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 Z06 - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jamie D. - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is without a doubt the best bang for the buck sports car on the market today, it can handle just about anything you can throw at it and keeps asking for more.

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  What a car! - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By brad walters - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Wow, what can I say. A true sports car!

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  Get a C6 - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By C6 Owner - May 4 - 12:33 am

  I have been looking at buying my first sports car for several years and finally settled on the C6. It was a great decision. It performs as well as a Porsche at a significantly lower price. Chevrolet upgraded the interior and the exterior styling is superb. I get a tremendous number of compliments on the car and my friends whove driven it love it too. The technology is overwhelming at first when figuring out how to "personalize" the seat settings, keyless entry preferences, DVD navigation and satellite radio. There is an audio CD that comes with it that is very helpful and I recommend using it to get started.

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  no need for improvement - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette
  By terry schulz - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several vettes and even 4 other cars. This is by far the best. A true allaround sports car. That no weather can stop. Ireally dont know how they could improve it.

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  2003 Anniversary Coupe - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By TedDBere - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Car is better than imagined. Custom color is fantastic under the sun, if not plain in the shade. New suspension was pulled forward from the next generation corvette and is truely advanced. If anything it is a little too powerfull with a 0-60 time of 4 seconds (in second gear out of 6 gears). Very fun to drive and the 50th badges couse people to stop and stare. Best value of any sports car and all american too.

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  1998 Corvette Coupe - 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
  By NYgeorge - April 4 - 3:00 am

  Excellent performance and still good fuel economy. Ride is considerably good for a true sports car. Removeable top is nice and still has adequate luggae storage for road trips. Best feature is the Corvette family and wave :)

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  Vetteracers review - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By vetteracer - April 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is an engineering and design phenomenon

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  Crazy4 - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By icanfly2 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  My fiancee and I have owned our 2003 Spiral Grey vette since new and hae never had one problem. On the highway we average 27.7 mpg at 70 mph and 22 around town. Only complaint is only one coffee holder, but not a problem.

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  From an ex-Porsche owner - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Clay Thomasson - March 29 - 3:56 pm

  My first Corvette was a 1960 fuel injected red on red with stainless side body insert. Boy I wish I had it now. I then had a 1969. It was just so so. I have had Porsche 911s for the past ten years and have just taken delivery of my new 2005 Corvette hardtop. I cannot believe how this car has been improved. I believe they fixed everything that caused me to not purchase one since 1969. It is as hot as a firecracker and loads of fun to drive. The craftsmanship quality of the car is up 100%.

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  C6 -- my first Corvette - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By lynette5151 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  My husband has had 6 corvettes in his lifetime, but this is my first . . . and I love it. From absolute stunning beauty to high performance and exceptional high technology, this car is everything I ever wanted. I chose a Metallic Red Coupe, and I assure you heads turn everywhere I go. People stop in their tracks to stare. I cant get through a stoplight without someone rolling down their window to tell me how beautiful my car is. Thanks, Chevrolet, for the car of my dreams!