The 2007 Chevy Cobalt is a compact car that was widely popular for its affordability and basic functionality. Whether it’s a “good” car largely depends on your needs, expectations, and condition, as well as any specific trim level or modifications. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of the 2007 Chevy Cobalt to help you evaluate if it’s the right fit for you.
Contents
- Interior and Comfort
- Reliability
- Safety
- Driving Experience
- Pros and Cons
- Ideal Buyer for a 2007 Chevy Cobalt
- Is Chevy Cobalt 2007 a good car?
- What problems do 2007 Chevy Cobalt have?
- How much is a used 2007 Chevy Cobalt worth?
- How long does a 2007 Chevy Cobalt last?
- Are Chevy Cobalts reliable?
- Are there any recalls on 2007 Chevy Cobalt?
- How many miles does a 2007 Chevy Cobalt get?
- Is there any recalls on a 2007 Chevy Cobalt?
- What years to avoid Chevy Cobalt?
- Are Chevy Cobalts expensive to fix?
1. Performance and Engine Options
The 2007 Cobalt comes with two main engine options:
2.2L Inline-4 Engine: This engine produces 148 horsepower and offers a reasonable balance of power and fuel efficiency, making it adequate for daily commuting.
2.4L Inline-4 Engine (in the SS trim): With 173 horsepower, this engine is more powerful and provides a sportier driving experience, though it’s still a compact car.
Supercharged 2.0L Inline-4 Engine (SS Supercharged trim): For those interested in performance, this trim offers 205 horsepower and a more engaging driving experience. However, it may have higher maintenance costs.
Fuel Efficiency: The Cobalt’s fuel economy is a notable advantage. With the 2.2L engine, it averages around 25–30 mpg combined, which makes it a practical choice for those seeking an economical daily driver.
Interior and Comfort
Basic Interior Design: The interior of the 2007 Cobalt is functional but basic, with a design focused on simplicity rather than luxury. The materials used are mostly hard plastics, and while they’re durable, they lack a premium feel.
Comfort: Seats are generally comfortable for short to medium trips, but they may lack the support for long-distance travel, especially in the base models. The SS trim has sportier seats with better bolstering.
Space: As a compact car, it has limited rear seat and cargo space, which may feel cramped if you’re regularly carrying passengers or a lot of cargo.
Reliability
General Reliability: The 2007 Chevy Cobalt is generally considered a reliable car, especially when regularly maintained. It doesn’t have a reputation for major mechanical issues, and with routine care, it can easily reach 150,000 miles or more.
Common Issues:
- Power Steering: The 2007 Cobalt had known issues with its electric power steering system, leading to recalls. Many Cobalts have had these issues addressed, but it’s worth verifying with a prospective purchase.
- Ignition Switch: The Cobalt is part of GM’s ignition switch recall, so make sure this has been addressed. Faulty ignition switches can lead to unexpected stalling, which is a serious safety concern.
- Electrical Problems: Some owners report minor electrical issues, such as problems with the power windows, lights, or dashboard indicators.
Maintenance Costs: Repair and maintenance costs for the Cobalt are relatively low compared to other vehicles in its class. Replacement parts are affordable and widely available.
Safety
Crash Test Ratings: The 2007 Cobalt received mixed safety ratings. While it scored well in frontal crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it performed poorly in side-impact tests, especially for models without side airbags.
Safety Features
Standard safety features include front airbags, anti-lock brakes (on certain trims), and available side airbags.
Side curtain airbags are available on some trims, which help improve side-impact safety, but they’re not standard on all models.
Driving Experience
Handling: The Cobalt offers a straightforward driving experience with decent handling for daily driving, especially in the SS trims, which have upgraded suspension and handling features. However, it lacks the refined handling of some competitors, like the Honda Civic or Mazda3.
Ride Comfort: The ride quality is fairly smooth on highways and paved roads but can feel bumpy on rough surfaces due to the basic suspension setup.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Affordable: It’s a budget-friendly choice, especially for students or those looking for an economical vehicle.
