EXHIBIT 5.1


                               OPINION OF COUNSEL

                                  July 18, 2006


Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc.
16355 Laguna Canyon Road
Irvine, CA  92618

Re:    Registration Statement on Form S-8

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         I have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the
"Registration Statement") to be filed by you with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") on or about July 20, 2006 in connection with the
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of a total of
1,500,000 shares of your Common Stock reserved for issuance under the CPS 2006
Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the "Shares"). As your counsel in connection
with this transaction, I have examined the proceedings taken and I am familiar
with the proceedings proposed to be taken by you in connection with the sale and
issuance of the Shares.

         It is my opinion that the Shares when issued and sold in the manner
described in the Registration Statement will be legally and validly issued,
fully paid and non-assessable.

         I consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and further consent to the use of my name wherever appearing in the
Registration Statement, including the Prospectus constituting a part thereof,
and in any amendment thereto.

                                               Sincerely,


                                               /s/ MARK CREATURA
                                               -----------------
                                                   MARK CREATURA