What Differentiates an LS Cobalt from an LT Cobalt?
by Michael G. Sanchez
The compact Chevrolet Cobalt replaced the woefully outdated Cavalier back in 2004 as a 2005 model. It was based on GM's Delta platform, which also underpinned the Chevrolet HHR and Saturn Astra.
Available in sedan and coupe bodystyles, the Cobalt was positioned to compete with cars like the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus and Mazda 3. It was replaced by the Chevrolet Cruze following the 2010 model year.
Cobalt Basics: Dimensions
The Cobalt sedan measured 180.3 inches long, 67.9 inches wide and 57.1 inches high. It sat on a 103.3-inch wheelbase. The coupe differed only slightly in size. It was 180.5 inches long, 67.9 inches wide and 55.5 inches high, with the same 103.3-inch wheelbase.
The sedan provided the driver and front passenger with 38.5 inches of headroom, 53.0 inches of shoulder room, 49.6 inches of hip room and 41.8 inches of legroom. Backseat passengers got 37.7 inches of headroom, 51.4 inches of shoulder room, 46.4 inches of hip room and 33.7 inches of legroom.
The coupe gave front-seat occupants 38.7 inches of headroom, 53.0 inches of shoulder room, 49.5 inches of hip room and 42.0 inches of legroom. Rear-seat passengers got 35.7 inches of headroom, 49.0 inches of shoulder room, 46.1 inches of hip room and 32.2 inches of legroom.
The sedan and coupe both had a 13.9 cubic foot trunk.
Cobalt Basics: Drivetrain
The LS and LT Cobalt models were powered by the same four-cylinder engine. A 16-valve, dual-overhead-cam design, it produced 155 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 150 foot-pounds of torque at 4,900 rpm. Power was sent to the front wheels via a standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission.
The Cobalt could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 8.5 seconds, which was right in line with most other cars in its class.
Cobalt LS
The LS trim level slotted-in right above the base XFE model in the Cobalt lineup. It came with 15-inch wheels, a tilt steering wheel, air conditioning, a trip computer, a 60-40 split rear seat with a trunk pass-through, GM's OnStar system and a four-speaker audio system with with CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.
Cobalt LT
The LT trim level added power windows, locks and mirrors, a front center armrest and upgraded front seats. An upgraded variation on the LT trim level -- called 2LT -- also included 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and ABS.
A number of options package were available on LT models. The MyLink package included special 16-inch aluminum wheels, Bluetooth integration, a USB port for the audio system and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control buttons. The invitingly named Sun and Sound package brought a sunroof and a premium Pioneer stereo. The Sport Appearance package added a rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, special front and rear fascias, foglamps and white-faced gauges. Finally, leather upholstery and heated front seats were available as stand-alone options exclusively on 2LT models.
Fuel Mileage & Pricing
The Cobalt turned in good fuel efficiency numbers. The automatic-transmission-equipped model was EPA-rated at 24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. With the manual transmission, those figures climbed slightly to 25-35. The sedan and coupe received identical ratings.
When new, the 2010 Cobalt LS had a starting price of $15,670. The slightly more upscale LT began at $16,470. According to Kelly Blue Book, as of 2014, a used LS in good condition is worth approximately $7,375. An LT model, on the other hand, should go for about $8,625.
Writer Bio
Michael G. Sanchez has been a professional writer for over 10 years. A lifelong car enthusiast and former senior mechanic, he has written on a wide range of automotive topics. He holds a bachelor's degree in English literature from Castleton State College. Sanchez started writing about cars as a part-time copywriter for a local dealership while still in high school.
