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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Americas Sports (Super) Car! - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
By Rauder - January 27 - 10:00 amThis car is truly awesome!! I had a new MB SLK350 on order, but cancelled immediately after seeing this car, and test driving it! The exterior/interior design is first-class and well refined. I got the Z51 suspension with auto trans. Dont let those 4-speeds fool you! The shifting is smooth and precise. Performance you ask? Unless youve flown a fighter jet, or driven a car like this, you dont know what g- force is all about! It even has a digital g-force meter that you see by look at the head-up display thats projected through the windshield! The taillights look like twin after- burners on an F/A 22 jet. If you buy a C6, be prepared for the instant attention this car draws.
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Awesome Rocket - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
By boston0259 - January 23 - 10:59 pmGreat car. What else can you say about this rocket sled? Awesome vehicle, superfast, the pick-up is simply unbelieveable. You can be at the front of any traffic line, and everybody can smell your rubber (if you so choose). But heres the thing - you know what it can do, and so do all the people around you, so why show off? Youthful exuberation maybe. Youll enjoy it.
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Best Drive in 2005 - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
By John Taylor - January 21 - 3:56 amIve had the vette for a 720 mile week. Its awesome. Visibility is better than my Acura RL and Lincoln Mk VIII. 26.5 MPG on a trip. Expect mileage to climb to 28-30 following break-in. XM radio and Nav are top of the line. Keyless push button start takes getting used to but is a great feature. Build quality/fit & finish is superior,on par with any import. Performs and handles like a true sports car with out the usual drawbacks. Seats are outstanding. Interior ergonomics score an A+. Even with the perf. suspension (Z-51) it rides comfortably. I coud not imagine a better car. Weigh the performance, drivability, & cost, the 2005 Corvette is a hands-down winner in every category.
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Allways a comment - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
By Jerry - January 13 - 6:56 amNo matter where you drive it you can be assured that someone will comment on this car."They got it right time"-Its so cute"--Its awesome man"--"I hear its really fast" and many more. THE THING IS THEY ARE RIGHT! It is all of the above and a whole lot more. Sticks to the pavement like glue and goes like stink.Filled with electronic stuff I will probably never use but fun to mess around with.Easy (well not as easy as my Yukon) to get into.And to sum it all up---I am having a ball with this car!
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Only a Vette - 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
By sean.c - January 5 - 1:30 pm98 Vette Ragtop with the six speed. Unbeatable performance-to-dollar ratio. Bought it with 17k miles on it the Delco 12 CD-changer never has worked, the steering column lock failed first at 18,000 miles and then again six months later. Both times got no help from GM (dealer and corporate), $500 per repair out of my pocket. Finally found a company out of Texas that sold an aftermarket bypass and had the local Vette shop install it. Problem solved. The performance and status outweigh the GM quirks. After my experience with GM customer service I would NEVER again purchase a GM product...except, of course, another Vette. Go for the extended warranty next time, Ill need it!
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Fun Car - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
By Patch - December 31 - 2:00 amA real screamer. Loud as hell. Lots of engine note and road noise. Take the good with the bad, I guess. Chevy dealers (service depts) need to get used to dealing with people who paid 50K+ for a car and are used to BMW/Mercedes standards of service. Treating service customers like crap wont do.
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Review - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
By Rick Wilder - December 31 - 2:00 amSecond corvette in 4 years, owned a 1999, loved the car, had one issue w/ electrical system, which dealer took care of. Sold after two years for the same price we paid for it.
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Serious performace - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
By lil red corvette - December 28 - 1:19 pmThis is my first experience with a true performace car. Ive driven Z3s and other roadsters and they were fun to drive but this car is serious! In fact I now wonder if I shouldnt take some more driving lessons so I can get the most this car has to offer. Theres nothing worse than a low performace driver in a high performance car.
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Love My Z06 commerative Edition - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
By Z06Bill - December 27 - 3:48 amEvery Time I wonder why I threw down 45K for a Go Fast, all I have to do is sit down and step on the gas. This thing gets your attention real fast. It spins the tires so fast it doesnt even leave a black mark, it just looks like you scoured the pavement clean. I Love It!!!
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Great car, fun to drive - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
By FredF - December 24 - 10:00 amIncredible performance, great feel, and perfect cornering. With the new F55 Magnetic ride control this car has a smoother ride, bumps are 10x smoother than the F45 or other high performance suspensions. You get a tight ride, but the computer response with the magnetic shocks make it perfect! The heads up display is a must! This car can stop as fast as it can acelerate, FAST! Very happy with my vette!
