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2009 Chevrolet Corvette Full Review
Date Published: 7/23/08
Also in the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Review:
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6.
Chevrolet Corvette Full Review
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2009 Chevrolet Corvette
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 marks the return of an ultra-high-performance model to this American sports car icon. The rest of the 2009 Corvette lineup is largely unchanged. ZR1 represents a revival of a moniker that graced super-performance Corvettes from 1990-1995. The 2009 version has a supercharged 638-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine. It teams with a 6-speed manual transmission. ZR1 also differs from other Corvettes by its unique suspension tuning and use of lightweight carbon fiber on the hood, roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter, and rocker moldings. As for the rest of the Corvette lineup, base models are available as a coupe or convertible. Convertibles have a soft top that folds with manual or power operation, depending on model or option selection. All base Corvettes have a 430-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine. An optional "dual-mode" exhaust system increases horsepower to 436. They're available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The high-performance Corvette Z06 is available as a coupe only and comes with a 505-hp 7.0-liter V8 and mandatory 6-speed manual transmission. Z06 models also have specific suspension tuning, tires, and brakes. Available safety features across the Corvette lineup include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags. Base models are available with GM's Magnetic Selective Ride Control that automatically adjusts suspension firmness within two driver-selectable modes. Also optional on base Corvettes is a high-performance Z51 package that has a firmer, nonadjustable suspension.
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2009 Chevrolet Corvette Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Entry and exit |
| Steering/handling | Quietness |
| Brake performance | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Base Corvettes are 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 seconds 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. No opportunity yet to test the ZR1.
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.5 |
Base Corvettes are 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 seconds 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. No opportunity yet to test the ZR1.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission coupe averaged 17.4 mpg. A convertible with the automatic averaged 17.7 mpg. These figures are impressive given Corvette's power. Z06 Corvettes averaged 14.7-15.2 mpg. Chevrolet recommends premium-grade gas for the base V8 and requires it for the Z06 and ZR1.
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.3 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission coupe averaged 17.4 mpg. A convertible with the automatic averaged 17.7 mpg. These figures are impressive given Corvette's power. Z06 Corvettes averaged 14.7-15.2 mpg. Chevrolet recommends premium-grade gas for the base V8 and requires it for the Z06 and ZR1.
Ride Quality
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 those equipped with the Z51 suspension, though neither is truly harsh.
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 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 those equipped with the Z51 suspension, though neither is truly harsh.
Steering/Handling/Braking
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.
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
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
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 muscle-car exhilarating. Road and tire noise are plentiful regardless of which model you choose. In the convertible, wind noise is fairly modest, top up or down.
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 3.1 |
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 muscle-car exhilarating. Road and tire noise are plentiful regardless of which model you choose. In the convertible, wind noise is fairly modest, top up or down.
Controls
Clear gauges with mostly logical controls. Corvette's available head-up display can be switched off, but, on the whole, it is useful. The available navigation system includes, but doesn't complicate, audio functions. Its responsive voice-recognition feature further simplifies things.
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Clear gauges with mostly logical controls. Corvette's available head-up display can be switched off, but, on the whole, it is useful. The available navigation system includes, but doesn't complicate, audio functions. Its responsive voice-recognition feature further simplifies things.
Details
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 coupe rattled intermittently.
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
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 coupe rattled intermittently.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
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 are drop in/climb out, and Corvette's long doors don't make things any easier. Thick roof pillars hamper visibility to all corners. Several test models had annoying distortions from the rear window.
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
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 are drop in/climb out, and Corvette's long doors don't make things any easier. Thick roof pillars hamper visibility to all corners. Several test models had annoying distortions from the rear window.
Room/Comfort (rear)
(No rear seating.)
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | .7 |
(No rear seating.)
Cargo Room
Great for a sports car, especially in 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 otherwise minuscule.
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
| 4 | 2 | 4 | 2.4 |
Great for a sports car, especially in 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 otherwise minuscule.
Value within Class
The Corvette is fast fun. These are reasonably practical sports cars that cost thousands less than rivals with similar performance. That also goes for the Z06 and ZR1 versions, which are among the fastest cars in the world.
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
| 8 | 9 | 9 | 6 |
The Corvette is fast fun. These are reasonably practical sports cars that cost thousands less than rivals with similar performance. That also goes for the Z06 and ZR1 versions, which are among the fastest cars in the world.
Total Score
| Coupe w/Z51, manual | Convertible, automatic | Z06 | Class Average |
| 58 | 58 | 58 | 55.3 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 40 | |
| Average Score | 55 | |
| High Score | 67 |
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2009 Chevrolet Corvette Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/16/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| ZR1 2-door hatchback | $102,450 | $94,254 | $850 |
Price note: Z06, ZR1 add $1700 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
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
6.2-liter V8 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, 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, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, center console, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access and starting, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, 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
Wireless cell phone link, head-up instrument display.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fixed roof panel, sport suspension, 275/35ZR18 front and 325/30ZR19 rear run-flat tires.
