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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  High quaility performance vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By rbrose - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Very easy to drive and handle. The power (350+hp) to gas milage (30mpg) is totally mindblowing. The monitoring system is a great without the complexity like in other vehicle(very user friendly). Love the controls on the doors-clearly visible at night and sealed as to not get a debris in the switch areas (easy to keep clean w/o damaging the controls). Love it!!!

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  Great Car! - 1993 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Robert Marks - April 1 - 2:01 pm

  We have not had this car a year and it has required almost no repairs - just tires,which you will burn up if you drive without the stability control and are always hammering the gas. For the money this is an excellent car and a true race car. This car is one of the most fun to drive cars I have ever driven. Gas mileage is excellent for such power. The transmission is smooth. Seats are a bit stiff and the ride is much like that of a go-kart, But this car is FAST and the ride is tight. It is very hard to get in and out of. Overall a great reliable car and I have no complaints. The passive remote keyless entry is a super feature and was new this year.

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  My daily driver still makes me smile. - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Dean - March 27 - 2:38 am

  I had always wanted a Corvette, so when I could finally afford and justify one, I bought a loaded 1999 Coupe 6-speed Z-51 model. It has been my daily driver and I put on an average of 18,000 miles a year. I have never had any problems with the car except for a steering column lock problem that was corrected with a recall. I have had absolutely no repair or mechanical costs for the car outside of fuel and regular maintenance (oil changes, tires, air/fuel filter, battery replacement). This car has been an absolute breeze to take care of and has been extremely reliable. It is smooth as silk on the highway and is a blast to drive. I will always drive a Corvette.

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  02 Triple Black - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Steveo242 - March 8 - 6:38 pm

  Phenomenal ride. I have also dreamed of a Vette all my life alone with the posters in the forums. It definitely lives up to the hype. For a little more dough than a Trans Am or Mustang, it is so much better.

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  Pretty but it loves the repair shop - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Tom Baker - February 18 - 2:00 am

  50th annaversary edition. 1280 miles and its been in the shop five times. Relaced the ride control computer twice, left rear shock (part of ride control problem), air conditioner repairs twice and now the gas gage doesnt register past a half tank! What a piece.

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  breathtaking performance - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By jobo - February 18 - 1:59 am

  This car is a heartpounding thrill ride from neckbreaking start to right now stopI I own several sports cars absolutely none better performing for the money. The Z06 Corvette would be a bargain @ $70,000.00 and sells for much less. interior appointments are not as "leathery" as I would like but the Z06 makes this up in performance. I would classify this Vette as pound for pound the best and cheapest performance car in the world.If you would like to compare this car to another expect to pay 80 to 150 k to get equivalent performance!

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  Versatile, exciting car - 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
  By John - February 13 - 4:45 am

  PROS: fun to drive, good gas mileage, fairly quiet, comfortable, fun to drive, TONS of options CONS: poor rear visibility, steep learning curve for infotainment system

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  Love my C5 - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bob Kaplan - February 8 - 6:11 pm

  Second C5 I have owned. Fifth Corvette I have owned. Best so far. Fast and smooth.

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  A bargain thrill ride - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Brian - January 27 - 4:51 pm

  I bought my vette used with 45k miles on the clock. Its been a hoot to drive this car when I can get in open area. Its a monster on the track, and the engine is very flexible with a superwide forgiving power band. The low end grunt makes getting it going off the line a breeze, and it has more than enough power to lay down rubber into second gear. The trunk is actually large enough to be useful for day to day driving. In fact this is my only car, and it works very well for that except for the rare occasions when I have someone flying into town. If youre looking for a powerful yet civilized ride for your day to day grind, this is it.

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  Fits like a glove - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Phil L - January 27 - 1:25 pm

  Waited 50 years to get a Vette! I feel like Im in a jet fighter with unbridled power. The power is awesome at almost any RPM. Gets plenty of attention, especially from young kids! Love the feel of control, comfort, power. Drove 1300 miles roundtrip from NJ to SC and not an ache or pain.