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2006 Chevrolet Corvette Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
2006 Chevrolet Corvette Review
An available 6-speed automatic transmission and the return of the high-performance Z06 model mark 2006 for Corvette. Chevrolet's two-seat V8 sports car comes as a coupe and convertible. Coupes are hatchbacks with a lift-off roof panel. Convertibles have a manual-folding fabric top and heated glass rear window; a power-folding top is optional. Base models have 400 hp and a 6-speed manual transmission. Replacing a 4-speed automatic, the optional 6-speed automatic includes steering wheel paddles for manual operation. Z06 is a hatchback coupe with fixed roof panel. It has 505 hp and mandatory 6-speed manual. All Corvettes have ABS, traction/antiskid control, and run-flat tires. Side airbags are standard on convertibles, optional on coupes. Z06s have specific suspension, tires, and brakes. Optional on base models is GM's Magnetic Selective Ride Control that automatically adjusts firmness within two driver-selectable modes. Also available is a high-performance Z51 package that has a firmer, nonadjustable suspension.
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 Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz CLK.
News
It's been on and off more times than a light switch, but a long-rumored "super 'Vette" is apparently back on Chevrolet's agenda, says one usually reliable source. Once known as "Blue Devil" and now allegedly proceeding as project Sting Ray, this ultimate Corvette would pack around 600 hp and sell for around $100,000. No word yet on timing, but an early 2008-model debut seems possible.
2006 Chevrolet Corvette Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Passenger room
Steering/handling Quietness
Brake performance Fuel economy
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Coupe w/Z51, man. Conv w/Z51, man. Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., auto. Z06 w/nav. sys. Class Average
10 10 10 10 8.2

Chevy pegs Z06 at a scorching 3.7 sec 0-60 mph, credible based our test. No opportunity to time base model, but Chevy claims under 4.5 sec with either transmission--and they feel that fast. Manual gearbox has slick, crisp action, though some testers noted balkiness when shifting quickly. Robust automatic shifts with authority, though never feels harsh.
Fuel Economy

Coupe w/Z51, man. Conv w/Z51, man. Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., auto. Z06 w/nav. sys. Class Average
5 5 5 3 4.2

With manual transmission, test base coupe averaged an impressive 19.0 mpg, convertible 19.4. With automatic, test convertible averaged XXXXXTest Z06 averaged 15.2 mpg. Chevrolet recommends premium-grade fuel for base V8, requires it for Z06.
Ride Quality

Coupe w/Z51, man. Conv w/Z51, man. Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., auto. Z06 w/nav. sys. Class Average
2 2 3 3 4.3

Base suspension firm, but compliant for a sports car, though high-speed moguls induce minor float. Z51 setup uncomfortably stiff over even small bumps, doesn't fully eliminate unwanted body motions. Magnetic Selective Ride Control splits the difference. Its Touring mode provides remarkably good bump absorption, but with too much residual body movement; Sport setting too taut over broken surfaces. Z06 also stiff, but rarely harsh.
Steering/Handling/Braking

Coupe w/Z51, man. Conv w/Z51, man. Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., auto. Z06 w/nav. sys. Class Average
10 10 10 10 8.5

Gymnast agile, with quick steering, tenacious smooth-road grip, little cornering lean, backstopped by traction/antiskid control. Z51 suspension trims body lean, sharpens responses, but can jitter car off intended path in fast, bumpy corners. Z06 needs careful throttle modulation in fast turns, else the rear end fishtails. Big, powerful brakes furnish short, stable stops.
Quietness

Coupe w/Z51, man. Conv w/Z51, man. Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., auto. Z06 w/nav. sys. Class Average
3 2 2 2 4.1

Voluminous V8 bellow except at lower rpm, where there's a marked burble. Constant, copious road rumble. Convertible subject to more ambient noise than coupe.
Controls

Coupe w/Z51, man. Conv w/Z51, man. Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., auto. Z06 w/nav. sys. Class Average
7 7 6 6 6.3

Clear gauges, mostly logical controls. Available head-up display useful, can be switched off. Navigation system controls, thus complicates, most audio functions, but responsive voice-recognition feature helps simplify things. Interior ambience sporty. Some grained padded surfaces mixed with dull, hard plastic pieces, especially in Z06. Removable roof panel in one test coupe rattled.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Coupe w/Z51, man. Conv w/Z51, man. Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., auto. Z06 w/nav. sys. Class Average
5 5 5 5 5.7

