<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE COBALT
GROUP, INC. DECEMBER 31, 1998 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                           5,756
<SECURITIES>                                       983
<RECEIVABLES>                                    1,250
<ALLOWANCES>                                      (85)
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 8,119
<PP&E>                                           1,453
<DEPRECIATION>                                   (410)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  10,062
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            2,585
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                           31,162
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            13
<OTHER-SE>                                       (144)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    10,062<F1>
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 6,245
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                    1,199
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 9,636
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   185<F2>
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  93
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (8,117)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (8,117)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (8,117)
<EPS-BASIC>                                   (2.95)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (2.95)
<FN>
<F1>Notes receivable from shareholders
<F2>Operating expenses
</FN>