Chevrolet Corvette

Is the Chevrolet Corvette a Good Car?

The Chevrolet Corvette has been around for almost 65 years, but it's nowhere close to retirement age. Over the decades, Chevy's flagship sports car has had its ups and downs, but its status as an American icon has remained. The current generation (which began in 2014) may be the best yet, and the 2017 Chevy Corvette earns rave reviews from all over the automotive world.

That's a long way of saying that the 2017 Corvette is a good car, but simply stating the obvious wouldn't do it justice. The Corvette has three distinct models that upgrade different aspects of the car's bravado. The standard engine is a brute V8 good for 455 horsepower, and the top-of-the-line Z06 model slaps a supercharger on this engine to make 650 horsepower. The Z06 can also sprint from zero to 60 mph in under 3 seconds. The Corvette's incredibly precise steering and handling mean that it's just as willing to take on the curves of a track as it is to go in a straight line. There are also a whole host of braking and suspension upgrades to unlock the Corvette's full potential.

The Corvette also excels in interior comfort and day-to-day livability. When not being pushed to the limit, it rides comfortably enough to be a regular driver. Interior quality is good, and there are plenty of modern features, like an infotainment system with smartphone integration.

Should I Buy the Chevrolet Corvette?

How many ways can we say yes? The 2017 Corvette is not only an objectively good car, but it proves to be a decent value in the class. The 2017 Corvette’s MSRP is $55,450, which is about average for a luxury sports car. However, few rivals include such a strong overall package at that price.

One rival that can claim a similarly high regard from reviewers and shoppers is the Porsche Cayman. It has a slightly lower price point, but the MSRP difference of about $1,500 probably won't be enough to sway you either way. However, the Corvette comes with more standard horsepower. You can also get similar performance from the Corvette's sibling, the Chevrolet Camaro. It may not have the same clout as the Corvette, but widely shared parts and features make it a good bet for those who want a speed machine on more of a budget. On the other hand, the Dodge Viper gives almost no reason to justify its nearly $90,000 price tag, except for making a statement.

In short, the Corvette is one of the smartest choices you can make while shopping for a sports car.

Compare the Corvette, Camaro, and Viper »

We Did the Research for You: 31 Pieces of Data Analyzed

A lot of work goes into researching and making a decision on which new car to buy. To help you focus on making your choice, we've done the hard part and compiled 31 pieces of research from around the automotive industry to craft an expert analysis of the 2017 Chevrolet Corvette. Our reviews are based on the opinions of professional auto journalists, crash test results, predicted reliability ratings, and more.

For 2017, the Corvette adds a new Grand Sport model to its lineup. The Corvette's last full redesign was in 2014, and it has seen few major changes since. As a result, this overview uses applicable research and reviews from the 2014 through 2017 model years.

Why You Can Trust Us

The U.S. News & World Report autos team has been helping consumers make informed buying decisions about cars, trucks, and SUVs for almost a decade. Our researchers, writers, and analysts have a combined 75 years of experience in the automotive world, and our only focus is on helping you. To ensure we stay impartial, we don't accept expensive gifts, trips, or incentives from car companies, and we sell all our advertising through an outside vendor.

How Much Does the Chevrolet Corvette Cost?

The 2017 Chevy Corvette starts at $55,450, which puts it somewhere in the middle of luxury sports cars. It's much more expensive than the standard versions of mainstream muscle cars like the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, and Chevy Camaro, but all of those cars have performance versions that rival the Corvette's price and power. For example, the Camaro ZL1 starts at $61,140 and shares its engine with the highest-performance Corvette. You can get the Camaro SS, though, for only $36,905. That model has the same engine as the base Corvette.

The base model of the current Corvette generation is designated as the Stingray – an homage to one of the most legendary versions of the car. There are two additional models, the Corvette Grand Sport ($65,450) and the Corvette Z06 ($79,450). The main difference between models is performance, with standard features essentially remaining the same across the lineup. Each model is available in three different trims that add more features. The Stingray and Grand Coupe each have a 6.2-liter V8 engine, while the Z06 has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. Additional performance upgrades to the Grand Coupe and Z06 include a limited-slip differential, an adaptive suspension, upgraded wheels and brakes, and more aggressive designs.

All Corvettes come with rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed manual transmission, and you can substitute an eight-speed automatic paddle-shift transmission for $1,725. Each model is also available in a convertible version, which will cost you $4,000 on top of the base price.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Chevrolet dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Chevrolet deals page.

Chevrolet Corvette Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: Chevrolet Corvette or Chevrolet Camaro?

