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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  Awesome Car - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By xavier seidl - June 10 - 9:50 pm

  The 2005 C6 is one awesome machine. The acceleration and handling is superior to prior models. I know this because I have owned a 1986, 1993, 1999, 2001, and now a 2005 convertible with a 6 speed. I love it. Chevrolet really has engineered a great car.

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  Everything I expected and more - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Dr. Richie - June 10 - 6:00 pm

  Hard to get. But once you get the car its great! Fit and finish are excellent. It has good gas economy. I get 20 to 24 in the burbs. My car has every available option, although I can do without XM radio. I just wish the wind wasnt so loud when driving. The paint job is excellent, better than the past Vettes. Shifting could be more presice on the 6 speed. The headlights are fantastic! This car is too quiet. It needs a deeper, throaty sound.

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  Awesome - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Deborah - June 10 - 4:45 pm

  This is the most amazing car I have ever owned and I have owned 14 different Corvettes. Bravo to Chevrolet by continuing to strive for excellence! This car is gorgeous inside and out.

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  Bets Corvette - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bill - June 10 - 4:36 pm

  We have only had this vehicle for a period of 3 mos. It now has 2500 miles on it, and has been the most exciting car to drive. Very comfortable with awsome power.

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  Goose Bumps - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Al - June 10 - 10:18 am

  WOW! Do not test drive this beauty unless youre ready to buy it! One spin down the road & youre hooked BIG TIME! Most fun Ive had since flying Cobras in the Army & thats saying something...its a little hard to get used to the stares & double-takes from other drivers on the road...a stop for gas can last 20 minutes because people want to look & talk about the 05 Vette. Its a gas to drive & has more than sufficient zip to get your heart pumping at upper triple digits. Pure enjoyment to drive - drivers seat is not comfortable, but who cares...its a kick in the pants to drive. Gas mileage is better than I ever dreamed. Get one & you will not be disappointed...best deal for the money too.

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  C6 Convertible in Pittsburgh - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By nysteeler - June 10 - 9:59 am

  Incredible power and handling. Take a curve at 60mph off the freeway and it is like you are standing still. When the top is up (not often) I am amazed at how quiet the interior is. The power top is a must. Radio/CD is good , not great. Overall very happy. Not my daily ride. The trunk is small but fits a full set of golf clubs.

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  Amazing - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Gene Condreras - June 9 - 8:08 am

  Although the fit and finish on this incredible vehicle’s interior is not yet up to that of many foreign cars of its class, the comfort level, ride, and features are comparable to that of a Lexus while providing performance levels equal to that of a Porsche! For the money and love of driving, you just can’t beat the all new Corvette!

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  Wind noise - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By jsten - June 9 - 5:44 am

  This is my first Vette and I love it. Everyone turns and looks when you go by (magnetic red rocks) and gives you the thumbs up. I love the car but only get to use it on the weekends. My only complaint is the wind noise when the roof panel is off and everything in back blows all over. You can hardly hear the radio unless you crank it up. Im looking forward to my first road trip to the mountains in 2 months.

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  New model blues - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Hank - June 9 - 2:52 am

  Though I enjoy driving this car, it has its problems. There is the dead battery gremlin, almost every owner I have spoken to, or read in a Corvette forum site has complained about this. There is the turn signal/running lite burn out with less the 5000 miles on the car. There are messages from the DIC (driver Information Center) that make the car spend the night at the dealers so the proper reset codes can be gotten from GM. There are mechanical problems with that are more severe that other owners have complained about. GM has repaired my cars problems at no cost to me. In retrospect, I should have waited a year for these bugs to be worked out.

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  Its All Good - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bill Matthews - June 6 - 7:44 pm

  This is my 3rd Vette in the last 10 years. The C5 is truly the best sports car value in the world. The 2000 is late enough in the model to have most of the problems worked out. It is also old eough to be picked up at a very good price if you look for it. The car will do anything I ask it to do on a city street or highway, and is more of a joy than the law allows on a country road. . More power, sure, thats what everyone wants. But, this car will smoke the tires in several gears and will top 140mph. How much do you need? The C5 is the best Vette to take on a long drive ever. I get better than 30 mpg on the highway if I try.