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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  Best I have owned! - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By John Wasserman - May 19 - 11:06 am

  This car has everything style, performance, reliability, and power. A word of caution, warn your passenger before you put the pedal to the metal!

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  Exceptional car - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By kaisere - May 19 - 2:21 am

  Its a rush to drive. Take your pick, every day car - or - bat out of hell...its both. For a sports car, this thing gets incredible gas mileage - over 30 on the highway. Not bad for a car that easily blows most others off the road.

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  a real mom-mobile - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Steve McFerron - May 9 - 2:00 am

  What a disappointment. Its like driving grannies Sunday to church wagon. Sounds like a diesel at idle. My 85 and 91 will run circles around it. I think most buyers rave about it because they are too embarrased to admit that the new Corvette is a mere shadow of its former self. We have been brainwashed by the tight squishy plastic Japanese cars. Give me the Corvette roar and rattles. Its like moving from a Harley to a Honda. Im depressed.

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  Get It while You Can! - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Vman - May 7 - 3:20 pm

  A slick looking Ferrar-like in speed and design. The car is clean looking; even the simple interior design is nice. This car should go into the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art.

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  Dream Car For Sports Car Lovers - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By DoomDriver - May 6 - 2:01 am

  Although I have had only one year of driving this car I can honestly say I grin ear to ear every time. With the top off, the glass roof or the matching coupe look, this car looks like its going 100 MPH standing still. It has easy access and egress even for the older folks. Twin power adjustable seats snuggle you into a comfy cockpit. Once you let out the clutch on this amazingly forgiving manual 6 speed the car purrs away just like a Honda or Toyota. The car is that easy to drive!. But step on the gas the car transforms into a jet on wheels. The active handling keeps you safe and straight but lets you fly. This car is AWESOME

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  Great car to drive - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Randy - May 1 - 1:40 pm

  I have owned 4 Corvettes C3,C4, two C5s and they have all been fun cars to own. They have always been way ahead in design and performance over the competition and provide the most bang for the buck against any country against any car!Take the new C6 that will be available in a few more months you would have to pay several hundred thousand dollars in Europe for a comparable car from Germany or Italy. Americans can buy this car for $65,000 to $75,000. Where else can you go and get this kind of styling, perfomance, handling, and 50 plus years of Corvettes, no where! Have you ever seen any old Porsches selling for $150,000 to $300,000? Check out online for classic Corvettes 1953 to 1973!

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  2005 Corvette w/ Z51 package - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Tucson Firefighter - April 25 - 2:26 am

  This car will amaze you with its ability to track accurately and at high "g" loads in complete comfort and with complete confidence. The engine torque and the gearing of the car are very well matched to the available traction of the tires at a given speed. There are no sudden spikes in power, (spikes that give the sensation of lots of power but actually come at the expense of a loss of overall power),just a constant increase with rpm. There is a "fat" or "sweet spot" of power output from around 5000 to 6500 rpm, however. The car is quiet and powerful. The car is very comfortable and agile. The car is absolutely stunning in Daytona Sunset Orange paint.

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  I have owned 21 Vettes in my life... - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By VetteExpert - April 21 - 2:00 am

  You could say I am an more familiar with vettes than any dealer and now everything from A to Z. My new C6 is a power monster & after break-in just literally ate up my friends 04 Z06 in a 0-100 & 0-60 time trial. I cant wait to see what the C6 - Z06 version will do. If you owm a C5 pawn it or trade it in before it goes down in value, this is the one you want.

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  Affordable Icon - 1994 Chevrolet Corvette
  By SparkyOKC - April 12 - 6:44 pm

  Best American car - bar none. Exceptional quality for a US mfgr. circa 1990s. 3300 lbs. w/ 300 hp & 330 ft/lbs torque. American pushrod smallblock V8s rule. Amazing technology for the 90s. 5 onboard computers, ABS, ASR, dual airbags. Great weekend or summer hobby car.

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  Dream Car - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By John - April 6 - 11:27 pm

  Unbelievable fun. The 2004 Corvette convertible is an uncompromising combination of power, handling, comfort, sound, and looks. The build quality is exceptional surpassing any Japanese or European model. This car is built for speed and handling but there is an added bonus of unquestionable good looks. There is a great deal of thought in this last version of the C5 with minor improvements throughout. You cant buy a better car for the money. Unlike other cars in its class the corvette can be used as a daily driver. The ride quality with the selective magnetic ride control makes a big difference over earlier models. The interior is basic sports car and it should be! Its a Corvette.