We sort the Chevrolet Camaro into a different class of sports cars, mainly due to its relatively low starting price of $25,905. Don't let the lower cost fool you, though; in the right trim, this car can easily hold its own against its Chevy stablemate. Skip past all the entry-level models and focus on the high-performance Camaros. The Camaro SS, starting at $36,905, shares the 455-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 found in the base Corvette. That price is a big difference from the Corvette's price tag of over $55,000 for the same muscle under the hood. You can also compare the Camaro ZL1 to the Corvette Z06, both of which have a 650-horsepower supercharged V8. With that engine, the ZL1 is the most powerful Camaro to date. You'll get almost the same thrilling performance as in the Corvette Z06, and you can upgrade the SS and ZL1 with extra goodies like an adaptive suspension, a performance exhaust, and a performance data recorder. That said, the Corvette still has the leg up as the better-driving car because it’s lighter and more aerodynamic. Meanwhile, as formidable as the Camaro is in its performance versions, it is still a beefy four-seat car. However, that last part may be a reason to consider the Camaro over the Corvette: You can get most of what makes the Corvette great, but you’ll still be able to shuttle the kids to their activities (and enjoy the looks you'll get from other parents). In short, the Corvette is the clear winner if you have the cash and you value performance over all else. If you're on a tighter budget, you can get a comparable beast of a sports car for about $18,500 less than the Corvette.

Which Is Better: Chevrolet Corvette or Dodge Viper?

Dodge doesn’t sell a lot of Vipers. In fact, 2017 is scheduled to be the last year of production for the sports car that has adorned many bedroom wall posters over the last 25 years. Its main appeal is as a pure, fast, and loud driving machine. But with an eye-popping price tag of nearly $90,000, it's incredibly hard to recommend or justify it as a purchase. Not only is the Corvette a better value than the Viper, it’s also an all-around better car. Sure, the Viper comes with an 8.4-liter V10 engine that makes 645 horsepower, but what good is it if you can't use it? Due to its engine, the Viper is notorious for being hard to control – even in experienced hands. The Corvette, in comparison, boasts a standard 455 horsepower that's plenty capable of rocketing you off the line. If you still have an itch for more power, you can upgrade to the Z06 and its 650 horsepower, which you'll likely still find more manageable than the Viper.

The Viper is a poor choice for a daily driver because of its harsh ride quality and uncomfortable interior. The Corvette stays smooth in most driving situations and boasts upscale materials and design in its cabin. If you have exorbitant amounts of money to spend and want something that will really turn heads, then jump at your last chance to own a brand-new Viper. Otherwise, the Corvette is the clear choice.

Which Is Better: Chevrolet Corvette or Porsche Cayman?

You may not have been cross-shopping the Corvette against the Porsche Cayman, but you should be. It’s a close matchup when looking at price, performance, and quality. If your main consideration is off-the-line power, then you'll want the Corvette. It comes with a standard V8 that makes 455 horsepower or an optional supercharged V8 that puts 650 horsepower to the wheels. The Cayman can’t hold a candle to that, as its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is only good for 300 horsepower. A boosted version of that engine in the higher trim makes 350 horsepower. Specs alone don't tell the full story, however. The Cayman still has plenty of muscle and equally impressive handling through turns. Both cars feature precise and effortless steering, with optional adaptive suspensions. If anything, the Cayman may exhibit better balance and control, thanks to its midengine layout and excellent weight distribution. In the cabin, the Cayman is not as impressive as you might expect from a Porsche. Its design and quality draws mixed reviews, while the Corvette generally garners a little more praise. The Cayman is also one of the closest competitors to the Corvette in price. You'll pay $53,900 for a standard Cayman, in contrast to $55,450 for the 'Vette. The Cayman S starts a $66,300, which is in line with the Corvette's middle trim. But be warned: Adding options and extras to the Cayman can get pricey quickly. 

You can't go wrong with either car, and your choice may focus more on looks: the sleeker European sculpting of the Cayman or the more muscular styling of the Corvette. 

Compare the Corvette, Camaro, and Cayman »

Corvette Interior

How Many People Does the Corvette Seat?

Drop the kids off with a sitter, because this quintessential American sports car only seats two. The Corvette’s seats are incredibly supportive and come ready to hold you tight during spirited rides. Chevy offers optional power lumbar and side bolster adjustments, in addition to standard eight-way power adjustments, so there are plenty of ways for you to find a comfortable driving position. There are also available sport seats that impart more of a racecar feel and keep you snug through corners.

