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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the perfect vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
By supercharged63 - September 28 - 10:00 amcorvettes are the greatest cars ever made never to be outdone by any reasonably priced sports car, i need not say anymore.
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Unreal - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
By PattyMacDaddy8 - September 28 - 10:00 amMy Z06 has to be the fastest most aerodynamic car i have ever owned. The power is unreal and will be even better when the C6 ZO6 is released, it is supposed to have like 50 more ponies and a lot less weight.
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corvette - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
By slim - September 22 - 2:00 amafter driving several other corvettes it just seems to get better.it is hard to beleive this car can be improved.
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Grand Sport - 2017 Chevrolet Corvette
By TJ - September 7 - 6:17 amA bit pricey but the 2LT does give you everything you need/want in a comfortable/capable race car. It is NOT a sports car like a miata or bmw z, this is a race car and it feels all of it.
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Great car - 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
By TomVette - September 6 - 9:25 pmThis is my third Vette. I had two prior C5s which were great, but just wasnt personally fond of the C6 styling (though its a great car). The C7 is the only Vette that my wife finds really comfortable to ride in. The seats are supportive, entry and exit is far better and the car feels very confident. The optional exhaust allows for the exhaust to be tamed down when that is appropriate and opened up when you are driving aggressively. Handling, traction and acceleration are inspiring. The 8 speed automatic is state of the art with almost no shift lag. The looks of any car is very personal. That said, I like this car. The fit and finish is excellent and the styling is fresh. Highly recommended.
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Wouldnt change anything - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
By ferraf - August 28 - 2:00 amHandels like a dream, great performance, handeling, braking. I am huge corvete fan after this purchase. Great sound system, HUD display is a great feature. The eletromatnetic shock system new to the 03 model is a great feature, the wife enjoys the confort ride. The shocks tighten up in a snap for incredible tights cornering.
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LOVE my 2002 Vette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
By Ken Deken - August 23 - 10:00 amI rented one in Vegas. Needed a new car with the kids gone and looked at BMWs and Infinitis. Not that much different than the sedan I already had. Now the Corvette, thats different! Makes driving an experience every day! Made in USA, a world-class value!
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My 2nd Vette - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
By Carver - August 11 - 2:00 amMy first Vette (which I still own) is a 1980L82 Coupe. The improvements in the C5 are stunning. I still drive my L82, and frankly it get the most looks and comments, however, the C5 is by far the better engeneered. The heads up display, memory package, active handling, power, and 30 mpg, make it an auto enthusiest purr.
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2004 Corvette Coupe - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
By MagRedVette - August 11 - 2:00 amAmazed at the quality, handling, and performance of this vehicle. The stock Goodyear tires are noiser than I expected but provide good handling for a runflat tire. Some cockpit noise through the exhaust in the 1500-2200 rmp range. Best driveability at about 70 mph when you outrun the tire noise. Handling on curves is exceptional. LS1 engines power availability will likely exceed most peoples expectation, even with the stock 350 cubic inch, 350 hp engine. Car has extraordinary balance and feel. Be sure to buy the Magnetic Selective Ride Control. Its not available as an aftermarket item. I didnt and Im still kicking myself. I love this car!!
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A super car! - 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
By MarkM - August 2 - 12:30 amJust went over 1000 miles with the new vette. Incredible performance. Engine sound management is first rate. Interior finally lives up to corvette standards. A option I would recommend for the next generation vette would be a blind spot sensor capability. A sports car bargain! Get one!!!
