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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  Best Corvette Yet! - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Silver Bullet - January 6 - 2:00 am

  In 1964, I bought my first Corvette. Thirty-five years later, my wife and I bought a 1999 silver coupe. While the 1964 Sting Ray still holds a special place of all cars I have owned, there is absolutely no comparison with the C5. The C5 is the best Corvette yet! We love it and would not trade it for anything. The performance, technology, handling, quality and ride are outstanding. The interior design has many of the Sting Ray features, which is a nice (and fast) trip down memory lane. We have had no problems with it of any kind so far. Without question, we would make the same purchase again!

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  Red Rocket - - 1990 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Dave B - Canada - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I own an 87 Corvette - only 30,000 miles on it - runs like a new car, performs like a race car. Chev was right at the top of their game. ITs a joy to work on, modify and lots of stuff to buy to make it even better... cheap to buy used, and cheap to modify to stellar levels [compared to other high po cars]. No problems, except the alarm system.

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  Time for another!! - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By gpalma - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Id never considered buying a Corvette until this one. Everything Id heard about them was negative. However, after having this vehicle for two full seasons I must state that it is THE best vehicle that Ive ever owned. Not the slightest problem whatsoever and the quality is impecable! I cannot wait to get a convertible for 2003 and my only hope is that it will be as good as my 2001 is.

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  ZO6 IS MARGINAL - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By SDF26 - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I HAD A 2002 COUPE AND TRADED IT FOR A 2003 ZO6. I LIKED THE COUPE BETTER AND AM SORRY I TRADED. I WOULD NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER CORVETTE UNLESS THE COMFORTS AND OPTIONS ARE IMPROVED

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  Yes, better than my 01 Camaro SS - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Quicksilver - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Its a serious image enhancement. Dont buy this car if you dont like attention---its a chemical reaction to public exposure.

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  Using Oil - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By pes52 - December 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car with 3 miles on it, I ordered it Oct 2000 and took ownership in Jan 2001. I had the dealer to changed the oil and rearend fluid topped off and/or changed. The oil change was free and the rearend cost me about $100. I had 3200 miles on it. I never checked the from that point until I changed it myself at 7000 miles using Havoline syntheic formula 3. I put in the recommended 6.5 quarts. The low oil light came on at 8900 miles. I checked it and it was quart low.

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  a real car buff - 1992 Chevrolet Corvette
  By GeneinSC - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought this in 1998 and it only had 4k miles on it....just like new in the guys garage and he had a 93 coupe for sale as well. Car is just like new, in looks and in every other way.

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  Taylors Vette - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By John Taylor - December 10 - 8:30 am

  Superb in every respect

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  Gods Gift to Men - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By KXR - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Ihave owned Vettes in the past. This is the most fun any man can have with his pants on. Its faster all through the RPM range than I expected. Its remarkabely quiet and has a much smoother ride. The six speed short shifter is great. The top rattles a alittle when it is detached and in the rear holder. But its not a problem at all. The car is very forgiving to drive and the Heads Up display is fantastic. The Nav system and the XM radio operate easily from a simple to understand touch screen.

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  Z06 corvette - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By eric schnabel - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great and fast car.