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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  Amazing - 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
  By bhendr - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Truly exceptional automobile. Best Value of any car on the market--not just sports cars.

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  Lightning FAST !! - 2017 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jay Brazelton - November 2 - 7:47 am

  This Car Has Plenty of POWER & SEX APPEAL, The Blue Tooth is Really Convenient, The 8 Speed Transmission Helps with the Gas Mileage, I do wish the Stereo was just a little Stronger with the Top Down, But the Handling of the Car with the Michelin Pro Cup tires Stay Glued to the Road As long as the Traction Control is on. Its The BEST CORVETTE BY FAR, & I started driving them in 1969. Its going to be hard to Top this Z06 3LZ WHITE Convertible with the Spice Package for Under $110,000.

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  First time Corvette owner - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By pkw - October 22 - 6:50 am

  i sprung for the Z-51 package that includes larger tires and a more suspension goodies. Although the suspension is most impressive, the active handling system is very protective. If you are a novice, it will protect you from driving beyond your limits. That said, I have not had it on the track to see what happens when I turn off the AHS. Spinning the tires with the AHS and traction control on is very difficult. If you turn off the traction control and AHS, you can light em up all day long.

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  1992 Convertible - 1992 Chevrolet Corvette
  By NJ VETTE - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Have a 1992 Convertible with the removable fiberglass top. This car has been great overall. I am relatively rough on cars (acceleration etc) and the vette holds its own. The tranny went around 78K which was a big suprise (as my brothers 1987 has 150K miles and is still on the original tranny). Even with the tranny I still think this car will last another 3 years easy.

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  Lifetime Corvette Owner, C5 is BEST Yet - 1997 Chevrolet Corvette
  By jet pilot - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but positives about the car, Except that Chevrolet would not cover the glass top when the lamanet began to peal off. Dealership (Bob McDorman, Columbus Ohio) not honest or upfront when it came to financing. I will buy else where in the future. Anyone know of a dealer one can trust?

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  Its a vette! - 1995 Chevrolet Corvette
  By TauTexan - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my torch red coupe off of Ebay. My first vette...after wanting one for many, many years. The cars a blast to drive, draws lots of attention (both good and bad!), and is just plain fun. Is it practical? No..its a vette! :) Get about 18 mpg in town...21/22 on highway. Due to its low profile and high door jam, the cars difficult to enter and exit for someone whos tall or "large." Havent had any problems with it, mechanically, and the car has almost 100,000 on the odometer. Would recommend the car...its a blast!

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  1998 C5 "WOW" - 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
  By tony c - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchase the car new in 1998, it now has 28,000 trouble free miles on it. Never been back to the dealer except for some minor recall mods. Simply the best car I have ever driven. It gets me from 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds, gets almost 30 mpg and rides like a caddy. It even has room for two sets of golf clubs!

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  I LOVE this car - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By klamotte - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my first corvette after years of dreaming of owning one. I cant believe I waited this long. Acceleration is such a sweet thing.

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  91 Vette - the best - 1991 Chevrolet Corvette
  By TonyFranc - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Awesome rear end!!! Car is designed just like the ferrari 308 gtb si and is a hell of a deal for the dollars!!!

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  GREAT CAR - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By gary - October 6 - 2:00 am

  AWESOME FUN , GREAT STYLE,HELL OF A LOOKER, CANT TELL YOU HOW MANY TIMES IVE HEARD "NICE CAR" AND BEST OF ALL CORVETTE OWNERS WAVE AT EACH OTHER - TRY THAT IN A TOYOTA OR MB