They called it Cobalt, a name that evokes danger. Not driving danger, perhaps, but the kind that turns heads and raises pulses. Don’t-test-me dangerous. Too-hot-to-handle dangerous. A bit toxic if you’re not ready, yet vital and invigorating when respected. A name that demands attention.
Or maybe, it just sounded catchy. Regardless of the intention, the name “Cobalt” would become associated with a different kind of danger than General Motors initially imagined. Let’s delve into whether the Cobalt truly lived up to its dangerous moniker, and if the SS version earned its Super Sport badge.
This article kicks off a series exploring Chevrolet’s Modern Era Super Sports, or M.E.SS. for short. The classic SS models of the 60s and early 70s are legendary muscle cars. After 1973, the SS badge was largely retired, a respectful pause acknowledging that any subsequent “SS” in the following decade would have been a pale imitation of its tire-shredding predecessors. We’ll call those golden-era beasts the Before Emission Attenuations SS Touchstones, or B.E.A.SST.s.
A classic Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS, representing the beginning of the modern SS era.
Chevrolet cautiously re-entered the muscle car arena with the 1983 Monte Carlo SS, arguably the first M.E.SS. While it wouldn’t outrun a B.E.A.SST. like a ’71 Chevelle SS454, it was a respectable performer by the standards of the time. The 90s saw a few more SS models, but the real “SStravaganza” began in the 2000s, with Chevy applying the SS treatment to almost its entire lineup from 2000 to 2009 – cars and even trucks!
The success of these SS models varied in terms of execution and sales, but each offered at least a bump in performance and a sportier image. This broad application of performance variants across the Chevy range is noteworthy, making it worthwhile for enthusiasts to examine these M.E.SS. models, assess their merits, and determine if they lived up to the SS legacy. While I’ve managed to photograph most of these modern SS Chevys, a few still remain elusive. Hopefully, time will allow me to capture them all.
Front view of a 2007 Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged coupe, highlighting its sporty stance.
Let’s start with one of the standout M.E.SS. models, GM’s first serious attempt at a high-performance compact car: the potentially dangerous Chevy Cobalt Ss.
A standard 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, showcasing its unassuming design.
In its base form, the Cobalt hardly screams “danger.” It’s rather… ordinary.
Side profile of a silver Chevrolet Cobalt, emphasizing its conventional compact car appearance.
Whether driven by a soccer mom or a college student, the standard Cobalt lacked any real visual punch. It just blended into the background.
A Chevron gas station advertisement featuring cartoon cars, humorously comparing the Cobalt to a friendly, cartoonish vehicle.
Despite its name suggesting otherwise, the base Cobalt always struck me as the automotive equivalent of those friendly Chevron cartoon cars – harmless, approachable, like a puppy or a fluffy marshmallow.
A sample of Cobalt element, highlighting its metallic and potentially hazardous nature in certain forms.
However, unlike puppies and marshmallows, the element Cobalt itself possesses a genuine element of danger. In its elemental form, it’s a metal. As a compound, it has been used as a rich blue dye for millennia. A cobalt molecule is also at the heart of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin), crucial for life. Yet, this element has a darker side.
Cobalt has numerous industrial applications. In finely divided forms, common in industrial settings, it’s officially classified as a hazardous substance. It’s flammable and can spontaneously ignite. Without proper protection, inhalation can cause lung damage, and ingestion can harm multiple organs. Cobalt is also a known carcinogen, requiring careful handling.
Perhaps cobalt’s most notorious trait is its radioactivity. Several man-made radioactive isotopes exist, with Cobalt-60 being the most widely used for industrial radiography and medical radiotherapy, among other applications. When used correctly, it targets cancer cells. But mishandled, the intense gamma rays emitted by Cobalt-60 can cause severe skin burns, radiation sickness, and death.
A photograph depicting child labor in cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo, illustrating the ethical concerns surrounding cobalt sourcing.
