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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  my corvette - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By my corvette - December 9 - 10:00 am

  you have never driven an sports car until you drive a new vet. the feeling you have when you hit the gas is great. You must watch you speed because before you know it you are doing 90 miles per hr.

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  2004 Corvette Convertible - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By flying2low - December 9 - 10:00 am

  An absolute blast to drive! Quality has improved quite a bot from my 1994 corvette. Excellent finish and interior.

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  love my vette! - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Brian R - December 9 - 10:00 am

  picked up my dream car finally! bright yellow convertable really turns heads! i love the car! i want to drive it all the time!

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  Unreal - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By ELEANOR - December 7 - 9:08 pm

  What an experience! Just picking up this beauty at the dealership was an experience. Had to go to NY to get this baby, was too much over list here in Miami. Drove car straight through overnight back to Miami from NY to avoid snowstorm. This is the car I have been waiting for my whole life. Had the 1969 427 with trips - brand new when I was young. What a difference between a 69 with the SAME 7 liter displacement and this new beauty. Dont know how they got the mileage from this new LS7 engine, remember very POOR mileage on my first Vette. Got so many stares and looks and the SOUND is INCREDIBLE! Every stop during trip home, found people standing around admiring the car. SOOOOO HAPPY!

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  More fun than the bat mobile......... - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Duane Eilers - December 6 - 5:39 pm

  This has been the most exciting vehicle I have ever purchased and driven and it is with great pride that I highly recommend the new C6....... you literally will wonder why anyone would require more than 400 HP with that new L2 V8. You will love it!

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  Astonishing - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By satyajit - December 6 - 1:41 pm

  Excellent with all the features which i was looking for and i dont think any other car can compete with this one. Good Job. Keep it up!

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  Give this car serious consideration - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bill - December 4 - 9:12 pm

  Ive owned Ferrari and Porsche in the past, sort of turned my nose up at a Corvette, however the C6 rendition is quite a car! The interior isnt as good as it should be, but the price vs. performance is astonishing. The paddle shifting 6 speed auto is a blast. Quiet until you romp on the throttle, then turns into a bellowing beast. Handling is excellent, ride is compliant, seats will probably fit everyone well, acceleration is impressive, but it will "putter" around town like any other car. Im impressed.

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  Flat out amazing machine - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Dave Mc - December 2 - 1:23 pm

  Hey guys, simply an amazing car. Has power that I promise you will fling you into your seat when you hit the gas. My buddy who has an SL65 AMG said it handles just as well as his car. I have a broken back at age 24, but the seats are SO comfortable, gauges easy to read, heated seats are A NICE feature. Quite simply a car that can be used as an everyday car, or keep it as a garage queen. This car will turns heads, give you the performance, and comfort of a nice sports sedan. Quite simply, one of the finest autos i have ever driven. You certainly will not be dissapointed with this car!

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  Our Ruby Red Corvette - 1993 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Wheels - December 1 - 1:22 pm

  First saw a 40th Anniversary Ruby Red at a Corvette show. Love at first sight. Bought ours a month later w/ < 14 K miles. The car has all the options including ride control and performance axel. The performance is fantastic for an LT-1. The car is all original except for a new water pump and upgraded optispark ignition which was replaced two years ago. CD player belt was replaced this year. No other problems. Its absolutely wonderful to drive, but due to a recent serious leg injury handicap, difficult to get into and out of. Its an experience to treasure. Highly recommend the Corvette to anyone who enjoys driving. You only live once, dont deny yourself one of lifes few pleasures.

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  Awesome - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By fio - November 30 - 9:13 am

  Abosolutly perfect. Great bang for the buck. Im very happy with the product I got and would, if given the same opportunity, would purchase it again. For all those Ferrari and Lambo owners, look out. A few mods and youre eating my dust.