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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  my z06 - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Judy & Lorenzo - January 9 - 2:00 am

  everything a sports car should be! when a car with a cost of less than 50K out performs 100K + cars it is truly satisfying! 400HP+ & 22/28 mpg & no gas guzzler tax, even the green community has little to complain about.I use this car to compete on a club level & out of the box its outstanding A++ Chevrolet!!!!

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  99 6spd Cpe - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By OC1Dave - January 8 - 2:00 am

  This is one the most fun and best cars I have ever owned, including Cadillacs, Mercedes, etc. I drive it daily except for big snow days when I drive my 4WD Suburban. Obviously the power and handling are the strong points, but I was pleasantly suprised at how civilized and comfortable this car is to drive. I get over 30 mpg on trips and arrive relaxed.

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  Fun Weekend Car - 1994 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Csand122401 - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Great power, handling and cornering ability. Not bad in the rain either. As a weekend car, this cannot be beat for the price.

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  great car with some flaws - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Desmo - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have to say this car is a very good deal for the money. The car is fun to drive and it is easy on gas when at highway speeds. The handling is world class. First and second gear acceleration is very good. This car will break the rubber loose when floored while rolling at speed. I have had problems with the gas guage that has yet to be fixed. The power window motor on the pass side has gone out 2x. Also, the remote has gone out 2x. The steering lock has malfunctioned after it was replaced on a recall. The transmission pops out of reverse often. I still love the car.

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  50th Anniv. Corvette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By tradesboss - January 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. To get the same features on a European sports car would cost over 100K. Anyone looking for an awesome driving experience should buy the C5 corvette. A limited number of 50th Anniversery Convertibles exist but you can still find them. This car is fanatastic to drive,ride and look at. What a pleasure to own.

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  What a gift! - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Eric - January 2 - 11:30 am

  My wife and I just received a gorgeous 2002 Pewter C5 "Base" with the AT as a gift from my father-in-law. The past six years he drove it less than 2500 miles. I was never too sure about Corvettes in the past because the ones I had ridden in were older (pre-C5) and felt like a car without shocks. Not this car. The ride is so comfortable I could use it as a daily driver. As it is, I am greatly enjoying this car. There was about $2,500 worth of deferred maintenance, but with a clean bill of health and only 120K miles, this car is in remarkable condition. Not a single ding in the body and the paint is flawless, which says a lot about how GM took care in the factory paint process. The drivetrain is the most responsive of any vehicle I have ever owned, and the handling is very tight. There are a few minor rattles (I would expect this for the age and mileage) and the drivers side window is frozen in the up position, so tomorrow I am taking it to a friend who has done a lot of work on GM vehicles. Apparently the window problem is common with Vettes. I am also doing a complete brake job all around, as I am told that rotors on Vettes arent worth turning, so I have bought all-new parts. Will see how challenging this process is. The Bose sound system is very good, even by todays standards. Be aware that a common problem with the drivers seat is that it is subject to the seam splitting in the door side corner closest to the seatback. Will cost me about $100 to fix, not too bad. Also, the plastic housing of the bottom seat cushion typically separates some over time from the seat bottom cushion. Its not really repairable, and I am told that the sport seat holds up better. As far as maintenance costs go, everything is more expensive than the typical passenger car. Mention that it is a Corvette, and the parts cost is double. But in comparison to other cars in this class, it is a great value. Built-in cup holders are scarce - there is only one that I have found in the short time I have owned this car. I plan on getting another "portable" one for the passenger. So far all the electronics on this car are working flawlessly. My car came without keyless entry fobs, so I was able to order two on e-bay for $25 for the pair, and it only took about 60 seconds to program them myself using the owners manual. This was a pleasant surprise considering that many cars require you to go to a dealer to get fobs programmed and can charge you a substantial (more that $50) amount for such a simple task. As far as overall value, this car is a great surprise and the re-sale values are pretty good. Low-mileage (less than 50K miles) go for over $20K, and some with the same mileage as mine and the same excellent condition and good Carfax are $15K to $20K.

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  A Jet - 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Ed Schmidt - December 28 - 2:43 am

  This is like a jet cockpit compared to my 2006. At 71 it will take me awhile to learn all of its tech. options. I have had young, old, male, and female give me the thumbs up. She is white with red and black interior with black wheels. It is not a soft cushion ride. It is a sports car in the true sense. I only have 553 miles on her. A funny- stopped for gas and could not find the gas cap release. THERE are none, not even a gas cap. Sitting down and reading the books are important. This is a keeper.

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  Great Car....poor service at dealership - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By kbrantley - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Great Car. Only a few minor problems during the last three years. Oil changes and new tires have been the only out of pocket costs to date. Dealer Service very poor....I will never buy a Chevrolet again because of the lack of quality control whenever I took the car in to the dealer. It never improved even after multiple complaints. Everytime I took it to the dealer for an oil change I asked to have the emergency brake adjusted and not once did they accomplish that task. Too bad because it is a great car, now that the warrenty has expired, I will try to find a real mechanic or do it myself.

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  50th Anniversary - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By gjjdiver - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Car is everything advertised. We have enjoyed every minute behind the wheel.Looking forward to driving it Fla this winter.

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  Im In Love - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Youngturk - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I leased this car in Feb 01. Lease is up in Feb 04, and Ill probably buy it. I had an 87 Jaguar Series III and never thought I could love a car like that one. Corvette has proved me wrong. It is an absolute treasure!