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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  Cass Interview - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Chris - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This car runs very smooth and is very conftorable while in it. All my friends love the exterior of this car, the design is awsome.

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  Just got my 2005 - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By GH - September 13 - 11:42 pm

  I have had mine for 1 1/2 months now. Nothing can describe it. Its awesome, no wonder this car has been a legend for 52 years. Its half the price of any car that can compete with it. I think Chevy priced it way too low for what you get for what you pay.

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  The Best - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bay Area Guy - September 9 - 4:17 am

  I have owned 7 Porsches, 5 Mercedes, 4 Lexus, and Infiniti FX45 and 2 Corvettes. The first being a C5 and now a new C6. By far, this car exceeds every vehicle that I have had the fortune to own and drive. It just does everything right and after 3,000 miles makes me feel like the first day I drove it off the lot. Chevrolet has made and amazing car at an even better price.

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  The Whip - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Blue Devil - September 8 - 4:04 pm

  Snap, crackle, pop. Thats how you feel when driving this new vette with awesome power and performance. Better still, its an everyday driver that gets between 17 and 18 MPG. People talk to you every where you go and say how they all wanted a Vette at some time in their life. This is a car that you dont need to drive fast to command respect, just the fact that youre driving it will do that. This car has it all, luxury and performance. Just keep in mind, the lower the price of gas, the faster it goes.

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  2nd Hand Beauty - 1990 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bill - September 7 - 12:07 pm

  Nice car, good buy for anyone who wants a sports car but doesnt have big money to buy one. Still turns heads.

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  New car - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By pacecar590 - September 7 - 12:41 am

  I traded a 1999 Corvette coupe for the 2005. I loved the 99, but the 05 is a giant leap forward. Great build quality, easier drivability. A well done upgrade to a beautiful car.

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  Greatest American Sports Car - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Joe W. - August 21 - 4:13 pm

  This is a car I just love to drive. It hugs the road in almost any road condition. This is also one of the best values for the type of performance you get for a sports car in this class.

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  Great car. - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By JDBgn - August 21 - 10:00 am

  The hardest part of owning this car was the break in period. It was next to impossible to drive it easy for the 1st 500 miles. Fit and finish is as close to perfect as I have ever seen. Under the hood is very neat and clean. Shifting and handling leave nothing to be desired. Gas milage is where it is supposed to be. I am impressed.

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  By far the best sports car for the money - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Larry Johnson - August 21 - 3:15 am

  I recently bought a 2005 C6 with 2000 miles on it. This is the 4th Vette I have owned. The new C6 dominates the other cars in every category. This car feels like you are a part of it and never disappoints me in any way. Its a great head turner and by far my favorite Vette.

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  Very happy Vette owner - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By lauer777 - August 20 - 12:36 pm

  You name it, Ive had it. Mercedes, BMW, driven Porsches. The first time I drove my first Vette, I knew that I waited too long, and WASTED my money on foreign cars. I, like many others, was skeptical, due to American quality concerns. Think no more! For what I paid for my first Vette... $49K, what I got for the money far exceeded any other car in value. I purchased an extended warranty, and I drive virtually worry free for SIX years!! To date, not one thing, on both my Z06 and C5 has gone wrong. All someone in the design dept. needs to do is work on the interior, and, as far as I am concerned, we have a near perfect car!