America's original two-seat sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette, is a stunning work of automotive art. Visually, there's not a single misstep over its 70-plus years, although some generations are more desirable than others. Power and handling vary from generation to generation, making some late-model used Corvettes absolute bargains regarding performance for your dollar. Making it easier to distinguish generations is Chevrolet’s code designation beginning with the letter C and ending with the generation number, so the first Corvette is called the C1, the second C2, etc.
Chevrolet Corvette Generations
- Chevrolet Corvette 8th Generation
- Chevrolet Corvette 7th Generation
- Chevrolet Corvette 6th Generation
- Chevrolet Corvette 5th Generation
- Chevrolet Corvette 4th Generation
- Chevrolet Corvette 3rd Generation
- Chevrolet Corvette 2nd Generation
- Chevrolet Corvette 1st Generation
Chevrolet Corvette (8th Generation: 2020 - Current)
Key Improvements: The current C8 Corvette is also the most radical, endowed with super-car styling and a mid-engine design. Unlike every Corvette before, the C8's body is no longer comprised solely of traditional fiberglass. There's also a hybrid E-Ray with AWD pumping out 655 horsepower. The rest of the Corvette lineup employs varying size V8s ranging from 590 to 670 horsepower (slightly more than comparable V8s from the 7th generation Corvette). Convertible models no longer use a cloth top but now have a retractable hardtop. The technology between the two generations is also similar. However, the eighth-generation Corvette offers such upgrades as a configurable digital instrument cluster, push-button gear selector, and a digital rearview mirror. Advanced driver assists like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist arrive late in the model run, but as of 2024, adaptive cruise control remains elusive.
Model Updates: For 2021, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and adaptive dampers become a standalone option. 2023 sees the arrival of the 670-horsepower Z06 and a 70th Anniversary package. The E-Ray all-wheel-drive hybrid debuts in 2024 along with new driver assists like automatic emergency braking, auto high-beam headlights, lane-keeping assist, and following distance indicator.
Chevrolet Corvette (7th Generation: 2014 - 2019)
Key Improvements: The C7 Corvette builds off the C6, offering the most powerful standard engine to date, at up to 460 horsepower. In this generation, you'll find other power-mad pushrod creations like the 650-horsepower Z06 and 755-horsepower ZR1, both of which are supercharged. Lightweight construction materials such as an aluminum frame and magnesium seat frames help reduce weight, and a new interior brimming with quality plastics and loads of leather reduces vocal critics of the former Corvette’s interior. New standard equipment includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Bose audio, and a 5-position drive mode selector. The Corvette Convertible’s top can be remotely opened using the key fob. Optional heated and ventilated seats include power side bolsters. This is the first Corvette to offer Apple CarPlay integration and the last to offer a manual transmission.
Model Updates: For 2015, the Z06 returns, along with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2016 Corvette Stingray offers Magnetic Ride Control and Apple CarPlay via the MyLink app. A Grand Sport Edition debuts in 2017, touting a wider body and Z06 performance parts but with the Stingray's normally aspirated V8. The 2019 Corvette lineup adds the 755-horsepower ZR1.
Chevrolet Corvette (6th Generation: 2005 - 2013)
Key Improvements: The C6 Corvette carries the familiar long hood, glass rear hatch, and removable roof panel from the previous Corvette but loses its retractable headlights. This generation is special because it’s the first time a Corvette breaks the 500-horsepower ceiling from the factory, with 505 hp in the Z06 and 638 hp in the supercharged ZR1. Improvements to the suspension and available Magnetic Ride Control vastly improve ride and handling over the C5 Corvette. New features for the C6 include a proximity key fob and push-button start, side impact airbags, Bluetooth, and DVD navigation.
Model Updates: For 2010, the Grand Sport joins the team, wearing Z06 looks and dynamics with the standard Stingray engine. The 2011 Corvette sees several upgrades, including Magnetic Ride Control on the Grand Sport, a 6-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, and F1 tires for the Z06. The 2013 model year ushers in the Corvette's 60th anniversary with a special commemorative package.
Chevrolet Corvette (5th Generation: 1997 - 2004)
The C5 fixes most of the complaints lodged against the C4. It’s longer and wider, providing better stability in the corners. It also has more horsepower, a better suspension system, and a new body style ushering in a fixed hardtop and trunk, a design not seen on a Corvette since 1962. New features include a head-up display and a rear-mounted transmission next to the rear differential.
