2008 Chevrolet Corvette Review

The Corvette is the classic American sports car, produced in Bowling Green, KY since 1953. Originally hand-built with V6 engines, a V8 became available in 1955. The sixth and current generation debuted in 2005, with the Z06 high-performance variant following in 2006. The Corvette is available as a coupe with a removable hard-top or a convertible. It's won several awards and was nominated for "North American Car of the Year" in 2005.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

For over 50 years, the Chevrolet Corvette has been the common man's exotic sports car. To this day, it still gives $100,000+ cruisers a run for their money. You won't find many advanced features with the Corvette, but what you do get is a stylish, fast car at a (relatively) bargain basement price.

What's New For 2008:

A new V8 engine is standard, capable of 430-hp. Shifting has been improved. New standard wheels and a revised interior round out the changes for 2008.

Request a free, no-obligation, new 2008 Chevrolet Corvette price quote or choose any other model you're interested in and receive the Buying Advice Team's Insider Report for New Car Buyers.

Vital Stats

Starting MSRP:
$46,100

Rebates & Incentives:
yes

Seats:
2

Gas Mileage:
16/26

Engine:
6.2L V8

Horsepower:
430@5900RPM

Torque:
424@4600RPM

Transmission:
6 Speed Manual

Drive:
FR/RWD

Fuel Capacity:
18

Fuel Type:
gasoline

Basic Warranty:
36/36000

Powertrain Warranty:
60/100000

Rust Warranty:
72/100000

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the Corvette 3.5 stars for mechanical quality, and 5 stars for performance and design. Problems with the last generation included squealing belts, failed rear defrosters, engine knock, engine noise and water leaks. It was recalled five times. The current generation has had issues with stuck clutch pedals, inaccurate fuel gauges, failing power seats, failing turn signals and vehicle noise. It's been recalled three times for cracking power steering hoses, boiling brake fluid and weak glue. Expect below average to average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

Crash test scores are not available. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and Active Handling (stability control) come standard. Side airbags are optional.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Exotic performance
+ A bargain in its class
+ Hey, it's a Corvette

Cons
- Lacking side airbags
- Interior still lacking in areas
- Weak reliability record

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Dodge Viper SRT-10 has a V10 engine with 170 more horses, but costs far more and lacks traction control. The Porsche Boxster has a comparable starting price and more headroom, but 185 less hp. The BMW 6 Series 650i includes navigation, side airbags, and a moonroof, but costs far more and has 70 less hp.

What Others Are Saying:

"The Z06 variant of the all-new 2006 Chevrolet Corvette is the most potent production car GM has ever produced. It promises to shame exotic cars costing much more." - Forbes

"The most important lesson that the 'Vette can teach GM: whatever the Corvette product development and management team is doing is EXACTLY what ALL their product teams should be doing. Inside GM, common sense is not so common." - The Truth About Cars

"Through most of its 50-plus years, the Corvette has been at the forefront of sports-car performance with an amalgam of style and speed that's made it an American icon. For 2008, the Corvette gets a more powerful 6.2-liter engine and a vastly improved, optional leather interior." - Car and Driver

Read more about the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette at the Chevrolet manufacturer web site.

Published on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 - Email to a friend

Copyright 2006 BuyingAdvice.com, INC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.

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What do you think?

Road Test: Chevrolet Corvette
Read User Comments

The Chevrolet Corvette is Chevrolet's world-class, high-performance sports car. Since its introduction, it has become an American icon. The first 300 cars were hand built with 235 cubic-inch in-line 6-cylinder engines. In 1955, the V8 engine was first offered. In 1965, a 396 cubic-inch big-block V8 was optional and the 4-wheel disc brakes became standard. The fifth-generation C5 Corvette was introduced in 1997, with the Z06 engine added in 2001 with additional performance equipment. The 2005 C6 was the first Corvette without retractable headlights and the much-improved Z06 returned in 2006.

Chosen Model Trim:

The new LS3 6.2-liter V8 produces 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque is standard for the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette coupe and convertible, with a 7-liter, 505 horsepower engine in the awesome Z06. Interior trim is updated as well, including a wrapped center trim plate with Cyber pattern brushed aluminum accents and an available custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package. Shift effort for the 6-speed manual transmission is improved and the shift times are quicker for the paddle-shift 6-speed automatic. Standard wheels are a new split-spoke cast aluminum design and a Competition Gray finish is optional. Pricing for the coupe begins at around $45,500, convertibles just over $53,700, and the powerhouse Z06 in the mid $70's.

Exterior & Interior features/comforts:

I remember seeing the C6 and thinking that Chevy may have made a mistake with the more svelte design. I wasn't completely convinced even when I saw it up close. However, it didn't take long to appreciate the beauty in the sleek design, and after driving my first C6; I was hooked. My tester came with the very expensive 4LT Premium Equipment Group for $8,600. Part of the package is a sharp leather-wrapped interior package and heads-up display.

Driving Experience:

I could talk and talk about how fantastic this car is. Suspension technology has allowed power to be harnessed and directed efficiently making this car fast, fun, and safe. I do have a gripe with the paddle shifters though: you push either side to gear up and pull to gear down. The tester came with the Magnetic Select ride-control, which can be set in touring or sport mode that makes the handling even more effective. The new Z06 is truly a phenomenal automobile, but the base cars are no slouches either. For the money, there is nothing better out there.

Summary and My Opinion:

The Chevy Corvette continues to become more refined without losing any of its history. It has progressed to a level of quality that pretty much guarantees the Corvette will be around for a long time.

User Comments

2008 Chevrolet Corvette Review discusses an American classic.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

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2008 Chevrolet Corvette Review