| Model year | 2005 |
| Make | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cobalt |
| Style | SS Supercharged |
| Base MSRP | $21,430 |
| As-tested MSRP | $23,060 |
| Drive type | FWD |
| Engine type | I-4 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 2.0 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 205 @ 5,600 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 200 @ 4,400 |
| Transmission type | 5-speed manual |
| Suspension, front | Independent w/ stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Independent w/ stabilizer bar |
| Steering type | Electric power-assist rack and pinion |
| Tire brand | Pirelli |
| Tire model | Pzero Rosso |
| Tire size, front | 215/45R18 |
| Tire size, rear | 215/45R18 |
| Brakes, front | 4-wheel disc w/ ABS |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 4.90 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 6.96 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 10.08 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 15.42 @ 96.98 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 31.88 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 120.15 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 64.9 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 33.5 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | Low |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 77 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 74 |
| Acceleration comments | The Cobalt SS is severely traction-challenged thanks to front-wheel drive and a supercharged engine. The rev limiter hits hard right at redline (6,500 rpm). Launching at a lower rpm helps keep traction under control, but even then torque steer is a problem. The shifter works OK but isn't particularly inspiring, as the stalk is too long and the shifts themselves are fairly numb. The little supercharged motor makes plenty of power, but traction was such a problem we had a hard time getting that power to the pavement. |
| Braking rating | Very Good |
| Braking comments | Under hard braking we noticed considerable ABS vibration, but overall the car feels good. The pedal is firm and with just the right amount of travel before the pressure comes in. Our only complaint is that we could actually feel the ABS cycling, which suggests the system could cycle faster for improved performance. Consistent numbers in the 120s are quite impressive for an inexpensive car. |
| Handling rating | Good |
| Handling comments | Recaro bucket seats do an excellent job of holding the driver in place. The electric power steering feels too slow and heavy for a car in this segment. There's not as much feedback as the heavy steering would suggest, it's just heavyżnot precise. Body roll is minimal and the car has plenty of power in third gear for acclerating out of the final cones. |
| Elevation (ft.) | Not tested |
| Temperature (°F) | Not tested |
| Wind (mph, direction) | Not tested |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 23 City 29Highway |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | 18.7 |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 13.2 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 2806 |
| Length (in.) | 180.5 |
| Width (in.) | 67.9 |
| Height (in.) | 55.1 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 103.3 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 42 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 32.2 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 38.7 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 35.7 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 13.9 cu. ft. |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | 13.9 cu. ft. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 6 years / 100,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Free scheduled maintenance | N/A |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | N/A |
| Head airbags | Optional |
| Antilock brakes | Standard |
| Electronic brake enhancements | N/A |
| Traction control | N/A |
| Stability control | N/A |
| Rollover protection | N/A |
| Emergency assistance system | Optional |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not Tested |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Not Tested |
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