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2009 Chevrolet Corvette Review

November 5, 2008

STYLING | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Available navigation system includes, but doesn't complicate, audio functions
ConsumerGuide

Z06 and ZR1 look too much like the standard Corvette
Edmunds

Overall look is less boy-racer and more sophisticated sports car
Kelley Blue Book

It's hard to find a more iconic American sportscar than the Chevrolet Corvette. The current generation of Chevrolet Corvette features much more angular exterior styling and a vastly improved interior when compared to the C5 Chevrolet Corvette.

The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette lineup has been expanded with the recent introduction of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. According to reviewers at Edmunds, the "2009 Chevrolet Corvette is available as a two-seat coupe or convertible," while available "trim levels include the standard Corvette, Z06 and ZR1." Only the base Chevrolet Corvette is available in convertible form, and Edmunds also notes that the base coupe "is actually more of a targa, as it comes with a removable body-color roof panel," offering the security of a fixed hardtop and the convenience of open-air motoring on sunny days. Cars.com says that "many familiar styling cues highlight the latest Corvette, but the current generation is the first one since 1962 with fixed headlights."

All versions of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette just scream “"speed,”" and while reviews read by TheCarConnection.com contain lots of love for the base Corvette’'s styling, some reviewers feel that GM hasn’'t distinguished the upper-end models enough. Edmunds says that the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and Z06 models “"look too much like the standard Corvette,”" though the body panels differ in their construction. Consumer uide weports that the ZR1 incorporates “"lightweight carbon fiber on the hood, roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter, and rocker moldings,”" though despite the change in materials, the overall styling is quite similar to the base Corvette. Cars.com notes that the major differences between the Z06 and the regular Chevrolet Corvette are “"wheel-opening extensions at the front and rear and a front splitter,”" which play a large part in explaining why “"the Z06 is 3 inches wider than other Corvettes.”" The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 also features what Jalopnik reviewers call a “"tacky Lexan hood window”" that lets curious onlookers get a glimpse of the supercharger’'s intercooler system, though many reviewers question its styling appeal.

Previous generations of Chevrolet Corvette didn't offer much in the way of interior styling, so for the sixth generation, Chevrolet tried to address some of the common criticisms with a completely redesigned cockpit. The results are promising, and Cars.com loves how "the dashboard carries on the Corvette's dual-cockpit theme with a two-tone split." Kelley Blue Book raves about the "clean, uncluttered interior" that they feel offers "world-class" styling. Others don't go quite that far, and Edmunds even calls the interior "quite plain," but ConsumerGuide gives the Chevrolet Corvette high marks for its "clear gauges with mostly logical controls." The only major criticism of the interior concerns the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which has a base interior that's "cheap and nasty," according to Jalopnik. One styling touch that carries over from the fifth-generation Corvette is an optional heads-up display, which ConsumerGuide says "is quite useful" and "shows vehicle and engine speeds" without requiring drivers to take their eyes off the road.

Conclusion

The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette looks fast even when standing still and finally has an interior to get excited about.

