2008 Chevrolet Corvette

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Specs
• Photo Gallery

Chevrolet Corvette - What the Auto Press Says

The 2008 Chevrolet Corvette ranks 2 out of 9 Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 52 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Corvette, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Corvette's high ranking is based on its ability to reach mind-blowing speeds in relative comfort and its accommodating two-passenger cabin. Altogether, the Corvette proves to be a smart choice for anyone wanting a luxury sports car with Ferrari-like performance at a bargain price.

Introduced in 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette has risen to become what the Chicago Sun-Times describes as "an iconic world class sports car" for its "great combination of style and speed for relatively low prices." Largely a carryover from 2007, the 2008 Corvette is praised for performing impressively well on both the track and open road -- so much so that many critics consider it to be a suitable rival for some expensive exotics. With its relatively comfortable cabin, the 2008 Corvette shines. In fact, Car and Driver names it one of its "10Best Cars." The Corvette also receives awards for its retained value. The 2008 Corvette is available in both coupe and convertible body styles. A 505-horsepower performance-oriented Z06 trim is also available.

• "GM is doing a lot of things right lately. Not messing up the Corvette, and continuing to build its sports car mystique, is another one it nailed perfectly." -- AutoWeek

• "The basic formula remains the same for the venerable Chevrolet Corvette: high performance and handling in a stylish package that offers reasonable comfort at a (relatively) affordable price." -- Forbes

• "Continual development is the key to success for any automobile, and the latest Corvette makes an excellent poster car for that proposition." -- Car and Driver

• "America's best-known sports car -- the Chevrolet Corvette -- is also one of the world's most underrated sports cars...the Corvette is the best it's ever been. ... It's in the value criterion that the Corvette shines. Even with its as-tested price of $56,185, the Vette is $71,015 less than the next cheapest car (the Aston), and a full $192,718 less than the Ferrari." -- Road and Track

• "It's still a bargain. Arguably, the new Corvette isn't quite as refined as rival models from Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes. But it's close. You're getting the best version yet of an American icon, and it costs tens of thousands of dollars less." -- BusinessWeek

• "The first new Chevrolet Corvette I tested was in 1985. After driving that car, and probably every model year since then, I typically think, 'For the money, this is about as good as it gets.' And every year, it gets better." -- Orlando Sentinel

• "The Corvette is facing an increasing number of alluring rivals, but it undercuts them on price and practicality -- and remains America's dream machine." -- Chicago Sun-Times

• "With each iteration, Chevrolet's sports car gets faster, yet more refined. The 2008, with a base price of $45,170, is arguably one of the best performance-per-dollar values on the market." -- Kansas City Star

Corvette Performance - 8.9 (Very Good)

Reviewers are left aghast by how well the Corvette performs for its price and class. Its performance ranks high within the class of luxury sports car, and the Corvette gives even Ferraris and Aston Martins a run for their money. "What really astounds me is that a car priced at 'only' $56,000 (our test model) is recognized globally, just like the Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini," writes the Boston Globe. "And having driven all of those cars in recent months, I can say that if speed and performance are your goals -- but at least some monetary restraint is in order -- this new Corvette is the car for you." Continue with our full Corvette Performance Review to learn why auto writers say this speed demon is suitable for even daily commutes. continue

Corvette Exterior - NA

The Corvette's silhouette is an American icon. Though redesigned in 2005, the sixth- generation Corvette looks similar to its predecessor. Forbes explains: "The present Corvette's basic exterior styling is a refinement of, not a radical departure from, the previous generation. It is the first Corvette since 1962 to feature exposed, rather than flip-up, headlamps." Continue with our full Corvette Exterior Review to learn why some reviewers think it looks like a "less boy-racer and more sophisticated sports car," or go to the 2008 Corvette Photo Gallery and see it for yourself. continue

Corvette Interior - 7.6 (Good)

Compared to other luxury sports cars, the 2008 Corvette lacks interior refinement. In fact, the Boston Globe describes it as having "upgraded but less than stellar interior appointments." Still, the Corvette is praised for having comfortable seats, nice fit and finish, a large cargo hold, and an impressive list of standard convenience features -- especially for its price. Combined, these attributes help the Corvette earn a high interior ranking in its class. Continue with our full Corvette Interior Review to learn why some critics find entering and exiting its cabin to be difficult, or go to the 2008 Corvette Photo Gallery and see photos of its improved interior accommodations. continue

Corvette Safety - NA

Though neither the federal government nor the insurance industry has crash tested the 2008 Corvette, rest assured that it features a wide array of safety features -- including run-flat tires and a head-up display. Continue with our full Corvette Safety Review to learn where test drivers have identified visibility issues. continue

Corvette Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2008 Chevrolet Corvette reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 Corvette features a three-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited basic  warranty. Continue to our full Corvette Reliability Review. continue