There are few true sports cars that have more than two seats, but if you find yourself wanting a performance machine with a back seat, then the Chevrolet Camaro will be one of your limited choices. Sure, it’s probably best suited for children, but at least you can tell your spouse or significant other that you’ll have room to drive the kids around.

Corvette Interior Quality

Any way you slice it, $55,000-plus is a lot for a car. A lot of that goes toward the "sport" in sports car, but this is a luxury class, too. With that in mind, the 2017 Corvette generally impresses with its interior quality, providing upscale accoutrements like standard leather seating, aluminum trim, and carbon fiber accents. Some reviewers think the materials aren’t as nice as those in similarly priced competitors, and others note the cabin can be rickety at times. Still, the Corvette stands out in its class.

Corvette Cargo Space

Cargo space in the 2017 Corvette is an admirable 15 cubic feet. Aided by a hatchback-style liftgate, that amount is more akin to a midsize sedan than a two-seat sports car. You'll be able to easily fit two golf bags, a few suitcases, or armfuls of grocery or shopping bags. Trunk space in the convertible is still good, at 10 cubic feet.

You may not think of the Dodge Viper as a practical car, but it too offers decent trunk space at 14.7 cubic feet. Conversely, you'll get much less space in the Chevrolet Camaro, likely because of the back seats. There is just 9.1 cubic feet in coupes, and convertibles only have 7.3 cubic feet.  

You'll have to split up your stuff if you go with the Porsche Cayman, since its midengine layout results in it having two trunks. The front trunk has 5.3 cubic feet of space, and the rear trunk has 9.7 cubic feet. Therefore, the car has the same total volume as the Corvette, but it's not as utilitarian because of that split.

Corvette Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

The Corvette's cabin is laid out in an almost cockpitlike fashion, putting all its focus on the driver. Controls and gauges are easy to see and reach. Part of the instrument cluster is a bright and crisp 8-inch digital screen that displays the tachometer and other information. You can also spring for an available head-up display so you won't have to take your eyes off the road to glance at vital information.

The Corvette also comes standard with Chevy's MyLink infotainment system, which is housed in an 8-inch touch screen on the easy-to-reach center stack. This interface can be clunky and slow to respond to your commands, though, so your best bet may be to use the standard Android Auto or Apple CarPlay setups instead. Both allow you to connect your smartphone to the car to access familiar functions like apps, media, contacts, or messaging on the infotainment touch screen. It also mimics the layout of your phone, with icons that you're used to seeing every day. For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay? and What Is Android Auto? Then, see the Best Cars With Apple CarPlay and Best Cars With Android Auto.

The same MyLink system is found in the Chevrolet Camaro. You'll also only get a 7-inch screen in the Camaro, but you can upgrade to the 8-inch display. Other rivals earn praise for their infotainment setups: The fully redesigned Cayman gets the newest iteration of Porsche's technology, and it features Apple CarPlay along with other easy-to-use functions and incredibly detailed optional navigation. The Dodge Viper sports the Uconnect interface, which is found in many Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep vehicles. It has a large 8.4-inch touch screen, along with a straightforward layout and responsive processing times.

A highlight of the Corvette is the optional performance data recorder. Running through the infotainment screen, this feature captures vital statistics like speed, RPM, g-forces, and track times, and it can even record audio and video of your drives. You'll get these same capabilities in the high-performance Camaros.

Read more about interior »

Corvette Performance

Corvette Engine: Lives Up to the Hype

The Corvette's performance can be summed up quickly: this thing can fly. That is no surprise considering its standard 455-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine. A seven-speed manual transmission is standard, and downshifts come perfectly rev-matched thanks to Chevy's Active Rev Matching technology. You can also opt for an eight-speed automatic transmission that functions impressively. The automatic transmission comes with paddle shifters that impart some feeling of additional control, but with that much muscle under the hood, the clear choice is to fully control it yourself with the manual. The optional automatic transmission and performance exhaust increase horsepower to 460, however. The standard Corvette Stingray can launch from zero to 60 mph in as little as 3.7 seconds, thanks in part to its 465 pound-feet of torque.

In "Jaws," Captain Brody suggests (or warns), "You're gonna need a bigger boat." Some engineer at General Motors may have had a similar thought when GM developed the engine that powers the Corvette's top model, the Z06. At 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, this supercharged 6.2-liter V8 rockets the Corvette to 60 mph in under 3 seconds. Depending on how you spend most of your time driving, though, that muscle may prove to be more of a curse than a gift. For everyday use, the Corvette's base engine is much more manageable, and you shouldn't yearn for more power.

