Auto Guide
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
Used

Review and specifications

2008 Chevrolet Cobalt

The Cavalier felt crude, noisy, cramped, and uncomfortable. An improved but still buzzy powerplant arrived in 2003. Interior pieces feel flimsy and fit poorly, and seating is cramped and uncomfortable. Poor crash-test results are also a concern. The Cobalt replaced the Cavalier for 2005. Its 2.2-liter engine is spirited, but noisy and relatively thirsty for a small car. The ride is steady, but the steering is too light at low speeds and handling isn't particularly agile. The quick and sporty SS is a different story. A turbocharger replaced its supercharger for 2008. These cars fared poorly in IIHS side-crash tests were when tested without side airbags, but rated Acceptable with them. The Cobalt was replaced by the Cruze for 2011.

Market value
$2,900
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Manual
Seats
5
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2008
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
coupe
Drive type
FWD
Transmission
Manual, 5-speed
Category
Small sedans/hatchbacks
Generation began
2005

Pricing

Current retail median
$2,900
Retail value range
$2,800 - $3,325
Original MSRP range
$14,410 - $22,335
Trade-in range
$580 - $1,035

Ratings

Road test score
78/100

Fuel economy

EPA city
22 MPG
EPA highway
30 MPG
EPA combined
25 MPG
Tested city
14 MPG
Tested highway
32 MPG
Tested overall
22 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$2,195
Cruising range
290 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
2.9 sec
0-60 mph
6.4 sec
60-0 mph braking
127 ft
Avoidance speed
56.5 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
181 in
Width
68 in
Height
56 in
Wheelbase
104 in
Weight
2,955 lb
Maximum load
890 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
4 in
Front leg room
42 in
Rear head room
0.5 in
Rear leg room
26 in
Luggage
3+1+0

Brand context

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet sells a wide range of sedans, coupes, compact SUVs, large SUVs, EVs, and pickup trucks. Most models have roomy interiors and come with standard safety and convenience technology. Several models, however, have poor visibility and lack steering agility. Many Chevrolets rank average or below average for reliability in CR’s rankings. The brand stands out for selling historically significant and category-defining vehicles. The Suburban and Tahoe can keep three rows of passengers comfortable within their enormous cabins. The Silverado pickup truck competes with the best-selling Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 by balancing interior comfort with towing and cargo capability. In the past and today, the Camaro and Corvette are performance car bargains. The rear/mid-engined “C8” Corvette can be as thrilling as much more expensive European supercars. With some exceptions, used Chevrolets can have reliability issues, but are often less expensive to maintain and repair than competitors.

Vehicle ID: 2410 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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