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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  Corvette has blistering speed - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Brian Hook - July 18 - 1:19 am

  Car is nice. Though its a base model, corvettes have a lot of whistles and bells. Its rather an oxymoron term, since you would assume its a stripped model, when its actually fully loaded. Power 6 way seats include power lumbar and power side bolster in seats. Lots of power. On average im getting 22 to 23 mpg. On road trip using cruise control I got 29mpg with mild launches, so its great. Ive wanted vette for 30 years and it finally became a reality. I enjoy every time the car turns on.

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  Just flat out fun! - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Dr Doolittle - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Im on my third corvette, love them.

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  Finally - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Corvette kid - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my pewter convertible 2000 vette, finally I own a car that is fun fun fun to drive.So far it is the best looking,best driving and most comfortable sports car I have ever owned, and built in the good old U.S.A.One thing that I will have to get used to is the stares from other drivers, they have that I wish I had one look. I also can highly recomend South-Bay Mercedes-Benz for a pleasant buying experience, ask for Ryan.

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  THE BEST ON THE ROAD - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Rod Stubbs - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Having a ZO6 and owning 6 Crovettes before it i am more than pleased with how Chevrolet has delt with the sports car competition. nothing can touch a ZO6 for money and not mujch can touch it on the road too i have a 01 with 385 plus a 25 hp Cold Air Induction System.

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  Amazing - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By ASAP - July 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is nothing short of amazing. Mine is like a drem come true. It is such a beautiful car, but i do think to reserve the excitement of this long lived classic they should put more of a limit on the production. I think that too many are sold, but maybe thats just me. Then again im sure they are sold because just about everyone wants the the driving excitment

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  Back to a Bowtie? - 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Slacker - July 3 - 2:00 am

  After owning a virtually problem free 1992 5.0 mustang for 8.5 yrs, I "settled" for my automatic vette. The automatic effectively removes the "fun factor" from this car. Very benign, boaring handling at best. I drove a manual but didnt buy it. Vibration through the steering wheel and dash shimmy are due to low structural integrity. Have the conv. X frame braces installed. In 18 mos, I have replaced water pump, Intake manifold gasket, starter, and climate control unit under warranty. Young chev. and Steakley Chev. service suck. Corvettes of Dallas in Carrolton, TX does quality work. Bottom Line: Awsome with the 6-speed. Boaring with the automatic

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  Outrun 911 Turbos for 70 grand less - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By A convert - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Never did like Chevys until I got this bad-boy. Its good to be able to humiliate 911 turbos and (if I was rich) still be able to buy another Z06 and an F250 Powerstroke with the money left over.

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  99 corvette - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By rmckee0990 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a pleasure in all ways.Performance,design,quality,and reliability.The car currently has 55000. miles on it and has performed flawlessly.

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  Possible Viper Killer - 1992 Chevrolet Corvette
  By norules119 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I love this corvette. I have had a 1980 and a 1973 and those were nice but no comparison to this car. I put a set of chrome Z06 wheels on it and it makes the car look 100% better. i have done a few alterations to push about 330hp. I am thinking about putting a lingenfelter supercharger on it. If i do that i could be pushing out 450+ hp. Now that would be a VIPER KILER!

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  The Warble - 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
  By David Houston - June 27 - 11:37 am

  I notice the "warble" when it goes from 8 cylinders to 4 cylinders. I think mine might have an issue as it seems to switch between 4 and 8 at times that I think it should not and way too frequently. Mine switches back and forth when there is no change in accelerator position or load, as in going up hill or down hill. The "warble" only lasts a second but it still is noticeable to me. I equate it to the pinging you used to hear from engines running on low octane fuel and accelerating. My car has never had anything in it but premium 93 octane fuel. It is a minor vibration when it happens but is still noticeable by me. I have yet to take it in under warranty as I know some mechanic will drive it for miles trying to replicate my complaint and I only let "special" people drive my Z51 3LT.