The 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 Pursuit replaced the long-lived Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire. Available from 2005 to 2010 inclusive, these platform-sharing twins were available with numerous four-cylinder engine options and both automatic and manual transmissions. All models were front-wheel drive.
Early on, a 2.2 liter engine with 145 horsepower was available, as was a two-liter supercharged unit with 205 ponies in ‘SS Supercharged’ trim. A bigger 2.4 liter, 171-horsepower mill was added to the lineup a few years in, though it was eventually scrapped in favour of a revamped, 155-horsepower version of the original 2.2 liter mill.
Finally, a two-liter turbocharged engine made its way under the hood of the Cobalt SS (formerly Cobalt SS Supercharged).
What Owners Like
Owners typically give their Cobalts and G5s top marks for an easygoing steering feel, a comfortable ride and higher-than-adequate levels of power with any of the larger engines on board. Decent fuel mileage is also reported, and numerous owners say their Cobalt’s ride with a stable and solid feel.
What Owners Hate
Complaints include large doors on coupe models, which can make entering and exiting in tight quarters tricky. Limited rear seat space, cupholder design and low-budget interior trim materials are other common complaints.
Common Issues
A well-documented issue with the Cobalt and G5 dealt with a failure of the electric steering system, which could cause a loss of power assist and an accident. A recall addressed this problem, as did a separate recall for a potentially-faulty shift cable that may prevent the vehicle from actually being in ‘park’ when the shift indicator suggested it was.
Your local GM dealership can check that all recall-related work has been performed to the vehicle you’re considering.
The Verdict
Cobalts and G5s look like fairly solid values in a used compact sedan, considering that they appear free of serious or costly problems. Below-average resale values should keep pricing fairly low.
The specs
- Model: 2005 to 2010 Pontiac G5/Chevrolet Cobalt
- Vehicle type: Sedan/Coupe
- Approximate used price range: $9,000 to $23,000
