Chevrolet Cobalt

USCar Trader import service

Import this model from the USA or Canada

Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.

Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.

CarHub · Chevrolet

Chevrolet Cobalt

The Cobalt was Chevrolet's mainstream compact through the second half of the 2000s, sold in huge numbers as an affordable sedan and coupe, with a genuinely quick turbocharged SS at the top of the range.

Body styles
Detail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): 4-door sedan / 2-door coupe
Generation
Detail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): Single generation, 2005–2010
Platform
Detail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): GM Delta
Length (sedan)
Detail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): approx. 4,585 mm
Chevrolet Cobalt

Model profile

Model history and generations

Model history: years and generations

The Cobalt ran a single generation from the 2005 to the 2010 model year, replacing the long-serving Cavalier on GM's Delta platform. It came as a four-door sedan and a two-door coupe, in trims that climbed from the plain base and LS through the volume LT to the better-equipped LTZ, with the sporting SS sitting apart.

Powertrain and equipment

Engines, drivetrain and trims

Engines, transmissions and drive

Standard cars used GM's Ecotec four-cylinder engines: a 2.2-litre making around 145–155 hp and, later, a 2.4-litre with roughly 155–171 hp. The interesting metal is the SS.

Equipment lines and body styles

Body choice is sedan or coupe. The base and LS trims were fleet-and-budget focused; LT added comfort features; LTZ brought alloys, better trim and available leather.

Vehicle selection

North American market and suitability

The US used market

Supply is plentiful and prices are low, since the Cobalt was an inexpensive car sold in volume. Ordinary sedans turn up with a wide range of mileages, many as former commuter or fleet vehicles, so history and condition matter more than the odometer. Clean turbo SS coupes are more sought after and command a premium, and the best ones have avoided heavy modification and abuse.

Vehicle data

Technical data by generation and specification

Body and dimensions

Body stylesDetail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): 4-door sedan / 2-door coupe
Length (sedan)Detail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): approx. 4,585 mm
WidthDetail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): approx. 1,725 mm
HeightDetail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): approx. 1,440 mm
WheelbaseDetail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): 2,624 mm
Kerb weightDetail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): approx. 1,250–1,360 kg

Engine and drivetrain

Base engineDetail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): 2.2 L Ecotec I4, approx. 148 hp
SS engineDetail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): 2.0 L turbo (LNF), approx. 260 hp
Torque (SS)Detail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): approx. 353 Nm
TransmissionDetail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto
DrivetrainDetail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): Front-wheel drive
FuelDetail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): Petrol

Model and other data

GenerationDetail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): Single generation, 2005–2010
PlatformDetail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): GM Delta
0–100 km/h (SS turbo)Detail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): approx. 5.7 s
AssemblyDetail (Cobalt SS turbo / base 2.2): Lordstown, Ohio (US) or Ramos Arizpe (Mexico)

Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.

Pre-purchase review

Model-specific inspection points

Common issues buyers should know

The most important issue to know about the Cobalt is the ignition-switch defect that led to a major GM recall: on affected cars the key could slip out of the run position, cutting power and disabling the airbags. Any imported example must have the recall remedy confirmed as completed.

Germany and Europe

Differences, adaptation and registration

Differences from the European version

US Cobalts have amber-and-red US-market lighting with side marker lamps, no rear fog lamp, US headlamp aim and an mph speedometer. Emissions and OBD are US-specification.

Modifications and single-vehicle approval

Typical changes are adding or enabling a rear fog lamp, adjusting or replacing headlamps for the European beam, ensuring compliant side indicators, and fitting or reading a km/h speedometer.

USCar Trader services

Inspection, purchase processing and escrow

As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.

  • Vehicle profile and history: The profile can show the VIN, US title status and available history records. No data source guarantees that every earlier event was reported.
  • Optional CARFAX report: Additional reported maintenance or service entries can be included. The report is not a complete service book or proof of every interval.
  • On-site inspection / USCT AutoCheck: USCar Trader can arrange a separately booked vehicle inspection. Agreed visible and accessible areas are documented. Road or functional tests require suitable access and seller approval; the visual review is not a lift inspection or workshop diagnosis.
  • Purchase processing and escrow: After approval, USCar Trader can coordinate seller contact, negotiation, contract and the escrow and import service. Fees, payment route and responsibilities are recorded in advance.
  • Recalls: Open safety recalls can be checked by VIN through the NHTSA recall search; they do not describe overall condition.

Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.

Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.

Import process

Import, customs, costs and delivery

Import step by step

The assessment depends on the specific vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review any possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are considered separately.

Questions and answers

Common questions about importing this model

Can I still import a used Chevrolet Cobalt?

Yes. As a used vehicle it can be imported, cleared and individually approved for German registration through USCar Trader as your broker.

Does this vehicle automatically qualify for a 0% import-duty rate?

No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.

What about the ignition-switch recall?

It is a serious safety recall, and you should confirm the remedy has been carried out on any car you import before it is registered.

Is the Cobalt SS worth importing?

For enthusiasts, yes: the turbocharged SS is quick, engaging and well supported by the aftermarket, making it the standout version of the range.

What are the common problems?

The ignition switch and electric power steering are the headline issues, alongside cheap interior trim; the Ecotec engines are otherwise durable when serviced.

What TÜV changes are needed?

Rear fog lamp, headlamp adjustment, compliant indicators and a km/h speedometer are the usual items for individual approval.

Manual or automatic?

The 5-speed manual suits the SS and enthusiast use; the 4-speed automatic is fine for relaxed everyday driving in the standard cars.

How can a specific Chevrolet Cobalt be checked from Germany?

Available VIN, title and history information can be reviewed in the vehicle profile. USCar Trader can also arrange a separately booked on-site inspection within a scope agreed in advance.

More vehicles