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2005 Chevrolet Corvette Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chevrolet Corvette Full Review
7.
8.
2005 Chevrolet Corvette Review
Chevrolet revamps its 2-seat sports car for 2005 with revised styling, more power, and new features. Dubbed the C6 to denote Corvette's 6th design generation since 1953, the '05 comes as a hatchback coupe with lift-off roof panel or as a convertible with a fabric soft top and heated glass rear window. A power top is newly available.
Wheelbase grows 1.2 inches vs. the 1997-2004 C5, but overall length shrinks 5 inches. Fiberglass body panels again clothe a metal structure. The sole engine is a 6.0-liter V8 with 400 hp, up 50 hp from the C5's 5.7-liter V8. Transmission choices remain a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Also continued are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid/traction control, and two suspension options. GM's Magnetic Selective Ride Control automatically adjusts firmness to match road surfaces within driver-selectable Touring and Sport modes. A Z51 package has a firmer nonadjustable suspension, larger brakes, and, with automatic transmission, acceleration-enhancing gearing. Standard run-flat tires return, but wheel diameter grows an inch to 18 front, 19 rear. Front side airbags are standard on the convertible, optional on the coupe. Xenon headlamps are newly standard, as is keyless access and ignition. New options include OnStar assistance, navigation system, and satellite radio. Heated seats and a head-up display that projects gauge readouts onto the windshield are optional.
Wheelbase grows 1.2 inches vs. the 1997-2004 C5, but overall length shrinks 5 inches. Fiberglass body panels again clothe a metal structure. The sole engine is a 6.0-liter V8 with 400 hp, up 50 hp from the C5's 5.7-liter V8. Transmission choices remain a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Also continued are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid/traction control, and two suspension options. GM's Magnetic Selective Ride Control automatically adjusts firmness to match road surfaces within driver-selectable Touring and Sport modes. A Z51 package has a firmer nonadjustable suspension, larger brakes, and, with automatic transmission, acceleration-enhancing gearing. Standard run-flat tires return, but wheel diameter grows an inch to 18 front, 19 rear. Front side airbags are standard on the convertible, optional on the coupe. Xenon headlamps are newly standard, as is keyless access and ignition. New options include OnStar assistance, navigation system, and satellite radio. Heated seats and a head-up display that projects gauge readouts onto the windshield are optional.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and 4-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.
Our Best Buy is the Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include the BMW Z4, Chrysler Crossfire, and Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Our Best Buy is the Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include the BMW Z4, Chrysler Crossfire, and Mercedes-Benz CLK.
News
With "basic" C6 Corvettes now on the street, attention turns to the high-power 2006 Z06 model. Chevy confirms a 7.0-liter V8 with 505 hp, mandatory 6-speed manual transmission, a 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds, and a starting price of $65,800. Unlike previous notchback Z06s, the new one uses Corvette's hatchback body for optimum high-speed aerodynamics, but omits the liftoff roof panel to pare performance-sapping pounds. Also saving weight are more-extensive use of aluminum and even carbon fiber. Unique racing-inspired lower-body styling sets Z06 apart from lesser 'Vettes. Sales begin soon, so keep checking back with us for full details.
2005 Chevrolet Corvette Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Passenger room |
| Steering/handling | Quietness |
| Brake performance | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Blistering. Feels every bit as fast as Chevy's sub 4.5 sec 0-60-mph claim with either transmission. Manual transmission gear changes are slick, crisp. Automatic upshifts smoothly, kicks down quickly to deliver vigorous passing power.
| Coupe, auto. | Coupe w/Z51, man. | Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., man. | Conv w/Z51, man. | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.1 |
Blistering. Feels every bit as fast as Chevy's sub 4.5 sec 0-60-mph claim with either transmission. Manual transmission gear changes are slick, crisp. Automatic upshifts smoothly, kicks down quickly to deliver vigorous passing power.
Fuel Economy
Impressive for the class. Manual-transmission coupe averaged 19.0 mpg in mix of city/highway driving, manual-transmission convertible 19.4. Automatic coupe averaged 16.5. Chevrolet recommends premium-grade fuel.
| Coupe, auto. | Coupe w/Z51, man. | Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., man. | Conv w/Z51, man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
Impressive for the class. Manual-transmission coupe averaged 19.0 mpg in mix of city/highway driving, manual-transmission convertible 19.4. Automatic coupe averaged 16.5. Chevrolet recommends premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Firm always, though base suspension compliant for a sports car. It's relatively absorbent, but allows trace of float on high-speed moguls. UItrafirm Z51 setup uncomfortably stiff over even small bumps and ridges, and doesn't fully eliminate unwanted body motions on dips and swells. Magnetic Selective Ride Control splits the difference: remarkably good bump absorption in Touring mode but with too much residual body movement; and too taut over broken surfaces in Sport mode.