Even in its raw, mined form, cobalt carries a shadow of danger. It’s a vital component in lithium-ion batteries, powering our ubiquitous devices and the growing electric vehicle market. However, the sourcing of cobalt is ethically complex. A significant portion originates from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), alongside Cuba, Zambia, and other developing nations. Particularly in the DRC, mining operations often operate with minimal regulation and oversight from a corrupt government. Miners, including children, frequently work without safety equipment, and mining activities pollute the surrounding environment. While cobalt demand supports economies in the DRC and similar countries, it comes at a cost of abuse and danger.
A recent book, Cobalt Red, extensively details these controversies. It’s highly unlikely Chevrolet considered any of this when naming their new compact car!
Rear view of a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged, showcasing its sporty rear spoiler and taillights.
So, what’s in a name? Chevrolet aimed to revamp its image in the compact car segment with this all-new vehicle. The Cavalier had become a tired product, and its name was baggage, regardless of the new car’s merits. GM’s marketing research suggested that young consumers associated “Cobalt” with power, strength, and reliability. Qualities certainly desirable in a car. What could go wrong? The Cobalt debuted as a 2005 model, manufactured in Lordstown, Ohio – the same plant that produced the Vega, Monza, Cavalier, and later, the Cruze.
The Cobalt was built on GM’s new Delta platform, shared with the HHR, Pontiac G5, and Saturn Ion. Initial reviews were generally positive. Critics praised its solid structure, good build quality, and value proposition. However, the 145hp 2.2L Ecotec DOHC engine (carried over from the Cavalier since 2002) was considered adequate but lacking the refinement and punch of some Asian rivals. The interior also retained a budget feel, unfamiliar to owners of Japanese makes. On the plus side, unlike the heavy and expensive early Cavaliers, the Cobalt was weight-competitive with its foreign counterparts and priced attractively.
A 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged coupe, highlighting its sporty styling enhancements.
The Cavalier had long offered a Z24 performance trim, but it never gained traction with the burgeoning “tuner” scene, dominated by cars like the Subaru WRX, Honda Civic Si, and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Ford and Dodge had entered this arena with the 2002-04 Focus SVT and 2003-05 Neon SRT4. The Focus SVT impressed with its sharp handling, balance, and a highly tuned 170hp naturally aspirated 2.0L Zetec engine. The Neon SRT4 positioned itself as the modern muscle car of front-wheel-drive compacts, boasting a turbocharged 2.4L engine initially producing 215 hp, later 230 hp (and 250 lb-ft of torque) in 2004-05 – a potent, if somewhat raw, package.
A red Chevrolet Cobalt SS coupe, emphasizing its aggressive front fascia and sporty wheels.
With the improved Cobalt, Chevy wanted a piece of the action in the hot compact market. First impressions mattered, and the Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged certainly looked the part with its 18-inch polished wheels, lowered stance, ground effects, and prominent rear wing. Chevy offered the SS Supercharged exclusively as a coupe, aligning with traditional thinking but diverging from the trend of hot compacts from Subaru, Mitsubishi, and Dodge, which were available only as 4-door sedans. Ford offered the SVT Focus as a 4-door hatchback. Like the standard Cobalt, the SS was priced competitively against domestic rivals and significantly less than foreign models offering comparable performance.
Close-up of the wheels and lowered suspension of a Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged, highlighting its performance-oriented modifications.
Comparing the base Cobalt to the SS, it’s remarkable how much a sportier stance and wheel package can transform a car’s appearance!
The 2.0L Supercharged Ecotec engine of a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt SS, showcasing its performance heart.
The Chevy Cobalt SS was more than just looks; it was a genuinely capable performer. It came exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission – no automatics allowed. Under the hood was a 2.0L supercharged version of the DOHC Ecotec engine, producing 205 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. While not quite at the power levels of the Evo or SRT4, it was plenty potent for a 2900-lb car. Dealer-installed, warranty-preserving “Stage” upgrade kits could boost power to 241 hp. Magazine tests recorded 0-60 mph times around 6 seconds and quarter-mile times of about 14.5 seconds at 99 mph. Handling was also surprisingly sharp and competitive.