Fuel Efficient: Good fuel economy, especially with the 2.2L engine, makes it practical for daily commuting.
Easy to Maintain: Affordable repair costs and widely available parts make it inexpensive to maintain.
Cons:
Basic Interior Quality: The interior lacks a refined look and can feel cheap compared to competitors.
Limited Safety Features: Side-impact protection and advanced safety features are lacking in base models.
Known Issues: Recalls related to the ignition switch and power steering may affect reliability, so ensuring they’ve been addressed is essential.
Ideal Buyer for a 2007 Chevy Cobalt
Students and First-Time Drivers: Its affordability, simple design, and reasonable fuel economy make it a suitable option for students or new drivers.
Budget-Conscious Commuters: Those looking for a cost-effective daily commuter vehicle will benefit from its fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs.
DIY Enthusiasts: For those interested in DIY car maintenance, the Cobalt’s simple engine and design make it easy to work on, especially given the affordability of parts.
The 2007 Chevy Cobalt can be a good car if you’re looking for a basic, affordable, and fuel-efficient vehicle. However, it does have some limitations, especially regarding interior quality, safety features, and handling refinement. If you prioritize affordability and simplicity over luxury and advanced features, the Cobalt can be a practical choice. For those needing more comfort, safety, or technology, other compact cars from the same era, like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, might be better options.
Is Chevy Cobalt 2007 a good car?
The Chevrolet Cobalt was an improvement over the dated, outgoing Cavalier, but it’s still just an average small sedan. It isn’t very agile and the steering is too light at low speeds. The seats lack support and the cabin feels cramped. Although quick, the Cobalt’s engine is noisy and returns paltry fuel economy.
What problems do 2007 Chevy Cobalt have?
Top 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Problems
- Ignition Key Stuck Due to Failed Shifter.
- Check Engine Light and Misfire Due to Ignition Module/Coil Failure.
- Broken Timing Chain.
- Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue.
- Ignition Key Stuck Due to Failed Shifter.
- Flush brake fluid every 60,000 miles.
- Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue.
How much is a used 2007 Chevy Cobalt worth?
Used 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Pricing
| Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat’l average) | |
|---|---|---|
| LS Sedan 4D | $14,515 | $3,160 |
| LS Coupe 2D | $14,515 | $3,305 |
| LT Sedan 4D | $15,635 | $3,194 |
| LT Coupe 2D | $15,635 | $3,483 |
How long does a 2007 Chevy Cobalt last?
A properly maintained 2007 Cobalt should last around 150,000 miles, half as long as top competitors like the Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to rivals at $315 per year, according to Repair Pal.
Are Chevy Cobalts reliable?
Chevrolet Cobalt Ratings Overview
54 car owners like you reviewed their Chevrolet Cobalt. The average rating is a 3.4 out of 5 stars. The Chevrolet Cobalt Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5. It ranks 20th out of 32 for all car brands.
Are there any recalls on 2007 Chevy Cobalt?
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.
How many miles does a 2007 Chevy Cobalt get?
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
| Vehicle | EPA Fuel Economy | Energy Impact Score |
|---|---|---|
| 24 MPG 21 29 combined city/hwy city hwy 4.2 gal/100 mi | 12.4 barrels/yr | |
| 312 miles Total Range | ||
| 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt 2.2 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular Gasoline | ||
| 24 MPG 21 29 combined city/hwy city hwy 4.2 gal/100 mi | 12.4 barrels/yr |
Is there any recalls on a 2007 Chevy Cobalt?
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.
What years to avoid Chevy Cobalt?
To save you time, here’s a quick list of the worst Cobalt model years to avoid:
- 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt.
- 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt.
- 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt.
- 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Are Chevy Cobalts expensive to fix?
Cost. The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Chevrolet Cobalt is $453, compared to an average of $526 for compact cars and $652 for all vehicle models.
