1991-1996 Chevrolet Corvette: Road Test

Since the beginning, Corvettes have been cars for those who enjoy life in the fast lane--and are willing to sacrifice some comfort for the privilege. Improved assembly has greatly reduced the number of squeaks and rattles. The '90s suspension no longer jars your teeth while passing over bumps, but it's still quite firm. Corvettes offer great grip and ultraquick reflexes, though bumpy roads upset the composure of the stiff suspension. On the positive side, wide tires, a firm suspension, and a low center of gravity allow Corvettes to handle like a race car as long as the pavement is reasonably smooth. Getting in and out of the deep bucket seats in the pitlike cabin tends to be a challenge. Luggage space and interior room are at a premium, and visibility could be better. Noise levels are high. A husky exhaust note is prominent at all times, accompanied by abundant tire noise at highway speeds. Acceleration is sheer magnificence: lusty and bold, whether from the standard LT1 engine in 1992-96 models, the prior L98, or the super-powered ZR-1. Each engine delivers a seamless rush of power from virtually any speed, causing the car to vault ahead under moderate to hard throttle. An LT1 pushes you back in your seat all the way to its 5500-rpm redline and feels discernably smoother than its predecessor. Fuel economy is nothing to boast about. There's an undeniable performance advantage in the ZR-1 package, but not enough to justify the huge prices that model still commands. Acceleration Slip Regulation in 1992-96 models squelches the wheel spin that nearly incapacitated earlier Corvettes when accelerating on slippery surfaces.

Value for the Money
Rivals such as a Nissan 300ZX Turbo and Toyota Supra are more refined, but simply cannot match a Corvette's all-American macho flavor. To those who love them, there's simply nothing like a Corvette.