Wonderful acceleration!! One of the greatest cars around!! Handling and braking is superb!!!

I think there are a few blind spots at the sides.

An entertaining car to drive. Loved it immediately!! Too bad there are too many of them moving around USA. If a Viper pulls over though, don't expect to win. The Viper's accleration is far greater, but the 'Vette wins in handling and braking. There's going to be a new 'Vette yet, the Z06. Let's see how the Z06 turns out.

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Dodge Viper R/T 10 (Crazy V-10)
Porsche Boxster (I know its not exactly the same class, but the boxster's accleration is not as good)

3:15 Performance Axle
Memory Seats
Exhilerating to Drive
Engine is rock solid
Looks and demeanor get plenty of attention
Gas Mileage

Watch for curbs, speed bumps, and uneven pavement
Getting in and out is difficult for any one over 6'4"
A bit of a rough ride on bad and non paved roads
Bose Stereo
Some interior parts are cheap (make and look)

I am writing this review because I have upgraded from my previously owned 1997 Artic White Corvette a few months ago. This one is a 1998 Silver with the Firethorn Red interior. I traded it in and got some upgrades including the 3:15 performance axle and memory seats. I ended up replacing the Bose stereo to a Nakamichi CD and JL audio speakers. This model is much better in all respects to the 1997.

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1997 Chevrolet Corvette
1984 Chevrolet Corvette
1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Fast, great styling, great braking, handling, smooth ride, easy access,
More bang for your buck compared to any European car.
And can whip Camaro SS, Mustang Cobra, and Firebird Trans-Am.

None

Although there are a number of very good sports cars in the same price range as the Corvette convertible, it doesn't really seem to have any direct competitors.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK, BMW Z3 2.8 and Porsche Boxster are all delightful and competent players, but they play at a more modest pace. When it comes to real pavement-ripping prowess, none of these smaller entries can match the Corvette's sheer power and corner-gobbling grip.

For that matter, neither can the more powerful Toyota Supra Turbo nor the Mitsubishi 3000 GT VR4.

The Dodge Viper does rival the Corvette's dynamic capabilities -- indeed, it's even faster -- but it requires a single-minded focus on pure (if brutish) performance to enjoy it. When it comes to civilization and comfort, the Corvette wins hands-down.

To get a similar blend of comfort and true sports car performance, you'll find yourself in a Porsche store, checking out the various iterations of the 911. And when you look at the 911 window stickers, chances are you'll beat a hasty retreat to your Chevy dealer.

The Corvette is no longer this country's only sports car, and it's certainly evolved well beyond the realm of what we call affordable -- Mazda's blithe little Miata is just about the only one of those left.

But coupe or convertible, there doesn't seem to be much question that the latest generation of this all-American is also world-class.

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Power
Handling
Comfortable interior
Glass rear window
Subtle styling
Outperforms everything in it's price range
It's a RACE car

Manual top
Leaks
Winky headlights
Seat surfaces get REAL hot
Stereo is horrible
It's a RACE car

This car has 345 horses, but the REAL strength comes from the 350 ftlbs of torque which makes it take off like a rocket and will spank any other stock car in it's price range. The styling is very sexy. It screams for attention but has a very subtle beauty. In turns it feels like it is on rails. The cockpit is reminiscent of a fighter jet and feels very comfortable even for a 6' 5" guy like me. But enough of all the praise,let's get down to what I do NOT like:

I got the convertible and the thing has a manual top - what's up with that?? I paid 42 grand and I have to get out of the car to put the top down?? Really, Chevy should have put in a powered top, but they were very concerned about adding too much weight. A bad decision in my opinion.

Also the top leaks. It does not leak alot, but it does drip every now and then. I had the top totally replaced and after a few months it started leaking again. I don't know why it leaks and every vette person I talked to said it was normal - go figure.

The headlights are another issue. Why in the world would GM still use those "winky" headlights? All they do is act like big wind sails and are prone to breaking. GM needs to get with the times and make those lights stationary and aerodynamic.

Also, if you get the convertible - don't park it with the top down in the sun. You will cook your tush. The temperature of the seat reaches a searing 158 degrees as does all the other plastic in the car! YOUCH! None of my European convertibles get that hot.

