2003 Chevrolet Corvette: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Chevy's sports car celebrates its 50th birthday with a special anniversary package and a new high-tech suspension option. Corvette comes as a hatchback coupe with removable roof panel, a convertible with manual fabric top and heated glass rear window, and as the fixed-roof Z06 hardtop. All use a 5.7-liter V8, unchanged in power for '03. Convertibles and hatchbacks have 350 hp and a 4-speed automatic transmission or optional 6-speed manual. The Z06 has 405 hp and comes only with manual. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and an antiskid/traction-control system are standard. All 2003 Corvettes wear 50th anniversary insignia. The convertible and hatchback offer a 50th Anniversary Special Edition Package (1SC) with red paint, champagne-colored wheels, and unique trim and badging. Available for the convertible and hatchback and included in the Anniversary package is new Magnetic Selective Ride Control. Set by a console switch to "Touring" or "Sport" modes, it's designed to automatically adjust shock-absorber firmness based on road conditions and driving style. Finally, hatchbacks and convertibles add several standard features that had been options, including fog lamps, sport seats, and dual-zone climate control.

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. Chevrolet Corvette is fast, comfortable, and reasonably affordable, but it doesn't beat you up with a hard ride, and it will cruise quietly at highway speeds. Our other Best Buy, Mazda Miata, is a bare-bones roadster with few frills at a great price. For weekend fun on a twisty back road, it's hard to beat.

A Recommended selection, Honda S2000 offers up all the performance and thrills of a traditional sports car without the intimidating price tag. Audi's TT is solid, stylish, and loaded with features making it fit for the Recommended list as well. Like no other in its class, TT offers the all-weather advantage of available quattro AWD at a great price. New this year is the Nissan 350Z. It offers heart-stopping performance and civility at a very reasonable price. After additional tests we may well move this vehicle to a Best Buy.