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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  Jims 2006 z06 - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jim - November 5 - 12:43 pm

  My car is a Black 2006 Z06. I drove the car off the showroom in Long Beach Ca to Modesto CA. 300 miles of fun. A very cool car. Looks great and other people always looking at it. It drives like a race car. Very powerful. The car will take off. Very comfortable interior and the touch screen navigation/stereo is very fun

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  A machine - 1995 Chevrolet Corvette
  By jones - November 3 - 2:57 pm

  A very good vehicle- power, handling, reliability- this vehicle is an eye- cather. It has not given me a problem yet. A very cool ride!

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  Straight shooter - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By IcesStraight - October 29 - 12:13 am

  This car pulls no punches and I love it! The steering wheel is too close to the drivers head and is sure to send many to the hospital when the airbag deploys.

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  50th Anniversary Corvette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bob Hatfield - October 28 - 1:00 pm

  Impeccable performance and sterling appearance. The anniversary red paint projects a dazzling sparkle when in the sunlight and nicely augmented by the champaigne coloured wheels.

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  Fun, fast, fairly cheap - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Brett - October 28 - 11:26 am

  I bought this for the wife and its a great everyday driver. She gets better gas mileage than her SUV. It turns heads wherever you go and hauls the mail. Im a pretty good driver, and I could never push this car to its limit. Its definitely not the most practical car a guy could buy, but its a great third car. Although I like the semi-exclusivity of the car, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a high performance convertible.

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  Disappointed in C6 - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Thomas - October 27 - 11:23 pm

  The build quality of this car is still not up to par. many interior noises and an incredibly noisy roof. Body panels have inconsistant gaps. Needing to leave the car in reverse so battery doesnt go dead is annoying. So disappointed I sold the car after only 8000 miles.

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  C5 to C6 - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By john c - October 27 - 2:16 pm

  I had a 1999 Chev c5 vett and now own the new 2005 C6. This new Vette is an amazing vehicle and is packed with great features and technology. I have been impressed with the changes made in the new car and they include better performance, ride, handling and it is much quiter than the c5 model. I also opted for the 6-speed manual and it really makes this car fun to drive. The new Corvette attracts a lot of attention and I often find people hovering aroung the vehicle whether it is at a car show or the gas station. I have owned a lot of sports cars and you will not find another one out there that provides the level of performance and amenities for the money. Up next for me, the 2006 Z06

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  You just have to drive it! - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Milt Fritschle - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle (LeMans Z-16) has incredible torque and cornering stability. It is performance beyond belief. You just have to drive one to appreciate the performance value for the cost. Nothing compares to if for torque per dollar spent.

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  Great Drive - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Great Drive - October 26 - 1:59 am

  This car is incrediable. It handles wonderfully. Its fun. Best of all, its economical and holds resale value. Every time I fire it up and go for a drive, it makes me happy. The shear power and hum of the engine is amazing. Definitely, the best vechicle purchase Ive ever made.

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  What a great car - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Stephen - October 25 - 5:56 pm

  My first Vette was a 66 Roadster, and yes I still wish I had it. However, there is no comparison between the two. The 00 Corvette Roadster is far and away the best car Ive ever owned (I also own a 2005 Mercedes Benz 320 4matic). So great in fact - Im starting to look at the 06s. Ill order that in January.