Overview & Reviews

Often referred to as America's only true sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette is one of the world's best known and longest-running nameplates. From its rather humble six-cylinder beginnings in 1953 to the 638-horsepower ZR1, the Corvette has transformed a lot over time, but it has always maintained the key aspects of style and performance that make a Vette a Vette.

Note that the Corvette continues on for its seventh generation as the Corvette Stingray, which is reviewed separately. This review covers the three previous generations of modern Corvettes.

Used Chevrolet Corvette Models
The most recent pre-Stingray Corvette is the sixth-generation model, or "C6," which debuted for 2005 and ran through 2013. Compared to the C5, it boasted improvements in performance, build quality and styling. Design changes included the return to exposed headlamps (first time since '62), crisper fender peaks and a visual slimming of the big rear end. The cabin was upgraded with better materials and switchgear, and the convertible's top could be power-operated. Initially, it had a 6.0-liter V8 developing 400 horsepower.

The following year brought a new six-speed automatic transmission and the 7.0-liter, 505-hp Z06 model. Like its predecessor, the C6 Z06 had a fixed roof, but it shared the regular car's hatchback rear end this time around. For 2007, America's sports car received larger brakes (for Magnetic Ride-equipped versions), an available two-tone leather interior and a couple of special editions including an Indy Pace Car convertible and the Ron Fellows (a successful Corvette race driver) Z06.

A refresh took place for 2008 that brought more power for base versions in the form of a 430-hp 6.2-liter V8, which was coupled to either a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic. Chevy also made interior, manual transmission and steering improvements that year. The new ZR1 ultra-high-performance fixed-roof coupe arrived for '09, wielding a 638-hp supercharged V8 and appropriate suspension and brake upgrades, as well as some unique styling features such as a transparent hood insert.

The following year (2010) Chevy brought out the Grand Sport, which essentially combined the base car's V8 with the Z06's suspension and brake upgrades. For 2012, Corvettes received new, more heavily bolstered seats, which provided more comfort and previously lacking lateral support.

For 2013 Chevrolet marked both the Corvette's 60th birthday and the last year for the C6 with the expected celebratory versions. One notable example was the 427 Convertible Collector Edition, which was essentially a Z06 convertible powered by the incomparable 7.0-liter V8.

In reviews of the C6 Chevrolet Corvette, we noted its impressive combination of strong performance, a comfortable ride, eye-catching style, affordability and relatively good fuel economy. The Z06 was singled out for particular praise due to its track-ready hardware and phenomenal 505-hp engine. Complaints involved the cabin's ho-hum interior materials (though the C5's were notably worse), an antiquated audio/navigation interface and the car's lack of nimbleness compared to other sports cars.

The previous Chevy Corvette (the C5) was built from 1997-2004 and marked the Corvette's evolution into a world-class sports car, albeit with an interior that borrowed liberally from the GM parts bin. Easier to get in and out of than the C4, the C5 also boasted a new chassis that had nearly 50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear axles, a more compliant suspension, a much roomier cockpit with more supportive seats and a new "LS1" 5.7-liter V8 that made 345 hp. The transmission choices were a six-speed manual and four-speed automatic.

With a 0-60-mph time of less than 5 seconds and a top speed of around 175, there wasn't much that could touch this Vette short of a few big-dollar exotics from Europe. That first year saw just the hatchback body, whose styling drew barbs for its rather large hindquarters. But the benefit of the big butt was more than 20 cubic feet of cargo capacity under the rear hatch. A convertible joined the lineup for '98 and the following year brought a fixed-roof "hardtop" model with an even more prominent posterior. For 2001, the mighty Z06, a reincarnation of an earlier Z06 performance package from the '60s, debuted in hardtop form only, bringing 385 hp to an already impressive chassis. As if that weren't enough, the Z06 gained 20 hp the very next year.

Enthusiasts looking for a sports car they can live with day in and day out would be well advised to consider a Chevy Corvette from this generation. Pros and cons are mostly similar to the C6, with the notable exception of the C5's relatively crude interior design and materials. This Corvette still offers considerable bang for the buck in the used sports car marketplace.

The fourth-generation Chevrolet Corvette (C4) was available for the 1984-'96 model years. The flamboyant style of the previous generation was replaced with a leaner look, and a race-inspired suspension featuring lightweight alloy components debuted as well. First-year cars should be avoided, as the 5.7-liter V8 made just 205 hp with its troublesome "Crossfire Injection" setup, while the suspension was much too stiff for daily driver duty. Subsequent years saw the debut of a convertible, more power and suspension refinements. By 1990, the Corvette was a well-sorted sports car with massive grip and respectable performance from its 250-hp engine. That year also saw the debut of a sleeker, wraparound dashboard and the ZR1 supercar, which came with a 375-hp, 5.7-liter V8. For '92, the standard Corvette gained more power via a 300-hp V8. The ZR1's output shot up to 405 hp for '93. The last year of this Corvette's generation saw the availability of a 330-hp version of the main V8.

