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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  results from my own Z06, 2006 - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Todd Harris - October 17 - 2:32 pm

  I drive my Z06, 2006 everyday. I was expecting harsh ride and bad gas mileage. I have been pleasantly surprised. I get 17 around town and 24 on the highway if I drive consertively. The car is a true supercar but totally reliable. It runs just like any other regular Corvette but the 505 horsepower is absolutely like a thrill ride at the amusement park. The worst part is replacement of the supersoft run flat tires. Insurance is not bad considering the car but I also have a perfect driving record. It runs around 1800 annually for me, a 40 year old male.

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  Impressive - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By fm922 - September 26 - 2:25 am

  Just picked up my 2007 C6 and could not be happier. Excellent performance and ride quality. I was impressed that the car rides smooth and comfortable for a sports car. The 2007 C6 is fun to drive and is responsive. With 400 HP, excellent design and improved interior, the 2007 C6 is the best dollar value for those interested in making a serious sports car purchase. The vehicle continues to impress me every time I drive it. When purchasing this vehicle I would suggest purchasing the 3LT and Z51 Packages to enhance ride quality and performance. Excellent sports car, you wont be dissappointed, and wait to you hit the open road.

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  My Mistress - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Merrit - September 21 - 6:59 pm

  Better adjustable seats would be nice and the interior could be better compared to the Euro cars I have. Performance and fun factor is unbeatable. This car is the best bang for any dollar. Need a change holder instead of a lighter/cig tray. If you can, buy one!

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  Disappointed - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Un-impressed - August 27 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I finally were able to buy that corvette we always wanted.....what a mistake....I should have bought a 60s model if I knew it would constantly have to be worked on. The biggest problem to date are the window seals; they keep falling off. Its an ok car, but for nearly 50K I guess I expected more quality and performance. My 55 Chevy with a backyard 327 can smoke it, and it cost a whole lot less!

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  True Motown Muscle Car! - 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Will - August 11 - 11:17 am

  I have owned several BMWs and traded a Porsche Panamera for the Z51 Stingray. I had no intention of getting a Stingray. My intent was to purchase a preowned Porsche 911. As I shopped around, I started to consider the merits of getting a new Corvette versus a two year old 911. After test driving the Stingray, I was convinced that it was my choice. I loved the performance and luxury of the Panamera but the Corvette is truly a remarkable car! I have only had it about three weeks but I love it already. The performance, exhaust sound, targa top and overall design are amazing! The redesigned interior is very nice!

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  Corvette Z06 - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By David Newton - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Lots of fun to drive. Limited production. Love the power and brakes.

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  He finally gave in to my nagging :) - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Sharon Ann - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Our 4th Vette, am totally in love with it. Have only had it for a month and would not give it up for the world.

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  Its a trade-off - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Allie - July 14 - 1:06 am

  I am the 2nd owner of this car. I got it for 32,000 in 2003 with 6,000 miles on it. First, there was a factory recall. Defect in the steering column. Possibility of steering wheel locking up at any given moment. Thank God I wasnt driving when it locked up. The tow & repair was free, the headache was too! Then the ignition got stuck and the key wouldnt turn. Replaced the ignition as well as the flashers which were also not working properly.

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  1999 Corvette - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By lawrence kilfoy - July 6 - 11:40 am

  This has been a exceptional Corvette. No warranty work required. The manufacturers original Goodyear run flat tires were very noisy and I changed to Michelins for a better ride.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Pedro - June 28 - 10:08 pm

  I live in South Florida and had a black 99 C5 which I traded for this silver coupe with paddle shift, onstar, heads up display navigation and the Z51 racing package. The car gets lots of looks and has great accelerating power. One of the reasons for trading my old C5 was the top which at times leaked during very strong thunderstorms but to my surprise driving my new 2006 vette on the Florida Turnpike at high speed my roof peeled off and I was very lucky the roof flew high and swerved right into a ditch without hurting any of the drivers behind me. It is a shame that in a 56k dollars automobile we find such a poor quality. I will trade this vehicle primarily for safety reasons.