2008 Chevrolet Corvette: Road Test
2008 Chevrolet Corvette ▼
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- MSRP: $46,100 -$83,345
- Invoice: $41,260 -$74,594
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Our road test for the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette help you decide if a 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.1 |
Corvettes with the 6.2-liter V8 don't feel much faster than the previous models with the 6.0-liter engine. That said, they're plenty quick by any measure, with blazing power from a stop and during highway passing and merging. Z06 versions are more explosive still. Chevy pegs them at a scorching 3.7 sec 0-60 mph, and they feel every bit as quick. The manual transmission is generally smooth, but it sometimes has a heavy, notchy feel. The automatic shifts smoothly, but downshifts often require a deep stab of the throttle. Manual shifting via the steering-wheel paddles helps.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission coupe averaged 17.4 mpg. A convertible with the automatic averaged 17.7 mpg. These figures come from a combination of city/highway driving and are impressive given Corvette's power. Even more astounding is the 21.9 mpg we averaged in a manual-transmission coupe, which came in mostly highway driving. Z06 Corvettes averaged 14.7-15.2 mpg. Chevrolet recommends premium-grade gas for the base V8 and requires it for the Z06.
RIDE QUALITY
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 4.4 |
With the available Magnetic Selective Ride Control, there's little apparent difference in ride quality between the "Sport" and "Tour" modes. Models with this option bob a bit on washboard surfaces and thump over sharp bumps, but overall, Corvette is a surprisingly easy rider. Convertibles have little body quiver over bumps. The optional Z51 suspension is quite stiff on even mildly bumpy roads. Z06 models are about as firm as Z51 base versions. The Z51 and Z06 are rarely harsh, though.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.7 |
Quick steering, tenacious smooth-road grip, and little cornering lean make Corvette, and particularly the Z06, among the world's best-handling cars. In fast turns, the Z06 requires careful use of the throttle, or the rear end will fishtail. Big, powerful brakes provide short, stable stops.
QUIETNESS
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 4.2 |
Both V8 engines are always heard, from a baritone rumble at low speeds, to an exaggerated bellow at full throttle. The available "dual-mode" exhaust on base models gives a distinctly different tone in full-throttle acceleration. It's loud but never annoying. There's also plenty of road and tire noise regardless of which model you choose. In the convertible, wind noise is fairly modest, top up or down.
CONTROLS
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Clear gauges with mostly logical controls. Corvette's available head-up display is useful and can be switched off. The available navigation system includes, but doesn't complicate, audio functions. Its responsive voice-recognition feature further simplifies things.
DETAILS
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.9 |
The interior is a mix of grained plastic and nicely textured leather. The overall ambiance is more sporty than upscale, though. All Corvettes have keyless entry and starting. One test Z06 sometimes didn't recognize the key fob was present, resulting in the car not being able to start. The fob would eventually be detected, so none of our testers ended up being stranded. Also, the transparent removable roof panel in one test Corvette rattled intermittently.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
Headroom and legroom are adequate, and the seats are comfortable. The cockpit is wider than in most sports cars. A manual-tilt steering column is standard. A power-telescopic feature is available to aid driver comfort, but it requires a pricey option package. Entry and exit is drop in/climb out, and Corvette's long doors don't help. Thick roof pillars hamper visibility to all corners. Several test models had annoying distortions from the rear window.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | .7 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 | 4 | 2.6 |
Great for a sports car, especially the coupe. Both body styles have sufficient space for two golf bags, but liftover is high, and coupes lack a partition between cargo hold and cabin. Note that the convertible has small storage cubbies located behind the rear seats. Cockpit storage is minuscule.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 9 | 5.3 |
The Best Buy Corvette is fast fun. These are reasonably practical sports cars that costs thousands less than rivals with similar performance. That also goes for the 505-hp Z06 version, which is among the fastest cars in the world.
Total Score
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 58 | 58 | 56.5 |
Total Score: 58
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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