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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  IF ONLY THEY BUILT AN INTERIOR - 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
  By RC TOYOTA - December 4 - 2:00 am

  THE 98 VETTE CONV IS WITHOUT A DOUGHT THE BEST EVER THE CAR IS DAMN NEAR PERFECT AS A TOYOTA EMPLOYEE I CAN SPEAK OF SUCH THINGS AS WE ALL WELL KNOW IF GM FORD OR THAT OTHER WANA-BE CAR BUILDER EVER MAKE A CAR WITH QUALITY INT. INSTEAD OF THE HARD SWEEKY NOISY JUNK PLASTIC THEY USE WERE IN TROUBLE AT TOYOTA BUT BY THEN WILL ALL BE DRIVING JET CARS..............SEEE YA SOON

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  Great Car! - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Patrick - December 3 - 2:20 am

  From the first moment I saw this car at the dealer, I knew I had to have it. Paying an extraordinary $59,000 dollars, I still think it is worth it. In fact, with the nice performance and reliability you get in this Corvette, I would have paid 108,000 dollars. Its just a car you dont get anywhere else. I think this car was not only a great car performance wise, but also quality and exterior design. I gave it a 10 because of spotless paint, superb frame, and nice little lights. I think that it was a change for many people to see the old lights go, but they new ones are awesome too. I would strongly reccomend this car if you are a street racer (just kidding!). I found this car very nice..

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  Awesome C5 - 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
  By RickG - November 29 - 2:00 am

  The 1998 Corvette Convertible is a great car ! Fun to drive, great gas mileage, awesome looks and most of all its American Made! The car is very well engineered, reliable and I think it is the best sports car value for the money without question. GM will have a major undertaking if it plans to top the C5 with the upcoming C6, on the other hand if the C5 is this good, maybe the C6 will be totally spectacular!

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  You Can NOT Beat A Vette!!!! - 1990 Chevrolet Corvette
  By WeaponX - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought My 1986 Z51 Coupe this Summer and it Simple Destroys Any Other Car Ive Ever Owned!! I Can Not Say Enough About the Sheer Amount of Torque in These Cars!! People Talk about H.P. but thats because They Do Not Understand what Chevy and Every Corvette Owner Knows,YOU CANNOT REPLACE THE POWER TORQUE!! Any any Gear(I have the 4 + 3) I Can Snap a Neck Back at the Drop of a Dime it is Amazing for a Car that is Almost 20 Years Old and Really has No Rivals Other than Exotics,NEW 2003 Cobras or of Course Other Vettes!! Please at Any Chance You Get In Life at Least Test Drive One of these Animals!!!

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  99 FRC - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By bigsteff - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I really like the car. I am a tall guy and previously owned a 92 C4. Lots more leg and head room and the hardtop feels really solid and will be free from the rattles and squeeks associated with aged removable roof cars. Very comfortable for a "TOY" car and could be a daily driver.

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  Im Impressed1 - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Big Daddy - November 20 - 6:23 am

  I owned a 2001 MB 500SL and decided to try the Corvette. I am glad I made the change! I believe Chevrolet really put a winner together! It is a sexy looking and powerful machine.

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  1st Corvette - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Popinki - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE this car! Excellent fuel economy...30 on a long trip with cruise on 70 to 75...22 in the city. Would like a better interior design, especially around the radio and HAV controls. Im trading it in next week with great sorrow but am purchasing a 2003 Anniversary Edition Convertible 6 speed to help me get over my loss and sadness of parting with my 1st Vette!

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  2000 conv. vette - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Wm. Beier - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Engine ticking at start up after a few hrs. sitting. Was told by dealer this was normal. My 1990, 1992, 1995 did not tick at start up and they were all driven for more than 93000 miles each when I traded for another Vette.

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  3rd ones a charm! - 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Frank J. S. - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Corvette (1975 Stingray, 1986 Coupe)and the best one yet. It handles great and the technology is cool. Looks best with the top down. I have the pewter/black/black. I added chrome wheels and exhaust tips. Its really an eye catcher! If you havent already, buy one. Youll love it!

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  My Baby - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By twwinmd - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! It is the best car I have ever owned and at age 44, I have had many.