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:

• 

  It is a way of life - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By EightySixTangos - June 22 - 9:35 pm

  I picked it up at the National Corvette Museum, in Bowling, Kentucky. It is a red convertible with paddle shift. Once it was broken in I drove it 2600 miles with the top down. The only problem I had was dead bugs all over the front bumper and side mirrors. I previously had a red C4 Convertible. The difference in ride quality and handling is phenomenol. Be sure and get it with Paddle Shift. Once you get used to used to it, you will notice a huge performance difference between it and the automatic. If you can, go to the National Corvette Museum for delivery. They take you on a personal tour of the factory. Remember, Corvette owners wave at each other. Save the Wave!

• 

  Fun car - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By jerry - June 19 - 5:20 pm

  I love pretty much everything about the car, handling, speed, style, the look of course, and for the price, it clearly is the best sports car in value. Enough said. Speed

• 

  What A Car! - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jim - June 19 - 10:33 am

  Ive had my Vette for about six weeks now. All I can say is this is one fine roadster. The power is intoxicating. The handling and ride are exceptional with the F55 suspension. Ive had two Honda S2000 roadsters prior to this and theres no comparison. The combination of performance and comfort completely eclipse the Honda. If youre looking for a "toy" I dont believe there are many better choices than this car. Especially, when one factors in the cost to performance ratio. Cheverolet has to have produced one of the best values in this market segment.

• 

  The best car ever made in the US - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By My5th vette Jamil - June 18 - 12:48 am

  The car is so much fun to drive, handles turns very well its like a stealth jet. This is my 5th vVtte and by far the best ever made. The biggest downfall is the mark up dealers put on these cars. Other than that the car is a ten. By far the best ever. 505 hp is enough for the averge Joe like me! If you can afford the car then is a must to have .

• 

  To much fun to drive, always smiling - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By smiley - June 16 - 8:58 am

  This car has been nothing but fun. With a few modifications I get a regular 30MPG average highway and city. Best of all its a V8 sports car. Handles great, lots of powe,r never have a problem merging onto any road. Just so much fun to drive I cant seem to stop.

• 

  First corvette - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bills fan - June 15 - 10:00 am

  The engine sound and power output is great. Ive driven a stick off and on for 30 years, and this six speed is worth every penny. New color for 2004 - medium spiral gray metallic - really stands out in the sunlight. I love it.

• 

  Z06 - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By 03z06eb405 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  The best vette yet

• 

  Best Corvette , {Ever} - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Stan Phillips - June 12 - 10:48 am

  My 2005 C6, is the 5th Corvette that Ive owned. It is also the best one I have owned. Design, workmanship, handling, power & overall driving is great. I was a little disturbed with the new body style, at first, {but}, after having it for a couple of weeks, you really see that its a great design, with all the sculptured front fender style, rear styling etc. I liked the C5, & was going to purchase a C5, but after studying the new C6, realized that it is a {MUCH} better car. The engineering of the it is the best ever. Im very happy with The C6 & give it a 10 rating. Chevy top engineers really did a fine job with it. Very nice Corvette, Especially for the money. Other sport type cars with its performance,{like the Ferrari}, & Porche, cost much more.& really dont perform that much greater, or as good. I highly recommend the C6, as Im very happy with mine.

• 

  Awesome Corvette - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Pat - June 10 - 8:43 pm

  This is my 4th Corvette. The overall quality is impressive, the performance and handling is world class and awesome. We recently completed a trip from WA. State to AZ and back, 28+ MPG, cruise set at 90+. Very comfortable on the long trip. I read comments by others giving a negative to the interior and I disagree. They need to look at the other cars out there and compare, I drove the Porsches, MB and BMW. This care is at least comparable in quality and fit, but far exceeds them in performance and value.

• 

  Great Fun Car to drive - 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
  By William Nicoson - June 4 - 9:44 pm

  I have always wanted a Corvette. I finally got one even tho its used it is in pristine condition. I have had to put a new water pump and replace the airflow guard underneath and the antenna wont retract all the way but I still love the car. Great handling and great power.