model Year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice Vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn ION Vehicles and 2007 Saturn SKY Vehicles. IN These Models, THE Weight ON THE KEY Ring And/Or Road Conditions or Some Other Jarring Event MAY Cause THE Ignition Switch TO Move OUT OF THE RUN Position, Turning OFF THE Engine. ON March 27, 2014, GM Notified THE Agency That THE Defective Ignition Switches MAY Have Been Used AS Service Replacement Parts ON Other Vehicles, and AS A Result GM Will BE Recalling Certain Model Year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR Vehicles. THE Part Numbers FOR THE Service Parts ARE 10392423 (a/K/a Acdelco D1461f), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This Expansion Represents AN Additional 823,788 Vehicles.
Consequence IF THE KEY IS NOT IN THE RUN Position, THE AIR Bags MAY NOT Deploy IF THE Vehicle IS Involved IN A Crash, Increasing THE Risk OF Injury.
Remedy GM Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Replace THE Ignition Switch, Free OF Charge. AN Interim Notification WAS Issued TO Owners OF 2007 and Earlier Models ON March 10, 2014, Informing Them OF THE Safety Defect. Owners OF 2008 and Later Vehicles Will BE Mailed AN Interim Letter ON April 21, 2014. All Affected Owners Will Receive Another Letter Once Parts ARE Available. THE Recall Began ON April 18, 2014. Owners MAY Contact Chevrolet AT 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac AT 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn AT 1-800-553-6000. Gm's Number FOR THE Initial Recall IS 13454 and 14063 FOR THE Expansion. Gm?s Recall Number FOR THE Vehicles That MAY Have Received THE Replacement Parts IS 14092. Note: Until THE Recall Repairs Have Been Performed, IT IS Very Important That Customers Remove All Items From Their KEY Rings, Leaving Only THE Vehicle Key. THE KEY FOB (IF Applicable), Should Also BE Removed From THE KEY Ring. Always Wear Your Seatbelt.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
AIR Bags
Recall date 2014-02-10
Recall no. 14v047000
Source NHTSA
Summary This Defect CAN Affect THE Safe Operation OF THE Airbag System. Until This Recall IS Performed, Customers Should Remove All Items From Their KEY Rings, Leaving Only THE Ignition Key. THE KEY FOB (IF Applicable), Should Also BE Removed From THE KEY Ring. General Motors LLC (Gm) Notified THE Agency ON February 10, 2014 That They ARE Recalling 619,122 Model Year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 Vehicles. ON February 25, 2014, GM Increased THE Recall TO Include AN Additional 748,024 Model Year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice Vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn ION Vehicles and 2007 Saturn SKY Vehicles. IN These Models, THE Weight ON THE KEY Ring And/Or Road Conditions or Some Other Jarring Event MAY Cause THE Ignition Switch TO Move OUT OF THE RUN Position, Turning OFF THE Engine. ON March 27, 2014, GM Notified THE Agency That THE Defective Ignition Switches MAY Have Been Used AS Service Replacement Parts ON Other Vehicles, and AS A Result GM Will BE Recalling Certain Model Year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR Vehicles. THE Part Numbers FOR THE Service Parts ARE 10392423 (a/K/a Acdelco D1461f), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This Expansion Represents AN Additional 823,788 Vehicles.
Consequence IF THE KEY IS NOT IN THE RUN Position, THE AIR Bags MAY NOT Deploy IF THE Vehicle IS Involved IN A Crash, Increasing THE Risk OF Injury.
Remedy GM Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Replace THE Ignition Switch, Free OF Charge. AN Interim Notification WAS Issued TO Owners OF 2007 and Earlier Models ON March 10, 2014, Informing Them OF THE Safety Defect. Owners OF 2008 and Later Vehicles Will BE Mailed AN Interim Letter ON April 21, 2014. All Affected Owners Will Receive Another Letter Once Parts ARE Available. THE Recall Began ON April 18, 2014. Owners MAY Contact Chevrolet AT 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac AT 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn AT 1-800-553-6000. Gm's Number FOR THE Initial Recall IS 13454 and 14063 FOR THE Expansion. Gm?s Recall Number FOR THE Vehicles That MAY Have Received THE Replacement Parts IS 14092. Note: Until THE Recall Repairs Have Been Performed, IT IS Very Important That Customers Remove All Items From Their KEY Rings, Leaving Only THE Vehicle Key. THE KEY FOB (IF Applicable), Should Also BE Removed From THE KEY Ring. Always Wear Your Seatbelt.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Electrical System:ignition
Recall date 2014-04-10
Recall no. 14v171000
Source NHTSA
Summary General Motors LLC (Gm) IS Recalling Certain Model Year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet Hhr, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn SKY Vehicles. IN THE Affected Vehicles, THE KEY CAN BE Removed From THE Ignition When THE Ignition IS NOT IN THE "off" Position.
Consequence IF THE KEY CAN BE Removed From THE Ignition When THE Ignition IS NOT IN THE "off" Position, THE Vehicle Could Roll Away: (A) FOR AN Automatic Transmission, IF THE Transmission IS NOT IN THE "park" Position; or (B) FOR A Manual Transmission, IF THE Parking Brake IS NOT Engaged and THE Transmission IS NOT IN THE "reverse" Position. This Potential FOR Rollaway Increases THE Risk FOR A Crash and Occupant or Pedestrian Injuries.
Remedy General Motors Will Notify Owners, and FOR Vehicles That Were Built With THE Defective Ignition Cylinder and Have NOT Previously HAD THE Ignition Cylinder Replaced With THE Redesigned Part, Dealers Will Replace THE Ignition Cylinder and CUT And, IF Necessary, Re-Learn Two Ignition/Door Keys FOR Each Vehicle. FOR Vehicles That Were Built With THE Redesigned Ignition Cylinder or HAD THE Ignition Cylinder Replaced With THE Redesigned Part, Dealers Will CUT And, IF Necessary, Re-Learn Two Ignition/Door Keys FOR Each Vehicle. THE Recall Began ON April 18, 2014. Chevrolet Owners MAY Contact General Motors AT 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac Owners AT 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn Owners AT 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' Number FOR This Recall IS 14113 FOR THE Ignition Lock Cylinder and KEY Replacement, and 14133 FOR Only KEY Replacements. Note: Until A Vehicle HAS Been Remedied, Owners and Operators ARE Advised That When Exiting, TO BE Sure That THE Vehicle IS IN "park," or IN THE Case OF A Manual Transmission, That THE Vehicle IS IN THE "reverse" Position and THE Parking Brake IS Engaged.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Electrical System:ignition:switch
Recall date 2014-04-30
Recall no. 14e021000
Source NHTSA
Summary Uci-Fram Group IS Recalling Certain Ls1328 Ignition Switches Sold AS Wells Ls1328, Duralast Ls1328, Airtex 1s6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and Ls1497 Ignition Switches Sold AS Wells Ls1497, Duralast Ls1497, Airtex 1s10961, and Carquest 53-27967, FOR USE ON Various General Motors Model and Model Year Vehicles During Repair and Replacement OF THE Original Ignition Switch. THE Weight ON THE KEY Ring And/Or Road Conditions or Some Other Jarring Event MAY Cause THE Affected Ignition Switches TO Move OUT OF THE RUN Position, Turning OFF THE Engine and Disabling THE AIR Bags.
Consequence IF THE Ignition Switch Moves From THE RUN Position TO Accessory, THE Car Would Stall and THE AIR Bags Will NOT Deploy IN THE Event OF A Crash, Increasing THE Risk OF Personal Injury TO THE Occupants.
Remedy Uci-Fram Group HAS Notified ITS Purchasers TO Quarantine and Return All Inventory. ANY Switches Already Installed IN Vehicles Will BE Replaced BY GM Dealers AS Part OF Nhtsa Recall 14v-047, Free OF Charge. Uci-fram's Purchasers Should Contact Uci-fram Group AT 1-800-890-2075. GM Vehicle Owners Requiring Additional Information ON That Recall Campaign Should Contact GM AT 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (saturn).
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Insurance

