EmailBest Reviewed
Sports Cars
- Best bargain sports car 2009 Nissan 370Z *Est. $29930
- Most refined sports car 2009 Porsche Cayman *Est. $50300
- Best supercar 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 *Est. $108880
- Tech-lover's sports car 2010 Nissan GT-R *Est. $80790
Get info about new reports and updates
- Performance
- Value and everyday comfort
- Sophisticated styling
- Reasonable fuel economy
- Useful cargo area in coupe
- Poor reliability record
- Seats
- Difficult entry/exit
World-class performance makes the Chevrolet Corvette competitive with exotic cars that cost much more, prompting many reviewers to claim it is the best sports car bargain around. The base Corvette coupe or convertible gets a power boost for 2008, with 430 horsepower from its 6.2-liter V-8, yet still achieving a respectable 16 mpg city/26 mpg highway. The higher-performance Z06's 7.0-liter V-8 produces 505 horsepower.
The Corvette's overall performance is universally lauded, but reviews note a few drawbacks as well: The seats have a flimsy feel, and the Corvette's reliability record is poor. The base car's interior doesn't look particularly upscale, with an abundance of cheap-feeling plastic, some critics say. Chevrolet now offers a pricey "leather-wrapped" interior option that provides an acceptable upgrade. Overall, reviewers say that few cars offer this much performance for the price, combined with everyday drivability.
Several head-to-head comparison tests include the Corvette, pitted against the Dodge Viper, Audi R8, Porsche 911 and 2009 Nissan GT-R. Although some of these feature the 2007 model Corvette Z06, these are still valid because the Z06 has only minor changes for 2008. The better comparisons are conducted by Edmunds.com and Car and Driver, Popular Mechanics and Road & Track magazines. One of the best reviews of the base Corvette is by Edmunds.com, which provides a lengthy discussion of its many strengths and few weaknesses. Motor Trend magazine provides a more technical, performance-oriented review. Consumer Reports magazine, Cars.com and TheCarConnection.com give a more consumer-oriented perspective.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
Pund is impressed with the performance and price of the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette, but it objects to the "flimsy feel of the seats and the shockingly short seat cushions."
Review: Full Test: 2008 Chevrolet Corvette, Daniel Pund, Dec. 3, 2007
2. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
Car and Driver once again pits the 2008 Dodge Viper against the 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. While the Viper is faster, the 'Vette wins the test, garnering extra points for its relative refinement and comfort.
Review: Comparison: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 vs. 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Michael Austin, Oct. 2007
3. Edmunds.com
Jacquot takes the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 and the 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 to the track. (The 2007 Z06 is only slightly revamped for 2008.) The more powerful Viper wins the contest, but the Corvette is described as the better daily driver.
Review: Comparison Test: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 vs. 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Josh Jacquot, Oct. 7, 2007
4. Road & TrackDetails/Subscribe
Road & Track pits the 2009 Nissan GT-R against the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo. The Corvette finishes second to the GT-R, but it has the best quarter-mile time and is considered the best-looking car of the group.
Review: Comparison Test: 2008 Corvette Z06, Sam Mitani, May 2008
5. PopularMechanics.comDetails/Subscribe
Popular Mechanics tests four of the fastest available sports cars. The 2008 Audi R8 comes out on top overall, but the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is called the bargain of the group and an "everyday supercar." The interior, however, is considered a disappointment.
Review: New Audi R8 vs. Corvette Z06, Dodge Viper, Porsche Turbo: Supercar Comparison Test, Ben Stewart, July 2007
6. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe
Motor Trend editor Frank Markus achieves impressive cornering forces and a 0-60 mph dash in a blistering 4.1 seconds at the track with the base Chevrolet Corvette. This review focuses more on performance; comfort and interior features aren't discussed.
Review: First Test: 2008 Chevrolet Corvette, Frank Markus
7. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors of Consumer Reports post two reviews: One features the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette based on a test of a 2005 base Corvette convertible. The other features the Z06, based on a 2006 model. One unique aspect of Consumer Reports is its data on historical reliability, as compiled in large owner surveys.
Review: Chevrolet Corvette and Corvette Z06 Reviews, Editors of Consumer Reports
Roy mentions the Corvette's "spotty reliability record" but says for a high-horsepower sports car, the Corvette "simply outguns" rivals like the Porsche Boxster and Nissan 350Z.
Review: 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Review, Rex Roy
9. Cars.com
Cars.com reviews the 2008 Corvette's positive and negative aspects and covers what's new for 2008. A narrative review follows, but it's more general than others on Cars.com and doesn't include driving impressions.
Review: 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Review, Editors of Cars.com, Aug. 1, 2007
Sports Cars Runners Up:
6 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…
6 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Edmunds.com…
4 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Car and Driver…
4 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Car and Driver…
2 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Car and Driver…
2 picks including: FuelEconomy.gov, Car and Driver…
