- 2013
2012 Chevrolet Corvette
- Used Chevrolet Corvette
- Repairs Chevrolet Corvette
2012 Chevrolet Corvette Review
Scorecard
| Overall: | 9.0 |
| Critics' Rating: | 9.3 |
| Performance: | 8.9 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | N/A |
| Reliability: |
|
The 2012 Chevrolet Corvette has the power and handling to battle exotic sports cars, but its interior lacks the refinement of competitors like the Porsche Boxster.
With stellar performance, instantly-recognizable styling and a competitive price, the Chevrolet Corvette has won the hearts of performance enthusiasts since it debuted in 1953. For 2012, the Corvette continues in that tradition with its iconic combination of power and style. “There are a million reasons to want the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette,” says Kelley Blue Book. “They range from good ol' nostalgia to the basic need for a pure adrenaline rush. We don't say this about many cars, but if there is one car you should own at least once in your life, it's the Chevrolet Corvette.”
However, some critics say that classic style and thrilling performance doesn’t necessarily add up to a well-rounded package. The 2012 Chevrolet Corvette has simple controls, great cargo space (in the coupe) and good fuel economy, but many test drivers point out that its interior quality and electronics fall short of competitors like the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z4. Also, like most sports cars, its low-slung exterior design makes entering and exiting the cabin a challenge.
While the Corvette may seem a little rough around the edges, it stands out in the class with more power and a competitive base price. So if you’re willing to sacrifice some interior refinement, the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette continues to stand out as a top performer among luxury sports cars.
Other Sports Cars to Consider
The Corvette is the only luxury sports car packing a V8 engine. However, if you’d trade some power for exceptional handling and a nicer interior, consider the similarly-priced Porsche Boxster or Cayman. You’ll lose some cargo capacity to the Corvette, but reviewers love the well-rounded performance that both of these Porsches offer.
If the Corvette’s V8 muscle is what caught your eye, you might consider one of the Ford Mustang’s high-performance trims. The Mustang will give you a small back seat, and you could save thousands by considering a Mustang GT. If you want even more exclusivity and performance, check out the Mustang Boss 302 and Shelby GT500, which are closer to the Corvette in terms of price and performance.
2012 Chevrolet Corvette: The Details
Aside from a few minor interior updates, which include more armrest padding, a new steering wheel and seats with more aggressive bolstering, the Chevrolet Corvette rolls into 2012 basically unchanged. Available as either a coupe or convertible, the Corvette comes in four trims. See the full 2012 Chevrolet Corvette specs.
- "A world-class sports car for a budget price." -- Automobile Magazine
- "Even in its most basic form, the Corvette is still a stunning performance car." -- Car and Driver
- "The Best Buy Corvette is fast fun. These are reasonably practical sports cars that cost thousands less than rivals with similar performance, making them great choices." -- Consumer Guide
- "Indeed, the Vette still gives you more bang for your buck in terms of power than anything else on the road. However, its lack of sophistication means cars like the BMW M3, Nissan GT-R and Porsche's many sports cars will continue to hold great appeal." -- Edmunds
- "Like any antihero, there's a certain charm and charisma in the Corvette's antisocial good-guy persona. It's got great curves; it makes beautiful noises; it's terrifically fast if you're good enough to handle it properly; and, in pure performance-per-dollar math, it's nigh unbeatable." -- Motor Trend
Read More:
Next Steps: Chevrolet Corvette
-
To get local pricing, enter your zip code: Get Best Price Cancel
- Search used Chevrolet Corvette for sale (3,594 listings)
- Find low financing rates for the Chevrolet Corvette
- View Chevrolet Corvette Photos
- See Luxury Sports Cars rankings