| Coupe, auto. | Coupe w/Z51, man. | Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., man. | Conv w/Z51, man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
Firm always, though base suspension compliant for a sports car. It's relatively absorbent, but allows trace of float on high-speed moguls. UItrafirm Z51 setup uncomfortably stiff over even small bumps and ridges, and doesn't fully eliminate unwanted body motions on dips and swells. Magnetic Selective Ride Control splits the difference: remarkably good bump absorption in Touring mode but with too much residual body movement; and too taut over broken surfaces in Sport mode.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Sharp steering, tenacious smooth-surface grip, poised in any change of direction. Control abetted by antiskid/traction-control system. Z51 suspension has the least body lean and sharpest high-speed moves, but can jitter off intended path in fast, bumpy corners. Short, stable stops.
| Coupe, auto. | Coupe w/Z51, man. | Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., man. | Conv w/Z51, man. | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.6 |
Sharp steering, tenacious smooth-surface grip, poised in any change of direction. Control abetted by antiskid/traction-control system. Z51 suspension has the least body lean and sharpest high-speed moves, but can jitter off intended path in fast, bumpy corners. Short, stable stops.
Quietness
Voluminous V8 bellow during acceleration, noticeable burble at cruise. Copious road rumble always. Convertibles subject to more ambient noise.
| Coupe, auto. | Coupe w/Z51, man. | Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., man. | Conv w/Z51, man. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3.9 |
Voluminous V8 bellow during acceleration, noticeable burble at cruise. Copious road rumble always. Convertibles subject to more ambient noise.
Controls
Clear gauges. Optional head-up display projects variety of useful information; can be switched off for those who find it distracting. Logical control layout, but navigation system absorbs most audio controls, complicating their use. Easy shortcut is the responsive voice-recognition feature for programming navigation, related audio. Keyless ignition a mixed blessing; freedom from having keyfob at hand is offset by reality that car will remain running even without fob nearby. Nicely grained, padded interior panels outnumber hard plastic surfaces for a sporty, upscale ambience. Removable roof panel rattled, chafed in one test coupe.
| Coupe, auto. | Coupe w/Z51, man. | Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., man. | Conv w/Z51, man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.2 |
Clear gauges. Optional head-up display projects variety of useful information; can be switched off for those who find it distracting. Logical control layout, but navigation system absorbs most audio controls, complicating their use. Easy shortcut is the responsive voice-recognition feature for programming navigation, related audio. Keyless ignition a mixed blessing; freedom from having keyfob at hand is offset by reality that car will remain running even without fob nearby. Nicely grained, padded interior panels outnumber hard plastic surfaces for a sporty, upscale ambience. Removable roof panel rattled, chafed in one test coupe.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Comfortable, enveloping seats. Adequate head, leg room. Cockpit wider than most sports cars'. Available power-telescope steering wheel a boon to driver positioning, but available only in pricey 1SB option. Entry/exit is drop in/climb out, and long doors a parking lot irritant. Thick roof pillars hurt visibility to all corners, especially top-up in convertibles. Test coupe's rear window suffered annoying distortions.
| Coupe, auto. | Coupe w/Z51, man. | Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., man. | Conv w/Z51, man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Comfortable, enveloping seats. Adequate head, leg room. Cockpit wider than most sports cars'. Available power-telescope steering wheel a boon to driver positioning, but available only in pricey 1SB option. Entry/exit is drop in/climb out, and long doors a parking lot irritant. Thick roof pillars hurt visibility to all corners, especially top-up in convertibles. Test coupe's rear window suffered annoying distortions.
Room/Comfort (rear)
(No rear seating.)
| Coupe, auto. | Coupe w/Z51, man. | Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., man. | Conv w/Z51, man. | Class Average |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .4 |
(No rear seating.)
Cargo Room
Great for a sports car. Both body styles have sufficient space for two golf bags, but liftover is high and there's no partition between hatchback's cargo hold and cabin. Cockpit storage minuscule.
| Coupe, auto. | Coupe w/Z51, man. | Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., man. | Conv w/Z51, man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Great for a sports car. Both body styles have sufficient space for two golf bags, but liftover is high and there's no partition between hatchback's cargo hold and cabin. Cockpit storage minuscule.
Value within Class
Corvette delivers thrilling acceleration, handling, and braking. Avoid the Z51 suspension and this 2-seater is relatively comfortable in everyday driving. And it costs thousands less than rivals with similar performance. If you like your sports cars bold and brawny, there's no better high-performance value and no stronger Best Buy in this class.
| Coupe, auto. | Coupe w/Z51, man. | Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., man. | Conv w/Z51, man. | Class Average |
| 10 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 4.6 |
Corvette delivers thrilling acceleration, handling, and braking. Avoid the Z51 suspension and this 2-seater is relatively comfortable in everyday driving. And it costs thousands less than rivals with similar performance. If you like your sports cars bold and brawny, there's no better high-performance value and no stronger Best Buy in this class.
