2003 Chevrolet Corvette Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette help you decide if a 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is right for you.

2003 Chevrolet Corvette Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy

Steering/handling	Ride

Instruments/controls	Rear visibility

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base hatch, man.	Base hatch w/Z51, auto.	Base conv, auto.	Z06	Class Average
9	9	9	10	7.7

Blistering: Test convertibles and hatchbacks did 0-60 mph in around 5 sec. Haven't timed Z06, but Chevy's 3.9-sec claim feels realistic.

Fuel Economy

Base hatch, man.	Base hatch w/Z51, auto.	Base conv, auto.	Z06	Class Average
5	5	4	5	4.8

In our tests, hatchbacks averaged 19.8-21 mpg with either transmission and lots of highway miles, but just 12.9 in city driving. Convertible averaged 16.4 with automatic transmission, 18.4 with manual. Z06 averaged 19 mpg. Both engines require premium fuel.

Ride Quality

Base hatch, man.	Base hatch w/Z51, auto.	Base conv, auto.	Z06	Class Average
3	2	3	1	4.1

Firm always, but degree of stiffness varies by suspension. Base suspension is relatively absorbent, but allows trace of float on high-speed moguls. Firmer Z51 setup is more stable and only rarely uncomfortably harsh. New Magnetic Selective Ride Control splits the difference: remarkably good bump absorption in Touring mode but with too much residual body movement; too taut over broken surfaces in Sport mode. Ultrastiff Z06 suspension painfully hard.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base hatch, man.	Base hatch w/Z51, auto.	Base conv, auto.	Z06	Class Average
10	10	10	10	8.6

Among the world's best. Sharp steering, virtually flat cornering, and ample smooth-surface grip, abetted by antiskid/traction-control system. Brakes are powerful, stops short and stable.

Quietness

Base hatch, man.	Base hatch w/Z51, auto.	Base conv, auto.	Z06	Class Average
3	2	2	1	4

Copious road noise and engine roar. Z51 setup seems to generate more tire rumble. Everything's much louder in Z06.

Controls

Base hatch, man.	Base hatch w/Z51, auto.	Base conv, auto.	Z06	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6

Clear gauges. Complex but easy-to-master control layout. Some find head-up display distracting, but it can be turned off. Quality of cabin materials and detail finish good, though not on par with like-priced import-brand sports cars.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base hatch, man.	Base hatch w/Z51, auto.	Base conv, auto.	Z06	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.4

Comfortable, enveloping seats. Adequate head and leg room, plus a wider cockpit than in most sports cars. Entry/exit requires a drop in and a climb out, though unobtrusive door sills help. Thick roof pillars hurt visibility to all corners, especially top-up in convertibles.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base hatch, man.	Base hatch w/Z51, auto.	Base conv, auto.	Z06	Class Average
0	0	0	0	.7

(No rear seating.)

Cargo Room

Base hatch, man.	Base hatch w/Z51, auto.	Base conv, auto.	Z06	Class Average
6	6	3	3	2.2

Great for a sports car. All models have sufficient space for two golf bags, but liftover is achingly high and there's no partition between cargo hold and cabin. Cockpit storage miniscule.

Value within Class

Base hatch, man.	Base hatch w/Z51, auto.	Base conv, auto.	Z06	Class Average
10	9	9	9	4.6

Not inexpensive, but if you like your sports cars big, bold, and brawny, there's no better high-performance value. The Z06, though, is best left to the racetrack.

Total Score