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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  bought another one - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By bob s. - July 24 - 2:00 am

  had a 2002 just wanted a new car 2003 tighter quieter

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  50th Vert - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By dacuck@msn.com - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe the ride quality of my 50th Anniversary Red/Shale Corvette convertible.. having owned a previous C5 and C4, I was skeptical of the magnetic ride control.... but it works very well. Power Sport seats are comfortible and supportive. Nice paint job for a Vette..!! Shale interior is a nice break from black... Steering feels a little dead at center, especially coming from 02 330Cic.. Plenty of power and V8 torque... smooth

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  My 50th - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By genepreston - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a very good car. Too bad there were so many copies sold. It will be years, if ever, before it becomes a collectors car. Its a good thing they made a really good car, but you didnt have to pay an extra $6,000 along with literally thousands of other folk for the "anniversary edition".

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  You dont really get what you pay for - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By ItalianKU - July 24 - 2:00 am

  The car looks great . . . and it is fun to drive . . . if you can put up with just a few little details. First, the interior, where you spend most of your time, is downright embarrassing for a $50,000 car. Everything inside feels like it was taken out of the Cavilers parts bin. It must be embarrassing for Bose to put their name on the sound system . . . it is horrible! My 1999 Ram Air Trans Am with the 500-Watt Monsoon System was worlds better than my 2003 Vette. With all that performance I though I could live with the low quality interior . . . I was wrong!

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  Love it - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jo Jo - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Love it Love it Love it

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  Amazing Car for the Money!!! - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By PeteyPete - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my mint condition 99 hardtop last year and couldnt be any more happy. Its been a reliable and fun Sunday car that turns heads, and is a pleasure to drive. Im impressed w/ the mileage i get, averaging 20 mpg driving in a mix of city and highway driving. The interior couldve been a bit more refined, but the car makes up for it in performance and style.

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  King Corvette - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Mo Makki - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Driving a Corvette is like being free,, and thers nothing better then bieng free,, its fast,, handles like its stuck to the ground,, beutiful car,, im 17 and i love my corvette, because im free, intll i get to the gas station, and i have to empty out my pockets so i can be free, but i guess thers a price for having fun.. peace

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  Yesssss!! - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Pedro - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my second C5, a 2001 roadster.. Ive had it for almost three years now and it consistently makes me smile. The performance, looks, and ride are all worth the price of ownership. I have made "corrections" such as intake, full-length headers and exhaust and the car has rewarded me with improved performance. On two trips from Florida to Bowling Green Kentucky, my vette averaged better than 27MPG!

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  Boyhood dream a reality - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By pdmclu - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Superb build quality, awesome power, great styling. This is the best automobile I have ever owned.

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  Boyhood dream a reality - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By PDM - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Superb build quality, awesome power, great styling. This is the best automobile I have ever owned.