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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  Corvette Convertible - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jarvis Renfrow - March 27 - 10:36 pm

  The best looking, fastest, sexiest, head turning, satisfying pride of ownership, status symble, that everybody including kids recognizes in the world. Mine is torch red and brother it is red hot.

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  Definitely a 10 - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Lipps - March 25 - 11:02 am

  I owned a beautiful white 2005 coupe with Z51 and 6 speed manual and put over 6000 miles on it before I decided I really needed a convertible. Although the Z51 was a monster, it was still very pleasant to drive, and a lot of fun when pushed to the limit. Then I bought this beautiful black convertible with 6 speed paddle shift auto and magnetic select ride. Wow .. what a difference! As smooth riding as a Cadillac with performance like the Z51 .. and bonus - 25 mpg! This Corvette is the first car I have ever bought, and I have owned many, that is absolutely perfect. The difference between this Corvette and the last one is like the difference between .. well, black and white!

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  Best Vette Ive ever owned - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Lonna - March 24 - 12:26 pm

  This is my 3rd, I had a 93, 04 and now this 05. The comfort in this car has been greatly improved, not to mention horse power and overall handling. The new exhaust system have a perfect, deep sound to it, and I appreciate the fact they went back to having the 6sp manual as standard.

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  Wonderful Car - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Wonderfull Car - March 22 - 6:37 am

  I have had over thirty new cars. This is the best I have every had. It not only is a pretty car it is fun to drive. I knew we were going to buy it the minute my wife drove it. We are both in late 60s. Of course we have always loved performance cars so I thought I would like the GTO. I traded the 04 GTO on the Corvette. Cant believe how much better quiality is in the Corvette. This is our first Vette and cant understand why it took us so long to try one.

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  AWESOME CAR - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By TONYS04 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my first vette since wanting one since I was 17. WOW what a car. Power, ride and the looks. Too bad i waited 17 years to get one. Its a great sports car for the value. I have a 2004 Commerative edition, the color is great. WOW!WOW!

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  TRUE AMERICAN SPORTS CAR - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By SYDNEY - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED TWO PREVIOUS CORVETTES, A 1970 AND A 1976, AND JUST PURCHASED A 2004 COUPE. WOW! THE ENGINEERS AND DESIGN FOLKS AT G.M. ARE TO BE CONGRATULATED ON CREATING THE BEST VETTE YET. IT RIDES AND HANDLES LIKE A DREAM AND IS A "HEADTURNER" NO MATTER WHERE I TAKE IT. IN ADDITION, IT HAS PLENTY OF SPACE FOR MY GOLF CLUBS AND GETS GREAT GAS MILEAGE. LIFE IS GOOD.

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  Cant Beat a Vette C5 - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Donna Kuemmer - March 20 - 10:33 pm

  This Vette was purchased New on 4/04,It has been garaged since new & I cant wait to drive it! Handles & Hauls! Great sports car & fuel mileage car. Never driven in the foul weather such as rain / snow since we live in the N.E.,U.S.A. Highly recommended we have (2) in our stable.

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  Riding on a cloud - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Vettbabe2006 - March 20 - 8:30 am

  I recently traded my 1998 Corvette for a new 2006 Victory Red Coupe and I must say, Chevrolet has hit another one out of the park with the C6! The Corvette just keeps getting better with each new class. Driving my new C6 is like riding on a cloud. I love my new car and I would recommend it to anyone considering a luxury sports car.

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  2006 Corvette Convertible, 6 speed MT - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By romieb - March 14 - 5:21 pm

  This is the best Corvette I have ever driven. I have a lot of mobility problems yet I have no problem getting in or out of this vehicle. I have driven every generation of Corvettes and though all were fun, this one has been a pleasure to own. I think they finally got it right. Minor problems with the battery and power top.

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  Senses Beware - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Brian - March 14 - 12:21 am

  With 300 miles on the odometer, I came to rest at a familiar intersection. I then proceeded to roll the left window down of my monterey red 2006 Corvette. As the window disappeared within the door, I stuck my head out and screamed...."Thank God for the engineers that created the Vette!" With the window now up and the light now green, the emotions of excitement, gratitude, and disbelief of how wonderful a car could be begins to build yet again. In short, unbelievable acceleration, comfort, exacting heritage and beauty is the 2006 Corvette. Definitely in a class all its own.