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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  1993 Vette owned 10 years - 1993 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Paul - June 8 - 12:12 pm

  I bought this 93 Vette right out of college w/77K mikes. I used it for a daily drive, weekends, etc. Ive owned Jaguars, BMWs, etc. This car has been the best bang for the buck and you can pull into a dealership in any rural town and get it worked on. With tech manuals you can easily service it yourself or you local mechanic buddy can fix almost anything. With the mpg and economical repairs, it has been a very great affordable car to own and operate. Performance and the looks of this 14 year old car still turn heads. If you dont have one, get one.

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  My Vette - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Brian Fries - June 7 - 6:21 pm

  I have only had my car for a few weeks and I find myself wanting to lay on the gas more and more. It seems very manageable at lower rpms and really gets up to go when you want it to.

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  My C6 Coupe - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By jdigiova - May 29 - 12:50 pm

  This car is awesome! Its fun to drive, civil when cruising, and potent when needed or demonstrated (not needed). A great attention getter, people still turn to look. A much more civil vehicle than my 1970 454 C3 Coupe but faster and much better handling.

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  Bbest car in the world - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By car-lover - May 23 - 4:01 am

  No other car compares to this Corvette for function, style or looks. It will run with cars that cost 3 to 7 times as much and do it more comfortably and much more fuel efficient. This car sips fuel and runs like a jet

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  great - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By bbblllccc - May 16 - 2:00 am

  its a great car

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  I Love It - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By SRAF - May 12 - 4:54 pm

  Ive had this car for 2 months and have had zero problems. This is my 4th Vette and I thought I loved my 25th anniversary C5 - but this one is superior in every way. Interior styling is a vast improvement. They finally included a decent stereo and power top. Im a big guy so getting out is a little difficult - but Ill live with it. Plenty of head/leg room.

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  mil yellow - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By guysair11 - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my third vette and my first new one Ive previosly owned a 96 black and a 00 in sebring silver this one is millenium yellow and I love it I cant wait to drive it between the performance and the drivability this car is great the fun factor is a 10 I got a great deal and saved over $9000 off invoice the dealership was also excellent. overall a great car thats a blast to own and drive. G.P.

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  Awesome! - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By KBECK - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my 2000 Vette. The 05 Vette is a quantum leap from the C5 - performance, interior/exterior fit & finish. Navigation system and overall use of technology is impressive.

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  Fun on a medium budget - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Gravy - April 25 - 5:13 am

  Initially, I found my 2000 Vette fairly pricey, but as I am more informed it is obvious that owning one is actually reasonable. It gets great mileage, the insurance at least for an adult is cheap. Its reliable, and to my delight there is very little depreciation if you take care of them. The car is fun and has given a lot of pleasure.

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  Best buy - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Corvette fever - April 18 - 8:12 pm

  I had all the Vettes c 1-5 and and this one will make history. If you drive one you will buy one. A little hi tech for an everyday driver, but so far no problems.