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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  2005 Corvette Convertible, Z51, 6 sp - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bill B - June 1 - 4:32 pm

  It took me 40 years to finally buy the Corvette I promised myself in college. It is actually better than I expected. It is a joy to drive, on both winding back roads and interstates. Ive driven it from Maine to Tennessee with nothing but great experiences. From a performance standpoint, it is the fastest thing Ive ever driven, and it will be at least another 12,000 miles before Im really able to use all 400 hp comfortably. The convertible top is perfect. Tight and quiet when up, and easy to put down. At 120 with the top up you can talk and hear the radio. And it insulates very well. No problems with air conditioning in the summer (and my top is black)

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  C5 is a True Driving Machine - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Yvette - June 1 - 12:37 pm

  I purchased my dream C5, a yellow convertible with a white top and red seats without ever driving it based purely on specifications and styling. Driving it the last 4 years & 9 months has been a blast. It is just as exciting today as it was then. I have driven many cars from all manufacturers except the expensive exotics ala Ferrari and Lamborghini and nothing compares to the Corvette. The car has been perfect except for replacing the battery & O2 sensor. I drive it hard and fast eight months out of the year. Its been a total thrill. Every time I finish a drive, I feel such exhilaration that I want to jump out like Speed Racer. Im a woman driver thatll never. I need a C6.

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  Corvette Convertible - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By AnthonyZ - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a 2004 Corvette convertible after owning a 1998 Corvette for 4 years. The convertible top is extremely easy to manage, and the car is awesome! The only gripe I had is that the vehicle experienced some electrical issues a month after I got it which was covered under warranty. Overall though, its a great car.

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  Awesome car - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By dano000 - May 26 - 6:19 pm

  I have been driving Corvettes for the last 15 years off and on. This 2004 Corvette has been the best. The 6 speed tranny is great on gas mileage. I am planning on trading in this car in two years and getting the 2008. I would highly recommend a Corvette to an person that is looking for a high performance car at a reasonable price.

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  Wow! 505hp Super car - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bob Burns - May 26 - 5:12 pm

  I have owned fast cars, but this car is in the super fast class. What a fun car to drive everyday. Driving slow or fast this car will make you very happy. If you can find one.....Buy it!

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  Rons Z06 - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By CorvetteRon - May 26 - 4:35 pm

  My Velocity Yellow 2006 ZO6 is my 14th Corvette and is the best of the group by far. I owned a couple of ZR1s and 3 Z06s and there is no comparison to this beast. Chevy keeps improving the Vette with each generation and each model year. The car is as tame or as wild as you want it to be. It is great around town or on the road.

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  04 Z06 Commemerative Edition - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By machineman - May 26 - 12:47 pm

  Fun to drive, handles great. Never had any problems, mechanical or otherwise.It gets great gas mileage 28 MPG on the highway as long as you are cruising in 6th gear. What more can you ask for from a 405HP machine? It is what it is, a factory ready race car with a few amenities thrown in like A/C, a radio, CD player, power windows and locks. You drive it youre hooked!

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  Best yet! - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By SAJ - May 25 - 1:21 pm

  This is my fifth Corvette and is the best yet. With magnetic ride control, it corners perfectly flat and yet the ride is extremely smooth. Acceleration is almost frightening and yet Ive gotten 29 mpg on the open road. Interior quality, an issue in the 97, has been upgraded significantly. And theres something about the sound of the engine when starting the car that none of the older Corvettes had: it has a low growl that reaches a place in your soul.

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  My first new car ever with NOTHING wrong - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Michael I. Krauss - May 23 - 11:13 pm

  A total blast to drive, excellent build quality (no defects, no rattles, nada), and absolutely stunning engineering. This car is the best answer to a hard day Ive ever seen. It is my daily driver. I have absolutely no regrets for having sold my BMW 3-Series to buy this wonderful vehicle.Find a dealer with a high allocation, or you will wait months for your car. And go to Bowling Green, KY to see it built, as I did -- you will never forget that day.

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  The Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By JDS - May 20 - 2:22 pm

  Simply the best car I have ever owned. Great fun to drive and with itsoptionial stability control it is also very safe. With 345HP it is very fast but on the road at 70MPH it gets 32+MPG.