Chevrolet Cobalt (2004–2010): How to Remove the Bumpers

The Chevrolet Cobalt is a compact car produced by the American automaker General Motors from 2004 to 2010. It replaced the outdated Chevrolet Cavalier and became a key part of the brand’s lineup in North America. The Cobalt was offered in various body styles and trims, including sporty versions, and played a significant role in Chevrolet’s expansion in the affordable car market.

Production Years and Generations

The Chevrolet Cobalt was manufactured from 2004 to 2010 and underwent one facelift during its production run.

• First Generation (2004–2007) – Debuted as the replacement for the Cavalier. Available in sedan and coupe body styles.
• Facelift (2008–2010) – Updated front-end design, interior revisions, and new optional features.
  After 2010, the Cobalt was discontinued and succeeded by the more modern Chevrolet Cruze.

 

Trims and Model Names

The Cobalt was offered in several variants, differing in equipment levels and performance:

• Base Models (LS, LT) – Standard trim with a 2.2L engine (148 hp) or a 2.0L engine (140 hp).
• SS (Super Sport) – The sporty version, initially equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine (205 hp). From 2008, it featured a 2.4L naturally aspirated engine (173 hp) or a supercharged 2.0L engine (260 hp).
• Cobalt SS Turbocharged – The most powerful variant, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest front-wheel-drive cars of its time.
• Cobalt XFE (2009–2010) – A fuel-efficient version with improved aerodynamics and an optimized 2.2L engine for better fuel economy.

 

Design and Technical Features

The Cobalt was designed as a practical and affordable car but included sporty styling elements, especially in the SS trim.

• Exterior – Compact dimensions (length ~4.5 m), clean lines, and an aggressive look for the SS version, featuring larger air intakes and a spoiler.
• Interior – Simple yet functional cabin with budget-friendly materials (especially in early models). Post-facelift versions introduced an improved dashboard and higher-quality finishes.
• Engines – Base models used naturally aspirated engines (2.0L and 2.2L), while the SS featured turbocharged options.
• Transmission – 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (after 2008, the SS received a 6-speed automatic).
• Suspension – MacPherson struts at the front and a semi-independent torsion beam at the rear, with the SS receiving a sport-tuned setup.

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Depending on the model year, the mounting points may vary slightly.

How to Remove the Front Bumper

1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the four push pins (inserted top to bottom) securing the upper part of the front bumper under the hood.
3. Turn the wheels left or right, depending on which side you’re starting with.
4. In the wheel arches, unscrew three bolts on each side that secure the fender liners.
5. Move the fender liners aside and remove one bolt on each side (fastened bottom to top) securing the bumper corners to the fenders.
6. Along the lower edge, remove four push pins and unscrew four bolts (fastened bottom to top; two push pins are located above the grille).
7. With an assistant, release the bumper corners from the fender clips (pull toward you).
8. Slide the bumper forward to detach it.
9. Disconnect the fog light wiring harness (if equipped).

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How to Remove the Rear Bumper

1. Open the trunk lid.
2. Remove the side trunk trim panels.
3. Behind the trim, unscrew the nuts (sedan: remove bolts in the trunk opening) and detach the taillights.
4. (Sedan) Under the taillights, remove two bolts and two push pins.
5. In the trunk opening, remove four push pins (coupe: remove four push pins and four bolts).
6. From underneath, remove four push pins (inserted bottom to top).
7. Remove the push pins in the wheel arches and detach the rear part of the fender liners.
8. Behind the fender liners, unscrew one bolt on each side securing the bumper corners to the fenders.
9. With an assistant, release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners toward you).
10. Slide the bumper backward to remove it.
11. Disconnect any electrical connectors (if equipped).

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Safety and Criticism

One of the Cobalt’s biggest drawbacks was its poor safety ratings in early models. In 2005 NCAP crash tests, it received only 2 out of 5 stars for passenger protection in side impacts. GM later reinforced the structure, improving its scores.

The car was also criticized for:

• Cheap interior plastics.
• A stiff ride (especially in the SS).
• Electrical issues (e.g., sticky ignition switch, leading to a massive recall in 2014).

 

Interesting Facts

• Racing Career – The Cobalt SS competed in circuit racing, including the World Challenge GT, facing rivals like BMW and Porsche.
• Nürburgring Record – In 2008, the Cobalt SS Turbo set a record for front-wheel-drive production cars with a lap time of 8:22.85.
• Recall Scandal – Due to a faulty ignition switch (which could shut off unexpectedly), GM recalled over 2.6 million vehicles, including the Cobalt. This issue became part of a major scandal in 2014.
• Electric Cobalt? – A Chevrolet Cobalt EV (based on the Sail) was sold in China but had no relation to the U.S. model.
• Last "Budget" Chevrolet – The Cobalt was one of GM’s last affordable compacts before shifting to more premium models like the Cruze.

 

Legacy and Discontinuation

Despite its flaws, the Cobalt remains notable as an affordable car—and, in SS form, a very fast one. Its successor, the Chevrolet Cruze, was more advanced but less spirited. Today, the Cobalt is appreciated for:

• Low used-market prices.
• Easy maintenance.
• Tuning potential (especially the SS Turbo).

 

Conclusion

The Chevrolet Cobalt is a classic example of an American compact from the 2000s—flawed but charismatic, with interesting engineering solutions. The SS Turbo is still considered a cult favorite among hot hatch enthusiasts, while base models remain budget-friendly transportation. Despite being out of production for over a decade, the Cobalt left a lasting mark on Chevrolet’s history.