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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ode to a chevy - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
By katiekuhkgvfy - August 22 - 2:00 amCorvette has been and always will be americas sports car. Its sleek and easy and well equipped. It handles very well with the power still there. This is my absolute hands-down favorite car. Its yours too!
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Greatest Sports Car in USA - 1995 Chevrolet Corvette
By interlandsoft - August 20 - 2:00 amOne of the greatest sport cars ever driven. Love the handling and speed. Would not settled for anything else. This is a part-time car for me. I regularly drive it on the weekend to the local gym/metro in Greenbelt, Md. I will only purchase a Porsche 911 Turbo wide body and a 95 Vette for my sports car, nothing else. Although, I used to own an 89 911 Turbo and loved it, but not as much as the Vette b/c of the handling. Hate to sell this car -- will be placing an ad this week-end due to relocation to Thailand.
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Love my Vette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
By Herschel - August 17 - 2:00 amIf you want a "true American sports car," then the Corvette is for you. It has the best ride, style, and confort for the price.
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50th anniversary Edition - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
By Metlox - August 15 - 2:00 amThis is my second vette, and this ones just as much fun as the first, except that this one is tight...no squeeks or rattles. It roars off the line, and turns a lot of heads. I cant wait to drive it to work everyday - I just wished I lived farther away!
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Dream Car - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
By BlackVette - August 15 - 2:00 amThe Corvette has been my dream car since I was 13 years old. Having purchased a black 2003 my dream was realized this year. This car is everything that one could ever hope for a sports car to be. It is sleek, handles beautifully, and is the most comfortable car I have ever driven. The responsiveness of the steering and the powerful acceleration make it a true dream to drive. Yet, the level of comfort that the Corvette exudes gives it a luxurious feel that many sports cars seem to lack. Hats off to Chevrolet for producing such a fine car!
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Enjoyable Experience - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
By DJK - August 14 - 2:00 amRide is excellent, as if on rails. Performance is outstanding as is handling. Some road noise from the stock tires, but it is tolerable. Six spped shifting is very crisp but could stand to be a shorter throw design. Overall review is that it is an excellent choice for a performance car!
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Fiftieth anniversary convertible - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
By rek - August 13 - 10:00 amAt age 71 and after owning five or six, this is, by far the best yet.
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Excellent sports car! - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
By Corvette - August 12 - 2:00 amExcellent sports car for the money. It has been the most fun sports car I have ever driven. I would recommend for all sports car enthusiasts. Although, not a family car, all will enjoy riding.
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What a ride - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
By eddie44 - August 12 - 2:00 amI have owned my convertible for four months. What a ride! HP,handling,comfort and style. What more could you ask for? I have 6500 miles in 4 months. Does that say enough?
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Its everything you want....but - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
By tmack - August 8 - 2:00 amA true American sports car. Former Porsche owner - won over. Bowling Green w/Tan top, love color combo, obviously for others as they have discontinued the color. Modest interior design but coming from a Porsche,a step up. Problems w/fuel gauge (6x) replaced tanks, senders, etc.. A/C condensation leaking onto passenger floor - my own interior swimming pool.. electrical issue with radio, etc., staying on after engine shut down and door opening. Told this is not a big deal but for a 55K car it should not there in the first place.
