2005-2008 Chevrolet Corvette: Road Test

All Corvettes accelerate like supercars. Chevy says base models are at less than 4.5 sec 0-60 mph with either manual or automatic transmission. Z06s are pegged at 3.7, making them among the fastest cars in the world. Transmission response is good, but some testers complain of balkiness when shifting the manual. Manual transmission test base Corvettes averaged 19.0-19.4 mpg, impressive given this vehicle's sporty pretense. A test Z06 averaged 15.2 mpg. Chevy recommends premium-grade fuel for base models and requires it for Z06. Corvette's ride is expectedly firm, but rarely harsh, at least in most cases. The base suspension, optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control, and Z06 have good compliance over bumps, with float and wallow a non-issue. The sporty Z51 setup is uncomfortable and doesn't quell unwanted body motions. Steering, handling, and braking are on par with cars costing tens of thousands more. Wide tires provide tenacious grip, aided by quick steering and standard traction/antiskid control. Large brakes stop the car nearly as fast as it accelerates. No Corvettes are quiet cars, with lots of road noise intruding into the cabins of both coupes and convertibles. Also prominent is engine noise, but the sound of big Detroit iron is more intoxicating than infuriating. Inside, Corvette's cabin is more sporty than luxurious. Hard plastic surfaces are prominent and serve as clear evidence of cost cutting. The available head-up display is useful and can be switched off. One test coupe had a rattling removable roof panel. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with adequate head and leg room for passengers. Long heavy doors, low profile make ingress and egress a chore. A power telescope steering column is available to complement the standard manual tilt. Visibility is generally good, but some test models suffered annoying rear-window distortions. Cargo capacity is excellent for a sporty car, even in the convertible. All Corvettes have sufficient room to hold two golf bags, but interior storage is meager.

Value for the Money
The Best Buy Corvette is fast fun, with the Z06 version among the fastest cars in the world. Avoid the harsh-riding Z51 suspension option, and all models are reasonably practical daily drivers that cost thousands less than rival sports cars with similar performance.