1990-1996 Chevrolet Corsica: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1996 Chevrolet Corsica and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V6)
- Price
- Antilock brakes (1992-96)
Cons
- Rear-seat room
- Acceleration (early 4-cylinder)
- Engine noise (4-cylinder)
- Control layout
Vehicle Highlights
Sharing its structure with the Beretta coupe, the compact Corsica sedan and hatchback attracted a more sedate audience. A 4-door hatchback joined the 4-door sedan for 1989. So did a sporty LTZ, packing features like the Beretta GT. By 1990, the original engines were gone, replaced by a larger 2.2-liter four and 3.1-liter V6. Base cars now were outfitted like the prior year's midlevel LT grade. The sporty LTZ got reclining front bucket seats with adjustable lumbar supports. That LTZ had gas-pressurized shock absorbers, stabilizer bars, quick-ratio power steering, and 15-inch tires.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Chevrolet Corsica 3.1-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 42 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1996 Chevrolet Corsica. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1996 Chevrolet Corsica.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Chevrolet Corsica:
A driver-side airbag went into the Corsica's revamped interior. The sporty LTZ was dropped, leaving a 4-door notchback sedan and 4-door hatchback in LT trim. In place of the LTZ, Chevy offered the Z52 sport package. The new dashboard contained a more modular grouping of ducts and controls. Rotary dials replaced buttons and levers for headlamps and wipers.
1992 Chevrolet Corsica:
Antilock braking became standard in 1992, as the 4-door hatchback body style disappeared. A new fuel injection system boosted output of the 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine from 95 to 110 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission remained standard with 4-cylinders, but was not available with the V6.
1993 Chevrolet Corsica:
Except for the addition of a shift interlock and low-oil-level warning light, little was new for '93.
1994 Chevrolet Corsica:
The 4-cylinder engine gained 10 horsepower, and the new V6 delivered 20 more horsepower than its same-size predecessor. Manual shift could no longer be installed in 4-cylinder models, all of which got 3-speed automatic. The V6 came with a new electronic 4-speed automatic transmission. Door-mounted front seatbelts could now be left buckled.
1995 Chevrolet Corsica:
Daytime running lights were added, along with a revised rear suspension and larger tires. Fluid in the 4-speed automatic transmission, standard with V6 models, now was supposed to last 100,000 miles under normal conditions. Rear coil springs moved from ahead of the axle to in line with hubs, in an attempt to improve ride quality.
1996 Chevrolet Corsica:
Except for longer engine-service intervals, nothing was new in the compact Chevrolet sedan. Corsica and its Beretta mate were dropped after '96.
Our road test for the 1990-1996 Chevrolet Corsica includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1996 Chevrolet Corsica and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1996 Chevrolet Corsica is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Four-cylinder engines are noisy and anemic, even with the increased power for 1992 and again for '94, delivering barely adequate acceleration. That makes the V6 a much wiser choice. Fuel economy suffers a bit with the V6, but you benefit from much better performance. Although the LTZ offered the ultimate Corsica setup for power and handling, it suffered a noticeable loss in ride comfort. The combination of base suspension and tires discourages even moderately aggressive driving. Some cars have an optional sport suspension that gives more sporting handling with no penalty in ride harshness. Space is ample up front, but rear leg room is marginal for tall passengers. Trunk space is adequate. The early 5-door body style offered fine cargo-carrying versatility, but optional fold-down rear seatbacks help extend the usefulness of the sedan's trunk. The dashboard layout, as revised for 1991, is quite serviceable, but rotary headlamp and wiper dials cannot be operated without taking your hands off the steering wheel.
Value for the Money
Neither assembly quality nor refined driving quality can match Japanese compact rivals. Even though a capable Corsica doesn't quite stand out, though, it's a sensible buy secondhand, just as it was when new.
Neither assembly quality nor refined driving quality can match Japanese compact rivals. Even though a capable Corsica doesn't quite stand out, though, it's a sensible buy secondhand, just as it was when new.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Chevrolet Corsica 3.1-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 42 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Chevrolet Corsica includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chevrolet Corsica .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Brakes:
If ABS system stops working and the ABS light comes the hydraulic modulator may need to be replaced. (1993-95)
Engine noise:
Ticking noise from the engine after startup on V6 models may be due to loose piston wrist pins requiring replacement of all six pistons and pins. (1994-95)
Engine noise:
A rattling noise on cold startups could be due to oil-pump starvation and cavitation in the automatic transmission. (1994-95)
Transmission leak:
A revised transmission-oil seal (green in color) was created to correct a leak at the right front (drive) axle. (1992-94)
Transmission problems:
Transmission may pop out of gear and into neutral at highway speeds. Valve body must be replaced. (1995-96)
Water leak:
Water leaks onto the right front floor are caused by a gap between the air-inlet screen at the bottom of the windshield. (1991-94)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $545 |
| Alternator | $230 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,020 |
| Brakes | $225 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $620 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $535 |
| Exhaust System | $320 |
| Radiator | $450 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $450 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $265 |
Our price chart for this generation Chevrolet Corsica details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1996 | |||
| Corsica | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| 1995 | |||
| Corsica | $1,400-1,700 | $900-1,100 | $200 |
| 1994 | |||
| Corsica | $1,300-1,600 | $800-1,000 | $200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Corsica | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Corsica | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Corsica | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| 1990 | |||
| Corsica | $0 | $0 | $0 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Chevrolet Corsica include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door hatchback | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.4 | 103.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 183.4 | 183.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.2 | 68.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.2 | 56.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2706 | 2638 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 39.1 | 13.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.6 | 15.6 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.1 | 38.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.4 | 43.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.4 | 37.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.0 | 35.0 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
By 1990, Corsicas had a standard 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine that made 95 horsepower, and an optional 3.1-liter V6 rated 135 horsepower (later 140). The 2.2-liter had an Isuzu-built 5-speed manual gearbox, while the V6 got a Muncie-Getrag stick. Output of the base engine grew to 110 horsepower for 1992, then to 120 for '94. Also in 1994, the V6 gained 20 horsepower, now rated at 160. A year later, the V6 lost five horsepower. Through 1991, all models could have 5-speed manual shift, but from 1992 on, only automatic was available with the V6. In 1994, a new 4-speed automatic transmission went into V6 Corsicas, but 4-cylinder models retained the prior 3-speed automatic and manual shift disappeared completely.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv I4 | 2.2 / 133 | 95-120 | 120-130 | 5-speed manual: 25/34 3-speed automatic: 24/31 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 3.1 / 191 | 135-160 | 185 | 5-speed manual: 19/28 3-speed automatic: 20/28 4-speed automatic: 21/29 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: 22.7 4-speed automatic: 23.4 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chevrolet Corsica include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1995 Corsica |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 2 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1996 Chevrolet Corsica directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990:
Owner's manual is missing rear-seatbelt information.
1990:
Shoulder-belt retractors may fail, leaving occupants improperly restrained.
1991:
Steering-wheel nut may not have been properly tightened, allowing steering wheel to separate from column, causing loss of control and potential for crash without warning.
1992:
The service brake stop-lamp switch becomes inoperative.
1994:
Suspension support assemblies do not meet weld-integrity specifications and could severely impair steering capability.
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