Also that BOSE (or as I say, the BLOSE) stereo is horrible. In a world-class car you should get a world class stereo! The deck looks so plain and the sound is just so boring. Replacing the stereo is a must for any audiophiles out there. But be sure to keep the stock unit for when/if you sell it.

Lastly, this is a RACE car. It is built to go fast around the ovals - it is not a drag racing muscle car nor a luxury car. Now some may see this as good, while others see it as bad. This race car is the most impractical automobile you can buy. It can do 0-60 in 4.6, but you would have be borderline insane to even attempt it on public roads. It is amazing that cars like this are even allowed to drive on public roads at all. The car is totally unnecessary. No one needs to go that fast nor spend that much money on a car that only seats 2 people. It is so easy to drive too fast in this car and vette's just seem to attract alot of attention from local boys in blue. And the insurance companies will just turn you upside down and shake the money out of your pockets when you buy one.

This car is the personification of excess. It speaks volumes of the person who owns one. I don't know if there is a more irresponsible car on the planet - but who cares?? People don't even think about responsibility or practicality before purchasing cars like the corvette. Just the fact that it IS a vette will sell these cars. The fact that they are awesome performers and are a great value only sweeten the deal!

The corvette represents a unique American sports car concept: pure power turning two rear wheels. Nothing fancy, just asphalt ripping power! And in this sense, the corvette is obscenely American. It is truly unlike any other sports car in the world and for the price, it cannot be beat.

Even with the flaws I mentioned, I recommend this car to any racing or sports car enthusiast. If you want a responsible, practical, sporty luxury car - look elsewhere.

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Porshe Boxster - gets spanked by vette
BMW 328 IC - gets spanked by vette
Jaguar XK8 convertible - gets spanked by vette
Ferrari Testarossa 512R - got spanked by vette!!!!!

This a great car that makes me feel proud to work for GM. There is the whole Corvette thing that no Japanese car could ever touch! Waving to each other, car shows, and each corvette is a collectible in due time. No Japanese car ever does this. When is the last time your heart yearned for an old 300ZX?

It is not as good of an autocross racer as my 94 C4 vette. The C4 is the more true race car with better handling, but the C5 has better OVERALL handling.Also, the LT1 engine is much stronger feeling up to about 3000rpm in my 94. The '01 is still very powerful -but only past like 2500rpm's does it start to outperform an lT1. My wife beat me off the line in a drag race (94 vette against the 2001) due to the Lt1's low end grunt.

I reccomend the C5 very strongly. If price is too much, try for a decent 98 or 99. Stay clear of the 97's. They are 1st year cars and everyone remembers what problems the other 1st year cars had..remember 1968 and 1984...

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Have owned 1984, 1989, and 1991 vettes. Now own 1994 and 2001 and 1967. Also love my 1987 Buick Grand National which still today gives these vettes a real hard time in the 1/4 mile!!!

Acceleration, attention getting looks, coolness factor.

suspension - (independent rear suspension hops all over rough roads), brakes (warped rotors!), electrical problems & glitches (Traction control would engage for no reason), steering column locks-up (a known design flaw), seat belt retractors failed 3 times, weak clutch (exploded while I was pulling onto a highway), weak transmission (mine needed a rebuild @ 34K miles), poor fit and finish of the body panels, soft paint, expensive to repair, short warranty (3/36K), wind noise >65mph, weak low RPM torque (<2500, compared to a LT1), and so-so stereo performance (Bose).

