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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  My Corvette - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By J-Rod - July 18 - 2:00 am

  When we first got it, I had to see what it could do. I took it out on a long straight a way at about 3 in the morning. I was burning the tires and got it up to about 160 and got scared. The cool thing is that I know that it can do more than that. It handles great and is a lot of fun to drive.

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  2004 LeMan Convertible w/auto - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By billynedhouse - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Great car -- I have had 1962, 1969, 1970 and two 1978 Corvettes including a 78 PACE Car and this is the best -- if C6 is build as good as this I will get a C6 in 2006 or 2007

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  Best Car For The Bucks - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Raptor Z06 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  An Unbelieveable Driving Experience.

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  Corvettes are great - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jarred - July 14 - 2:00 am

  The corvette is the only true American sports car. Since the first 53 rolled off the line in Flint, Michigan the corvette has amazed and captivated the American way of life. Just one year after celebrating the cars fiftieth anniversery the car still looks as good as ever. General Motors has done a great job with the corvette over the years and I look forward to the many years still to come. I love my corvette and wouldnt trade it for any other car in the world. Thanks corvette, for fifty-one years of true, original Americana.

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  Driving Pleasure - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By J SLADEK - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned and driven many different makes and models including BMWs. The Chevrolet Corvette is by far the most exciting and fun to drive.

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  Graet Car - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By chap240 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I finally broke down and traded my 93 for a 04 6spd z51, The car is awesome- smooth, powerful and responsive. The z51 is a pleasure- the car rides smoother then my 93(with standard susp) and is more responsive. Plenty of power and torque- the car loves to go. Im very happy. This car can run with the best of them.

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  My kickin ride - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Rudy Valderrama - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Handles very well, looks awesome, and most importantly the ladies stick to you like glue. Interior is beautiful and has very soft comfortable leather. rides smooth, no complaints what so ever. Outstanding veichle!

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  Crosscountry road trips - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jorgenson - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Every spring we take a long road trip.This year we went out to the Grand Tetons from MN. total 3000 miles .The car performed perfectly and we averaged 30 miles to the gallon (not driving slow) The trunk works great ( two sets of golf clubs ) And for us the convertible is the only way to go. We will definitly will be buying another.

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  My Vette - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Ted Bear - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I have driven many high performance vehciles in my time. My vette is by far the best. I took it on a long trip and it was more comfortable then my Olds 98, taken on a previous identical trip.

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  2004 Corvette - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Babybenzz - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Always wanted a corvette, our dream finally came true. There was not one flaw with the paint job. The fit and finish was flawless. The C5 has always had a concern with the interior. We have black and we just love it I would not change a thing. Gas mileage has been fine no suprises here. As far as performance there is nothing like the feel of a corvette when you you get on it, the car has great acceleration. As of today no problems at all with the car.