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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  1998 Vette - 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Stros - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Vette about 6 months ago. Prices are really coming down, since this is a 5 year old car still the most current body style though! The performance is awesome, totally fast enough stock, with enough potential for modifications, if you want to take it to the track. Will outhandle me no problem (I dont have a death wish). Gas mileage is great and the car is MUCH more comfortable than the C4. One of the prettiest cars on the road.

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  Yes they finally got it right! - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By MisterMissile - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the LeMans CE Z16; this vehicle is everything I thought it would/could be. Awsome handling and blistering speed. Body fit and finish is excellent. Road noise is on the high side but what can you expect from the 35 series tires and it is a sports car, not a tourer although I wouldnt mind taking it on long trips. Very comfortable seats; driving position is excellent. This car can go directly from the show room to the track.

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  i think gm finally got it - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By dooginator - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Well this is my fourth corvette and although the car has lost some of its uniqueness, it is really superior to the others. The older ones Ive owned 74,76,81, had common flaws and repetitive problems. Dumb rattles, and poor build quality (fit and finish) have been engineered out.

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  Top Notch - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jim Lammers - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Picked car up from Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY. Toured plant while there, learned a lot. Drove car back to Kansas City area. Owned 2 years now, 16000 miles, and its been perfect. Daily driver for me. Gas and oil changes are all that Ive had to do for maintenance so far - a perfect car. 350HP, 29 MPG (hwy), killer looks, - its been a great experience!

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  my covette - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By wmikefarmer - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I have not been back to the dealership for anything. the car is perfect. it is the ony car Ive ever owned that needed no adjustments at all.

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  2007 Corvette Z06 Road and Track car - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Rick Herndon - April 14 - 12:21 pm

  Bought the car new off showroom for sticker. Read the reviews in various magazines and not disappointed. Improved the car for open road racing. Ive have speed tested (9 y/o car) to 191mph and still had more left, but running at 5600ft altitude. The LS7 engine isnt hard to get extra horsepower with a modest investment. Car has been solid and really not may repairs, and thats with 57,000 miles and still manages to get 25mpg on the road. There is nothing in that price range for the performance you get. This is my 3rd Vette. Just recently ran my 5th open road race (Silver State) much of it over 160mph without any problems. Thats performance engineering. Recently had to replace fuel sensor. Apparently happens frequently at 62000miles. Some squeaks and rattles developed by not to bad. Just campaigned the car in the Silver State Classic in the 155mph class without any problems. The air conditioning compressor will need replacement so took off belt. Drove the car back home some 2200 miles with a combined mpg of 30+, now thats economy!

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  Perfect - 1995 Chevrolet Corvette
  By BrianCio - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is the bomb. Get the stick, enjoy all American power.

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  1999 Hardtop Corvette - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By H.M.Hancock - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had a long history with Corvettes, 1st a 1979 White C-3, later followed by a 1992 Black C-4. I can honestly say that while the memories made in those two cars are indelible, my 1999 Black C-5 Hardtop is technologically far superior to itspredecessors. With a super stiff chassis, a 6-speed and a Borla exhaust, the C-5 Hardtop screams! And I must admit, I like when the heads turn and the fingers point in affirmation to what you know, that this is one great car!

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  steves Vette - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By orrkidman - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Classic Vette. Immaculate finish and interior. Magnetic Red, Chrome Wheels, Two Tops, Leather and more. Clean

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  Great Car Best vette ever - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By F_anz - April 6 - 3:00 am

  Title says it all Z06s Rule!!