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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  2000 Corvette Coupe - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By sra07734 - July 16 - 2:00 am

  The Corvette has been a great car. Acceleration is phenomenal! I have owned a 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS5, and the Corvette is quicker. Minor problems I have experienced include replacement of the steering wheel lock motor and replacement of the passenger side power window motor. There are many available aftermarket performance parts that are easy to install.

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  Americas Dream Car A Reality - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By CorvetteBlondie - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Corvette, had a 99 prior to this. What a great car! Not only is it a great car that gets attention, but the hatchback allows me to haul all sorts of things without a problem. Ive hauled a large coffee table, a treadmill, a 55 gallon aquarium with wood stand, and 2 large barstools (not all at the same time of course)! The car is very comfortable to drive for all heights and sizes, has every feature for comfort, and at an average of 22.3 miles per gallon, I am happy with fuel effeciency as well.

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  Best Roadster in America - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Kuda - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I had one of the very first C-5s in Hawaii I bought in late 97. Wouldnt "kick in" when punched. Dealers couldnt figure out problem. So, ordered a 99 6 speed convertible, with Z51 suspension. Took a few months to arrive in Hawaii. At first I thought it was the wrong color. The way the sun hit it, an almost purple pearl came thru the Navy Blue Mettalic paint. It was beautiful. What was Chevy thinking when they discontinued that color. Now have 14k miles. No major problems. Then got the "check traction control" message, with rough running. Computer module fried. Strongly advise getting extended warranty. Otherwise, the best vette ever.

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  Room For Improvement - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jeremy Witt - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I was unfortunate to receive a lemon Z06 (1Qt of oil for every 500Miles), but I have isolated my review comments to exclude this problem. Chevy eventually replaced the engine. But even with that, I still think you can buy a better car and therefore will be purchasing a 2003 in a few weeks. I really would like Chevy to take some more pride in building these cars with improvements made to the interior design, paint quality, and small details. I find it appaulling to buy a car that brand new will have rim damage because they are still using tire clamp weights. For detailers the badges are a nightmare (especially that rear Corvette inprint).

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  2005 C6 - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Sean - July 1 - 1:40 am

  Quite simply the best car I have ever driven.

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  Awesome!!! - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By slvrado03 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  There is no true sports car like the Chevrolet Corvette! It is truly one of a kind. The gas mileage is great for the size of engine, and the comfort is unbelievable for the size of car.

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  zoom zoom this - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By space nurd - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Owning Italian and British performance cars in the 80s and 90s. I converted to my absolute favorite - the Corvette. My C5 roadster is MY BABY. I confess that it shares the garage with the old Maserati rag top I decided to keep - the Corvette is my favorite. Nothing like a top down drive on the California coast. (see favorite features and improvements)

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  2002 Corvette Convt. - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By foursix4v - June 26 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely fantastic car. This recently replace a Mustang Cobra as is by far a better car in terms of comfort and performance.

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  Best sports car for the money - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By glen alexander - June 25 - 1:00 pm

  This car will have you on the road at 3:00 in the morning. It calls to you from the driveway. This car handles like its on rails!! The 0 to 60 times are nothing short of wicked. The car is sexy and turns heads so fast it causes whiplash!!.

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  AWESOME, WHY BUY ANYTHING ELSE - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By mozvette - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Wow, what beauty and power, American muscle refined. Step on it and you know what I mean. Everyone looks at this baby. The best buy. I like Porsches and Bimmers in my rear view. Love it.