Chevrolet Corvette Review

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

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  • 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible View photos
    2010 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Used TMV from $45,496 Find Used Inventory
  • 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Hatchback View photos
    2010 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Used TMV from $41,622 Find Used Inventory
  • 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Coupe View photos
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  • 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 Hatchback View photos
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  • 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible View photos
    2009 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Used TMV from $39,651 Find Used Inventory
  • 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Hatchback View photos
    2009 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Used TMV from $35,244 Find Used Inventory
  • 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Hatchback View photos
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  • 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Competition Sport Spec Ed Hatchback View photos
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  • 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT1 Championship Spec Ed Hatchback View photos
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  • 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 Hatchback View photos
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  • 2008 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Edition Z06 Hatchback View photos
    2008 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Limited Edition Z06 Used TMV from $56,051 Find Used Inventory
  • 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible View photos
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  • 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Hatchback View photos
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  • 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car Replica Used TMV from $40,590 Find Used Inventory
  • 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Hatchback View photos
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  • 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible View photos
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  • 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Hatchback View photos
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  • 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Indy Pace Car Edition Convertible View photos
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  • 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Ron Fellows Edition Z06 Hatchback View photos
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  • 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Hatchback View photos
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  • 2006 Chevrolet Corvette 2dr Convertible View photos
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  • 2005 Chevrolet Corvette 2dr Hatchback View photos
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  • 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2dr Coupe View photos
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  • 2005 Chevrolet Corvette 2dr Convertible View photos
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  • 2005 Chevrolet Corvette 2dr Hatchback View photos
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  • 2000 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Convertible View photos
    2004 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Used TMV from $21,224 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 Chevrolet Corvette 2dr Hatchback View photos
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  • 2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2dr Coupe View photos
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  • 2003 Chevrolet Corvette 2dr Convertible View photos
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  • 2003 Chevrolet Corvette 2dr Hatchback View photos
    2003 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Used TMV from $17,325 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2dr Coupe View photos
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  • 2002 Chevrolet Corvette 2dr Convertible View photos
    2002 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Used TMV from $17,230 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 Chevrolet Corvette 2dr Coupe Hatchback View photos
    2002 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Used TMV from $16,379 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2dr Coupe View photos
    2002 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Used TMV from $19,333 Find Used Inventory
  • 1999 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Convertible View photos
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  • 2000 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Coupe View photos
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  • 2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2dr Coupe View photos
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  • 1999 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Convertible View photos
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  • 1997 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Coupe View photos
    2000 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Used TMV from $12,970 Find Used Inventory
  • 1998 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Convertible View photos
    1999 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Used TMV from $13,290 Find Used Inventory
  • 1999 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Hardtop View photos
    1999 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Used TMV from $11,842 Find Used Inventory
  • 1998 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Convertible View photos
    1998 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Used TMV from $12,043 Find Used Inventory
  • 1998 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Coupe View photos
    1998 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Used TMV from $11,409 Find Used Inventory
  • 1997 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Coupe View photos
    1997 Chevrolet Corvette Used TMV from $9,851 Find Used Inventory
  • 1995 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Convertible View photos
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  • 1994 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Coupe View photos
    1996 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Used TMV from $7,736 Find Used Inventory
  • 1995 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Convertible View photos
    1995 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Used TMV from $7,522 Find Used Inventory
  • 1992 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr ZR1 Coupe View photos
    1995 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Used TMV from $6,916 Find Used Inventory
  • 1994 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Coupe View photos
    1995 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Used TMV from $15,005 Find Used Inventory
  • 1995 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Convertible View photos
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  • 1994 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Coupe View photos
    1994 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Used TMV from $6,069 Find Used Inventory
  • 1994 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Coupe View photos
    1994 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Used TMV from $12,937 Find Used Inventory
  • 1995 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Convertible View photos
    1993 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Used TMV from $5,938 Find Used Inventory
  • 1993 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Coupe View photos
    1993 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Used TMV from $5,220 Find Used Inventory
  • 1993 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Coupe View photos
    1993 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Used TMV from $10,696 Find Used Inventory
  • 1995 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Convertible View photos
    1992 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Used TMV from $5,530 Find Used Inventory
  • 1993 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Coupe View photos
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  • 1993 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Coupe View photos
    1992 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Used TMV from $9,568 Find Used Inventory
  • 1990 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Convertible View photos
    1991 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Used TMV from $4,941 Find Used Inventory
  • 1991 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Coupe View photos
    1991 Chevrolet Corvette Hatchback Used TMV from $4,180 Find Used Inventory
  • 1991 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr ZR1 Coupe View photos
    1991 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Used TMV from $8,078 Find Used Inventory
  • 1990 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr STD Convertible View photos
    1990 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Used TMV from $4,345 Find Used Inventory
  • 1990 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr ZR1 Coupe View photos
    1990 Chevrolet Corvette Hatchback Used TMV from $3,915 Find Used Inventory
  • 1990 Chevrolet Corvette 2 Dr ZR1 Coupe View photos
    1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Used TMV from $6,577 Find Used Inventory

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. Oddly, it had a rather humble beginning, starting life back in 1953 with a straight-6 engine and a two-speed automatic transmission. The first few years saw the fiberglass-bodied two-seater from Chevrolet earn praise for its handling but criticism for its relatively tame performance. (At the time, it was soundly outgunned by a variety of European sports cars in terms of performance.)

