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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  PJs review - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By P.Driscoll - July 10 - 10:00 am

  nothing is as good as u think its gonna be, except this car was better. Love the admiring stares

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  Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Ellen - July 7 - 1:08 pm

  This is my third generation Corvette. The styling is absolutely gorgeous. (I also liked the sytling on my 1999 Vette.) Thought about buying the Mercedes 500 SL convertible. My car was parked next to it and I thought the Corvette was so much better looking. The manual top on my last car (the 99) was much easier to use. The guys at the dealership talked me into the manual top, and I find it hard to latch. I also think the heads up display is a waste of money. I feel that feature should be eliminated the make the power top standard. As even inexpensive convertibles all have power tops. Other than that, the Corvette gives you the most bang for the buck.

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  1999 Corvette - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By lawrence kilfoy - July 6 - 11:40 am

  This has been a exceptional Corvette. No warranty work required. The manufacturers original Goodyear run flat tires were very noisy and I changed to Michelins for a better ride.

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  Fun in the Sun - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Dr. J. D. Chandler - July 6 - 6:55 am

  This ragtop is a daily driver. Also, we have been on road trips from Dallas, Texas to San Diego, CA (3000 miles roundtrip) plus another trip from Dallas, TX to Las Vegas, NV (2500 miles roundtrip). Our experience with this car is outstanding. There is nothing to complain about. The car performs as advertised, is comfortable, road worthy and fuel economical (27 Highway) (20 city). All this with 400 horses under the hood with all the performance that this implies. There is no wind noise with this ragtop at highway speeds plus. We have only good things to say about this car

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  1 BAD 3LT C-6 - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By 1BAD C6 - July 4 - 11:11 am

  Always wanted a Corvette. When the C6 came out to play I knew it was time to get one. From the test drive we were sold. Not many new cars off the assembly line have the performance, handling and comfort that the new corvettes have.We ordered ours with the Z-51 package. All my friends said it would ride rough. To theirs and our surprise it rides smoother than we expected. The creature features in the interior will keep you busy for a few hours trying to learn and remember. The exterior? What can you say? I call it Eye Candy. It looks so good!! Come on guys and gals we have 400 ponies to feed - dont expect to get 35 mpg. Remember you have to pay to play, OH what fun. We love it!!

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  Just Drive It - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By IMAKID - June 29 - 11:53 am

  Fix the shifter, more comfort, nicer interior? Are you kidding? Fill it up, strap in, and smoke em! This is not a luxury touring car. Its a high speed, awesome sports machine. Serious speed and fun. There is no other car that delivers this kind of fun & performance for the money. If you want more junk to play with, go buy a Mercedes.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Pedro - June 28 - 10:08 pm

  I live in South Florida and had a black 99 C5 which I traded for this silver coupe with paddle shift, onstar, heads up display navigation and the Z51 racing package. The car gets lots of looks and has great accelerating power. One of the reasons for trading my old C5 was the top which at times leaked during very strong thunderstorms but to my surprise driving my new 2006 vette on the Florida Turnpike at high speed my roof peeled off and I was very lucky the roof flew high and swerved right into a ditch without hurting any of the drivers behind me. It is a shame that in a 56k dollars automobile we find such a poor quality. I will trade this vehicle primarily for safety reasons.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Keithk71 - June 25 - 12:35 pm

  Bought new in 2004. Fun car to drive, very happy overall. Has been very sound mechanically. Only minor problems blown front drivers door speaker, drivers side seat bolsters needed replacing, passenger side power window regulator needed replacing. All fixed under warranty. Biggest issue: GM doesnt fit their performance cars with adequate brakes. Prone to warpage, had same problem with 2002 WS-6 T/A. I have a set of Baer Brakes on order to fix the problem. Still, best perfomance car value out there! Cant wait to get a new Z06!

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  Great Car - 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Danny - June 23 - 1:09 pm

  I love the LT-4 higher revving engine (6400 rpm redline) coupled with the 6- spd manual transmission. This car rates a 10 on the fun meter to drive. Gas mileage is great as long as you keep your right foot out of it around town. Love the performance, brakes, ice cold a/c, Bose stereo and above all reliability. Great car!

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  True American Sports Car - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By John - June 23 - 11:37 am

  Great for long trips w/ upwards of 30mpg or 500 from an 18 gallon tank. Not enough side support for cornering in the seats but still holds on to the road well. Inside a little cheap, they could have used aluminum for the trim instead of aluminum-colored plastic. Engine bay not as nice as previous generation and hard to keep clean. Could have gone with a better sound system but all around this car beats out even European cars for the fun to price ratio.