Insurance for a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Coupe with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.

How Does the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Compare to Other Coupe?

The 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt competed with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, and Ford Focus. Compared to the Civic and Corolla, the Cobalt generally offered a lower price point but lacked their reputation for reliability and refinement. The Mazda3 provided a sportier driving experience, while the Ford Focus offered similar affordability and a slightly more modern design.

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?

The 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is ideal for budget-conscious buyers seeking affordable transportation. It's worth buying used if you can find a well-maintained example with a clean history and no outstanding recall issues. A pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended. The LT trim offers a good balance of features and affordability. The SS models are appealing for enthusiasts but require careful inspection due to their performance-oriented nature and potential for abuse. If reliability is paramount, consider alternatives like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. The Cobalt can be a decent option for a first car or a temporary solution, but be aware of its potential weaknesses and maintenance needs.

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner Reviews

3.84
Overall rating
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t money on January 10, 2025

broke down so many times that i had to return it one

broke down so many times that i had to return it one month later kept overheating and air was not working well hated it s

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DubDubBrady on June 14, 2021

Good car

Bought 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.

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KaylaW on March 25, 2021

Reliable car with a lot of life left in it

This 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.

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Kiki99 on December 12, 2020

Clear Choice Auto Sales false advertising

I'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.

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AnthonyNJ on December 9, 2020

Most Reliable Car I own

This 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

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TrueNorth on March 3, 2020

Most fun ride I have

This 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

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Myah on January 21, 2020

This is my first car I’ve owned

I 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.

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Sportcar on December 27, 2019

A fun car to drive

This 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.

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akkaren on August 3, 2019

Car is Unsafe to Drive

Car 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.

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Emily on July 13, 2019

Reliable and doesn’t take much gas

The car is reliable, but has a small electrical problem, runs great, and parts are cheap to repair when needed. Great for a first car!

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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.