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2000 Chevrolet Corvette Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
2000 Chevrolet Corvette Review
America's longest-lived sports car mostly marks time for the fourth year of its current design. Corvette retains its traditional 2-seat fiberglass body construction in hatchback, convertible, and fixed-roof hardtop styles. All have a 345-horsepower V8, newly retuned for low-emissions-vehicle standards, plus traction control, "run-flat" tires that eliminate the need for a spare, a tire-pressure monitor and, also new, an "active" remote keyless-entry system instead of a "passive" type. The hardtop is sold only with 6-speed manual transmission and a sport-tuned Z51 suspension, now with thicker stabilizer bars, that's optional on the convertible and hatchback. Those models come with automatic transmission and offer either a base suspension or an optional one with three-mode driver-adjustable shock absorbers. Available for all Corvettes is Active Handling chassis control, which applies individual brakes as needed to keep the car on line in hard cornering maneuvers. Last year's optional head-up display, which projects instrument readouts onto the windshield, is newly available for the hardtop. The convertible retains a manual folding top with electrically defrosted glass rear window.
Competition
This class features an interesting mix of hard-core performance models and more luxurious touring convertibles. Our Best Buys give you a little of both worlds. The Chevrolet Corvette is fast, comfortable, and reasonably affordable. Unlike previous models it doesn't beat you up with a hard ride, and it will cruise quietly at highway speeds. Our other Best Buy, the Mazda Miata, is a bare-bones roadster with few frills and average acceleration, but for weekend fun on a twisty back road it's hard to beat.
If you don't mind spending a few more bucks, we recommend you take a look at the BMW Z3 and Mercedes-Benz SLK. Both are two-seat convertibles. The BMW is more sporty and the Mercedes is more luxurious.
If you are interested in bang-for-the-buck our Budget Buys include the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. At any given price or equipment level the Camaro is a faster car, but the Mustang might be a little more user-friendly as a daily driver.
News
Industry snoops say the Corvette is to be redesigned for 2004, ending the current C5 series after just seven model years. The predecessor C4 line lasted 13 seasons. Sources report the upcoming C6 Corvettes will get a so-called "Gen IV" (fourth-generation) update of the classic 5.7-liter LS1 V8. Standard horsepower is rumored to be around 400, though the last C5 models may be at or slightly below that figure. No word yet on what the '04 will look like, but expect it to be recognizably Corvette and undoubtedly even slinkier. Meantime, the C5 continues to sell well by Corvette standards, though year-to-year sales have been flat at just under 30,000 units for calendar 1999 and slightly above 11,000 for the first four months of 2000.
2000 Chevrolet Corvette Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Fuel economy
Steering/handling Ride (Z51 suspension)
Instruments/controls Rear visibility
Entry/exit
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Base conv, auto. Base hatch, man. Class Average
9 9 7.4

We timed a manual 6-speed convertible at 5.8 seconds to 60 mph. There's ample power at every speed.
Fuel Economy

Base conv, auto. Base hatch, man. Class Average
4 5 4.7

With lots of highway miles, we've averaged about 20 mpg with manual shift, though a test hardtop returned just 12.9 mpg in heavy city driving. An automatic convertible averaged 16.4.
Ride Quality

Base conv, auto. Base hatch, man. Class Average
3 3 3.4

The base suspension is firm but not punishing. The Z51 setup is just too harsh for everyday use. The Continuous Variable Real Time Damping option usually feels too soft or too hard.
Steering/Handling/Braking

Base conv, auto. Base hatch, man. Class Average
9 9 7.6

Every 'Vette has racer-sharp handling, but the tail skitters sideways all too easily in bumpy corners. The new hardtop is more rigid and slightly more athletic than other models.
Quietness

Base conv, auto. Base hatch, man. Class Average
3 4 3.6

The convertible and hardtop are noisier than the hatchback, but all 'Vettes have a booming exhaust note, lots of V8 roar, and copious tire rumble.
Controls

Base conv, auto. Base hatch, man. Class Average
6 6 5.1

Dash is sensibly designed, but some drivers may want to turn off the optional Head Up Display. Climate controls are hard to access with the stickshift in its forward positions.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base conv, auto. Base hatch, man. Class Average
5 5 4.7

Generous sports-car space and supportive, well-formed seats with lots of adjustments. The convertible's manual soft top works easily. Top-down wind buffeting isn't bad.
Cargo Room

Base conv, auto. Base hatch, man. Class Average
3 6 2.2

All models have space for at least two golf bags, but liftover is high and there's no partition between luggage bay and cockpit. Small-item storage is minimal.
Value within Class

