Chevrolet Corsica

The Chevrolet Corsica was a front wheel drive automobile produced by General Motors initially as a rental fleet vehicle in 1987, then sold to the public from 1988 to 1996. The Corsica was built upon the L-body platform which was developed (along with the N-body) to replace the front wheel drive X-body (the original name of the Corsica was the Citation III back in 1986). 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 and Beretta were the second best-selling cars in America in 1988.

In 1995, the Corsica became the first American car to be equipped with daytime running lights.

The Corsica came in two styles and four trims. Primarily sold as a 4-door sedan, it was also available as a 5-door hatchback.

Chevrolet discontinued the Corsica and the Beretta after the 1996 model year, because of new legislation that required side impact bars. The Corsica was replaced by the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu.

Trim levels

1987-1988: Base, LT 1989: Base, LT, LTZ (perfomance package included many suspension parts from the Beretta) 1990: LT (replaced the base), LTZ, Hatchback 1991: LT, Hatchback 1992-1993: LT 1994-1996: Base

The XT trim was also a rare offering on certain years, including 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.

Engines

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

While the Beretta had all engine and transmission options available on the Corsica, the Corsica was only available with OHV engines.

Both the 2.8L OHV V6, and 2.0 OHV I4 received a longer stroke crankshaft in the 1990 model year, respectively increasing their displacements to 2.2 L, and 3.1 L.