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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  A true American - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bear & Carol - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I sought the ZO6 for what it is. Sprots car. Since it has no insulation (weight) and even a thinner window that the other models (weight), I know that I would give some comfort over the coupe. I got what I exepted. A highy engineered sports car that competes easily with cars costing 400% more. The engine is truly a mavel. Has a single cam and two valves per cylinder for effency, reliability and lower rotating mass. Over 400 foot pounds of torque and 28 miles per gallon tell the story there. The quality and thought that went into this car shows its fifty years of engineering. The more I find out about this car, the better it gets.

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  2003 Z06 - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By ZeeeOhSix - August 27 - 2:00 am

  After having owned numerous Corvettes I have found that the Z06 is by far the best Corvette made to date. You get your bang for the buck when buying a Z06 in that it is just as or almost as quick as cars costing $25000 or more AND its American made. Its comfortable to drive and the buttons and switches are all easily accessible. Where else can you get a vehicle with 405 hp that gets 19 mpg city and 28 mpg hwy?

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  Another Happy Z06 - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bills Z06 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely the best value to be found for this level of performance. A very livable car, great to drive to work or on a trip, seats two fairly comfortably and can handle enough luggage for a weekend for two.

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  SWEET - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By MOEMOE96 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  SWEET CAR FOR ANYONE, GREAT TO CRUISE AROUND EVERYDAY!!=

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  Fifty years old and never better. - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Elliotac - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I had first thought about getting a fiftieth edition corvette when I realized that the anniversary coincided with my fiftieth birthday. I eschewed the convertible for the quieter ride of the hatchback but made up for it with the Plexiglas roof panel. The six-speed manual gives the driver complete control and is an integral part of driving a car with the soul of a corvette. I have only caused the Active handling system to activate a few times but it did steady the ride.

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  Love my Vette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By GARYJ - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the 15th corvette I have owned and the first brand new vett. It is the best yet. Much more refined and fast, quiet, and a beauty to look at. Love the HUD, and Magnetic suspension!

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By johnC - August 26 - 2:00 am

  It was everything I always wanted in a Corvette. I even went to the plant and watched my corvette come off the assembly line. A few weeks later I picked it up at the Corvette musuem.

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  2quik4most! - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Shoecop - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Mil. Yellow and 405+HP! What a thrill! I was concerned about NOT having a disc changer HA! All I want to hear is the wind of that LS6! I was lost in the "oldies" (SS454 etc) untill I laid on this baby! Better not turn traction control off till your 120+mph.

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  An Amazing Car - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Chiller - August 26 - 2:00 am

  It is just amazing. I love to drive it. The Corvette Z06 is fast, sleek, and beautiful. What more could you want?

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  The Best - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Greg1949 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a car I have wanted all my life. Finally this year I purchased the 50th anniversary car. we just took a road trip to Minnesota, the comfortable was unbelieveable, my wife and I are in our early 50s and usually we are stiff after a long drive, not with the vette. We felt like everyone just moved out of our way on the highways (we are not going real fast. It is a feeling that you cannot imagine if you have not experienced it...HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CAR !!!!!!