1989 Chevrolet Corsica Hatchback 2.8liter V6 from North America

Summary:

Reliable, but expensive first car

Faults:

The factory alternator failed within 2 weeks of purchasing the car. The expense was around 200 dollars.

Engine mounts were replaced in 2001.

Turn signal multi-switch was replaced during inspection.

The driver-side steering rack mount broke later in 2001, making the car very dangerous to drive. 250 dollars later it was fine.

The suspension (both springs and shocks) was completely replaced in 2002. This would have been extremely expensive if I had not had a mechanic friend help me get the parts and do the work. A front alignment was required after the suspension replacement.

While opening the throttle to go up a hill, the right-rear spark plug shot completely out of the aluminum head. A thread tapping kit for 100 dollars fixed the problem. The aluminum heads are very delicate, the problem most likely originated from someone improperly installing the spark plug in the first place.

The exhaust system caused constant headaches: The muffler was replaced twice, and most of the cat-back piping was replaced with the second muffler.

In November of 2003 the accessory belt tensioner decided to die. Replacing the tensioner is not a fun job on the 2.8. When installing the new tensioner, the threads stripped out of the engine. Repairing the threads would have been too costly. The car was laid to rest at this point.

General Comments:

The car started instantly every time, rain or shine. The engine was very reliable and no internal work was ever needed.

The 3 speed automatic transmission was also flawless. I never once changed or filled the transmission fluid and it shifted strongly up until the day the car died.

The factory radio and speakers were terrible, but when replaced with a cd player, quality speakers and subwoofers the sound stage created by the dash speakers and hatchback was incredible to say the least.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th April, 2004

1989 Chevrolet Corsica LTZ 2.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

A high speed racer.. with awesome handling and average reliability

Faults:

Heater core..60 dollars

Catalytic converter..300 dollars

Transmission line..40 dollars

Alternator 320..dollars

Fuel lines and pump 400.dollars.

General Comments:

My 89 LTZ has the upgraded shocks, 15" rims and bigger tires and is raised in the back and lowered in the front which is all stock for the LTZ.. these features make for great handling when driving normally or when racing. The engine is very reliable and fast.. i beat a 91 Camaro RS coupe.. i have 0-60 in 9s and a top speed of 190km/h in my car with 187000 kilometers.. so if you want a quick little racer for cheap get the LTZ!

I bought mine for $1500 Canadian which is like $1100? American

Reliability is OK.. the engine and transmission are good, but little things seem to want to break such as lines and power windows and stuff.. it will drive forever tho :)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th March, 2004

7th Sep 2004, 19:47

What does ltz stand for.. I have one and it's been bugging me.

11th Jan 2006, 19:08

I agree our LTZ was a lemon, but even so it would not Die.

I'd like to get another one to tune. Just one thing Corsicas aren't the best car in an accident.

1989 Chevrolet Corsica LT 2.0 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

A cheap, roomy, comfortable, and RELIABLE ride!

Faults:

When I first bought it, it needed a head gasket.

Doors needed new pins.

Hatchback hydraulics were bad.

Needed very minor body work.

General Comments:

I really liked this Corsica. My dad got it for me from a friend, ad I drove it for around 6 months. The interior was very roomy and comfy, and the vehicle had an impeccable ride, it handle very well. There were a few things that needed some improvement, for instance my spare tire housing cover was missing so therefore I couldn't use the rug that went over it. It was missing the stereo system and speakers, so I had no tunes for about a month. But, overall I really loved this car and it was very reliable until the motor finally took a turn for the worst and threw a rod, and I really didn't feel like fixing it. I never really had any of the common problems to the Corsica, such as alternator replacement or catalytic converter replacement. I would recommend this car to anyone, it's one of the most reliable I've owned!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 22nd December, 2003