In standard form, the Chevrolet Camaro can't hold a candle to its more boisterous brother, but it does benefit from sharing the Corvette's engines in its two high-performance trims. If you're pitting the Camaro against the Corvette, these are the models you'll want to consider; the Camaro SS has the same 455-horsepower engine as the base Corvette, while the Camaro ZL1 shares the powertrain of the Z06 Corvette. The Z06 has two quicker-shifting transmissions and weighs less than the ZL1, but the differences aren't that noticeable. 

The Porsche Cayman receives a hearty midcycle refresh for 2017, and its engine lineup is now down to two, but both have increased power. At either 300 or 350 horsepower, you'll still move quickly off the line and have plenty of oomph to get around. On the opposite side of the insanity spectrum is the Dodge Viper, long known for being a machine that focuses on face-melting speed and power. From an 8.4-liter V10 engine comes 645 standard horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. Dodge claims that's the most torque of any naturally aspirated engine available.

Corvette Gas Mileage: Thirsty, Thirsty, Thirsty

The standard Corvette gets pretty meager gas mileage, even for a powerful sports car, at only 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. With the optional eight-speed automatic, those estimates shift slightly to 15 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. The supercharged engine in the Z06, though, fares even worse. You’ll get 15/22 mpg city/highway with the manual transmission and 13/23 mpg city/highway with the automatic.

Since higher-performance Camaros share engines with the Corvette, you can expect similar fuel economy. The standard Camaro SS gets 16 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway, while the ZL1 returns 14/29 mpg city/highway. The Porsche Cayman boasts a smaller standard engine than its American rivals (a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder), and it can get up to 21/28 mpg. And if you plan on buying a Dodge Viper, you may want to consider investing in a gas station too, since you’ll only get 12/19 mpg city/highway.

Corvette Ride and Handling: Grip It and Rip It

What’s under the hood is certainly a big reason why the 2017 Corvette gets incredibly high performance scores from us, but it’s far from the only reason. The other aspect is how it drives. Even in its standard configuration, the Stingray is a corner-carving, well-balanced, athletic machine. Steering is extremely accurate. Around curves, the Corvette sticks to the pavement, and the optional Magnetic Ride Control system keeps you level with minimal body roll. Two higher-performance trims (the Grand Sport and Z06) boast upgraded suspensions, brakes, and limited-slip differentials so you’ll always feel in complete control.

The Corvette doesn’t sacrifice everyday appeal at the expense of performance, though. Its ride quality is comfortable enough for long highway cruises and forgiving enough for less-than-perfect pavement around town.

Of all the cars in the class that most closely challenge the Corvette’s overall performance, three of them sport a Porsche badge. With a refresh for the 2017 model, the Cayman is several hundred pounds lighter and receives quicker and tighter steering because it utilizes parts from its more powerful stablemate, the 911 Turbo. Porsche also offers an optional adaptive suspension that automatically lowers the car and stiffens the dampers for more finely tuned handling.  

The Chevrolet Camaro’s performance models can be equipped with the same Magnetic Ride Control system as the Corvette, and even without it the Camaro drives nimbly. When it comes to the Dodge Viper's performance, its engine power is about the only positive. Heavy steering makes it hard to maneuver at low speeds, and once you get up to speed, all that power turns the Viper into an unwieldy bullet that takes a good amount of skill to control. Calling the Viper’s ride harsh would be an understatement, so it’s far from your best bet as a daily driver.

Read more about performance »

Corvette Reliability

Is the Chevrolet Corvette Reliable?

According to J.D. Power and Associates, the 2017 Corvette gets a three out of five rating for predicted reliability. That means it's about average among all cars on the road. The Chevy Camaro gets the same rating, while the Porsche Cayman clocks in better at four out of five. The Dodge Viper receives a below-average 2.5 rating.

Chevrolet Corvette Warranty

Chevrolet backs the 2017 Corvette with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Viper and Camaro both come with the same coverage, as it's common for mainstream brands to offer two warranties. Luxury brands like Porsche, however, usually offer only a basic warranty, such as the four-year/50,000-mile warranty on the Cayman. 

Read more about reliability »

Corvette Safety

Corvette Crash Test Results 

The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette hasn't undergone crash testing by any independent organization, but that's a common practice for luxury and/or sports cars. The Dodge Viper and Porsche Cayman also haven’t been evaluated. By contrast, the Chevrolet Camaro receives a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four out of five stars in the frontal crash test. The Camaro also earns a rating of Good (the highest score possible) from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in four out of five individual tests.

Corvette Safety Features

The only standard driver assistance feature in the Corvette is a rearview camera, but luxury sports cars aren't known for their technological prowess. You can get an optional head-up display to keep your eyes on the road instead of on the dashboard or gauge cluster, as well as a front-view camera system that keeps eyes on the ground directly in front of you.

