1996 Chevrolet Corsica LT 3.1 V6

Summary:

Overall dependable basic transportation with a peppy engine!

Faults:

Electrical system developed problem in August 1999, replaced alternator (twice). Has had intermittent lingering charging problem, specially under heavy load conditions, e.g., air conditioner.

One of the airbag sensors went wrong at about the same time; not extremely expensive to have fixed, although it scared me to death for a few seconds when the light came on!

Have replaced front brake pads on an almost yearly basis. Have seen numerous on-line entries accounting similar brake woes. This model does seem to have an appetite for brake pads...

Both front seats seemed to stay in perfect condition until last summer, then both started wearing extremely fast! They now are quite split, crushed and unattractive (and no, I'm only slightly overweight!)

Passengers' side of the center console (radio, heater pod) split about two years ago, exposing charcoal foam underneath.

Death-blow came last week... transmission failure. Based on the age and value of the car, I've retired it.

General Comments:

It's a shame this little car gave out; I've really enjoyed driving it, overall. Peppy, moderately comfortable (although rather difficult to get in and out of, if you're really tall!), and other than the (what I consider) minor problems I've had, a fairly dependable car. Leaps and BOUNDS above the 1986 Cavalier I owned previously... now THAT was a candidate for a terrible review!!

It seems that GM made huge advances in rust-protection, from the 80's to the mid-90's; this car has YET to show any rust spots of any kind. The floor portion of the center console is SOLIDLY mounted, compared to the Cavalier; the seats seem quite a bit more "substantial", although they have finally started showing their age (above).

Overall, I've had a nice run with it, but I think it's time to put it "out to pasture!"

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th January, 2004

1996 Chevrolet Corsica 3.2L

Summary:

Enjoyable Bargain Sedan

Faults:

Alternator failed 1 time. A/C has never worked 100%, but it does still work 90%.

General Comments:

This is a very simple and economical car. With 130,000 miles I still can get 33 mpg highway, with this reliable baby.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th September, 2003

1996 Chevrolet Corsica 3.1 Liter 6 Cylinder

Summary:

With a little love and care it will run forever.

Faults:

Chronic radiator leaks. Had to get it fixed 3 times.

Brakes had to replaced relatively often, but that's mainly because of my driving.

Blinker switch broke off in 2002 leaving me with no brights.

Headlights were not bright at all.

Check Engine light enjoys playing tricks on me.

Anti-lock brake light came on in 2002, but I was told that it just means that I no longer had anti-lock brakes, but I did have brakes.

Blew a piston in February of 2003. But I assure you that this was just from poor maintenance, seeing as the oil was more like a peanut butter substance.

General Comments:

With all the things listed above, you might find it hard to believe that I loved this car. But I did. In fact I'm currently looking for another Corsica in the paper. Most of the defects listed above are minor.

I wish terribly that I would've taken better care of this car, as it was very reliable. I never had to try a second time when starting it. The engine had plenty of jump (which a took advantage probably more than I should have). And it was just one of those cars that you can depend on to get you where you are going.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th April, 2003

1996 Chevrolet Corsica 3.1 V6 (3.1 Liter)

Summary:

A family hauler... more like a personal rocket!

Faults:

Not too much, I only do routine maintenance to my cars, nothing to special. I had to replace a front strut when I hit a pothole that was disguised by being full of water and looked smooth with the road's surface. My paint is starting to peel off around the wheel wells, just a little.

General Comments:

This is a very responsive and fun to drive family sedan, but you may want it as your everyday sports car. I t handles beautifully (with the right tires) It looks great (with the aluminum wheels) and the comfort is out of this world. I could live in this car and never get tired of it. All the controls are placed perfectly within the drivers reach. They art attractive to look at and very easy to use. The stereo sound great and the CD player has never skipped. I enjoy the automatic headlights on feature and feel very safe with the anti lock brakes and dual air bags.

As an added bonus the car just won't burn gas, right now I'm still getting about 40mpg. that even better than when it was new.

I drive my cars hard at times, but this one has stood out from the pack.

Power, room, comfort, reliability, safety, economy... anything else you could want?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th December, 2002