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 Best Corvette Yet (Number 8) - 2008 Chevrolet Corvette
  By K7XB - October 22 - 10:56 am

  This 2008 Corvette ZO6 is the second ZO6 Ive owned...and by far the best. Back in 68 I had another 427 Corvette but it sure didnt have the performance of this new one. Looks like GM now knows how to transfer all 505 hp to the road. Good job guys! Super car this ZO6.

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  a contemporary legend - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By terry schulz - October 16 - 10:00 am

  this is the most fun ive ever had on four wheels. and very user friendly to boot, a great all around performance leader.

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  C5 is Excellent! - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Kmorgan - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is one fine machine. Soon after purchase, me and my wife left Sacramento and drove to Las Vegas, NV. The ride was great, especially with the magnetic ride control suspension. The seat was very comfortable, the climate control system and power from the 5.7L V8 was incredible during our trip! Gas mileage is superb for a V8 350hp engine! Hats off to Folsom Chevrolet, hats off to GM and most important I thank the Lord for allowing me to have such a fine, well built machine!

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  americas sports car - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By jabez - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I found my chevy corvette the fun-ist car I ever drove. Most other cars it took me a few days to get use to how it drove but the corvette I was comfortable in it after an hour. acceration was excellent and the power was wonderful.Just the feel of owning one will make your ego and confidence soar. You will get a surprisingly excellent MPG for a V8 engine wih normal driving

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  Silver 2001 - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bob - September 29 - 1:27 pm

  Bought my Silver Vette last year and have enjoyed it ever since. This is my everyday driving car. 2001 Corvette Coupe. Picked it up in Dallas and drove it back. Overall the car has Power from First through Fourth gears. I dont need any more speed after that. Fun car to drive and it looks Great. Would love to step up in Corvettes; however, I will never let this one go.

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  Wow - 2008 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Ted - September 27 - 10:09 am

  I now have this car almost 2 years with only 1 minor issue. The trunk release from outside the car(by the rear plate)dont work. Besides that no other issues. This car is awesome, with incredible power. Its also very comfortable even on long trips. Im always looking for an excuse to drive because of the fun of this machine.

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  After 4 years - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By RHood123 - September 23 - 12:54 pm

  Only drive my C6 1600miles/yearstored half the year, sometimes wonder why I have this car. Then I remember...it speaks to you. When youre behind the wheel performance,visibility,tradition speak for themselves. Exterior classic design, interior: wish I had steering wheel controls, better carpet, less plastic. Have never had a problem with anything, but then again, at 1600 miles/yr. Terrific value for a truly classic sports car. Did any American male grow up not wanting to own a Corvette?

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  I LOVE MY VETTE - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Scottland - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Corevette has the greatest feeling! Its so great being only 22 and owning a vette! It doesnt give you that feeling of insecuirity... you know... that people are gonna think im just tryin to stay young. ordeal! CORVETTE IS GREAT!!! HIGHLY RECCOMENDED!!!!

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  My favorite car, ever! - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Richard - September 6 - 8:40 am

  This is my fourth "Vette", the first being an73, bright yellow. Great things have happened since then to the auto and to the color. My Millennium Yellow Roadster is all that the other three were and much more. The most astounding was the smooth almost never ending flow of power but just as astounding is the ride. This Vette rides like my Lexus SC400 - too much, you say, I say, try it. What a joy to drive and know that with a flip of a switch you can go from Lexus to all Corvette with the ride and handling you want and need to have even more fun. All the electronic goodies that come with the C6 ony add to the joy and fun of a sports car that is pure fun and entertainment. Love my Vette A lot of people knock the interior and it could use a little help maybe but this is a Corvette, not an Audi, which looks like a circus inside, or some such. Over all, it works for me!

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  My dream comes true! - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Sr. - September 4 - 10:00 am

  It is affordable, stylish and fast. An American built dependable car. For over 40 years the Vette has always been the "American Classic Dream Car". I prefer the Coupe, that way you have the best of both worlds, wind in your hair and still the quiteness and comfort of a semi-convertible. Drive one, youll want it!