Base conv, auto. Base hatch, man. Class Average
4 4 2.5

No Corvette is inexpensive, but if you like your high-performance sports cars big, bold, and brawny, there's no better all-around performance value.
Total Score

Base conv, auto. Base hatch, man. Class Average
46 51 41.2
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score
32
Average Score
41
High Score
52
2000 Chevrolet Corvette Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/31/2000
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Base 2-door hardtop $38,705 $33,867 $645
Base 2-door hatchback coupe $39,280 $34,370 $645
Base 2-door convertible $45,705 $39,992 $645
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base hardtop
Powertrain
5.7-liter V8 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control, limited-slip differential, 3.42 axle ratio.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, low tire-pressure warning system, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, variable-assist power steering, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, cruise control, leather bucket seats, center console, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, tachometer, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, visor mirrors, reading lights, remote decklid/hatch release.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, Z51 Performance Handling Pkg., extended-mobility tires (245/45ZR17 front, 275/40ZR18 rear), alloy wheels.
Base coupe/convertible add to Base hardtop:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission, 2.73 axle ratio.
Comfort and Convenience Features
6-way power driver seat, Bose speakers, integrated antenna (coupe), power antenna (convertible).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: Z51 Performance Handling Pkg.
Body-colored removable roof panel (coupe), manually folding convertible top (convertible).
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Memory Pkg.
coupe, convertible
$150
$129
Memory for driver seat, outside mirrors, climate control, and radio presets.
Continuous Variable Real Time Damping Suspension
coupe, convertible
$1,695
$1,458
Adjustable ride control.
Z51 Performance Handling Pkg.
coupe, conv.
$350
$301
Sport suspension (Bilstein shock absorbers, stiffer springs, stabilizer bars, and bushings) special alloy wheels. Automatic transmission requires performance axle ratio. NA w/Continuously Variable Real Time Damping Suspension.
Powertrain
6-speed manual transmission
coupe, convertible
$815
$701
Includes performance axle ratio.
Performance 3.15 axle ratio
coupe, convertible
$300
$258
Safety
Active handling system
Base coupe/convertible, Base hardtop
$500
$430
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone climate controls
Base coupe/convertible, Base hardtop
$365
$314
Perforated leather sport seats
coupe, convertible
$700
$602
6-way power driver seat
hardtop
$305
$262
6-way power passenger seat
coupe, convertible
$305
$262
AM/FM/CD player
Base coupe/convertible, Base hardtop
$100
$86
Hardtop requires Bose speakers.
12-disc CD changer
Base coupe/convertible, Base hardtop
$600
$516
Bose speakers
hardtop
$820
$705
Head-up instrument display
Base coupe/convertible, Base hardtop
$375
$323
Power telescoping steering column
coupe, convertible
$350
$301
Twilight Sentinel automatic headlights
coupe, convertible
$60
$52
Light Pkg.
hardtop
$95
$82
Under hood and cargo lights, illuminated visor mirrors.
Cargo cover
coupe
$50
$43
Cargo net
hardtop
$15
$13
Floormats
Base coupe/convertible, Base hardtop
$25
$22
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Transparent roof panel
coupe
$650
$559
Dual roof panels
coupe
$1,100
$946
Standard removable roof panel and transparent roof panel.
Bodyside moldings
Base coupe/convertible, Base hardtop
$75
$65
Fog lights
Base coupe/convertible, Base hardtop
$69
$59
Front license plate frame
Base coupe/convertible, Base hardtop
$15
$13
Special paint
coupe, convertible
$500
$430
Magnesium wheels
Base coupe/convertible, Base hardtop
$2,000
$1,720
Polished alloy wheels
Base coupe/convertible, Base hardtop
$895
$770
2000 Chevrolet Corvette Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Chevrolet Corvette 2-door coupe Chevrolet Corvette 2-door hatchback Chevrolet Corvette 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 104.5 104.5 104.5
Overall Length, in. 179.7 179.7 179.7
Overall Width, in. 73.6 73.6 73.6
Overall Height, in. 47.7 47.7 47.8
Curb Weight, lbs. 3173 3246 3248
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 13.3 24.8 13.9
Standard Payload, lbs. -- -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 19.1 19.1 19.1
Seating Capacity 2 2 2
Front Head Room, in. 37.8 37.9 37.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.7 42.7 42.7
Rear Head Room, in. -- -- --
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. -- -- --
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 5.7 /346
Horsepower @ rpm. 345 @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 350 @ 4400
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
 
6-speed manual 18/28
4-speed automatic 17/25
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Chevrolet Corvette 2-door coupe Chevrolet Corvette 2-door hatchback Chevrolet Corvette 2-door convertible
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 6/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive
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