2009 Chevrolet Corvette
- 2008 Chevrolet Corvette
- Used Chevrolet Corvette
Based on analysis of 65 Corvette reviews and test drives.
Chevrolet Corvette - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ranks 3 out of 8 Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 65 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Corvette, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Chevrolet Corvette combines the quick and sporty nature of high-priced exotics with the practicality and affordability of a daily driver -- making it a great choice for anyone in the market for a sports car.
The 'Vette is an all-American classic. Since its 1953 introduction, it has combined sexy styling with high-end sports performance that still rivals the craziest of street machines. "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," writes Forbes. Best of all, it has comfortable seats, a large (for a sports car) cargo hold, and boasts great gas mileage too. Altogether, there's a lot to love about the Corvette.
If you're in the market for a luxury sports car, also consider the Porsche Boxster and Cayman -- which have no issues keeping pace with the much-loved Corvette and even trump it in terms of interior luxury. If, however, speed is what you're all about, make sure that the Lotus Exige is on your short list. All told, these are great cars.
The '09 Corvette is a carryover from the previous model year. In addition to two new exterior colors (Blade Silver and Cyber Gray), new standard features include Bluetooth connectivity and steering-mounted audio controls.
Though General Motors has filed for bankruptcy and is undergoing massive restructuring to cope with a record downturn in sales, it has no plans to discontinue the Corvette. Given today's economic climate, it's important to note that the Corvette may be eligible for GM's Total Confidence Program -- which provides Payment Protection in the event of job loss. Be sure to check for current Chevy deals that may be available on a new Corvette.
The Corvette is available in two body styles, coupe and convertible, and a variety of trims. High-performance Z06 and ZR1 models are also available.
- "The Corvette is fast fun. These are reasonably practical sports cars that cost thousands less than rivals with similar performance." -- Consumer Guide
- "It seems there's a certain stereotype associated with America's sports car, one that involves a midlife crisis and gold chains on exposed chest hair, possibly accompanied by visions of the hideous Vette Mark Hamill drove in "Corvette Summer." However, you can reply with this: "Corvette Summer" was 21 years ago, gold chains haven't come back into fashion yet and the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette has nothing to do with the stereotypes -- it's simply a fantastic sports car." -- Edmunds
- "Maybe 26 mpg isn't fuel efficient to Vespa jockeys, but for a car with the Vette's speed and fun potential, it's untouchable." -- Car and Driver
- "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
- "Once hailed as America's only true two-seat sports car, for 2009 the Chevrolet Corvette continues to offer driving enthusiasts the most bang for the buck, running neck-and-neck (and in some cases surpassing) exotic cars costing up to four times as much -- or even more." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "[T]he Corvette really is what General Motors does best. No matter what the financial condition of the company, this is an amazing machine that delivers spectacular performance without throwing aside all considerations of economy." -- Popular Mechanics
Corvette Performance - 9.0 (Excellent)
Test drivers find the Corvette's performance is on par with pricier exotic sport cars. Edmunds writes, "There are two things you need to know about the Vette haters: 1) They won't race you, because they know they'll lose; 2) They have a point." Best of all, its fuel economy is so good that one reviewer compares the 'Vette to a hybrid. continue
Corvette Exterior - 9.5 (Excellent)
Auto writers love the Corvette's design, which has retro styling cues that salute its classic heritage. According to Kelley Blue Book, "The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette bears a strong family resemblance to previous Corvettes dating back to the ground-breaking 1968 C3 design, although the subtle changes to the exterior make this sixth-generation car a different animal than its predecessors." continue
Corvette Interior - 7.9 (Good)
Reviewers find that the Corvette's cabin lacks the luxury of competitors, but is both comfortable and practical. Edmunds writes, "Large gauges, simple controls and remarkable cargo capacity (22 cubic feet in coupes and 11 cubes in the convertible) make the Vette a sports car that's easy to live with on a day-to-day basis." It isn't, however, the easiest car to climb in and out of. continue
Corvette Safety - NA
The 2009 Corvette has not yet been crash-tested by the federal government or insurance industry, but features loads of assuring safety features. continue
Corvette Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2009 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 2009 Corvette carries a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. continue
