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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  JL - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Anubis - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Can compete against cars costing three times its price.

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  Dream Come True - 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Justin K - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car used but have loved every minute of my ownership. Only real problem was with the electronic steering lock. Phenomenal storage capability, even with the top down. Acceleration is great...able to beat most of the cars I cross. Great handling, even at high speeds (130+ mph). Car turns heads and garners questions all the time. There is nothing in the world like driving an American classic with the wind in your hair.

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  Fun - 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
  By jankord - October 27 - 2:00 am

  It can run with the best. Great, no major problems. little or no after market parts to become succesful in racing. Scared me the first time I drove it. Lots of Power

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  the greatest - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By black_corvette - October 23 - 2:00 am

  A fun car to own and drive.......the best decision Ive made since being married.

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  grab one - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By richard d - October 19 - 2:00 am

  great car!i never ever expected it to be such a comfortable riding car. mine is a yellow convertible and it is a stunner. just a joy to drive because of acceleration,handling,comfort,and styling. grab a c-5 because the c-6 is a design disaster.

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  Fun car! - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Lou Cole - October 18 - 2:00 am

  True sports car with the great control for the road. Power to burn. Super stable at high speeds. A real head turner.

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  Owner - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Alan G. - October 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Z006 I have owned 9 corvettes in the past. This 2003 Z006 this by the far the best yet.

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  Most Bang for the Buck!!! - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By mtviperdriver - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after owning both a Mitsubishi 3000GT and a Nissan 300ZX, and needless to say I have never looked back. Not only is it more powerful than both the Nissan and Mitsubishi, but it also averages 30 mpg (which in this day and age is a must) on the highway and is more comfortable to drive, too. Excellent purchase and would recommend to anyone.

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  First Impression - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By califstateusa - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the first Corvette I have owned and it wont be my last. The only problem so far is the passenger window wont go down, turned out to be a bad regulator assembly and replaced by manufacturers warranty at no charge. The car is fun to drive and has plenty of power to get you out of trouble quickly. I liked the body style better than the 2005, but the vote is still out on the C6 at least for the next year.

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  most fun ever - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By my vet - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Car is fun to drive. Just drove car from Florida to Pa and back. No problems with back because seat is very comfortable and the ride is so smooth. The 2004 Vet is the car to buy. Best decisson I ever made was to buy this car