Chevrolet Corsica

Chevrolet Corsica

Manufacturer	General Motors
Also called	Pontiac Tempest
Production	1987–1996
Assembly	Wilmington, Delaware Linden, New Jersey
Predecessor	Chevrolet Citation
Successor	Chevrolet Malibu
Class	Mid-size
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Platform	L-body
Engine(s)	2.0 L OHV I4 2.2 L OHV I4 2.8 L LB6 V6 3.1 L Gen II V6 3.1 L Gen III V6
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	103.4 in (2626 mm)
Length	183.4 in (4658 mm) (1987-93) 183.5 in (4661 mm) (1994-96)
Width	68.2 in (1732 mm) (1987-93) 68.5 in (1740 mm) (1994-96)
Height	53.8 in (1367 mm) (1987-93) 54.2 in (1377 mm) (1994-96)
Fuel capacity	15.6 US gallons (59.1 L; 13.0 imp gal)
Related	Chevrolet Beretta
Manuals	Service Manual

The Chevrolet Corsica is a front-wheel drive mid-sized automobile that was produced by General Motors from 1987 to 1996. The Corsica was built upon the L-body platform which was developed (along with the N-body). It shared the L-body with the 2-door Beretta, and the rebadged revival of the Pontiac Tempest which was essentially the same car sold in Canada. The Corsica came in two styles and four trims. Sold initially only as a 4-door sedan, it was also available as a 5-door hatchback from 1989 to 1991. Corsicas were built alongside the Beretta in both Wilmington, Delaware and Linden, New Jersey.

Year-to-year changes

1987-1989

The Corsica was first sold as fleet cars to rental agencies and to large companies in 1987, prior to mainstream release. The Corsica and Beretta were the second best-selling cars in America in 1988. The base Corsica's door handles were colored silver, while the Corsica LT/LTZ had black-colored handles. One feature that was particularly odd was that some earlier models had a column shifter with a handbrake between the front seats. This configuration was very unusual for this class of sedan. The hatchback was introduced for 1989, as was an LTZ performance package that included many suspension parts from the Beretta. The XT trim was an even more rare and little remembered offering on certain years, which included all the performance parts from the LTZ trim as well as a leather interior and a special body kit and spoiler package designed for GM by a third party supplier.

1990

The base Corsica was dropped leaving the LT and LTZ. Both engines offered were increased in displacement.* Minor changes were made to the interior, mostly around the driver controls.

1991

Hatchback body style was dropped after 1991 model. The Corsica received an extensively updated interior with a standard driver's side airbag and cup holders. Front seatbelts were moved from the doors to the B-pillars. The taillights were redesigned.

1992

The only trim level was the LT.

1994

The LT model took the place of the base model once again.

The 3.1 liter V6 with the OBD-I was replaced with the updated Gen III "3100-series" engine (Option code L82) and an updated OBD system. This new OBD system was not compatible with either OBD-I or OBD-II but included features found in both systems.

The 3 speed automatic transmission was replaced with a 4 speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Front seat belts were moved from the B-pillars to the doors.

1995

The Corsica became the first American car to be equipped with daytime running lights as standard. Also a new Corsica logo was introduced along with other minor cosmetic exterior changes, such as the introduction of a body-colored grille and side moldings.

1996

The Corsica was converted fully to OBD-II.

GM discontinued the Corsica and the Chevrolet Beretta after the 1996 model year. The Corsica was replaced by the Chevrolet Malibu in 1997.

Engines

• 1987-1989 2.8 L (173 in³) LB6 V6
• 1987-1989 2.0 L (122 in³) OHV I4
• 1990-1996 2.2 L (134 in³) OHV I4
• 1990-1993 3.1 L (189 in³) Gen II V6
• 1994-1996 3.1 L (189 in³) Gen III V6

Notes:

• Both the 2.8 L V6 and 2.0 L I4 received a longer stroke crankshaft in the 1990 model year, respectively increasing their displacements to 3.1 L and 2.2 L.
• In the 1994 model year, sequential fuel injection replaced throttle-body injection on the I4 and MPFI on the V6 models. The updated OBD system is sometimes referred to as OBD 1.5.

External links

• Corsicas.com A site featuring photos, information, and discussion boards for the Chevrolet Corsica.
• Consumer Guide: 1990-1996 Chevrolet Corsica Consumer Guide Used Car review of the Chevrolet Corsica
• Gas Mileage of 1990 Midsize Cars
• Chevrolet Corsica article at Wikicars.org