ZR1 adds to Z06:
Powertrain
6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Performance suspension w/Magnetic Selective Ride Control, 285/30ZR19 front and 335/25ZR20 rear run-flat tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
2LT Preferred Equipment Group
|
||
|
Base hatchback
|
$1,545
|
$1,282
|
|
Base convertible
|
$3,540
|
$2,938
|
|
Side airbags, perforated leather upholstery, 6-way power passenger seat, wireless cell phone link, power convertible top (convertible), cargo net, cargo cover (hatchback).
|
||
|
3LT Preferred Equipment Group
|
||
|
Base hatchback
|
$4,555
|
$3,781
|
|
Base convertible
|
$6,550
|
$5,437
|
|
2LT Preferred Equipment Group plus manual-tilt/power-telescopic steering wheel w/radio controls, 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, universal garage door opener.
|
||
|
4LT Preferred Equipment Group
|
||
|
Base hatchback
|
$8,055
|
$6,686
|
|
Base convertible
|
$10,050
|
$8,342
|
|
3LT Preferred Equipment Group plus extended leather upholstery, unique interior trim.
|
||
|
2LZ Preferred Equipment Group
|
||
|
Z06
|
$3,015
|
$2,502
|
|
Side airbags, manual-tilt/power-telescopic steering wheel w/radio controls, heated seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, universal garage door opener, cargo net and cover,
|
||
|
3LZ Preferred Equipment Group
|
||
|
Z06
|
$6,515
|
$5,407
|
|
2LZ Preferred Equipment Group plus extended leather upholstery, unique interior trim.
|
||
|
3ZR Preferred Equipment Group
|
||
|
ZR1
|
$10,000
|
$8,300
|
|
Side airbags, manual-tilt/power-telescopic steering wheel w/radio controls, heated seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), extended leather upholstery, unique interior trim, navigation system w/voice recognition, Bose sound system, universal garage door opener, cargo net and cover.
|
||
|
Z51 Performance Handling Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,695
|
$1,407
|
|
Upgraded 6-speed manual transmission, performance axle ratio, special gearbox (6-speed manual transmission), uprated brakes, power-steering-fluid cooler, engine- and transmission-oil cooler, firmer suspension.
|
||
|
Magnetic Selective Ride Control Suspension
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,995
|
$1,656
|
|
Adjustable ride-control suspension, uprated brakes. NA w/Z51 Performance Handling Pkg.
|
||
|
Ultimate Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$5,475
|
$4,544
|
|
Exterior Pkg. plus polished alloy wheels. NA w/Corvette Museum Delivery.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,250
|
$1,038
|
|
Performance axle ratio
|
||
|
Base
|
$395
|
$328
|
|
Requires 6-speed automatic transmission.
|
||
|
Dual-mode exhaust system
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,195
|
$992
|
|
Increases horsepower to 436.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
Base, Z06
|
$1,750
|
$1,453
|
|
Includes voice recognition. Substitutes Bose AM/FM/CD/MP3 player for in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 player. Base requires 3LT or 4LT Preferred Equipment Group. Z06 requires 2LZ or 3LZ Preferred Equipment Group.
|
||
|
2-tone leather upholstery
|
||
|
Base
|
$695
|
$577
|
|
Requires 2LT or 3LT Preferred Equipment Group.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Corvette Museum Delivery
|
||
|
Base, Z06, ZR1
|
$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.
|
||
|
Unique paint and interior trim combination
|
||
|
Base, Z06, ZR1
|
$590
|
$490
|
|
Base requires a Preferred Equipment Group.
|
||
|
Special paint
|
||
|
Base, Z06, ZR1
|
$300
|
$249
|
|
Premium paint
|
||
|
Base, Z06, Z06, ZR1
|
$750
|
$623
|
|
Unique alloy wheels
|
||
|
Base, Z06
|
$395
|
$328
|
|
Polished alloy wheels
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,295
|
$1,075
|
|
Z06
|
$1,495
|
$1,241
|
|
Chrome alloy wheels
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,850
|
$1,536
|
|
Z06
|
$1,995
|
$1,656
|
|
ZR1
|
$2,000
|
$1,660
|
|
|
||
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2009 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. | 3217 | 3222 |
| 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 | Supercharged ohv V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 6.2 /376 | 7.0 /427 | 6.2 /376 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 430 @ 5900 | 505 @ 6300 | 638 @ 6500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 424 @ 4600 | 470 @ 4800 | 604 @ 3800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 6-speed manual | 16/26 | 15/24 | 14/20 |
| 6-speed automatic | 15/25 | --/-- | --/-- |
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 |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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%.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chevrolet Corvette Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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Vehicle History Report
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