Although the C4 is regarded as desirable in terms of performance for the price, its awkward ingress/egress, cramped cockpit and less-than-robust structure make it more of a weekend toy than a satisfying daily choice. It still looks cool, though, and it's worth noting that the 1990-'96 wraparound dashboard is quite similar to the hypermodern C7's layout.

Read our Chevy Corvette Z06 Long-Term 20,000-Mile Test

User Reviews:

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  Beyond Impressed - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jagrmaister - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car during the 0% craze last year (was building a 600hp+ Mustang) but ditched that project after 10 minutes of seat time in the Z06. Hands down the most enjoyable ride Ive ever taken. The black one I tried driving off the lot with crapped on me before out of dealers sight, but the Quicksilver has held up very well and the only problem is some infamous GM paint (runs by the lower door panels), a creak here and there in the interior, and a fuel sensor gauge (fixed once, living with it now) that likes to die out. Overall performance and looks the car gets a 10/10, and Id score it higher but might be a bit trite. Everyone deserves a Z06.

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  Dream Machine - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By RGH - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Driving the 2002 Corvette 6 spd Convertible is the best automotive experience I have ever had the priviledge to experience.Exhilirating acceleration, tight cornering, smooth ride and exceptional feel in a visual package shared by only a few of the elite sports cars in the world. Add to that the fun of Corvette forums, clubs, road rallies, aftermarket equipment, clothing and plenty of helpful advice and one purchases a complete recreational package that no other car can compare with. It is truly awesome.

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  ZO6 - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By rcap - February 20 - 2:00 am

  The Corvette ZO6 is a dream come true. Of course mine is red. I am 6-5" and its comfortable. I also own a 1996 Impala SS and the difference is like night and day. But that differnece is waht makes owning both cars so enjoyable. I can either "cruise on auto" in the Impala or stay "wide-eyed" driving the 6 speed Vette. I purchased both new and still paid less than a Porsche -- and have much more fun.

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  2017 Corvette Gand Sport - 2017 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Lerdo Lerdo - February 14 - 10:05 pm

  Its new, but so far I am enjoying the ride. Lots of power, great handling and confortable.

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  USAs best automotive effort - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Golfbone - February 14 - 10:00 am

  This car in Precision Red is just stunning to look at and thrilling to drive. It has 2 distinct personalities...take it easy and it cruises like a Caddy but step down and it sounds and feels like a Tornado! Nosebleed fast with flat stable handling and with the MSRC suspension the ride quality is excellent. Huge trunk with the top in place makes this a great trip car for 2. Incredible performance value that you can live with, drive every day, get 20MPG and out handle 911s and Ferraris, pack 2 suitcases and golfclubs all for 50K. Dont buy it though if you want European sewing machine type power ...this is American all the way! Vrooom...snarl...VROOMM...blub blub blub.

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  Sweet car - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By pooch1 - February 11 - 2:00 am

  If you want an affordable American car with huge amounts of bang for the buck then look no further. This car will beat anyting under $100,000 by seconds around a race track. Poor Vipers.....very fast in 1/4 mile, but poor brakes and handling hurt overall performance. If you want German or Italian performance without the price then her you go.

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  My 94 C4 - 1994 Chevrolet Corvette
  By hew - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Great handling car. As I get older it is harder to get in and out of. It is still a bliast to drive. Seems like the little annoying things are starting to break. Power seats, CD player. The leather enterior could be better quality.

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  00 C5 vert. - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By mwagne16 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Best bang for the buck with styling being considered. A few thousand dollars for a supercharger, and instant 700hp with perfect daily drivability. Just how the factory should have done it in the first place to make it perfect.

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  Corvette Z06 is a Classic - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Z06DWS - February 7 - 2:00 am

  The first of the many sports cars that I have owned that I would have actually paid more for. Handles better than the cars that I raced SCCA years ago, yet provides a very comfortable ride, and great ergonomics. You cannot touch this car in terms of price vs. performance.

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  TorchRed - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Moondogs - January 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my torch red, six speed for a month now and absolutely love it. I sold a 300 ZX after four years and what a difference. A 1000 mile round trip one weekend was so much fun and fast. 33,000 miles - a little wear on the drivers seat, everything works and looks like new. Dunlop 9000 tires are great - hope I dont get a flat! I drive it daily to work and drive my Wrangler for short around town trips - great combo.