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When did Chevy stop making cobalt?

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, stopped producing the Cobalt compact car in 2010 after a 6-year production run. The Cobalt was introduced in 2004 as a replacement for the Cavalier and was positioned as a more modern and refined compact car offering from Chevrolet.

The Rise and Fall of the Chevy Cobalt

The Chevy Cobalt was launched in 2004 as a 2005 model year vehicle, replacing the aging Cavalier in Chevrolet's compact car lineup. The Cobalt was designed to be a more competitive and refined offering in the crowded compact car segment, with improved styling, build quality, and features compared to the Cavalier.

The Cobalt was initially well-received, with sales reaching over 200,000 units per year at its peak in 2006 and 2007. However, the Cobalt's popularity began to wane in the late 2000s as newer and more advanced compact car models from competitors like Honda, Toyota, and Ford gained market share.

In 2010, Chevrolet announced that production of the Cobalt would be discontinued, with the last Cobalt rolling off the assembly line that year. The Cobalt was replaced in Chevrolet's lineup by the all-new Cruze compact car, which was designed to be a more competitive and modern offering in the segment.

Reasons for the Cobalt's Discontinuation

There were several key factors that contributed to the Cobalt's discontinuation:

Declining Sales: As newer and more advanced compact cars entered the market, the Cobalt's sales steadily declined, falling from over 200,000 units per year to around 100,000 units by 2009.

Outdated Design: The Cobalt's design was starting to feel dated compared to the more modern and stylish compact cars being offered by competitors.

Lack of Competitiveness: The Cobalt was seen as lacking in key areas like fuel efficiency, technology features, and overall refinement compared to its rivals.

GM Restructuring: The Cobalt's discontinuation was also part of a broader restructuring effort by General Motors in the late 2000s, as the company sought to streamline its product lineup and focus on more competitive and profitable models.

With the introduction of the Cruze in 2011, Chevrolet was able to offer a more modern and competitive compact car that better addressed the needs of today's consumers. The Cobalt's discontinuation marked the end of an era for Chevrolet's compact car lineup, but also paved the way for a new generation of more advanced and capable compact offerings from the brand.

What is a 2010 Chevy Cobalt worth today?

A 2010 Chevy Cobalt is worth between approximately $2,500 and $4,700, depending on its condition, mileage, and specific trim level. Its value can vary significantly, with trade-in values often being lower ($878-$1,017) than private party or dealer asking prices. For example, a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt LS XFE Sedan 4D has a trade-in value of around $878, while the same model listed for sale could be priced around $2,355.
Factors that influence the price

Condition: A vehicle in "outstanding" condition is valued at approximately $4,697, while an "average" one is valued around $3,730.
Mileage: Lower mileage generally means a higher price. For example, a 2010 Cobalt with 103,219 miles might be listed at $3,500, while one with 72,402 miles could be priced at $5,695.
Trim level: Different trims like LS, LT, and XFE have different original MSRPs, which can affect their current value.
Trade-in vs. private party: A dealer trade-in value will typically be lower than what you would get selling it yourself or what a dealer would ask in a private sale.

Sample values

Value Type	Example
Estimated Private Party Value	Around $2,500 to $4,700
Trade-in Value (Varies)	Around $782 to $1,017
Listing Examples	$3,500 (103k miles) to $7,985 (63k miles)

When did Chevy make Cobalt?

The Chevy Cobalt was introduced in 2004 and first sold for the 2005 model year. It was developed to replace the Cavalier and was available as both a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan.

Initial Release: The model year was 2005, and the first vehicles were sold in 2004.
Engine: The base models were equipped with a 2.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine.
Performance Variant: A higher-performance Cobalt SS Supercharged model, featuring a 2.0-liter supercharged engine, was also released.

How many miles can a Chevy Cobalt last?

A Chevy Cobalt's lifespan can vary greatly depending on the engine and maintenance, but many owners report reaching over 200,000 miles, especially with the 2.2L and 2.4L engines. While the average lifespan is around 116,000 miles, with proper maintenance and care, it is possible to exceed this significantly.
Factors influencing lifespan

Engine type: The 2.0L turbo engine may have issues around 150,000 miles, while the 2.2L and 2.4L engines are more likely to reach 200,000+ miles with proper upkeep.
Regular maintenance: Consistent oil changes and other fluid checks are crucial for longevity.
Preventative care: Addressing common wear items like the fuel pump (around 100,000-150,000 miles), cooling system, shocks/struts, and belts at their expected failure points can prevent major engine damage.
Driving habits: How the car is driven can impact its longevity. A car that is driven gently will likely last longer than one that is frequently driven hard.

What to check on a high-mileage Cobalt

Shocks/struts: These typically start to wear out around 100,000-120,000 miles.
Brakes and hoses: Inspect these for wear and tear.
Belts and coolant: These are critical to the engine's function and should be regularly checked.
Clutch: If it's the original clutch, it may have another 25,000-50,000 miles left if it has been maintained well.

What year of Chevy Cobalt to avoid?

The Chevy Cobalt years to avoid are generally 2005–2010, with particular caution for the early models due to widespread electrical, ignition switch, and airbag issues. The 2005–2007 models had recalls for the power steering system and are associated with higher airbag claim rates. The faulty ignition switch was also a major problem that caused the car to stall and resulted in a massive recall in 2014.

This video discusses the common problems found in the first-generation Chevy Cobalt: 24sMasterCarsProYouTube · Sep 7, 2022
Years to avoid

2005–2010: This first generation of Cobalts had numerous common issues, including problems with ignition coils, turn signal switches, timing chains, and shifting.
2005–2007: These years were particularly problematic due to power steering recalls and high rates of airbag claims.
2005–2010: These years were subject to a major ignition switch recall that was linked to many fatalities.

Common issues

Ignition switch failure: The most significant and dangerous problem, leading to the car stalling while in motion.
Electrical problems: Issues with ignition coils and turn signal switches were common across the 2005–2010 models.
Airbag claims: The 2005 and 2006 models had a high number of airbag claims, with some models having over 50 times as many claims as other cars in their class.
Power steering issues: A 2010 recall affected the 2005–2010 Cobalts for a faulty power steering system.

Final recommendations

It is best to avoid the 2005–2010 model years of the Chevy Cobalt due to their poor reliability and safety history.
If you are set on purchasing a Cobalt, consider the later model years, though there are still a high number of recalls for the 2007-2009 models.

This video discusses the pros and cons of the Chevy Cobalt SS: 1mMark RodenYouTube · Jan 26, 2025

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.