Used 1996 Chevrolet Corsica Consumer Reviews
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Typical GM: Solid, but under-rated.
Olive, 01/27/2010
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Had this Corsi for 16 years now, and not once has it been to the shop for anything more than an alternator. It's a typical Chevy of the mid-eighties/nineties: an inexpensive vehicle for the masses with pretty solid build construction, marred by poor quality control. But considering how much more I would have paid for an equivalent Honda or Toyota, this was a good value. I spend pennies on repair, not hundreds. I agree with others that the paint is awful, but in my case, the clearcoat is what's messed up. It has swirls and water spots even when dry. Cheap ABS plastic knobs keep breaking and falling off. The interior fabric is also chintzy, but isn't that why they make seat covers...
Bad Boy Chevy
wolfman12, 05/11/2002
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have driven this car in all types of weather. Snow to Rain. Love how it handles. Has great acceration. Nothing wrong with this car except the paint chips. That is it though.
My first
terri31, 06/20/2015
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love my car very much. Every since I bought it I have been confident in my choice. The car is great I hope to have it a long time.
Good car
bamaminchew, 03/04/2012
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my 96 Corsica last year for $450 cash. The car looks like absolute crap, but it runs great. It has 159000 miles on it and still purrs. I feel that I have already gotten my money back out of this car. The interior headlight and wiper controls on those older Chevys are not designed very well so I have had to rig them up so they will work. No complaining from me though, this car gets me from point a to point b reliably.
Some quirks, but overall very reliable
BobTheWonderDog, 10/22/2006
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car from a co-worker in December 2000. It had 100,000 highway miles on it because he commuted to central NY from northern PA for the job. Even so, the car has performed excellently for me overall. I have had to make costly repairs, but have since learned that it was due more to mechanic's greed than actual necessity. Engine still purrs at 170,000. On mine and other models I've seen, I've noticed the gas cap cover tends to rust off, and the doors stick in cold temperatures. Also, my "Check Engine" light has been on for 3 years, but I suspect this is from emissions (gascap again) and not mechanical. If you can find a model with reasonable mileage at 10 years, it's worth a look
What out for the Head Gasket's
Leardron, 06/03/2002
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had this car since it was brand new in 96. It has 73,000 miles on it and the Head Gasket went. It's going to cost me a pretty $700 to get it fixed. The mechanic doing the work said that Corsica's are notorious for this. He alone has replaced 25 head gaskets on Corisca's. If you buy one, what out for it.
Awesome Car
brent1996123, 01/15/2011
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
1 of 10 people found this review helpful
Perfect car very reliable strong V6 3.1 liter excellent transmission.
best I've ever owned!
Brian Lagor, 03/14/2009
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car used with 77,000 miles on it. It is now 2009 and she has 112,000 miles in that time off hard Vermont winters the car has never stranded me. It will warn you if it is going to do something like the alternator I replaced it once. I have also replaced the fuel tank. She is the ultimate practical ride super reliable if not the showiest. I highly recommended The 3.1 liter engine it is awesome at 150 HP and still sips gas. The only hang up I have is the heater could be warmer.
Great Car
kev1387, 05/22/2002
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is perfect for the beginner or anyone. This car is very reliable and is still holding up and going stron g at 104,000 miles.
Wonderful, but..
Kevin, 09/19/2009
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My now deceased Corsica has served me well since purchasing it at an auction earlier this year. I have replaced a lot of parts in the engine, and had an oil chance and new tires, alignment done to the Corsica as well two days ago. Just yesterday, the day after getting $200+ worth of service done to it, a rod snapped in the engine it seems. Now the engine is ceased and is not a clunker. My parents have purchased a Ford Focus for me to drive and I will need to pay them back.
Chevy Lumina
John, 02/18/2010
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 1996 Chevy Lumina is an extremely reliable car. We have had our Lumina for almost a year now and have had only minor problems. We drive from lower Michigan to Northern Michigan almost every weekend- even in the snow- and it has gotten us there and back many times now, safely. It is a great car for those who need something cheaper, but reliable transportation.
Just one opinion
buggy, 06/28/2002
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used, it now has 73,000 miles on it. I have had the fuel pump replaced and now the "crank sensor"? ($25.00 part, $165.00 labor) The passenger side carpet gets wet when the a/c runs. Paint chips. Other than that, the car is a good car...(so far, I have only had it 2 years)
Corsica
Lesh4537, 07/22/2002
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A '96 Chevy Corsica is the first and only car I've every owned. I've never had a problem although it seems to be developing a few minor ones. Mostly the radiator system. The cruse hasn't worked since I bought it.
