If asked to name an economical, front-wheel drive, four-cylinder compact car, chances are the average person would come up with an import, probably from Japan. However, the competent and quiet Chevrolet Cobalt is an example of America's ability to build a decent compact automobile as well.

The Cobalt beats the majority of its competitors when it comes to variety. It's available as a coupe or sedan, with four trim levels, three engines and two transmissions to choose from. As such, the diverse Cobalt lineup offers a good match for many types of buyers, from the relaxed and leisurely to the weekend hot-rodder.

Current Chevrolet Cobalt

The Chevrolet Cobalt sedan is available in four trim levels: Base, LS, 1LT and 2LT. The Cobalt coupe is available in five as well: Base, LS, 1LT, 2LT and the performance-oriented SS Supercharged.  The Base model is the price leader for both body styles, equipped with a number of standard features that includes filtered air-conditioning, a CD player, XM Radio  and a tilt steering wheel. More amenities, including power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, OnStar, leather upholstery and an upgraded Pioneer stereo are available on the LT, and SS trims.

Even when equipped with the base 2.2-liter, 145-horsepower four-cylinder engine, the Chevy Cobalt can get out of its own way just fine, returning good fuel economy to boot. SS models get a zestier 2.4-liter four-cylinder that delivers 171 hp while exacting little or no penalty in fuel economy. Fun-seekers will likely be drawn to the extroverted 205-hp Cobalt SS Supercharged that, true to its name, has a supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder; it comes only with a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic is optional on all others, and it comes standard on the LTZ.