1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette: Road Test

Simply put, the "C5" Corvette is one of the world's fastest cars. While most late-model 'Vettes accelerate to 60 miles per hour in a fierce 4.7 seconds, the powerful Z06 model introduced in 2001 is said to make it to 60 in just 3.9 seconds. Gas mileage is about as expected for a performance machine. We've averaged 16.5 mpg with an automatic-transmission coupe, and 16.4 in an automatic convertible. Steering and smooth-road handling are race-car sharp. Unlike some prior models, however, the tail is now less likely to skitter sideways when encountering bumps during a turn. It can still tail-hop in bumpy corners, however. A stiffened chassis allowed engineers to fit softer springs to this Corvette, so ride quality is good enough to qualify it as everyday transportation. Three suspensions have been available, and we recommend the base setup as best all-around choice, furnishing a firm but not punishing ride. The Z51 suspension is harsh for everyday driving. Chevrolet's Continuously Variable Real Time Damping option tends to feel either too soft or too rigid. Corvettes are not quiet. You can expect a booming exhaust note, plenty of engine roar during hard acceleration, plus copious tire noise. Because of its inner-lined soft top, at least the convertible is hardly noisier overall than the coupe. Entering an earlier Corvette could be difficult, due to their tall door-frame sills. Those are gone in this generation. So, getting in and out is about as easy as with certain less-racy sport coupes--though it's still essentially a crouch-and-crawl proposition. Space is generous for two adults. Instruments and controls are sensibly designed and conveniently located. The convertible's soft roof folds neatly beneath a hard tonneau, which flows into an intriguing body-colored panel between the seats. Thick roof pillars impair visibility to all corners, but a low cowl creates a clear field of vision straight ahead. Both bodies have sufficient cargo room to hold two sets of golf clubs. Cockpit storage is limited to a tiny glovebox and a minuscule center console compartment. Test Corvettes have had solid structures, but detail flaws have turned up repeatedly even when the cars were close to new.

Value for the Money
Big, bold, and brawny. That's the kind of high-performance driving you get from a Corvette. If that sounds appealing, there's no better all-around performance value, whether new or used. On the downside, some of the trim isn't really finished with sufficient richness for a car in the Corvette's price league.