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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  Red Vette Convertible - 1990 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Gary - May 2 - 2:55 pm

  I purchased this Corvette for fun and it has certainly not disappointed. While a bit tight to get into and out of, you cant drive it without a smile on your face. Power is adequate, not mind boggling. Handling is great. Convertible top, though manual, goes up and down with ease.

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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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  Fun but still a Chevy - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By GP - April 22 - 7:43 am

  Bought this car new in December. The car has 200 miles on it and devloped a power steering fluid leak. Been back to the dealer twice. Dealer replaced power steering rack/gear unit and the resivior - still leaking.

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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.

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  Big Surprise - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Rick - April 12 - 6:17 pm

  I have owned many makes of cars, from a 260-Z to a Cadillac, including a couple of Mercedes. This is the best riding car I have owned. It gets very good gas mileage, especially for a 400 hp gorilla. I love driving it, riding in it, looking at it and touching it. I have turned the seat heater on and driven a few minutes to relieve back pain. It also relieves depression except when one writes the check to pay for it.

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  One Great Vette! - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By santa fe c6 - April 12 - 3:13 am

  I have owned 6 corvettes from the C3 thru the C6 and this one is by far the best! It is a pleasure each time I get into this car and drive it and the value that it provides is remarkable. GM and the Chevrolet Division deserve a "hats-off" to this world class machine. I had the first one delivered in Santa Fe and the response by others who saw it was not to be believed.

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  Great over 30 weekend car - 1997 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jeff Holbrook LI - April 10 - 5:55 am

  I have little to complain and a lot to praise about this car. Its a 6-speed. All the power, handling, and looks are better than any other car Ive owened or driven. Rides like a Buick and gas mileage is better than my wifes 04 Accord. Love the car.

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  Brand new 98 - 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
  By des7823 - April 9 - 9:16 pm

  I just bought a 98 Vette. It is a great looking car and is very, very fun to drive. The performance is awesome. A couple of negatives are the drivers seat doesnt quite lock in place all the time, the passenger window doesnt seal really well and lets in air noise around 90mph. Also, the check engine light has come on after I drove it hard. I plan to fix up these minor issues, because I love the car and the looks and performance make up for any other flaws.

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  Awesome Ride - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Scott B - April 9 - 7:26 am

  This is my first Vette. Like some other posters I never thought I would own one of my own. Lots of power when you want it. Not bad gas mileage when youre cruising.

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  An awesome beast! - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By jcimral - April 8 - 8:45 pm

  This is my seventh Corvette and hands down it is the best one yet. Performance is off the scale, but it is also docile enough to be your driver. See you on Route 66.