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The 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is a big improvement over its Cavalier predecessor, but it’s still well behind the class leaders in handling dynamics, interior design, seat comfort and materials quality.

Pros: Strong acceleration with any drivetrain, smooth and quiet ride, solid brakes, good crash test scores.

Cons: Cheap interior plastics, cramped backseat, dire lack of interior storage, dull handling, mediocre fit and finish.

What’s New for 2006: A year after its debut, the Chevy Cobalt features an expanded lineup for 2006. Most significant is the addition of a new 171-horsepower SS trim level, which is available on the Cobalt coupe and sedan. Because this would cause confusion with last year’s 205-hp supercharged SS coupe, that trim level is now called SS Supercharged. The remaining trim levels are also renamed: the Base trim is now the LS, the former LS is now the LT, and the previous LT sedan is now the LTZ.

Driving Impressions: Choose any of the engines on the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt and you’ll have ample power for just about any situation. Commuters will enjoy the Cobalt’s smooth, quiet ride, but the car’s handling is less impressive. The suspension allows too much body roll, and the electric steering is slow with minimal feedback. The SS models offer tighter handling through the turns but still fall short of the class leaders in terms of refinement.

See more detail photos: 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt LS 2dr Coupe