Thankfully, a V8 engine option debuted in 1955, and by the late '50s, the Chevy Corvette could hit 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. The intervening decades have seen the Corvette pass through multiple generations. Each decade has brought its own Corvette theme, including the muscle-bound '60s, the highly stylized '70s and the electronically aided '80s. More recently, the Chevrolet Corvette has improved enough in the refinement department that many finally consider it worthy to compete against the world's best.

Current Chevrolet Corvette
The latest Chevy Corvette is offered in four main trim levels: base Corvette, Grand Sport, Z06 and ZR1. The regular Vette and the Grand Sport are available in removable-roof coupe and convertible body styles, while the latter two are ultrahigh-performance versions that are only available as fixed-roof coupes.

The standard Corvette and the Grand Sport come with a 6.2-liter, 430-horsepower V8 coupled to either a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic. The Z06 comes with a 505-hp 7.0-liter V8 mated to a six-speed manual. The ZR1 moves the earth with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 packing 638 hp and running through a six-speed manual.

Equally impressive as the Corvette's amazing performance is the car's daily driver usability. The cockpit boasts friendly ergonomics and comfortable seats. The car's hatchback body style provides massive cargo capacity, which stands at 22 cubic feet in the coupe. A choice of two suspensions (standard and optional Magnetic Ride Control with Sport and Touring modes) for the regular Corvette means there's a setup for everyone, and all provide a fairly smooth ride.

The track-ready Grand Sport, Z06 and ZR1, in spite of their immense capabilities, are still docile enough to handle the daily commute without making the driver grit his teeth every time he faces stop-and-go traffic or a rough section of pavement.

In reviews from our editors, the Chevrolet Corvette earns raves for its combination of strong performance, comfortable ride, eye-catching style, affordability and relatively impressive fuel economy. Complaints involve the cabin's ho-hum interior materials, antiquated audio/navigation interface and the car's lack of nimbleness compared to competing European sports cars.

Used Chevrolet Corvette Models
The present-generation (C6) Corvette debuted for 2005 and boasted improvements in performance, build quality and styling compared to the earlier Corvette. A revamped suspension, especially if equipped with the available Magnetic Ride Control, provided both sharp handling and a compliant ride. 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 the convertible's top could be power-operated. At its debut, it had a 6.0-liter V8 developing 400 hp.

The following year brought the 7.0-liter, 505-hp Z06 model as well as a new six-speed automatic transmission. For 2007, America's sports car received larger brakes (for Magnetic Ride-equipped versions), 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. More power came about for the base versions in 2008 thanks to the now-current 6.2-liter V8. Chevy also made interior, manual transmission and steering improvements this year. The new ZR1 arrived for '09 and the following year saw the introduction of the Grand Sport, which essentially replaced the former Z51 handling package.

The previous Chevy Corvette (the C5) was built from 1997-2004 and marked the Corvette's transition from a capable but flawed (in terms of comfort and ergonomics) to world-class sports car. 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 fewer 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 coupe. For 2001, the mighty Z06, a reincarnation of an earlier "Z06" performance package from the '60s, debuted, 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 seriously consider a Chevy Corvette from this generation. Pros and cons are mostly similar to the current generation, and although the C5 has been criticized for spotty build quality, this Corvette still offers the most bang for the buck in the used sports car marketplace.

The fourth-generation Chevrolet Corvette, or C4, is the other model that non car-collectors will likely be interested in. It was available for the 1984-'96 model years. The flamboyant style of the previous generation was replaced with a leaner look, and a racetrack-ready 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 precise handling and respectable performance from its 250-hp engine. That year also saw the debut of the ZR-1 supercar, which could run the quarter-mile in the low 13s and hit a top speed of around 175 mph, thanks to its 375-hp, 5.7-liter V8. For '92, the standard Corvette gained more power via the 300-hp LT1 V8. The ZR-1'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 LT1 V8.

Although the C4 is regarded as desirable in terms of performance for the price, its awkward ingress/egress, cramped cockpit and stiff ride make it a weekend toy for all but the most ardent enthusiasts.

Read our Chevy Corvette Z06 Long-Term 20,000-Mile Test

For more on Past Chevrolet Corvette models, view our Chevrolet Corvette History page

Read the most recent review for 2011 Chevrolet Corvette

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