Chevrolet Corvette (4th Generation: 1984 - 1996)
The C4 begins the Corvette’s return as a legitimate performance car, incrementally adding power to its V8 engine, eventually reaching 300 hp. The C4 comes with never-before-seen features, like a digital dash, a one-piece removable roof panel, and plastic leaf springs. The C4 suffered one black eye when, in 1987, Buick's Grand National took first prize as GM’s fastest car to run the quarter mile. This generation also sees the return of the convertible.
Chevrolet Corvette (3rd Generation: 1968 - 1982)
Love it or hate it, the C3 takes the Corvette in a radically different direction, with predominant arches built into the front and rear fenders, a shark-like nose, and a T-top roof. Early in life, the C3 offers impressive performance from its small and big block V8s. Emission regulations bring the party to an end, however, neutering the Corvette’s output at one point to a mere 165 horsepower. The 500,000th Corvette rolls off the assembly line during this time, and the convertible model exits the stage.
Chevrolet Corvette (2nd Generation: 1963 - 1967)
Though it didn’t have a long run, the gorgeous C2 Corvette Sting Ray endures as a fan favorite. With its independent rear suspension, powerful V8 engine, and driver-oriented co*ckpit, the C2 Corvette was a true performance machine. Horsepower started around 250 and reached 425 by the end of the C2's run. Firsts for this generation include four-wheel disc brakes, a collapsable steering column, and a coupe body style.
Chevrolet Corvette (1st Generation: 1953 - 1962)
The first car to wear the Corvette name wasn’t terribly powerful, had no roof, no roll-up side windows, and featured a fiberglass body. Still, Americans fell in love, and throughout its nine-year run, design changes resulted in a powerful and stylish C1 coupe with a removable hardtop and advanced features like fuel injection. The Corvette was off to the races.
Used Chevrolet Corvette Prices by Generation
- Chevrolet Corvette 8th Generation - $90,995 Average price
- Chevrolet Corvette 7th Generation - $59,214 Average price
- Chevrolet Corvette 6th Generation - $35,999 Average price
- Chevrolet Corvette 5th Generation - $23,077 Average price
- Chevrolet Corvette 4th Generation - $18,369 Average price
Used Chevrolet Corvette Prices by Year
- 2024 Chevrolet Corvette - $110,278 Average Price
- 2023 Chevrolet Corvette - $101,206 Average Price
- 2022 Chevrolet Corvette - $81,094 Average Price
- 2021 Chevrolet Corvette - $75,867 Average Price
- 2020 Chevrolet Corvette - $75,302 Average Price
- 2019 Chevrolet Corvette - $76,313 Average Price
- 2018 Chevrolet Corvette - $61,187 Average Price
- 2017 Chevrolet Corvette - $57,950 Average Price
- 2016 Chevrolet Corvette - $58,824 Average Price
- 2015 Chevrolet Corvette - $52,829 Average Price
- 2014 Chevrolet Corvette - $44,331 Average Price
- 2013 Chevrolet Corvette - $48,374 Average Price
- 2012 Chevrolet Corvette - $42,558 Average Price
- 2011 Chevrolet Corvette - $41,590 Average Price
- 2010 Chevrolet Corvette - $44,234 Average Price
- 2009 Chevrolet Corvette - $40,735 Average Price
- 2008 Chevrolet Corvette - $33,814 Average Price
- 2007 Chevrolet Corvette - $33,694 Average Price
- 2006 Chevrolet Corvette - $29,168 Average Price
- 2005 Chevrolet Corvette - $24,492 Average Price
- 2004 Chevrolet Corvette - $24,721 Average Price
- 2003 Chevrolet Corvette - $25,465 Average Price
- 2002 Chevrolet Corvette - $27,207 Average Price
- 2001 Chevrolet Corvette - $20,931 Average Price
- 2000 Chevrolet Corvette - $18,378 Average Price
- 1999 Chevrolet Corvette - $19,550 Average Price
- 1998 Chevrolet Corvette - $20,196 Average Price
- 1997 Chevrolet Corvette - $17,409 Average Price
- 1996 Chevrolet Corvette - $19,824 Average Price
- 1995 Chevrolet Corvette - $18,782 Average Price
- 1994 Chevrolet Corvette - $19,608 Average Price
- 1993 Chevrolet Corvette - $17,125 Average Price
- 1992 Chevrolet Corvette - $15,208 Average Price
- 1991 Chevrolet Corvette - $18,044 Average Price
- 1990 Chevrolet Corvette - $22,261 Average Price
- 1989 Chevrolet Corvette - $14,919 Average Price
