2005-2008 Chevrolet Corvette: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2008 Chevrolet Corvette
View the Photo Gallery
View the Photo Gallery
2005-2008 Chevrolet Corvette ▼
- Price Range: $28,400 - $63,700
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Chevrolet Corvette
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Chevrolet Corvette and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Brake performance
- Acceleration
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Passenger room
- Fuel economy
- Quietness
Vehicle Highlights
Chevrolet revamped 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 came 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 was newly available. Wheelbase grew 1.2 inches vs. the 1997-2004 C5, but overall length shrunk 5 inches. Fiberglass body panels again clothed a metal structure. The sole engine was a 400-hp 6.0-liter V8, up 50 hp from the C5's 5.7-liter V8. Transmission choices remained a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Standard were ABS, traction/antiskid control, and two suspension options. GM's Magnetic Selective Ride Control automatically adjusted firmness to match road surfaces within driver-selectable Touring and Sport modes. A Z51 package had a firmer nonadjustable suspension, larger brakes, and, with automatic transmission, acceleration-enhancing gearing. Standard run-flat tires returned, but wheel diameter grew an inch to 18 front, 19 rear. Front side airbags were standard on the convertible, optional on the coupe. Xenon headlamps were newly standard, as was keyless access and ignition. New options included OnStar assistance, navigation system, and satellite radio. Heated seats and a head-up display that projects gauge readouts onto the windshield were optional.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Chevrolet Corvette Coupe, auto. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 10 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 10 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 10 | |
| Total Score: | 59 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Chevrolet Corvette. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Chevrolet Corvette.
Year to Year Changes
2006 Chevrolet Corvette:
The high-performance Z06 returned to the Corvette lineup for 2006. Sporting a 505-hp 7.0-liter V8 engine and 6-speed manual transmission, the Z06 was the most powerful Corvette ever produced. On base models, a new 6-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous 4-speed.
2007 Chevrolet Corvette:
Corvette carried over unchanged.
2008 Chevrolet Corvette:
The 2008 Chevrolet Corvette got a new base engine with more power. Base models got a new 430-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine that replaced a 400-hp 6.0-liter V8. An optional "dual-mode" exhaust system increased horsepower to 436. They're available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Our road test for the 2005-2008 Chevrolet Corvette includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Chevrolet Corvette and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Chevrolet Corvette is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Chevrolet Corvette Coupe, auto. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 10 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 10 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 10 | |
| Total Score: | 59 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Chevrolet Corvette includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chevrolet Corvette .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Clutch:
The clutch pedal won't return after high-rpm shifts (over 6,000 rpm) on some early-production models, requiring replacement of the disc and pressure plate. (2005)
Fuel gauge:
The fuel gauge may read empty just after a fill-up until the fuel level drops somewhat because the sensor contact goes off the end of the contact area and a software patch corrects the condition. (2005)
Fuel gauge:
The engine may not start or may stall because the tank is empty yet the gauge shows fuel remaining, or the fuel gauge will not show full after refilling due to sulfur corrosion of the fuel level sender and if after treating with Fuel System Cleaner PLUS the problem remains, the sender may need to be replaced. (2004-06)
Power seat:
Electrical components of the power seat may quit because seat movement disconnects the electrical connector underneath. (2005)
Turn signal:
The parking lights/turn signals may not work intermittently because of poor contact between the bulbs and sockets, requiring socket and wiring harness replacement. (2005-06)
Vehicle noise:
Noises from the roof near the corners of the windshield are caused by the plastic guides for the roof pins getting worn, requiring replacement. (2005)
Vehicle noise:
The roof panel may make noises when going over bumps or may have water leaks and wind noise due to panel separation. For this, dealers were injecting foam sealant or replacing the panels. (2005-06)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $845 |
| Alternator | $830 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,650 |
| Brakes | $980 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $3,840 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,350 |
| Exhaust System | $1,450 |
| Radiator | $565 |
| Radiator | $5,690 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $890 |
Our price chart for this generation Chevrolet Corvette details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Corvette Z06 | $63,000-67,000 | $59,900-63,700 | $47,300-50,300 |
| Corvette conv. | $47,500-50,000 | $44,700-47,000 | $35,200-37,000 |
| Corvette coupe | $41,000-43,500 | $38,100-40,500 | $29,900-31,800 |
| 2007 | |||
| Corvette Z06 | $57,000-60,000 | $54,200-57,000 | $42,800-45,000 |
| Corvette conv. | $43,500-45,500 | $40,900-42,800 | $31,800-33,200 |
| Corvette coupe | $37,300-39,500 | $34,700-36,700 | $26,500-28,000 |
| 2006 | |||
| Corvette Z06 | $52,000-54,000 | $48,900-50,800 | $39,000-40,500 |
| Corvette conv. | $39,500-41,500 | $36,700-38,600 | $28,400-29,900 |
| Corvette coupe | $33,800-35,800 | $31,400-33,300 | $24,000-25,400 |
| 2005 | |||
| Corvette conv. | $35,500-37,500 | $33,000-34,900 | $25,200-26,600 |
| Corvette coupe | $30,500-32,200 | $28,400-29,900 | $21,400-22,500 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Chevrolet Corvette include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 105.7 | 105.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 174.6 | 174.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.6 | 72.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 49.0 | 49.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3199 | 3179 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.0 | 22.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18. | 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. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Base Corvettes have a 400-hp 6.0-liter V8 engine. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 6-speed automatic is optional. Corvette Z06 has a 505-hp 7.0-liter V8 and mandatory 6-speed manual. For 2008, base models got a new 430-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine that replaced a 400-hp 6.0-liter V8.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V8 | 7.0 / 427 | 505 | 470 | 6-speed manual: 16/26 6-speed automatic: 17/27 |
6-speed manual: 15.2 6-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 6.0 / 364 | 400 | 400 | 6-speed manual: 18/28 4-speed automatic: 18/26 |
6-speed manual: 19 4-speed automatic: 16.5 |
| ohv V8 | 6.2 / 376 | 430 | 424 | 6-speed manual: 16/26 6-speed automatic: 15/25 |
6-speed manual: -- 6-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chevrolet Corvette include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.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%. Sideimpact 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2005-2008 Chevrolet Corvette directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2005 Corvette:
The rear break fluid can boil and leak, causing limited breaking ability and a possibility for a crash. Dealer will inspect and fix the problem.
2005-06 Corvette:
Some vehicles may have a power steering hose that could crack and leak fluid. Dealer will inspect and replace the power steering hose.
2005-06 Corvette:
The adhesive between the removable roof panel and body frame may separate, causing the panel to detach. Dealer will inspect the panel and add the proper adhesive or replace the panel.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
