2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
Used

Review and specifications

2010 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
$3,075
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Manual
Seats
5
Model year 2010
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
$3,075
Retail value range
$2,775 - $3,700
Original MSRP range
$14,990 - $24,535
Trade-in range
$555 - $1,270

Ratings

Road test score
50/100

Fuel economy

EPA city
22 MPG
EPA highway
31 MPG
EPA combined
25 MPG
Tested city
16 MPG
Tested highway
34 MPG
Tested overall
24 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,595
Cruising range
330 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.6 sec
0-60 mph
9.3 sec
60-0 mph braking
141 ft
Avoidance speed
51 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
180 in
Width
68 in
Height
57 in
Wheelbase
103 in
Weight
2,920 lb
Maximum load
890 lb
Towing capacity
1,000 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
4 in
Front leg room
41 in
Rear head room
2.5 in
Rear leg room
26 in
Luggage
3+2+0

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
6/10
Greenhouse gas score
7/10
SmartWay
Yes

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: 7221 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025

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