Rivals like the Porsche Cayman and Chevrolet Camaro offer more optional features that aim to keep you safe and prevent crashes. In the Camaro, you can get rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring (which alerts you to cars approaching on your side as you make a lane change), and rear cross traffic alert (which detects cars moving behind you when you’re in reverse).

With the Cayman, you can also opt for blind spot monitoring, as well as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic braking. These features work to maintain a set speed between you and the car in front of you, automatically accelerating or braking in tandem with the car ahead. If the car detects an imminent collision, it will give you an audible warning to brake. If you don’t respond, the car will begin braking by itself to mitigate the collision.

Read more about safety »

Which Chevrolet Corvette Model Is Right for Me?

The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette comes in three main models: Stingray, Grand Sport, and Z06. Each of those configurations is available in three trim levels (1LT/Z, 2 LT/Z, 3LT/Z) that add additional features, and the Stingray has an optional Performance package available with each trim. All Corvettes come with rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed manual transmission, and you can add an eight-speed automatic paddle shift transmission. Each model is also available in a convertible version.

Stingray and Grand Sport Corvettes each have a 6.2-liter V8 engine, while the Z06 has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8.

With a handful of models and several additional trim levels per model, the Corvette can be modified in dozens of different ways to suit your priorities or needs. For those who need everyday use out of the car, the standard Stingray will probably be enough. It has more than enough performance for the streets, and its price point makes it the best value as well. If you want to enhance the Stingray's performance but don't want to commit to the Grand Sport or Z06, which is basically a supercar, there is a Z51 Performance package available with any of the three trims. It adds a limited-slip differential and upgrades the wheels and brakes.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 

The base 2017 Corvette is the Stingray. It starts at $55,450. Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, removable roof panels, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot, proximity-key entry, push-button start, a rearview camera, the MyLink infotainment system with an 8-inch touch-screen display, an 8-inch digital instrument display, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.

Standard features are essentially the same across the Stingray, Grand Sport, and Z06 models. Optional trim levels contain most of the same features regardless of the model as well. The 2LT/Z trim includes heated and ventilated seats, additional power seat adjustments, a front curb-view camera, a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system, a color head-up display, and colored console and door panels. The 3LT/Z trim adds a custom Leather Wrapped Interior package, suede interior trim, a performance data recorder, Nappa leather seats, and navigation.

Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport 

New for 2017 is the Corvette Grand Sport, which starts at $65,450. It has the same engine as the base model, with an additional 5 horsepower provided by a performance exhaust. You'll also get a limited-slip differential, standard Magnetic Ride Control, upgraded wheels and brakes, and a sport-focused aerodynamic design.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 

The big kahuna of the Corvette's lineup is the $79,450 Z06. With a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine under the hood, it also includes the performance upgrades of the Grand Sport. For about $8,000, you can add the Z07 Performance package to either the Grand Sport or the Z06, which enhances the suspension and adds sport tires and larger, more powerful brakes. 

Who Makes the Chevrolet Corvette?

The Corvette is manufactured by Chevrolet, which is a division of the American brand General Motors. Since 1981, the Corvette has been produced exclusively in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Corvette debuted in 1953 and is now in its seventh generation. For more information, check out Chevrolet Corvette History.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Chevrolet dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Chevrolet deals page.

See 2017 Chevrolet Corvette specs and trims »

The Final Call

The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette is not only one of the best-performing sports cars on the market, but also a very solid overall package. Its somewhat reasonable price tag should make it attractive to nearly anyone shopping in the segment.

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• "The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette is a unique slice of Americana that can compete on the world stage. Performance is stunning, and interior appointments have improved significantly for the current C7 generation." -- Edmunds
• "For over six decades the Chevrolet Corvette has attracted driving enthusiasts and automotive admirers alike with its power, performance and style, all at a price that, with some effort, can turn a dream into a reality. The 2017 Corvette coupe and convertible remain all those things and more. Reborn and reinvigorated three years ago for its seventh generation, the Corvette proudly waves the flag as America's premium sports car. That it can compete with Porsches and Aston Martins itself is impressive. More so is the price at which it does. For around $56,000, the Corvette is the rare performance car that's a value. Top-line Z06 performance models supercharge that manifesto with 650 horsepower, while the new Grand Sport highlights even sharper handling than the standard Stingray." -- Kelley Blue Book
• " The Corvette Grand Sport is an excellent value. If you're looking for an affordable and balanced sports car, this is it." -- CNET