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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  Still Tryin - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Vette Crazy - October 22 - 5:50 pm

  This is my 4th Corvette (93, 99, 02, 04). I dont know why I keep trying. Ive loved Vettes since I was a kid and keep hoping someday Ill find one that doesnt have problems. This one has had problems with transmission (hard shifts), broken stabilizer links and brakes squealing for 2 years. Dealer said brake squeal is normal after their 4th attempt to fix. All 3 C5s were convertibles and all leaked around the windows when driving in the rain. All of my Vettes averaged about 3 visits to the dealer per year for repairs not counting normal maintenance, with each visit being at least 2 days. You would think I drive them hard, but Ive been told I drive like a little old granny. So thats not it.

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  Not Your fat, bald man driver - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Martha in Plantation - October 19 - 12:40 am

  I am a 5 ft 7 natural blonde. I know people expect to see a mid-life crisis male when they pass me. I love the Vette, but the ride is nothing like my Cadillac SUV. My boyfriend drives a BMW convertible, and people always think he owns the Corvette and I own the BMW. The noise level on the highway with the Vette is bad. I wouldnt think of a long trip in it. I just had too much disposable income when I bought it, either that or my mid-life crisis set in! I love the Corvette "wave" from other owners! Everyone should own one Vette in their life!

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  My 5th Vette. Beyond Comparison - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Mike Zap - October 17 - 7:53 pm

  Bought in Texas. Awesome Drive home! This is the first Corvette I have ever been in that rides as good as it looks and goes. Excellent fit and finish, comfortable seats and of course 400 willing horsepower to punch a hole in the road. Creature comforts like heads up display, power heated seats, dual climate controls, 6 CD Bose sound system all coddle the occupants. Great steering, seat comfort and pedal placement make this car sooooo much fun. The nicest thing about this car is its a Chevy and can be serviced without waiting months for parts or an appointment. Besides all that what could be more American than driving a red Corvette with the top off and my wife sitting at my side?

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  No car comes close for the money - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Nat04Z06 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car you can buy under $100,000. Other cars may be faster, others may get better fuel economy and some may look better. But nothing on the road does everything as well as the Corvette/Z06.

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  fun in the sun - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By patrick crowley - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is great for the ego, scary FUN to drive, predictable handling at the limit, the only downside is the 1st to 4th shift which is not always predictable.I do not understand the comments about cheap interior. To me its just great. Sure its not as luxuruous as a maserati or mecedes but then again its only a fraction of the price!

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
  By AF_Ret - October 14 - 12:39 am

  Took Museum delivery of 09 Atomic Orange convertible with 4LT, NPP, Z51, Auto, Nav system on 22 Sep. Drove back to So CA and it was the most confortable long distance ride of any car that I have owned. The 6 way power seats are extremely comfortable and exceeded my expectations. Handled like a dream on winding mountain roads. Could not believe the acceleration that this car has. Gas mileage better then expected, 26.6 MPG cross country and this included city, mountain and interstate driving during break in period. A great automobile.

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  Better as time passes - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By ccrvtt - October 10 - 8:29 am

  My first Corvette was a 1995 Coupe which I had for 7+ years. I bought it because I thought the targa top would be a good combination coupe/convertible. The cowl shake with the targa out was unacceptable. So I went for a convertible when I bought the 2007. It is remarkable how Corvettes just get better with every succeeding iteration. This convertible is quieter, stiffer, and smoother by far. When we picked up the 07 my wife remarked that she actually forgot she was riding in a Corvette. I bought the car with just over 34,000 miles on it. Ive had no problems so far. Im impressed with the ride, the acceleration, the brakes, the styling, etc. I still miss my 95, but the 07 is a quantum leap ahead. Corvettes are still a screaming bargain on the used car market.

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  2003 Corvette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Starbuck - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Best Vette Yet!!! I Have owned 5 Corvettes and this Corvette is my favorite

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  You Gotta Get one of These! - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Vette Crazy - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had other Corvettes but this 2003 is the best Corvette in handling, styling and performance. I cant imagine the C6 beeing any better. This is the first Corvette I bought new and so far its been worth every penny.

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  awesomeness - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By pauly pocket - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I love it more than any other car on the rode. chevy is the best.