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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  FUN CAR TO DRIVE - 1997 Chevrolet Corvette
  By GERALD PASLEY - January 27 - 2:00 am

  AFTER 26000 MILES HANDBRAKE LEAVER IS THE ONLY PART TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A 6 SPEED,WAS SUPPRISED THAT CAR GOT 34 MILES TO GALLON ON INTERSTATE TRAVEL AND 23 MILES TO GALLON AROUND HOME.

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  Daily Commuter - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By 99hardtop - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This hardtop is a joy to drive, excellent handling, responsive acceleration, firm supple ride, great brakes, great fuel mileage. This is truly a great drivers car. Purchased for low 20s...for that price nothing can touch the value it offers.

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  Best bang for your buck - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By matt_adams - January 18 - 2:00 am

  The corvette Z06 has handling better than a 911 turbo faster acceleration and brakes on the dime. The design is great and the car has one of the best reliablities for a sports car. The engine note from the 5.7 is throaty and exhaust system creates a nice rumble. The transmission is smooth. The only thing about the car that could use some improvement is the interior as its too plastic looking sorta generic GM vehicle. The two tone colour in the zo6 of black and red really helps to give the vette a good look.

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  Believe or not GM did something right! - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By rob brownstein - January 14 - 7:43 am

  I only have 600 miles but it has been the best 600 miles Ive ever driven. The response from any given speed, from any gear, is remarkable. What a head turner. No one gives a 911 a second look, but a C6 gets nothing but looks and smiles. Go buy one, highly recommended.

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  Big Nasty Z06 8 speed Auto - 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Nicmaw B - January 13 - 4:35 pm

  Pure excitement every time I take it out for a spin, very smooth and comfortable ride, car draws attention, lets base fuel economy on driving habits, if you romp on it you are gonna get poor fuel economy, car sits low to the ground, I have no problem getting in and out, great visibility from front and sides, rear not the best due to the Z07 rear Spoiler, rear view mirror is great until it gets dark out, it auto tints, and there is no way to turn it off, audio system is top of the line, LOVE it, 2 USB ports 1 Audio Jack, Zone heating and cooling, remote starter, remote Convertible top, 2LZ, 2 sets of golf clubs, or a 500.00 shopping spree of shoes and clothing will fit in the trunk with ease, great car you cant go wrong, good luck.

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  Not so good.... - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By fool me once shame - January 13 - 2:00 am

  Have had trouble and the local dealers here in Lake County Florida are real jerks. Have tried both... both rip you silly... Sorry, but I guess I had expectations... for 45k that were too high... I am replacing the car with a BMW 500 series

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  50th Anniversary - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By jvnelson - January 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a what I would call the almost perfect car. I have not had to take it into the dealer for any problems in the 9 months I have owned it. My wife and I took a 3857 mile fall vacation in it and averaged 31.4 mpg. This is a 6- speed. I am 61 and have no trouble with getting in and out of the car. I am extremely happy with all aspects of the car.

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  ride me - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By tailfxstc - January 11 - 2:00 am

  good looking ,could use more hp 400 would be nice. smokes tires very well, it should have a better sound system . all that said, i do like the car and its fun to drive.

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  Great daily driver for mid teens - 1995 Chevrolet Corvette
  By StArrow68 - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Got the 95 for a daily driver that would be fun to drive. It was a garage queen, of which I think there are many, and only had 18k miles after 8 years. Only issues were the engine well and one small frayed spot on the passenger carpet. Paint, weather stripping, tinted blue roof and rest of carpet and seats were in spotless condition, reflecting mileage and sitting in garage. Got it for mid sixteens and put new fluids in along with a good cleaning of the engine. Runs strong and just plain fun.

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  Fun beyond your wildest dreams - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By StArrow68 - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Interesting thing is that I never thought Id own a Corvette, not on my radar. However, when looking to replace a daily driver it turned out to have major advantage, I fit. At 63" it is surprising how many cars I cant either get into or sit in comfortably, notably the XK8. The C5 at least in its later years is a bullet proof touring dream. Loads of room, great mileage on the highway with the 6 sp and my wife noted how comfortable it was on it trip home, 1350 miles to get back to CA where none of the dealers would go below MSRP at the time.