The Cobalt SS excelled in Car and Driver’s annual Lightning Lap test, where new or significantly updated performance cars are lapped around Virginia International Raceway’s 4.1-mile Grand Course and ranked within price categories (LL1-LL5). Looking at the list of all cars tested from 2006 to 2022, the Cobalt ranked #281 in 2006 and improved to #232 in 2008. Impressively, it outperformed many cars both in and above its price range, especially in 2008. Even through 2022, only a handful of LL1 cars have surpassed its lap time.
Screenshot from Car and Driver’s 2008 Lightning Lap article, highlighting the Chevrolet Cobalt SS’s impressive performance.
The image above is from C&D’s 2008 LL article. True to form, GM refined the car significantly in the years following its launch, only to discontinue it shortly after perfecting it. For 2008, the Cobalt SS swapped its supercharger for a turbocharger, gaining a substantial 55 horsepower and 60 lb-ft of torque! Combined with upgraded tires, suspension, and brakes, the 2008-2010 Cobalt SS Turbocharged became one of the quickest and best-handling front-wheel-drive cars ever produced. This plucky Chevy was indeed a threat to the egos of drivers who underestimated American automakers. Many were likely surprised to find themselves staring at the Corvette-like taillights of a Chevy Cobalt SS.
A 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Turbocharged sedan, a rare one-year-only model, showcasing its unique rear styling.
For those needing rear doors, 2009 marked the sole year of the turbocharged SS sedan. Note the sedan’s distinct taillight design.
Interior detail of a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged, showing the wear on the seat and shifter boot.
The interior of our featured car shows its age in areas like the seat and shifter boot.
Back in late 2005, I was car shopping and seriously considered a new Cobalt SS Supercharged. Intrigued by its performance and reasonable price, I was drawn to the idea. Being an old-school enthusiast, I only considered the coupe. A test drive of a 2006 model confirmed its impressive speed, ample power from the smooth supercharged engine, tight handling, and firm but acceptable ride. Having just settled into my career and bought my first house, I was finally in a position to consider a brand-new car. Ultimately, I couldn’t justify the expense, even for the performance bargain the SS represented. Instead, I opted for a used 1999 Pontiac Firebird Formula for less than a third of the price. I still believe in avoiding debt when possible and have yet to finance a car purchase.
Brooke Melton’s 2005 Cobalt, a tragic reminder of the ignition switch issue.
Beyond the name’s suggestion of danger, some Cobalts tragically proved to be genuinely dangerous to their drivers and passengers. The fatal 2010 accident of 29-year-old nurse Brooke Melton brought to light a critical flaw: a poorly designed ignition switch in early Cobalts. With wear, the switch could slip out of its detent, causing the car to shut off, losing engine power, power steering, power brakes, and disabling the airbags. The ensuing legal battle exposed appalling corporate behavior by GM reminiscent of the 60s and 70s. The civil case was settled, and the U.S. Justice Department fined GM $900 million. 1.37 million cars were recalled, and GM established a $525 million victims’ fund, awarding 399 claims, including 124 for fatalities. The car proved dangerous to GM’s reputation and bottom line as well.
Years later, a colleague drove a 2006 Cobalt sedan. Aware of the ignition recall, I asked if he’d had it addressed. Jake dismissed it, saying, “Recall? Nah, I’m not worried.” He admitted his car sometimes shut off in traffic, but he could restart it easily. He found removing extra keys and keychains from his ignition key prevented the issue. I urged him to get it fixed for free. I’ve since lost touch with Jake, but recently contacted him to ask about the car. He had indeed survived! He sold the Cobalt long ago without ever getting it fixed (unsurprisingly), but considered it a good car and would buy another if they were still made.
Rear three-quarter view of a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged, showing its sporty profile and stance.
Chevrolet sold approximately 37,000 SS models (Supercharged and Turbocharged) over six years*, out of just over 1 million Cobalts in total. Both figures are respectable. The standard Cobalt wasn’t a game-changer, but it marginally improved GM’s standing in the entry-level market, at least until the ignition switch scandal. It outsold the Ford Focus in most years and achieved about two-thirds of the sales volume of the benchmark Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, though it fell slightly short of the Cavalier’s average sales. The Chevy Cobalt SS, however, earned GM some unexpected respect from the automotive press and owners of rival performance cars. It served as a reminder that GM, especially with focused performance models, could still deliver.
