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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  Brains review - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Hitman - July 28 - 2:00 am

  What kid growing up here in the great US of A hasnt dreamed of owning a vette? Well my dream came true in May. I have never drove one and saw this low mileage beauty ( only had 2500 miles when I bought it ) when my wife saw it sitting at a local dealership. All I can say is that the ride and performance are way so much better than I had ever even thought. AND Im getting 21 mpg to boot ! Just can not say enough about how great this car is. Thank you to my wife, Kim, for helping to make this dream come true.

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  2002 Z06 - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By jmarxen - July 28 - 2:00 am

  It never fails to put a smile on my face when I start the engine. This car may well be the best designed and engineered sports car in the world. You could pay more and get less, if you prefer snob appeal. 0-60 in 4 seconds, 170 mph on the local straight-away, great handling, good looks, value priced ... what more could you want?

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  best yet - 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Darryl Vickers - July 27 - 10:19 pm

  This is our 5th vette, 99 Targa, 98 convertible, 2002 convertible, 2005 coupe and now the 2016 convertible. BEST YET. From hi-way to in town, easiest high performance car I have ever driven. Seats are great and the interior is plush, the leather is super and thats a big change. Auto top fast and quite. NO wind noise. Their is a monster under the hood, with the pipes open 460 hp. With a touch of the screen to close the pipes down its a quite as a kitten. Light it up and hold on. Turn the engine control to ECO on the hi-way and its get 33mph. Best bang for the buck on the market today.

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  Corvette Review - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By city1 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle is impressive from the first time you lay eyes upon it. Vehicle is build very well and panels match very well along with the interior is well done. There is power to spare and the car feels like it is standing still at 100MPH. Not much on the road that can match up too it.....

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  Poor Chevy - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Hello_786 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  It looks kind of cool but i dont like it nomore because every week i have to get it fixed.

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  Happy Z06 - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Vette - July 26 - 2:00 am

  The best Vette ever and it holds 2 sets of golf clubs. A great daily drive, wonderful cruiser on trips and it can turn on the racer on 1 second notice. Other than an oil change, it has had no problems in 8000 miles. Im ready for the 2005 with 500 horespower!!!

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  WOW ! Great quality almost 12 years !!! - 1992 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Ted Leonardi - July 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 1992 beauty 6 months / 8000 miles ago, at 17000 original miles after 10 year storage in Indianapolis... drove home to Vancouver, Washington via El Paso and San Diego... 4000 miles in 13 days... Got 30.1 mpg and didnt use a drop of oil... Now at 25000 miles and 12 years of age, car is flawless, with a history of zero repairs to date, still on original spark plugs, dry oil pan bottoms (no drip or leaks), not even a rattle... every-day driver, averaging 22.3 mpg around town with perfect performance from the 300 hp LT-1 5.7 liter, 6-speed manual, 3.45 axle drivetrain... "Hats Off" to the Bowling Green contingent of General Motors!!!

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  2003 Corvette Coupe - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Falcon2000 - July 25 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several corvettes through the years, and none compare to the C5. I have had more fun driving this vehicle than any other I have ever owned. The build quality is exceptional, and during the factory tour, I believe that the workers pride in what they build is exceptionally high. I have had no problems with the car to date, and it has been very comfortable to drive.

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  first vette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By bullizard - July 25 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun car I have driven. You simply cannot compare the feeling of driving with the top down. The car has sufficient power to get away from less experienced drivers. If you have open road and are not to worried about getting pulled over, putting the peddle to the floor is quite exhilarating. Some of the interior components could use a more luxurious touch. However for the cost, the Corvette is the most powerful, best all around car on the market.

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  Great Car - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By cullenmb - July 25 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome value in a sportscar. If you remember that you are getting a $100k sports car performance for under $50k you will never be dissatisfied. The cars lines are beautiful. The magna ride suspension is amazing, if you can get it. Amazing touring car. Couldnt be more fun to drive.