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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  Totally Impressed - 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Donald Bogetto - December 18 - 10:53 pm

  Drive one and you will see!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  The best Corvette I have owned - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By jerry tang - December 17 - 3:23 pm

  I have owned 8 Vettes over the years and this is the hottest yet. It is improved compared with my 04. I was not sure if I would like the headlight treatment but now think it was an improvement. The car is quick, nimble and a joy to drive.

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  Z06 earned my respect - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By seslew - November 30 - 9:21 pm

  I was not until recently a big Corvette fan. But I have changed my mind after owning the Z06 for the last month. It is the fastest car I have ever driven, even faster than the Lamborghini Gallardo ($200gs) a friend brought by to compare to the Z06. The handling is superb and for normal driving it is very comfortable. Everything about the car says quality. Large multi-piston brakes, advanced electronic traction control, design and attention to detail. The Goodyear Eagle Runflats stick to the road like they are part of it. The gearbox seems a little heavy but I havent missed a shift and the throw is short and fast. I have never had a car that attracts so much attention. A great car.

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  King of the Hill - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By shoknawe - November 27 - 8:39 pm

  Picked the car up two days ago, replacing my 03 Z06 that I thought couldnt be matched. This car is far beyond words. The power is absolutely intoxicating,and its stance is without equal. Sure, I couldve bought a Porsche or Ferrari. If I had, I really would have hated to get "spanked" by a dude in his Z06. Thankfully, I get to avoid that distasteful experience and do the spanking myself. This is definitely the "Heartbeat of America!"

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  Love My ZO6 - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Big Gar - November 26 - 10:01 am

  This is my first Vette.It is truly unbelievable. It cruises the highways smoothly with no effort at all, then downshift and hold on it is gone. MPG is great, as I have made several long trips and averaged 26.7 mpg. Who needs a hybrid? The heat of the center console is tolerable for a while, then move your leg, just too hot. The faster I went in this rocket the better the handling felt. Taking mountain roads with signs saying 25 mph or 35 mph on tight curves and even hairpins at twice that speed was nothing for this car. Have had two other makes of American built so called rockets back down from this car.

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  Always wanted - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Anthony - November 23 - 12:31 pm

  My 6 speed Vette is an experience every time I get into drive it. Compared to my previous 2001 Vette I can not wait to drive when I have the time. Full of power.

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  Third Best By Far - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Glen Teason - November 16 - 9:33 pm

  I ordered a 2001 Corvette in August 2000. I wanted to make sure I would get exactly what I wanted so found a dealer who had several on order matching my needs. This is my third Corvette. First was a new 63 340 HP 4 sp. Black Convert. Loved it but QC not the best. next a new 80 bought new. This 2001 is the best by a long shot. Ultra reliable. Great gas mileage at10 city, 27 road. Great performance. Idles like a tame family sedan and has all the scoot I would want in a daily driver. Ive kept it totally stock. Most problems include headlight gears that wore out to often. I remedied this by swithching off the automatic headlight activation and manually turning on the lights. Love this car.

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  America has arrived - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Okie - November 15 - 1:27 pm

  I was never a Corvette fan, until the arrival of the C6. The new covered head lights, and smaller cleaner looks caught my eye, along with a more reasonable price tag than other cars I was considering. I could not be more happy with this car. It rides better than my friends Carrera S at half the price. The engine pulls from a 1000 rpms in any gear. Phenomenol braking and superb handling, and it looks right at home next to Gallardos and F430s. The overall fun for the money factor of this car is unequaled. America has arrived at the party. This vehicle is finally a world class competitor in the sports car arena.

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  Awesome! - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jim - November 8 - 7:08 pm

  I traded my C5 convertible for a C6 coupe after a visit to the assembly plant in Bowling Green. We saw the plant on Monday, I was behind the wheel Tuesday afternoon. The ride is improved over the C5, which was pretty good already. Apply throttle and prepare to launch. The controls are easy to use. Fit and finish are impressive. We bought every option possible and enjoy each one of them. My hardest decision each day is to pick between the painted roof or the tinted one. What the heck, some days we go topless.

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  Remarkable car - 1993 Chevrolet Corvette
  By kat from Cali. - November 2 - 5:39 am

  This is a solid well made vehicle. Its quality of craftmanship is apparent within a few days of driving. Its low profile makes for a unique driving experience. Highway driving is effortless. MPG is much better than anticipated, city driving as well as highway. No mechanical problems have occured. Ive never had a more dependable car in my 30 years of driving.