Ultimately, the SS was irrelevant to the future of GM’s small cars. When the first-generation Cobalt ended in 2010, it was replaced by the all-new Cruze – a name and vehicle only dangerous to spelling accuracy. No performance version was offered, emphasizing a safe and comfortable “cruzing” image.
The mid-to-late 2000s proved to be the peak for hot compacts. Never before or since have enthusiasts on a budget had such a diverse range of models to choose from. Many of the Cobalt SS‘s Asian and European competitors are still produced, but no American manufacturer currently offers a sporty compact car. In fact, U.S. automakers have largely abandoned the compact car segment altogether. The Chevy Cobalt SS**, in both supercharged and turbocharged forms, may have carried a dangerous name and a dangerous flaw, but it remains a commendable M.E.SS. and a worthy addition to Chevrolet’s SS heritage. The B.E.A.SST.s would be proud to call it family.
**Addendum on hot compacts in the U.S.: Several Cobalt SS competitors have also disappeared. The Focus SVT ended production in 2004, with a milder ST version lasting until 2007. Serious performance returned with the ST model in 2013 and the insane 350hp AWD RS in 2016, which lasted until the Focus’s demise in 2018. The Neon SRT4 faded away in 2005, transferring to the Caliber SRT4 for 2007, which lasted only until 2009. There was never a hot Dart. Mitsubishi offered the Lancer Evolution through 2015, before it too became extinct. Mazda sold the Mazdaspeed 3, a competitive hot hatch, from 2007 to 2013 but hasn’t offered a true high-performance Mazda 3 since.
However, a decent selection of hot compacts still exists. Hyundai offered a mild performance GT version of the Tiburon (2003-08), followed by more serious Turbo versions of the Veloster (2013-16 and 2019-22). The Veloster was discontinued in 2022, but the Elantra N picked up the performance torch. Honda offered the Civic Si (1999-2015), relatively mild in stock form. Honda entered the true hot hatch market in the U.S. in 2017 with the Civic Type R, boasting 306 turbocharged horsepower and aggressive styling. The Subaru WRX has been a constant, with hotter STI models available intermittently (but not currently). VW continues to offer the Golf GTI and R models. Surprisingly, Toyota, synonymous with sensible cars, introduced a performance model for 2023: the GR Corolla, featuring a 300-hp 3-cylinder engine, AWD, and a manual transmission.
*Production breakdown: researched by Soundjunky on CobaltSS.net forum. 2.4 and Sport are the non-supercharged/non-turbo models also offered.
2005 SS/SC = 3,093
2006 SS/SC = 17,464
2006 SS/2.4 (coupe) = 21,688
2006 SS/2.4 (sedan) = 9,068
2007 SS/SC = 10,566
2007 SS/2.4 (coupe) = 12,469
2007 SS/2.4 (sedan) = 3,397
2008 SS = 1,766
2008 Sport (coupe) = 6,259
2008 Sport (sedan) = 4,427
2009 SS (coupe) = 3,040
2009 SS (sedan) = 759
2010 SS= unable to obtain, est. 1500-2000
All Cobalts by calendar year from Carsalesbase.com
| 2004 | 4,959 |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 212,667 |
| 2006 | 211,449 |
| 2007 | 200,620 |
| 2008 | 188,045 |
| 2009 | 104,724 |
| 2010 | 97,376 |
Related reading:
CC For Sale: 2007 Chevy Cobalt SS – A Somewhat Compelling Performance Compact by Edward Snitkoff
Curbside Outtake: Chevrolet Cobalt On Wood Blocks – A GM Deadly Sin Awaiting Its Judgement Day by PN
Further reading about GM ignition switch recall:
GM Ignition-Switch Review Complete: 124 Fatalities, 274 Injuries Car and Driver – Short summary of events
No Accident: Inside GM’s deadly ignition switch scandal Atlanta Magazine – Interesting long form article on the debacle
GM: We encourage employees, dealers to tattle after ignition switch crisis Detroit Free Press – Laudatory look at GM’s post-ignition safety culture
But wait there’s more!:
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