Best $12,995 (new) I ever spent..
Marantha, 08/03/2002
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Has survived 2 accidents and 1 minor "rear-ending". I am amazed how strong the engine is on my beater. Thank God I BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY--or I would be in serious debt over this vehicle. This car went through 3 batteries, 3 alternators, a power steering pump, 2 Oxygen sensors and numerous sets of brakes. It also goes through tires like crazy due to the shabby suspension, but thanks to GMPP I didn't spend a dime and got to test drive numerous higher end vehicles. The engine (V6) will long outlast the chassis. It's good for a beater, be rough with it and it loves you back. I will miss it.
Good car for the money.
I Like Chevrolet, 08/26/2002
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My parents had a Corsica prior to my wife and I going out to get ours. I have been impressed with both. They're econmical to maintain, very dependable, durable transportation. You can't beat the "Bang for the Buck" on these cars.
The car you ahte to love
SBW, 10/02/2002
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2nd owner, this served me well 5 years. Want a different car, but this outdrives other used midsize sedans. I swear this will never die.
1st CAR FOR DAUGHTER
mrfixit, 10/15/2002
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a good car for my daughter. The price was right, gas mileage is very good and after having it for 4 years can't complain. I've had to replace two alternators though, seems like every two years they go out.
96' Corsica!
TimK, 10/25/2002
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Corsica with around 40k mileage on it. It is a very reliable car. Only minor repairs have been made, but the car will last quite a while at this pace. The only downers of the car that come to my mind is the leg room in the rear, and more of a noisier 4 cyl engine.
Good beginner car
J. G. , 12/17/2002
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
---County assigned vehicle-- I make several business contacts daily and fall victim to comments that describe the car as "White trash" and/or "Gheto". Secondly, after reading several safety reviews (NHTSA and NCAP to name a few) was surprised at how unsafe the vehicle is. According to reports, if your in a frontal crash the front passenger has a great likelyhood of sustaining severe head injury. Third, the handling on the car sucks!!!! The suspension is very weak, causing alot of weight transfer. The interior is cramped and appears cheap(And no I'm not fat).
Repair Nightmare
van, 02/01/2003
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Although the basic engine block seems well built, we've had to replace/rebuild nearly all external components ie: trans, alternator, power steering pump, rack-in-pinion seeering, complete brake system and complete cooling system overhaul. We've paid as much to keep it running as we paid for it, and it's only 7 years old.
Great car!
Angelkitty, 02/13/2003
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I now have 74,000 miles on this car, and it's been wonderful! Never had a problem in 3 years besides the mandatory oil changes/brakes and things like that...I love the acceleration. It is the best car I've ever driven!
solid car
speed400m, 07/17/2003
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
my car has been in the dich, stolen. electrical system is fried power locks dont work and status lights in dash are all usless, ABS only works when it wants too. the thing rusts and rusts, it needs painted every year. its now rusted all over and was just painted.
Money pit!!
lb505, 07/31/2003
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been one expense after another. Three fuel injectors have gone (at different times), the transmission needed to be rebuilt at 6 years old, various other engine fixes that seem to cost me at least $500 a fix. I was averaging over $200 a month for repair bills. Paint has peeled off in huge pieces.
She's Been Good To Me
dougelser, 12/05/2003
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For what it is -- a very inexpensive family vehicle -- this car has been great to me. Bought it in 97 with 24K and have put 120K more on it myself. NEVER have had any drivetrain trouble at all. The 3.1 V6 is a solid motor. Only had to replace alternator and radiator. However, the braking system is weak and I have had to put a LOT of sets of brake pads on. To be fair, though, I have driven the heck out of this thing. I drive hard and fast about everywhere I go (except in school zones and neighborhoods!!) and she's been right there with me.
Top Performer even as a 4 Cylinder!
