The compact Chevrolet Cobalt was introduced in the 2005 model year, replacing the long-in-tooth Cavalier. The Cobalt pulls down highway gas mileage ratings in the low to mid thirty mile per gallon (MPG) range. From 2005 through 2007, the supercharged Cobalt SS, proudly carried the Chevrolet banner in the compact racer wars. The supercharged model fell out of the lineup in the 2008 model year.
The Cobalt shares its platform with the Chevy HHR and Pontiac G5

The 2008 Chevy Cobalt is available with two DOHC four cylinder ECOTEC engines: a 2.2 liter producing 148 horsepower (HP) and 152 foot pounds of torque, and a 2.4 liter producing 171 HP and 167 foot pounds of torque. Both engines are red lined at 6500 RPM. While the 2.2 liter gets by with regular unleaded fuel, premium is recommended for the more powerful 2.4 liter. The 2.2 liter is found under the hood of all models, with the exception of the Cobalt Sport Coupe and Sedan (formerly known as the Cobalt SS). In addition to the 2.4 liter engine, the Sport Coupe and Sedan are fitted with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. (All other models are anti-lock, but with front discs and rear drums.)
Chevrolet Cobalt Gas Mileage - 2005-2008
| Year | Manufacturer | Model | Engine | Disp. | Fuel | Trans. | City | Hwy |
| 2008 | Chevrolet | Cobalt | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | P | (M5) Manual | 22 | 32 |
| 2008 | Chevrolet | Cobalt | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | P | (L4) Auto | 22 | 31 |
| 2008 | Chevrolet | Cobalt | 4 cylinder | 2.2 liter | R | (M5) Manual | 24 | 33 |
| 2008 | Chevrolet | Cobalt | 4 cylinder | 2.2 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 22 | 31 |
| 2007 | Chevrolet | Cobalt | 4 cylinder | 2.0 liter | P | (M5) Manual | 22 | 30 |
| 2007 | Chevrolet | Cobalt | 4 cylinder | 2.2 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 24 | 32 |
| 2007 | Chevrolet | Cobalt | 4 cylinder | 2.2 liter | R | (M5) Manual | 25 | 34 |
| 2007 | Chevrolet | Cobalt | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | P | (M5) Manual | 25 | 34 |
| 2007 | Chevrolet | Cobalt | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | P | (L4) Auto | 24 | 32 |
| 2006 | Chevrolet | Cobalt | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (M5) Manual | 25 | 34 |
| 2006 | Chevrolet | Cobalt | 4 cylinder | 2.2 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 24 | 32 |
| 2006 | Chevrolet | Cobalt | 4 cylinder | 2.0 liter | R | (M5) Manual | 23 | 29 |
| 2006 | Chevrolet | Cobalt | 4 cylinder | 2.2 liter | R | (M5) Manual | 25 | 34 |
| 2006 | Chevrolet | Cobalt | 4 cylinder | 2.4 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 24 | 32 |
| 2005 | Chevrolet | Cobalt | 4 cylinder | 2.0 liter | P | (M5) Manual | 23 | 29 |
| 2005 | Chevrolet | Cobalt | 4 cylinder | 2.2 liter | R | (M5) Manual | 25 | 34 |
| 2005 | Chevrolet | Cobalt | 4 cylinder | 2.2 liter | R | (L4) Auto | 24 | 32 |
Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.






4 comments ↓
I rented a 2008 cobalt in September of 2008 With only 5 miles on the odometer and I got 38 miles to the gallon on the freeway by driving conservativly.
I drove a 2008 rented Cobalt from LA to Las Vegas and back. Drove at normal traffic speed. Got 28.5 mpg. This was a striped car - no cruise or power. The least pleasant car I have ever driven.
I bought a 2007 Cobalt, and I’ve had it for barely 2 weeks and I love it! It gets 30.8 mpg on the highway and 28.9 mpg in the city! They’re almost better than hybrids!
I bought a new Cobalt in 2005 because it was inexpensive. It has been great! There are no frills but it has served me well. With the gas prices going up, I’m even more grateful for a car with terrific gas milage. I drive 17 miles each way to work. It isn’t fancy but it is very dependable.
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