The 2008 Cobalt lasts over 250,000 miles with only some ignition cylinder and gauge problems. At $3,121 – 3,966, it’s reasonably affordable for a fun compact car.
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt a Good Used Car?
- Yes, 2008 is a good year. Owner reviews like the efficiency, cargo space, and low maintenance costs.
- Reliability ratings are average. Avoid models from 2005–2007 which have more problems and go with 2008 or newer.
- Performance is average from the base motor, but the turbo engine is very fast.
- The Cobalt is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is good at up to 29 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Cobalt?
- Consumer Reports says the 2008 Cobalt is improved, and has average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Cobalt a 4.2/5 liking the steering feel, but disliking the cheap interior.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Cobalt 4.1/5 and enjoy the responsive engine, but don’t like the ignition problems.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Have?
Problems with the 2008 Cobalt include keys getting stuck in the ignition, erratic gauge behavior, and some suspension issues.
Keys getting stuck in the ignition are the most common complaint at around 50,000 miles. Replacing the ignition cylinder solves the problem, costing around $500.
Erratic gauge behavior with the speedometer and other gauges on the dash is also reported by owners at around 70,000 miles. Replacing the fuse for the control module fixes the issue for many users, and others have found loose wires. Repairing the issues costs around $200 at a shop.
Suspension problems, including front lower control arm bushings failures, show up on cars at around 30,000 miles. Replacing the bushing costs about $400 depending on local labor rates.
There are 5 fairly serious recalls including cracked fuel pumps which can cause a fire, and electric power steering failures increasing the risk of an accident.
How Long Will the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Last?
A properly maintained 2008 Chevy Cobalt should be able to last around 250,000 miles, about 50,000 miles less than a top rated competitor like the Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than rivals, at $394 per year, according to Repair Pal.
Most 2008 Cobalts will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace brake boosters for $450, radiator hoses costing $350, and the timing chain tensioner which is $750.
It is reliable. If not taken care of it could have problems. It has an odd battery placement which is in its trunk.
Well, it sometimes has electrical problems like the dashboard says I have to check gas cap or the needles go up and down out of sudden but I took it to mechanic and they said that it is just malfunction of electrical system. So I guess it has a problem but never caused me any serious one.
Yes, the Chevrolet cobalt is a very reliable vehicle. To date, we have not experienced any issue with the cobalt.
My car was used when I got it. I've had to replace a battery and tires. Other than that the only strange thing is I have to replace brake lights a lot. It seems like I've had to replace the back brake lights every year since I've had the car.
It is a reliable vehicle, starts up strongly. I have had a few issues with it overheating in the summer.
It is very reliable. No major problems at all with my car. Brakes last a long time. Good with tires.
I haven't had any except for the tires. Otherwise it is great and works great all the time even though it is a little old.
Reliable when no issues are present. It has electrical and sensor systems issue that I couldn't fix.
How Much Is the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Worth?
Blue book values range from $3,121 – 3,966, making the Cobalt about $1,500 cheaper than a Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $14,410 to $19,965. Depreciation is worse than average, losing around 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Cobalt?
There are four models of the Cobalt available. Technology was last updated in 2007, and it was replaced with the Cruze after the 2010 model year.
LS is the entry-level model and comes with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- XM Satellite Radio
- AM/FM/CD Stereo System With 4 Speakers
LT is a step up and adds:
- 15-Inch Wheels With Covers
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Adjustable Lumbar Support
Sport is a popular choice offering:
- 17-Inch Aluminum Wheels
- Sport Cloth Seating
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Improved Suspension
- 7-Speaker Pioneer Stereo System
SS is the high-performance model which has:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Suede & Cloth Front Seats
- Rear Spoiler
- Upgraded Suspension
What Engines Come In the Cobalt?
- The base engine is an average 2.2L-4-cylinder with 148 horsepower, which gets up to 29 MPG combined.
- A step up is the more powerful 2.4L 4-cylinder which has 171 horsepower and gets up to 26 MPG combined.
- Found in the SS model is the powerful 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo, which makes 260 horsepower and gets up to 25 MPG combined. Performance is great, taking 5.5 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Cobalt Come In?
How Big Is the Cobalt?
The 2008 Cobalt is an average size compact car available as a coupe and sedan similar to the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra. Passenger room is cramped throughout the cabin on both models, with limited legroom for adults in the backseats.
Cargo space is above average for a compact car and will fit 3 suitcases in the 13.9 cubic foot trunk.
How Does the Cobalt Compare to the Competition?
The Toyota Corolla is a popular competitor costing about $1,200 more. Reliability ratings are better in the Corolla, but the Cobalt is more fun to drive. We recommend the Corolla since they last longer and are more affordable to own long term.
The Ford Focus is another rival in the same price range. Passenger space and comfort are better in the Focus, but the Cobalt offers more powerful engines. We recommend the Cobalt since there are fewer complaints from owners, but overall quality is similar.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Cobalt?
Yes. It is a wonderful car if taken care of and property maintenance. It has a great backseat and trunk space. It is good on gas mileage as well.
Yes. It has a decent gas mileage. I mostly drive it to work everyday and on weekends to see my family in law. It is never caused me any serious issues so I am happy that I chose this car.
Yes, the Chevy cobalt is a great small vehicle that is affordable and great with the economy fuel situation.
Yes, it has been a really good car! I drove it back and forth for college classes and it has held up. I got it used but it has been good.
Yes, I believe it is. It has really good mileage, I get about 25 mpg. Interior is sleek and easy to clean. Quickly accelerates up to speed. Although I have had a few issues with overheating in the summer. A lot of small vehicles can do it. I had a hose leaking radiator fluid on two separate occasions.
Yes it is reliable car. Good on gas. Has enough room for my family. Fairly cheap to repair. Wears good compared to other cars.
Yes I love it. The interior is awesome as well as the speakers. The car is fast and I have never had a problem with it.
Yes and no. Chevrolet is good, the cobalt has many faults. Engine issues, computer and systems issues are a huge downside for me.