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Chevrolet Corsica
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| Chevrolet Corsica | |
|---|---|
| General Motors | |
| Production | 1988-1996 |
| Class | Compact |
| Body Style | 4-Door Sedan 5-Door Hatchback |
| Length | 183.4" |
| Width | 68.2" |
| Height | 56.2" |
| Wheelbase | 103.4" |
| Weight | 2600-2800 lbs |
| Transmission | 3-Speed Automatic, FWD 4-Speed Automatic, FWD 5-Speed Manual, FWD |
| Engine | 2.0L (122 cid) I4 (1988-1989) 2.2L (133 cid) I4 (1990-1996) 2.8L (173 cid) V6 (1988-1989) 3.1L (191 cid) V6 (1990-1996) |
| Power | 88-160 hp |
| Similar | Chevrolet Beretta |
| Platform | L |
Chevrolet introduced the Corsica in February, 1987 as an early 1988 model, along with its Beretta coupe mate. The Corsica was an eventual replacement for the maligned X-body Citation, which had been discontinued after 1985. The Corsica would soldier on through the 1996 model year with only yearly detail changes before being replaced by the resurrected Malibu in 1997.
Here's a quick rundown:
1988-1996
1988 Corsicas were available only as a 4-door sedan, and had a 2.0L I4 borrowed from the Cavalier as its standard engine, with the 125 hp 2.8L V6 as an option. A 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmissions were optional with either engine. Base and LT models were offered. In 1989, a hatchback model was offered in addition to the sedan, as well as a sport-oriented LTZ package, which was equivalent to the GT package content on the Beretta, and included (in addition to the V6 engine) gas-pressurized shock absorbers, stabilizer bars, quick-ratio power steering, and 15-inch tires. 1990 Corsicas got all new engines, the 95 hp 2.2L I4 replaced the 2.0L, and the 140 hp 3.1 V6 replaced the outgoing 2.8. Base, LT and LTZ trims continued as before. 1991s got a driver's side airbag, a revised dashboard, and dropped the LTZ model - but a Z52 sport package was offered in its place which had pretty much the same equipment as the LTZ model did.
In 1992, the hatchback model was dropped, leaving the sedan as the sole bodystyle once again. Anti-lock brakes became standard, and the 2.2L I4 got a power boost from 95 to 110 hp, due to a revised fuel-injection system. The V6 remained at 140 hp, but could no longer be had with the manual transmission - a 4-speed automatic was now the sole choice. A shift-interlock mechanism, which prevented the car from being shifted from PARK unless the brake pedal was depressed on automatic transmission models, was the only real change for 1993. Both engines saw a power boost in 1994, the I4 now had 120 and the V6 now had 160, an 10 and 20 hp raise respectively. But the downside was that the manual transmission was no longer available - at all. The I4 got a 3-speed automatic, while the V6 kept its 4-speed auto. 1995 Corsicas received daytime running lamps (the first Chevrolet models to have this feature, along with the Beretta), but were little else changed.
The 1996 Corsica got enhanced longer engine-fluid interval, but that was pretty much it. After 9 seasons of very little exterior changes, the Corsica, along with the Beretta, were dropped after this year. The Corsica was succeeded by the all-new resurrected 1997 Malibu.
