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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More than a chic magnet - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
By rocksolid - January 22 - 2:00 amA real head turner --- a awesome car for the price
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THE sports convertible - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
By Avebury14 - January 22 - 2:00 amMy Chevy 2002 Corvette conver is the finest performace car available, period. I own or owned and driven: Vettes Porsche 911s, Rolls Royce P- III Jag E convet Cadillac Fltwd Bghm, Cad Fltwd 75, TR 3, Jag XK 150 C "baby sat" Ferrari Jag Mrk V Rolls Cornische. The 2002 Vette convert is the finest automobile I have ever driven! It is a shear delight to drive. It is easy to own and maintain. In every catagory rated by Experts, bar gas milage, it is tops, especially for tall drivers. AND ITS HEADS UP DISPLAY sets it apart from ANY other car! n Moreover, it is easy to own and maintain. In high performance cars it is unmatched.
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A fun year around ride in style. - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
By ob1 - January 21 - 2:00 amWhat more can be said other than it is a great car to drive on a daily basis. Very reliable with no repairs so far. Not bad for a car with almost 70,000 miles on it. Believe it or not but it is very capable even in snow. I drive it year around in sub-zero temperature and nasty weather. A pair of snow or all season tires help a lot. Try a set of Michelin tires (ZP) and you will get good traction year around and up to 50,000 miles on a set of front tires. Only one detractor,with the 6 spd. you will have to put a quart of oil in it every 1500- 2000 miles. Be sure to get one with the active handling, it may save your life. I am looking forward to getting the C6.
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First c-6 in the state of OK. - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
By burnngas - January 20 - 10:00 amI have had his car only a month. They just rolled off truck and I had already bought it. I have owned 13 Corvettes and this is by far the Best. I also have a cadillac Escalade which is nice but my Vette is the ultimate driving machine; Thanks.....Garry L. Davis
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My yellow ragtop - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
By sdfghsdfhg - January 18 - 2:00 amI picked my baby up in NC and drove to NH. What a rush. It blows my BMW M# away. Anyone wanna buy a BMW???
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All American Sports Car at a Great Price - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
By Gary Simms - January 16 - 5:22 pmIts an amazing car. You can get more HP, but not much more acceleration or fun. Too fast and you just go to jail!
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First Corvette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
By Clouddreamtime - January 16 - 2:00 amI like my Corvette very much, however I have it in storage till winter passes in Michigan. Thus I have only driven it once since I purchased the car in December.
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Third Vette... and counting... - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
By Kretzj - January 13 - 2:00 amIve owned three Corvettes, this 2000 Triple-Black Roadster being my latest, and my first C5. My previous Corvette was an LT4-powered 1996 Collector Edition convertible. First, moving from a C4 to a C5: The C5 is a different machine, with vastly different handling characteristics. I was warned by a good friend to take two or three weeks before trying anything "silly". Im glad I listened to him. As far as horsepower is concerned, I know my LT4 96 was rated at 330 and the 2000 is rated at 345 but I know in my heart and soul that my 96 (both 6- speeds) could take the C5 in a straight shootout.. not by much maybe, but theres my secret belief.
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Just asking - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
By The Gent - January 11 - 10:00 amcant say enough about the car. when I first bought it I was trying to find something the matter,I couldnt,so I just decided to enjoy it instead!!!
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An Awesome Car - 1994 Chevrolet Corvette
By kelldawg87 - January 11 - 2:00 amCorvettes should be a model for all other sports cars. Its handling and power is virtually unparalelled. Im extremely satisfied with this vehicle.