Comfortable, enveloping seats. Adequate head, leg room. Cockpit wider than in most sports cars. Manual-tilt steering column available with power-telescope aids driver comfort, but requires pricey option package. Entry/exit is drop in/climb out; long doors don't help. Thick roof pillars hamper visibility to all corners, especially top-up in convertibles. Rear windows in base coupe and Z06 suffered annoying distortions.
Room/Comfort (rear)

Coupe w/Z51, man. Conv w/Z51, man. Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., auto. Z06 w/nav. sys. Class Average
0 0 0 0 .7

(No rear seating.)
Cargo Room

Coupe w/Z51, man. Conv w/Z51, man. Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., auto. Z06 w/nav. sys. Class Average
6 2 2 6 2

Great for a sports car. Both body styles have sufficient space for two golf bags, but liftover is high, and coupes lack a partition between cargo hold and cabin. Cockpit storage minuscule.
Value within Class

Coupe w/Z51, man. Conv w/Z51, man. Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., auto. Z06 w/nav. sys. Class Average
9 9 10 9 4.5

The Best Buy Corvette is fast fun, with the 505-hp 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.
Total Score

Coupe w/Z51, man. Conv w/Z51, man. Conv w/nav. sys., Mag. susp., auto. Z06 w/nav. sys. Class Average
57 52 53 54 48.5
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score
37
Average Score
48
High Score
58
2006 Chevrolet Corvette Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/26/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Base 2-door hatchback $43,690 $39,103 $800
Base 2-door convertible $51,390 $45,994 $800
Z06 2-door hatchback $64,890 $58,077 $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, 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, bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, 6-way power passenger seat (convertible), center console, cupholders, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, 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, xenon headlights, fog lights, body-colored removable roof panel (hatchback), manually folding convertible top (convertible), 245/40ZR18 front and 285/35ZR19 rear run-flat tires, alloy wheels.
Z06 adds to Base:
Powertrain
7.0-liter V8 engine.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Head-up instrument display.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fixed roof panel, performance suspension, 275/35ZR18 front and 325/30ZR19 rear run-flat tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
2LT Preferred Equipment Group
Base hatchback
$1,495
$1,241
Side airbags, perforated leather upholstery, 6-way power passenger seat, cargo net and cover.
3LT Preferred Equipment Group
Base hatchback
$4,795
$3,980
Base convertible
$3,395
$2,818
2LT Preferred Equipment Group (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, satellite radio (requires monthly fee after 3rd month), head-up instrument display, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, compass, universal garage door opener.
2LZ Preferred Equipment Group
Z06
$2,900
$2,407
Side airbags, manual-tilt/power-telescope steering wheel, heated seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio (requires monthly fee after 3rd month), automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, compass, universal garage door opener, cargo net and cover,
Z51 Performance Handling Pkg.
Base
$1,695
$1,407
Upgraded 6-speed manual transmission, uprated brakes, power-steering-fluid cooler, engine- and transmission-oil cooler, larger brakes, firmer suspension.
Magnetic Selective Ride Control Suspension
Base
$1,695
$1,407
Adjustable ride-control suspension. NA w/Z51 Performance Handling Pkg.
Powertrain
6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
Base
$1,250
$1,038
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Base, Z06 w/2LZ Group
$1,600
$1,328
Z06
$3,340
$2,277
Includes voice recognition. Base and Z06 w/2LZ Preferred Equipment Group substitute Bose AM/FM/CD/MP3 player for in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 player. Base requires 3LT Preferred Equipment Group.
OnStar assistance system
Base
$695
$577
Includes one year service.
Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
Z06
$1,740
$1,444
Power convertible top
convertible
$1,995
$1,656
Requires 3LT Preferred Equipment Group.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Corvette Museum Delivery
Base, Z06
$490
$407
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.
Transparent roof panel
Base hatchback
$750
$623
Dual roof panels
Base hatchback
$1,400
$1,162
Standard removable roof panel and transparent roof panel.
Special paint
Base, Z06
$300
$249
Premium paint
Base, Z06, Z06
$750
$623
Unique alloy wheels
Base
$295
$245
Polished alloy wheels
Base, Z06
$1,295
$1,075
Chrome alloy wheels
Base
$1,995
$1,656
2006 Chevrolet Corvette Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Chevrolet Corvette 2-door hatchback Chevrolet Corvette 2-door convertible
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. 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 ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 6.0 /364 7.0 /427
Horsepower @ rpm. 400 @ 6000 505 @ 6300
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 400 @ 4400 470 @ 4800
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
6-speed manual 18/28 16/26
6-speed automatic 17/27 --/--
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, Cobalt and Uplander only.
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 6/100,000 --
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

