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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  2007 Z51 Manual (bad fit and finish) - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By sir vettealot - May 28 - 3:42 pm

  DonÂ’t get me wrong the car is so much fun to drive and looks great but the interior quality is very bad and does not compare to any German or Japanese carsÂ’ quality. It feels a little cheap. My friend drives a 2008 BMW M3 which is comparable to the vette in power and price but the interior quality on the beemer is much better than my corvette for the same price. Some of my interior trim is coming off and the car is still under warranty.

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  New C6 beats them all - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Doc Robbins - May 26 - 12:00 am

  I picked up my beautiful magnetic red C6 right after it came off the truck. It has every available option on it, from the satellite rradio to the navigation system. At first I thought I would miss having the 6 CD changer; but with the XM satellite radio, who needs CDs? Ive had navigation systems before. I think theyre a necessity to reduce stress if youre traveling any sort of distance to a place unknown. Directions are even shown on the heads up display, and that is a first for me. Its awesome. The car has much more torque than the C5, and the Corvette window noise has finally been eliminated .Corvette is once again the premier sports car in the world!

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  have owned many cars..this is the best - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By jeremy8 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several Corvettes 1974, 1975, 1979 and 1985. A Mercedes 450, Lincoln Mark V111, Cadillac Seville, a Mercedes 320, an Accura Legend. I have to say that this is the most fun, well put otgether vehicle of all of them. It is sexy, fast and solid and I highly recommend the car...though not the dealership.

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  Loving it - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Ted_Derth - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving a coupe for about 2 weeks now. It is simply outstanding and a joy. It is nearly broken in, so I am starting to push it. This car FLIES. Very comfortable, and the the car has been flawless. Handles great, accelerates great, and has awesome stopping power. I have the 6-speed manual, and it is higly recommended (this review wouldnt let select that option for some reason).

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  lil red corvette - 1991 Chevrolet Corvette
  By lil red corvette - May 19 - 12:27 pm

  I bought it as a second car "for my wife".She loves it had 45,000 mi .on it. Now has 65,000 on it. A-1 car, great pickup, handles on curvy roads like a champ 23 mpg city/hwy.The small block 350 best motor made.Corvette ownership is great. we acknowledge each other on the road a very special handling auto. Can be repaired by anyone, this one has only needed an egr valve replaced ,parts and labor $150.LOTS of low end TORQUE!!!

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  C6 Z51 - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By G Cunningham - May 11 - 4:43 am

  The Vette does more than what I expected. The speed, handling and looks are out of this world. I was very happy with the acceleration and steering response. I have all my friends trying to buy one now.

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  What a car! - 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
  By pasadena - May 8 - 5:42 pm

  My first vet. Always wanted a vet so I went with the z06. This car has the numbers like the 911 turbo but z06 wont drain your savings account. The car has so much power and the handling is just solid!

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  1st Corvette (my dream car) - 2008 Chevrolet Corvette
  By wh - May 6 - 11:04 am

  Ive driven several corvettes in my quest to buy one. I am very pleased with the car.

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  new c5 corvette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By mitchmann - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have not owned or driven a corvette for 20 yeaars,what a difference, its fast,handles great and when you start it you know its powerful,The first thing i noticed was the powerful engine growl,something i had forgot over the years from driving sedans. I love it and think it is one of the most beautiful cars on the road. The variable suspension system really makes a difference in the ride,and the heads up speed display is something every car should have.Now if I can get my wife to let me have it back everything will be fine.

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  Perfect choice to replace old Vette - 2008 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Lea - April 28 - 5:06 pm

  I owned a 69 427 pumped up Vette for 16 years. Decided at last, to replace it instead with a new one a few weeks ago. My old car was a beast, and this one equals it, but stock and under warranty! Chevy has finally brought back a true muscle car! Fun to drive, great gas mileage, unbelievably 26.5 mpg after a 3200 mile trip out west, and a rather comfortable ride to boot. I still miss my old car but this one takes away the pain leaving nothing to be desired.