I bought my '97 used in the summer of '99. It had 29K on it when I picked it up. I fought GM and won my case and the car was bought back by GM just 2 weeks ago. In the year I owned the car, it was in the shop for 68 days for various repairs. The transmission was rebuilt (plastic on the forks wore off and destroyed the synchro's), the battery was replaced, body control module was replaced 4 times, steering column and ignition system replaced, throttle position sensor was replaced, the parking brake failed at 15K miles, the seat belt retractors were replaced 3 times, fog lamp wiring harness replaced, both door weather stripping was replaced, the fuel tanks/sending units/fuel pumps were replaced, rear brake calipers and sensors were replaced, the clutch/pressure plate disintergrated @ 50mph, drivers side door hinge has a bad kink in it, drivers side window rattles in the door channel, engine compartment light burns out every other week, tons of rattles and sqeaks over rough roads, catalytic converter failed at 31K, brake pulsing - warped rotors (design flaw on GM's part - a known problem with Corvette owners), fuel leak INSIDE the car (bad if you smoke!), crazy fuel gauge (never reads correct amount due to split tank design), loose drivers seat (worn plastic guides), poor quality leather seating surfaces (cracks and rips), poor ride quality with the F45 selective ride dampening system.

Overall, it was the worst car I ever owned. It was also the most fun to drive. I would reccomend a Camaro SS or Pontiac Firehawk over a Corvette. My old '96 Camaro Z28 never had ANY problems in the 3 years I owned it. Not one. It was 100% reliable and always performed the same, day-in and day-out. A Corvette is beautiful to look at and hell to own.

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it is definetely the best corvette that came along. can compete with the best sports cars out there. interior is really comfortable, held the value good. Over all it's a super car for the price (40K).

the targa top leaked durring heavy rain... rotors warp... service engine light came on a couple of time... mostly minor problems

paid 42k... it was worth every penny... in my opinion. the car was quick and smooth. the new C5s are really well priced for what you get.

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Have owned 94 Nissan Twin Turbo 300ZX, 93 Mercedes Benz SL600 (V-12), 90 Mazda RX-7 concertible, and this is by far the greatest overall package. The videotape that comes with the car tells it all. Get one! I would have paid more than I did if I had seen how well this car was designed and engineered. Recommend the see-through removable top, polished aluminum wheels, etc. Bose system outstanding. My 59 year old knees (both had arthro surgery) decided not to pump a clutch, and mt 4 speed auto shows no sluggishness and the power/torque is immediately available. And I get 23 mpg driving it hard! Wish I could get a factory turbo (add 100 bhp)because the after-market units void the warranty, so I'm passing on that approach.

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See "Strengths"

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300 zx Twin Tirbo, MB SL 600 V12, etc. C5 much better car

What can I say. This car is a part of Automotive History. Been around since 1953 and the car just gets better. Best Corvette made so far. It looks like all the Corvettes that have ever been made. It's fast, it looks good, it makes you feel good. To me it makes me feel like I own the road.

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I would recommend this to a true Corvette lover. Corvette the only Sport Car that Matters.

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can't be compared

Refined american sports car. I still can't get over how well it rides. I feel like a million bucks when I am in the car. The coupe is very practical. I can reach behind the seat and reach the storage in the back. Very cool. The cars acceleration is mind numbing. The cockpit seems very deliberate. Like someone lost sleep trying to get it right. Absolutely the best cruise control I have ever used. As an experiment I put my 24 speed bycycle in the back. I had to remove the front wheel and the seat but it fit. Probably would not do it unless it was an emergency.

GM phobia. I've had it for over 15 years. Corvette is the only GM product I would have considered. I see the engineering and I like it. I see the workmanship and I tell myself it's a Corvette and the feeling in my stomach goes away. Then I stand back and look at the whole car and I am overwhelmed at the thing. Most un-nerving is the seats. They feel cheep.

I was thinking about spending $32,000 for an Acura TL (Boring). I drove it 4 or 5 times. It was was the only car that came close to doing anything for me for the money. Then I drove a brand new Corvette that the dealer was selling for $38,000. I saw it in the paper. The more I thought about it the more I fell in love with the whole Corvette life style. I drove the Vette several times Thought carefully and researched night and day. The General Manager of the dealership drove it most of the year, put 4,000 miles on it and got another one(2000) just like it. I tried to resit but I knew this car at that price would not last. So I got it. No one in the 5 states near me were discounting Corvettes. This car listed for around $43,000 and I got it for $38,000 even. So for $6,000 more than the boring TL, I spanned the universe and got something I really like. I am very proud to own a Corvette and I take very good care of it. If I ever sell it, that person will be lucky.

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Nissan Maxima. (I know) I've got a great job now.