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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  Long term owner - 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Lynn Hondo - January 20 - 7:06 pm

  I bought vehicle new in 1998. It has given me many years of almost trouble free performance. Ive only had two problems a sensor in the active handling system failed, which was replaced under warranty, and I encountered a steering wheel lockup. There was a recall for the steering wheel lock up that I had not taken care of, so I was somewhat at fault for having an untimely lock up. Ive read where a number of people have had the lock up. In my case the car was in a parking lot, I got in to leave and the steering wheel would not unlock. Had to tow into dealer for fix. The car is quick, and hard acceleration is a real kick. My driving style results in mileage of 24 miles per gallon.

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  Performance deal of a lifetime - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By bosstoolman - January 19 - 10:16 pm

  I used to be a hot rodder back in the late 60s early 70s and thought those days would never return. How wrong I was. The American push-rod V8 is back big time only better. Thats an understatement. This car has everything a preformance minded regular guy could hope for. The power & torque is incredible. The sound is old school. The handling is definitely state of the art. Driving this car is something I look forward to every day. I was suprised at the comfort level sitting in this car. I got the Z51 handling option & highly reccomend it. This car is glued to the road. It is the best Corvette yet. The ride is suprisingly comfortable for this type of vehicle. I cant wait for spring!!

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  Disgusted with GM, Warranty is worthless - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By superb - January 17 - 4:56 pm

  I am totally disgusted with this car and wont purchase another GM product. Corvette was alway my dream car, my dreams were shattered when I bought my brand new 50th anniversary convertible. Many problems, including a leaky roof, 3 different dealers tell me nothing is wrong. After 5 attempts they finally replaced the rubber, guess what, it still leaks. This is just one of many problems with this car. If only the warranty were worth something. I might enjoy it if they would fix it.

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  5000 miles - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By corvette Jim - January 16 - 2:22 am

  I have owned a Jag, Mercedes, Nissan & Lexus. The 05 Vette has by far the best sports car peformance & style. The C6 really is a beautiful machine inside and out.

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  Never go back to imports - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Apollo - January 15 - 4:16 am

  This Corvette is absolutely incredible! I have only had it about a month, but it is so smooth and extremely well put together. I drive a lot and my most recent two cars have been American made (after 5 Japenese cars.) I had such good luck with my Lincoln LS (110,000 in three years) I decided to get another new American made car. There will be no going back for me. I have had the opportunity to own and drive some of the best Japan has to offer. They make a fine automobile and spend a gob of money on the little things that make you think you have something special. When you drive this car, you KNOW you have something special. 25 miles to the gallon all around and it is not even broken in yet.

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  This Car Turns Heads - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By RAYMOND KIMBLE - January 14 - 7:55 pm

  Since I purchased my Corvette coupe in August 2005 I have experince nothing but pure joy whenever I drive it. I get compliments on a regular basis. This car is not only powerful but its also extremely fun to drive. Believe it or not, Ive even been asked by policeman how fast it goes. I always give them the politically correct response of "55 miles per hour". I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  My First Vette - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jim Stevens - January 14 - 5:33 pm

  What a sweet ride! Fast,comfortable, a head turner, even in Belleair Beach among all the Porsches and Mercedes sport coupes. The C6 lives up to all its billing and then some. Great handling on long trips as well as around town.I have to drive it every day (maybe thats why I have almost 15000 miles on it since May 05). People come up to look at it everywhere I go. Even teenagers roll down their windows at stop lights to comment on what a beautiful car it is. I waited a long time for my first Corvette, but it was definitely worth the wait.

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  2005 C6 - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By tarmstro - January 14 - 1:03 pm

  This is a great car. Ive driven a lot of Porsches (still own a Boxster), M- Bs and BMWs and this car compares very favorably. Power is outstanding; particularly for the $. The car is just beautiful...chevy finally got it right!

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  Best car I have ever owned. - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By My1Rx - January 9 - 11:59 pm

  Incredible performance, handling, appearance and bang for your buck. Over 26000 miles and car is still like new. Saw my first 2006 Red ZO6 and almost fell over. May soon be upgrading to a C6 ZO6.

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  03 C5 corvette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bill - January 9 - 5:55 pm

  The car is well built and fun to drive. Very comfortable on long road trips and mileage is surprisingly good. GM could have built in more performance but that is easily fixed with after market bolt on changes. Run flat tires provide piece of mind because there is no spare tire but they are noisy. Will buy future models agains. Very nice car.