Total Score
| Coupe, auto. | Coupe w/Z51, man. | Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., man. | Conv w/Z51, man. | Class Average |
| 59 | 57 | 53 | 52 | 47.8 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 47 | |
| High Score | 59 |
2005 Chevrolet Corvette Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/16/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 2-door hatchback | $43,710 | $38,246 | $800 |
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| Base 2-door convertible | $51,445 | $45,014 | $800 |
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
Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags (convertible), antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, 6-way power passenger seat (convertible), center console, cupholders, heated power mirrors, power windows, remote keyless entry, keyless access and starting, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, map lights, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, bi-xenon headlights, fog lights, body-colored removable roof panel (hatchback), manually folding convertible top (convertible), run-flat tires (245/40ZR18 front, 285/35ZR19 rear), alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Preferred Equipment Group 1SA
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hatchback
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$1,405
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$1,208
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Front side airbags, perforated leather upholstery, 6-way power passenger seat, cargo net and cover.
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Preferred Equipment Group 1SB
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hatchback
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$4,360
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$3,750
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convertible
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$2,955
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$2,541
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Preferred Equipment Group 1SA (hatchback) plus manual-tilt/power-telescope steering wheel, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), heated seats, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, head-up instrument display, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, universal garage-door opener.
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Z51 Performance Handling Pkg.
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Base
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$1,695
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$1,458
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Performance axle ratio (w/automatic transmission), power-steering-fluid cooler, engine- and transmission-oil cooler, larger brakes, firmer suspension.
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Magnetic Selective Ride Control Suspension
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Base
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$1,695
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$1,458
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Adjustable ride-control suspension. NA w/Z51 Performance Handling Pkg.
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Powertrain |
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4-speed automatic transmission
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Base
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$0
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$0
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Performance axle ratio
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Base
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$395
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$340
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Requires automatic transmission.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Base
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$1,600
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$1,376
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Includes voice recognition. Substitutes Bose AM/FM/CD/MP3 player for in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 player. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
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OnStar assistance system
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Base
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$695
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$598
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Includes one-year service.
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Satellite radio
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Base
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$325
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$280
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Requires Preferred Equipment Pkg. 1SB, monthly service fee after 3rd month.
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Power convertible top
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convertible
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$1,995
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$1,716
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Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Corvette Museum Delivery
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Base
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$490
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$421
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Includes tour of Corvette factory and museum, delivery of car in museum w/broadcast on Internet, plaque, door badges, one-year Corvette Museum membership. In addition to normal delivery charge.
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Transparent roof panel
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hatchback
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$750
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$645
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Dual roof panels
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hatchback
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$1,400
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$1,204
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Standard removable roof panel and transparent roof panel.
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Front license plate bracket
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Base
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$15
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$13
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Special paint
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Base
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$300
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$258
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Polished alloy wheels
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Base
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$1,295
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$1,114
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Painted alloy wheels
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Base
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$295
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$254
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2005 Chevrolet Corvette Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Chevrolet Corvette 2-door hatchback | Chevrolet Corvette 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.0 | 106.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 175.0 | 175.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.0 | 73.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 49.0 | 49.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3179 | 3199 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 22.0 | 11.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.0 | 38.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.0 | 43.0 |
| 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. | 6.0 /364 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 400 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 400 @ 4400 |
| Availability | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed manual | 18/28 |
| 4-speed automatic | 18/26 |
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 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 | 5/60,000 | Aveo and Cobalt only. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000100,000 | -- |
| 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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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Preferred Equipment Group (Frontal and Side Impact Driver and Passenger Airbags, Luggage Shade and parcel Net, 6-Way Power Passenger Seat, Adjustable Sport Bucket Seats with Perforated Leather Inserts, Head Up Display Homelink Transmitter, Memory Package, Auto Dimming ISRV Mirror with Compass and River OSRV Mirror, Heated Seats, PWR Telescoping Steering), Z51 Performance Pkg., AM/FM CD with DVD Navigation, Bose Premium 7 Speaker System, Polished Aluminum Wheels, 6-speed Manual Transmission Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 18.98 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Mark Bilek When fitted with the manual transmission and Z51 suspension, 'Vette can be somewhat imposing in around-town driving. But open her up on a winding road and she shrink-wraps herself around the driver and becomes a true sports car that can run with any Ferrari or Porsche. But 'Vette's most amazing attribute may not be the performance, but the price. Just $50,000 for a car that will run with the wolves or with the sheep is a bargain in any book. Tom Appel Compared to other cars in this class...well, there are no other cars in this class. The hyper hi-power Vette trumps every other sport intender in value. Quality concerns aside, this Corvette is a streetable monster at 29% the cost of a Ferrari F360. How dopy does the Viper look now? |
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Also in the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chevrolet Corvette Full Review
7.
8.
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