Built on General Motors' Delta architecture and launched for 2005, the front-wheel-drive subcompact Cobalt comes in sedan and coupe body styles. Most Cobalts initially used a 145-horsepower four-cylinder, but a 205-hp supercharged engine went into the SS Supercharged coupe. Eight versions were offered for 2006, including two additional SS editions. Sedans came in LS, LT, LTZ and SS trim levels; coupes came offered in LS, LT, SS and SS Supercharged editions. Distinct interiors and wheels helped in differentiating the models.

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  • Horsepower: 205@5600
  • Torque: 4000
  • Transmission: 5-Speed Manual

Exterior

Chevrolet says the Cobalt coupe has an "elegantly tapered reverse C-pillar leading the eye to Chevrolet's signature four round taillamps." Both body styles feature a horizontally split grille with a gold bow tie badge.

SS Supercharged coupes feature bolder fascias and rocker-panel areas. All models have body-colored door handles and jewellike headlights and taillights. A power sunroof is optional.

Base models are equipped with disc brakes in front and drums in the rear, and SS Supercharged coupes have all-disc brakes. Built on a 103.3-inch wheelbase, the Cobalt measures a bit more than 180 inches long overall and 67.9 inches wide. Front and rear stabilizer bars are installed. LS and LT models ride on 15-inch tires, the LTZ holds 16-inchers, the SS gets 17-inch tires and the SS Supercharged coupe is fitted with 18-inch wheels.

Interior

With front bucket seats and a 60/40-split, folding rear seat, all Cobalts seat five occupants. Chevrolet says higher-than-usual seating positions are intended to give sedan occupants a "more commanding view of the road." Occupants can access the trunk area from inside the car.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, an electric rear defogger, a tilt steering column, a driver information center and a CD player. Heated leather seats, XM Satellite Radio, MP3 playback capability and GM's OnStar communication system are optional.

Under the Hood

LS, LT and LTZ models use a 2.2-liter four-cylinder that produces 145 hp. A supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the SS Supercharged coupe develops 205 hp and 200 pounds-feet of torque. In between, SS models hold a new 171-hp 2.4-liter engine.

Normally aspirated engines can team with either a Getrag five-speed-manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic. The SS Supercharged coupe comes only with a five-speed manual.

Safety

Antilock brakes are standard on LT, LTZ and SS models and optional on LS models. Cobalts with the automatic gearbox and ABS also have traction control. Side curtain-type airbags are optional.