Introduced to replace the long-lived Cavalier, Chevrolet bills the Cobalt as a "premium" front-wheel drive compact. More costly than the Cavalier, the Cobalt is, as promised, a more refined automobile. Fitted with dual overhead camshafts and counter-rotating balance shafts, the four-cylinder engine produces 145 horsepower, a tad more than the Cavalier delivered. The Cobalt faces tough competition from Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia, whose vehicles continue to improve in quality and reliability, yet cost less.