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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  Poor Quality - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Joe ny - February 17 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car fall 2003. It is now april 2004 and it has been in the shop 11 times already. First power window motor went, then carpet was wet after rain, took them 2 visits to find leak. Then car would not start one morning was told starter was defective. Got the car back 3 days later car is dead again, towed once again. This time they said ignition switch was bad. Why should a car have all these problems when you spend 54,000 for it.

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  Magnetic Selective Ride Control - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Martoon - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I drove my 2003 Corvette for 2053 miles before I recevived a call from my salesman that the car was shipped from the factory with PLASTIC STUFFERS IN THE SHOCKS.When removed the car rides better then any Vette made.The service dept thought I was nuts until another Vette came in and the Prep tech found the missing paper work. Attention;Corvette Vehicle Prep Technician(Subject)New Vehicle Preparation for Megnetic Selective Ride Control.IMportant;The Stuffers must be removed during new vehicle preparation.FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN CUSTOMER DISSATISFACTION WITH THE VEHICLES RIDE.Whos nuts Now.

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  Makes me smile - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Marmatoes - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Fabulous sports car. I had a 1998 and this one is much the same. A sexy, very fast head-turner. Did I say fast? I believe this is the most performance car I can get under 50 grand. It loves the road and has awesome looks. I can hardly wait to leave where ever I am so I can jump into my Corvette and hit the road.

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  Cavortin - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Gary Tischue - December 29 - 11:33 am

  C5s are probably the most car you can get for the money. They now average between $15,000 and 19,000 dollars. They are on a par, performance wise with some of the worlds super-cars. Accelerates, 0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds equals a Ferrari F2. Corners like a Formula racer, stops like nothing else with huge brakes, it is simply the funnest car to drive, unless you step up to a C6 or C7. Supremely comfortable, easy on fuel, fun to work on, this is the best car Ive ever owned. Get some of this!

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  03 Vette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Perry Hood - December 23 - 2:00 am

  The New Corvette is everything i thought it would be and more! It is powerful beyond belief yet refined. It is Sporty yet Stylish. It is a true sports car yet Luxurious. Plus it gets almost 20 mpg! Bravo Chevrolet! You done good, real good!

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  Great Fun - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Joe Starkman - December 17 - 12:50 am

  Just back from driving Hwy. 3 between Vancouver, B.C. and Calgary, AB. Fabulous 2 lane blacktop, mountain passes and fast curves. The Vette handled it with ease...superb cornering, awesome acceleration for the quick pass on the 2-laner. Thats the good news...the looks, the handling, the power and the price. Its the details that GM needs to work on. The removable sunroof squeaks. the 6-speed is average at best...not even close to the Porsche shifter. The quality of the interior finish plastic materials is just plastic. Dont get me wrong...the Vette is great!

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  Simply Outstanding - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By ted@hotmail.com - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I am most impressed with the Z06. The engine AND exhaust sound are both excellent, and the torque makes the car amazing to drive. Nothing like being able to accelerate from the light in 4TH gear if you want to! On the highway, the car is very composed, and fairly quiet. The suspension is stiff, but comfortable. Acceleration is simply awesome, and the handling is very light and precise. Braking is very strong, and easy to modulate. Have been averaging about 23 MPG in mixed driving. The car has been flawless, with ZERO build defects. I am loving every moment of it as my daily driver!

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  Awesome - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By fronkie - November 5 - 8:30 am

  the corvette is americas best sports car and quite possibly the worlds best sports car.

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  1 month review - 2017 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Joe T - October 27 - 10:55 am

  So far absolutely no cons. As expected great acceleration, handling and braking. Good electronics however missing lane change warning which is pretty much standard on most new vehicles. The front camera (2lt) is a great feature helping to avoid pulling in too close to a curb with its very long and low front end. The different driving modes are a lot of fun.I was pleasantly surprised with the exceptional gas mileage in touring and eco mode. Well worth the price for a true American sports car.

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  Great car for perfect roads only - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By New Vette Owner - October 9 - 11:16 am

  I bought the Z51 package in order to get the very "best" vette possible. However, unless you plan to race this car (on a race track) or live where the roads are perfect, consider the magnetic suspension. The Z51 is simply too harsh for midwestern roads. Buy the skip shift bypass from one of the aftermarket sites - that feature is annoying at best, dangerous at worst. The car is tremendous fun on the right roads, and is a real head- turner, though it is a handful on rough secondary roads. It is a super- bargain, but there is a trade-off in refinement. If you can afford it, check out a Boxster S or M3 before you buy.