Had to get the alternator replaced 4 months after acquiring this car (70,000 miles). I've heard that this has been a major problem with these cars.
Common Problem: Transmission problem at (105,000 miles). The Corsica's Torque Convertor Control (TCC) went bad. The TCC controls the overdrive function on the car. It is a $20-$30 part. When the car warms up, & you decelerate, a bad TCC will lock up your car's gear, and thus cause the car to "stall out". Very frustrating. My TCC wasn't actually mechanically defective, but the coils got magnetized & it ceased to function properly.
Labor costs run about $200-$215 to replace part.
Car has surprisingly good acceleration, and pickup.
Car idles rough. Had spark plugs replaced. Helped reduce the rough idling a good bit. Still a bit of a rough ride though.
I don't feel safe driving this car. My car is in pretty good shape, but doesn't have good safety features, and is in the process of decline. Luckily, I have a relative who is a trained diesel engine mechanic, and handles most of my repairs for free.
A relative bought this car for me. I wouldn't have one personally, if it weren't for free. The car is poorly engineered. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
Don't buy this car if you have a choice (or a good cheap mechanic to rely on), your money will be more wisely spent buying a better engineered vehicle such as a: Nissan Maxima, Acura, Mitisubishi vehicle.
I would buy another one of these cars before a cavalier or something.. The car is not poorly made.. Mine kicks ass.. Hardly anything has had to be replaced!!!
You say get a better engineered car and then list all imports...hmmm
don't let a POS chevy deter you from buying domestic.