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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  Vette Review - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By BlueAngel2004 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is lots of fun to drive and gets many looks!

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  last of the C5s - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Cancerman - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Traded my WS6 Trans Am for a Millenium Yellow Vette convertible..difficult to part with my T/A but worth it! What a comfortable car that is a blast to drive!!! So far, has great mileage and the manual convertible is a snap to raise and lower. Great value for the money spent. I would highly recommend this vehicle for the luxury sports car enthusiast. It has no compromises. No complaints so far! Even my wife loves it and she is not a car nut.

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  Z51 - 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Draven - August 24 - 12:12 pm

  My Torch Red Corvette Z51 Stingray is a beast. He rides like a space shuttle/jet but very smooth. Modern like a 1st class space ship. I love it.

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  Trip to Florida, 2005 Vette - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By G Green - August 18 - 12:26 pm

  I traded a 2001 corvette in on this 2005. I drove the 2001 to Florida for four winters and was pleased with the C5. After driving the 2005 down 1350 miles it was a very enjoyable trip. The car rode better and was quieter.

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  Color Me Red - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Philsgood - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Very powerful, very comfy, great handling, superb sound system, gorgeous styling, gets looks from everyone!

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  UNEEK1992 CORVETTE - 1992 Chevrolet Corvette
  By ROGER HOLLON - August 17 - 2:00 am

  SINCE I HAVE OWNED MY CORVETTE IT HAS BEEN A DREAM COME TRUE, NOTHING LIKE CRUISING AND SHOWING OFF THIS FANTASTIC RIDE.

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  2001 C5 Coupe - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bond-san - August 17 - 2:00 am

  The Corvette has been my dream car since my teen days. Now that I finally own one I know what the phrase "dream car" really means. It truly has been a dream to own. Fun and comfortable to drive. Great gas mileage. The seats are extremely comfortable I average around 28 MPG highway. A true dream car.

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  Love this car! - 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
  By LT1 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  We are in our early 30s with two children and have been playing with the idea to do sth not quite sensible about a car for quite a while. Next to an Outback and an Odyssey we wanted a fun to drive weekend car and test drove Boxsters, SLs and M3s. The Corvette is quite different in many aspects, it doesnt feel as expensive and not as luxurious as the others but it has some sort of spirit others cant deliver. The performance - even the LT1 - will blow you away. If you want a fun to drive two-seater and dont want to spend all $ of your equity line, get a C4 Corvette. The targa top is a nice alternative, to save serious $ on your insurance.

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  Unbridled Power & FUN! - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By ZoomO6 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  My ZO6 is amazing. Other than low clearance of the ground effects and the ralatively lower end interior the car is a cream puff. Never have I owned a car with this type of performance or power. Being an owner of an earlier model viper and a couple of higher performing Cadis, Beemers, and Mercedes the Corvette stands alone when comparing all features together. The six speed transmission adds enjoyment to the already scary power the vette supplies. My wife was skeptical before she had a chance to drive this now family favorite. Not to mention the asthetically pleasing exterior, my kids call it the spaceship. Overall, Its the best Ive known.

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  Looks Good But breakes a lot! - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By ddgorman - August 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought lesst than a month ago, been in the shop more than I have been able to drive it, Trans went out, Gas Sencor went out, take a long time to fix the smallest problems!!! But I still love it when I get to drive it!