When 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.

True, the Chevy Cobalt doesn't really upset the pecking order in the compact car world; the imports, by and large, still offer better driving dynamics and interior build quality. However, the Cobalt beats most 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.

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

Even when equipped with the base 2.2-liter, 145-horsepower four-cylinder engine, the 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.

In terms of safety, the Chevy Cobalt is a mixed bag: In contrast to some cars in this class, rear disc brakes and ABS are only optional on lower trim levels, as are seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags. When equipped with the side bags, the Cobalt has scored quite well in crash tests.

Small Chevrolet cars have rarely been known for the quality of their interiors, and the Cobalt doesn't do much to change this. In editorial reviews, this compact car has earned negative commentary in regard to its hard plastics, inconsistent build quality and limited storage. On the positive side, the Cobalt's interior is nicely insulated from road and engine noise, and the front seats should be very comfortable for the majority of drivers and passengers.

The Chevrolet Cobalt debuted for the 2005 model year. As such, it is only now starting to appear with frequency as a used vehicle. The Cobalt effectively replaced the long-running Chevy Cavalier, which was both smaller and of much poorer quality. The Cobalt's categorical step up in quality and content warranted the name change, and portends good things to come from General Motors.