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2006 Chevrolet Corvette
Trim Level:  Base
Arrival Date:  07/17/2006
Engine:  ohv V8
Bodystyle:  2-door convertible
Transmission:  6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $51,390
Price as Tested:  $64,815
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  3121
Mileage at End of Test:  5682
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  35.088 gals.
 

Major Options:  Preferred Equipment Group (head-up display, universal home remote, memory package, auto dimming ISRV mirror w/ compass and driver OSRV mirror, heated seats, RDS AM/FM stereo w/ 6-disc in-dash CD w/MP3 playback, Bose premium 7 speaker system, XM satellite radio, PWR telescoping steering wheel, adjustable sport bucket seats w/ perforated leather inserts), Power Convertible Top, Chrome Aluminum Wheels, Magnetic Selective Ride Control, AM/FM CD with DVD Navigation (replaces 6-dics in dash CD w/ single disc CD), 6 Speed Paddle Shift Auto Trans, OnStar service includes 1 year Safe & Sound Plan.

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  16.84 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski Though pricey at $65,000 when fully loaded, Corvette is still among the world's best for acceleration, handling, ride comfort, and fuel efficiency. This Best Buy premium sporty/performance car still has few equals in terms of smiles per dollar.

Kirk Bell At almost $65K our tester is over optioned. $2000 for chrome on the wheels is ridiculous. The 6-speed manual works fine, but spending $1250 to take control away from the driver is a shame. $700 for one-year of OnStar seems excessive. Equip this thing right, get the price into the mid 50s, and you have a wonderful American sports car that can take on more expensive imports and beat them.


Vehicle Evaluated:  2006 Corvette Z06
Trim Level:  Z06
Arrival Date:  04/13/2006
Engine:  ohv V8
Bodystyle:  2-door convertible
Transmission:  6-speed manual
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $65,000
Price as Tested:  $71,595
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  5829
Mileage at End of Test:  6325
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  28.999 gals.
 

Major Options:  Preferred Equipment Group (universal home remote, memory package, auto dimming ISRV mirror with compass and driver OSRV mirror, heated seats, RDS AM/FM stereo w/6 disc in dash CD w/MP3 playback, Bose premium 7 speaker system, XM satellite radio 1st 3 months free, service fee extra, power telescoping steering wheel, air bags, frontal and side impact, driver and passenger, luggage shade and parcel net), DVD Navigation (includes 2 free map updates), Z06 polished wheels.

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  15.28 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski Arguably the best value, as it applies to this class of cars. Seriously fast, yet at the same time docile enough to be a daily driver.

Kirk Bell A rock solid argument could be made that the Z06 qualifies as the baddest-ass American car ever made. It makes sounds I've only heard at the dragstrip, holds the road with tenacity, and is plenty happy to be taken on a docile commute. The performance threshholds exist in the realm of supercars, and it's not made for those who don't know a thing or two about sitting behind the wheel. Get on the gas in a turn and the rear end will step out on you. Floor it and it will roast the rear tires. Obviously, this one's been driven hard because, after only 5800 miles, the right rear tire is worn down to the steel belts. I can't really blame the enthusiastic journalists who must have had a lot of fun peeling off that rubber one burnout at a time.

Rick Cotta To many, the Z06's price premium may not be worth the added performance, and the lack of an open-air option will turn off a few more. But the Z06 offers exotic-car performance in a livable, easily drivable package at a price that would barely cover the down payment on some competitors.

Tom Appel To well-heeled shoppers who think the Z06 is the ultimate garage toy: it ain't. The Z06 is a brutally capable track car that does a decent job of passing itself off as a viable commuter. It is also likely to embarrass anyone who fails to take this car seriously. While the Z06 is a thrill to drive, it is also, quite frankly, more car than I have the skill to exploit.

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