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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  1996 Collector Corvette - 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Joe St. Romain - February 25 - 9:28 am

  Ive bought this Vette new in 1996, and drive it about 6000 exciting miles per year. It is bullet proof sound. I never worry about it leaving me. Other than oil changes, the ONLY maint. on it was 1 set of brake pads, 2 sets of tires, 1 water pump, and 2 batteries. This is a VERY reliable car that can be driven hard if you want to.

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  A real toy - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Chris - February 24 - 4:47 pm

  Excellant sports car for the money. It turns lots of heads when we go out cruising. A real sharp body and performance package. This is our 4th Vette since we bought our first one in 1999. Would highly recommend this beauty to anyone wanting a great looking high performance sports car

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  "THE CAR" - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Robert E - February 24 - 2:00 am

  THERE HAS BEEN NONE OTHER CAR TO MATCH "THE CORVET." The covet is a class of its own rite and makes many copy-cats, but they fall short. The only other car that I would compare the "VET" was my porche 944/928. However, the "Prowler is really an eye stopper, makes my heart skip a beat. The "VET" has the speed, stability, STYLE and many wanting eyes craving it. When you drive up in a Corvet people take notice and have to say something to you or give you the thums up.

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  Corvette - Americas car - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By dan - February 22 - 6:06 pm

  I love the Corvette convertible. Its design is so simple and effective, and the fact its a convertible makes it even more visually appealing. Having put a new sound system in, it completes the car, making it an ultimate luxury to drive in. A truly wonderful car.

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  Best Buy! - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By golfone - February 18 - 2:00 am

  At present I have about 7,000 miles on a coupe bought new in Sept. 02. Avg. over 24 miles to gal. mostly freeway driving. power to spare and no problems so far. One complaint the stereo is marginal at best. Interior could be better, but fit and finish, particularly the paint is excellent, far better than past Vettes.

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  Pleased Corvette Owner - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By 1999 Corvette - February 14 - 10:43 pm

  1999 Magnetic Red Metallic Convertible with Light Oak Interior/Top. Magnificent Machine. My plate says it all...YS I CAN... Color is so deep you feel as though you could dive into it. Looks like it needs a ticket just sitting still! Could not be happier with a great American Sport Car. Has every option available.

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  Not bad - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jim - February 13 - 6:16 pm

  So far so good. Its my 3rd Vette and by far the best. The interior could use some upgrades in the trim areas , maybe some wood grain around the radio. It does get 28 mpg at 70 mph, city is a little less then expected but the same as my other Vettes mid 14 to 15. not bad for 400 horses.

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  Corvette C6- best all around - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By vicred-C6 - February 12 - 4:58 pm

  Im glad I decided to wait for the 2006. A very upgraded (sportier) steering wheel & interior improvements were needed. Other than those minor improvements, this car is in a leauge of its own. Nothing else will give this type of saticfaction on the road. World class performance at such a value when compared to the cars in its class(Porshe, Viper, Lotus, BMW). My victory red with red interior 6 sp., with the 3LT package is a perfect blend of performance, style and comfort. This is an everyday car that looks and performs better than anything else. Trust me-GO DRIVE ONE!!!

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  Fantastic fun - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Doug Constantine - February 12 - 5:02 am

  Just driving to the store is fun. King of the road. Car is bi-polar. Put the pedal to the metal and everybody around ducks. It is so much fun. And... after 15 months it has not been back to the dealer for repairs.

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  Problems with owning an 06 Z06 Corvette - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By alenatasevich1 - February 7 - 10:33 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with this car. Starter needs replacing. I had on road assistance called twice because the car didnt start. 2 & 1/2 months of owning this car and Im informed that the "engine is cracked". I speak with mechanics & the dealership and Im informed that this happened on installation at the factory as there was overtorquing that cracked the lower engine block. I was shown the problem visually. Its as clear as day which is another testimony to GMs & Chevrolets quality control which is anything but. Nevertheless, they refuse to replace the car although its obvious that the car was delivered defective. GM is willing to replace the engine.