CatInMyLap, 06/19/2006
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car was bought used for $1450 [base price] with 65,000 miles. Now have over 91,000 on her. She's been a real jewel. Formerly a rental car for 2 years then a private owner had her until myself. Only first problem 2 yrs. ago, was that one plug was stuck when I went for a tuneup. Mechanics couldn't get loose. Used "Deep Creep" sprayed on it while it was off but hot. Got plug out carefully not stripping threads in engine head. Today, long overdue, changed plugs again stuck but got loose....purrs like a kitten...35- 40 miles to the gallon still....absolutely love her as much as I loved my first car 68 Plymouth Barricuda. Chipping paint obviously manufacturers flaw.
Love my Corsica
nancy110339, 07/10/2006
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Corsica. I previously owned a 1990 Corsica and searched high and low for a 1996 knowing it was the last year Chevy made them. I wanted another because the first was so reliable and went almost 200K miles before I sold it. The body was giving out, not the engine. And the buyer drove it another 2 years before he sold it. I have not been disappointed with the 1996 either. Very few repairs. Just normal routine maintenance. Still an issue with rotors and with head gaskets as the 1990, but if the job is done right, it will go for thousands of miles after. Almost no mechanical issues. The body holds up well. Only the gas cover and the area around the keyhole for the truck are rust issues.
Good deal
Tyler, 08/03/2006
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My '96 Corsica is my first car as I'm only 16 years old. I was looking for a good, reliable car with relatively low miles for a fair price. I bought my Corsica on May 2, 2006 with only 87,000 miles for only $1,950. 3,000 miles later and I've only had one problem-- The 'Service Engine Soon' light came on and my mechanic found nothing wrong with the car. He reset the computer and it has not since turned on again. Very comfortable car that doesn't break my tight budget for gas. I consistently get about 27-30 MPG. Stock speakers are amazing, especially for being 10 years old! I would recommend this car to any teenager or anyone on a budget or just someone looking for a good, inexpensive commuter!
Like a lemon
dean, 05/05/2005
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Owned the car for 8 years and had nothing but trouble from the start, replaced everything in car but the engine. it was in a shop for repairs every month and I went through 2 alternaters and 2 transmissions and the engine leaks coolent to list a couple things. The interior is very plain and it has poor gas mileage compaired to other cars I own. I have always taken care of the car and did everything the mechanics recemended so I thought I would have a car that would last a while. the only good thing about this car is that it is cheap and doesnt rust. The AC was the first thing to go in it but I noticed that happens a lot in other GM cars also. I would strongly recomend not buying this car.
happy owner
jpa, 03/22/2003
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
128000 miles, so far. just regular maintanance. Over all nice car.
Paint is like SNOW there it go's....
AMW, 09/16/2007
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My car ran ok at first then problems came out of nowhere it runs bbad and the paint just keeps flying off driving down the freeway or at a car wash so embarssing might as well be snowing. Sometimes it wont even go over 25 MPH. I have two kids and it's a shame so much is going worng and no money to fix it. The PW windows wont go down or if they go down you can't get them up. It lugs through town I want a new car and why such abad paint job on 96's?? Yet we get from point a to point b so can't complain to much. I would never by another Chevy though hearing bad storys on there paint!! AMW
Turned out to be a great deal
nenana, 09/11/2007
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this car in 1997 with 29K on it...it sat in outside storage for 6 of the years we've owned it, but it worked great every time we pulled it out and drove it. Have replaced the brakes 2 times, the altenator, had some work done with the fuel injector and fixed a manifold gasket leak. We figure it will cost us $1000/year to keep it, and we are fine with that. I now drive it 52 miles a day on twisty, often snowy roads, and it handles well with the front wheel drive. We never expected to have it last 10 years and still be going pretty well. We ar soon to buy a 4WD SUV, but will keep this one to drive when the roads are good, because it is reliable, solid, and still gets 20+ mpg.
My Corsica
naa0001, 04/30/2003
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It was a solid car - took it through hell and back and its still kicking at nearly 200K miles. Not expensive, not much to look at but it will get you to where you need to go.
Good starter
Ning, 03/28/2002
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I first got this car in college. It is not sporty..nor does it handle like a sports car. I will say that it doesn't rust much...very reliable. Even after a car accident. It saved my life.
USA Volvo
frank, 02/18/2021
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For $ 7,995 + Tax the best car of the 1990's..............for Ordinary People. Wish I could go buy another from GM Dealer !
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Car
brent1996123, 01/15/2011
1996 Chevrolet Corsica 4dr Sedan
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Very Reliable strong v6 engine and strong transmission, ABS works great never had to replace a thing.