The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt provides prospective purchasers with an excellent option for affordable, dependable transportation. Especially considering that the Cobalt is a small vehicle, it runs quietly and handles crisply. It performs smoothly and strong and is built upon the rigid GM Delta platform. All things considered, it fares quite well when matched against the Ford Focus, the Honda Civic, and the Toyota Corolla with their long-enduring domination periods of the compact automobile market. The Hyundai Elantra and Suzuki X4 are also splashing around in the same pool.

The 2010 Cobalt by Chevrolet is available in seven separate trims: Base/LS/LT 2-door coupes, Base/LS/LT 4-door sedans and the considerably higher-powered SS Turbocharged 2-door coupe. All except the SS feature a 2.2L Ecotec 155hp 150 lb-ft I4 engine that yields 25/26 mpg city/highway. Variable valve timing technology has enhanced its performance since last year's version by more than 5%. LS trims with the 5-speed manual gearbox deliver 37 mpg on the highways. SS trims come to the showroom with a 2.0L 260hp 260 lb-ft turbocharged I4 that delivers 22/30 mpg.

The Chevrolet Cobalt for 2010 enjoys Best Pick recognition from the IIHS. OnStar roadside assistance, GM Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN), 2-staged frontal air bags, head/curtain airbags, LATCH child seats, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, safety belt pretensioners, tire pressure monitoring and more are all standard safety features. Premium-level features include leather seating that's heated, a powered sunroof, remote starting, a 7-speaker stereo system from Pioneer and loads more.

Interior design standards for the Chevrolet Cobalt are presented in a straightforward manner. Adequate-quality materials are combined with acceptable standards for fit and finish. The instruments are big, conveniently located, simplistically read and present an overall pleasing level of aesthetic value. The cabin is kept comfortable, yet not overdone. Like the vast majority of its class, the Cobalt keeps it real and reminds you that its main purpose is dependable transportation - not luxury.

Manufacturers pricing suggestions for the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt range from $14,990 to $24,535. It presents almost 14 cubic feet of luggage space in its trunk. That measurement stacks up very nicely against the competition. It delivers surprisingly good ride quality and is considerably quieter then almost every other car that costs less than $20,000. The Cobalt is definitely causing waves that are not afraid to rock boats. Take a closer look at one today and get to know, once again, why Chevrolet continues to be an American automotive leader.