1991 Chevrolet Corsica LT review from North America

Alternator failed, but was relatively cheap to rebuild. The brushes were $5. GM wanted $300 to install a new Delco, so I declined and did it myself. My homemade job lasted 50000 miles, so I did it again at 160k. That lasted until I sold the car.

Paint was peeling when I got it. No bare metal appeared, but I repainted it in my garage with Kirker color/clear and my own spray gun ($400 including paint & tools, not to mention a trade skill that I was learning).

Car went through a 'cranky' stage from 120k to 140k. I replaced the water pump, all belts & hoses, the aforementioned alternator, crankshaft position sensor (a nightmare to troubleshoot--car would just die, no fuel, no spark), valve cover & oil pan gaskets, brakes.

Car was underpowered, but a joy to work on. Everything was simple for someone with a basic knowledge of electronics.

I never had a major mechanical failure in 200 thousand miles, I just replaced typical 'wear out' parts.

The car served me in high school and college, and really took a beating.

At 200000 miles it ran very well, and I still trusted it to make long trips. I was never stranded, and never missed a day of work.

The car was comfortable, but had slushy handling.

26mpg city/33mpg highway.

A well maintained Corsica for under a thousand bucks is common, and well worth the price. Parts are cheap!