1996 Chevrolet Corsica from North America - Comments

Motor mount had to be replaced almost immediately after I acquired the car.

Had to replace an oxygen sensor, the first time the "service engine soon" went on (which was the first of many, many times) over my two years with this vehicle.

3 of 4 fuel injectors went within an 18 month period.

Head gasket blew at around 98,000 miles.

Transaxle cable came loose.

Alternator and battery croaked together at around 106,000.

These are just the things I got fixed that I can recall off the top of my head.

I understand that when you buy a car that is approaching six digits in distance, you are likely to have to put some money into it. I have had other cars for which this has held true, and I have not been terribly disappointed in having to do so. It's still usually cheaper than having a new car payment. However, such was not the case with the Chevy Corsica I drove. I had the car for two years, only put 12,000 miles on the car, and for the majority of the time had a "check engine" light illuminated, a car that would stall in traffic on a whim, and for the second year of ownership spent as much time out of order than in order. The car dumped all its oil onto the pavement while I was out of town visiting a friend. I took it to a Monroe Muffler to see what the heck was wrong and if I could drive it home without killing myself or the car. They advised against it, citing a fuel tank leak and a leak in the crankcase, but said the call was ultimately mine to make. Not really being in a position to afford a) a tow job and b) bus fare back to my hometown, let alone Monroe's outrageous rates if they COULD have helped me, I chanced it by replacing the oil and buying a couple extra quarts so I could reload if need be. Strangely enough, the oil I put into it just to get it back to my mechanic stayed in and the mechanic himself could not find any oil or fuel leak apart from having a bad fuel injector.

On several occasions I could smell fuel when idling, but not always.

I and my family had driven used cars in the past, and with regular maintenance, could alleviate any problems with relative ease and economy. This is the one car I have experienced where you could put upwards of $500 into it, drive it home from the garage only to have it not start for you the next morning. (this was not a problem with my mechanics, as I took it to the same ones as I did my prior vehicle, and they were always able to get to the bottom of what ailed my vehicle)

Apart from the core problem of unreliability, I had issues with the performance of the Corsica when it did run. The car was quite susceptible to cross-winds, perhaps more so than the considerably lighter Hyundai that I now drive. Between the highway speeds of 60 and 75 mph, the car shimmied quite a bit. (what a choice on an expressway: run off the road, rough ride, or risk getting a ticket) The 2.2 L, 4 cylinder proved well underpowered. All good and fine if you only drive on flat terrain, but an obvious flaw if you live in hill country as I do.

The interior was passable, albeit goofy. The power window controls were located on the center console. The wiper and light controls were dials in the corners of the message center, and the fuel cap was on the right side of the car. (quite odd for an American car built in the USA) Daytime running lights that could automatically detect whether they needed to be fully illuminated for nighttime driving were a plus. Seats were reasonably comfortable, and AC Delco stereo emitted nice sound for a bare bones factory sound system. But I am not amused. How good can these amenities be when the car soundly fails in its chief task-to get me where I need to go?

I'm sorry to hear that you got a bad Corsica. My brother and his wife had one and got rid of it for a 1998 GMC ENVOY, that's another story, (can we say transmission problems) but anyway, I loved the car and so did they. I only hear good things about Corsica's and am so very sorry to hear that you must have got one of the rare bad ones.

I think the 4 cyl. was doped up a little too much for the mid sized corsy weight(thus overheating from overwork), but if yours was the solid 3.1L V-6, esecially the 94-96 model, those 165 horses provide awesome takeoff and high speeds while never abusing the cooling system. the aftermarket three coil performance system found at every auto parts store made a stall virtually impossible and the temp. always under 190 degrees. I chickened out after propelling mine to 125mph (starting getting hilly)My head gasket did go at 165K miles, but I changed it out for another and for another 25,000 miles drove great until I took it to the machine shop to install a 4.5L 32v northstar drivetrain custom. Not enough room, cutting and fabrications, mucho torcho, and still unfinished. Should have the only 390 horse Corsica LT (or SS) on the planet... when its done. Then It's getting a non-factory paintjob and new wheels.

I aquired my corsica from someone I knew with 146,xxx and it had been rebuilt, and had a new headgasket, but the car only lasted me a week, partially my fault for driving it so hard, but when it ran, it always started right up, no hesitation, but caused hell when the motor suddenly seized when driving at 75mph down the highway. It gave no sign, just shutoff, and wouldn't start, lucky for me it was close to an exit so I just coasted it down. The car previously had all the fluid levels checked, so I know it had oil. Anyway, when it ran, it ran good, but I have a slight fear of them now, all I can say is make sure they're well maintained, and don't drive them too hard. I learned my lesson the hard way.

Sounds like a busted timing belt.

I have 197,000 miles on my 1991 v-6.= = no problems except regular wear. (had it for 14 years now) Paint is weathered all the way off = sits outside in rustbelt= = still no rust! Go Chevy!