STYLING | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Available navigation system includes, but doesn't complicate, audio functionsConsumerGuideZ06 and ZR1 look too much like the standard CorvetteEdmundsOverall look is less boy-racer and more sophisticated sports carKelley Blue Book It's hard to find a more iconic American sportscar than the Chevrolet Corvette. The current generation of Chevrolet Corvette features much more angular exterior styling and a vastly improved interior when compared to the C5 Chevrolet Corvette. The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette lineup has been expanded with the recent introduction of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. According to reviewers at Edmunds, the "2009 Chevrolet Corvette is available as a two-seat coupe or convertible," while available "trim levels include the standard Corvette, Z06 and ZR1." Only the base Chevrolet Corvette is available in convertible form, and Edmunds also notes that the base coupe "is actually more of a targa, as it comes with a removable body-color roof panel," offering the security of a fixed hardtop and the convenience of open-air motoring on sunny days. Cars.com says that "many familiar styling cues highlight the latest Corvette, but the current generation is the first one since 1962 with fixed headlights." All versions of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette just scream “"speed,”" and while reviews read by TheCarConnection.com contain lots of love for the base Corvette’'s styling, some reviewers feel that GM hasn’'t distinguished the upper-end models enough. Edmunds says that the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and Z06 models “"look too much like the standard Corvette,”" though the body panels differ in their construction. Consumer uide weports that the ZR1 incorporates “"lightweight carbon fiber on the hood, roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter, and rocker moldings,”" though despite the change in materials, the overall styling is quite similar to the base Corvette. Cars.com notes that the major differences between the Z06 and the regular Chevrolet Corvette are “"wheel-opening extensions at the front and rear and a front splitter,”" which play a large part in explaining why “"the Z06 is 3 inches wider than other Corvettes.”" The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 also features what Jalopnik reviewers call a “"tacky Lexan hood window”" that lets curious onlookers get a glimpse of the supercharger’'s intercooler system, though many reviewers question its styling appeal. Previous generations of Chevrolet Corvette didn't offer much in the way of interior styling, so for the sixth generation, Chevrolet tried to address some of the common criticisms with a completely redesigned cockpit. The results are promising, and Cars.com loves how "the dashboard carries on the Corvette's dual-cockpit theme with a two-tone split." Kelley Blue Book raves about the "clean, uncluttered interior" that they feel offers "world-class" styling. Others don't go quite that far, and Edmunds even calls the interior "quite plain," but ConsumerGuide gives the Chevrolet Corvette high marks for its "clear gauges with mostly logical controls." The only major criticism of the interior concerns the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which has a base interior that's "cheap and nasty," according to Jalopnik. One styling touch that carries over from the fifth-generation Corvette is an optional heads-up display, which ConsumerGuide says "is quite useful" and "shows vehicle and engine speeds" without requiring drivers to take their eyes off the road. ConclusionThe 2009 Chevrolet Corvette looks fast even when standing still and finally has an interior to get excited about. 2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE STYLING | [9 out of 10] ConsumerGuide: "Available navigation system includes, but doesn't complicate, audio functions" Edmunds: "Z06 and ZR1 look too much like the standard Corvette" Kelley Blue Book: "Overall look is less boy-racer and more sophisticated sports ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

For more than a decade, the Corvette's arch nemesis has been the Dodge Viper. The ultimate Dodge boasts an 8.4-liter V-10 engine pumping out an even 600 horsepower. The standard Viper aligns most closely with the Z06 Corvette. The Viper humbles the standard Corvette but is outgunned by the ZR1. Unlike years past, in 2009 there's a new competitor: the formidable Nissan GT-R. With 480 horsepower backed by an all-wheel-drive system and sophisticated electronics, the GT-R has proven itself worthy.

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See the Chevrolet Corvette in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (6 total)

  1. By Jack #1, Posted: 3/31/2009

    Corvette "humbled" by Viper??

    Hold shitski dude! Comparing the Viper (with a V10, idiot) to a Corvette (standard V8) and saying the Viper 'humbles' the Corvette is like comparing the covered wagon to the Space Shuttle!. You cannot put both cars in the same catogory with dissimliar engine displacement and cylinders! If thats the case, then lets compare Indy Formula's to the Viper and say they 'humble' the Viper! Get the numbers right before you try and skew numbers to impress the public with inaccurate information!

  2. By Jack #2, Posted: 3/31/2009

    Corvette "humbled" by Viper??

    Hold shitski dude! Comparing the Viper (with a V10, idiot) to a Corvette (standard V8) and saying the Viper 'humbles' the Corvette is like comparing the covered wagon to the Space Shuttle!. You cannot put both cars in the same catogory with dissimliar engine displacement and cylinders! If thats the case, then lets compare Indy Formula's to the Viper and say they 'humble' the Viper! Get the numbers right before you try and skew numbers to impress the public with inaccurate information!

  3. By Lynn #3, Posted: 6/2/2009

    What the heck is the deal here? Talking trash about a 'vette on it's own page? Stick that Viper up a Neon's exhaust pipe! Hopefully, the Viper's page is similarly trashed.

  4. By  Wristband Man #4, Posted: 6/2/2009

    Just bought my new 2009 Cyber Gray Corvette Coupe. Purchase went great, love the car and the dealer, Friendly Chevrolet in Puyallup WA made the sale fun and simple. All the employees were there were supper friendly and helpful. I will buy from them again, may a z07 or z08 next time.
    Thanks again Dwayne

  5. By Magicrat #5, Posted: 7/29/2009

    I will pick up my 2009 1LT Crystal Red Corvette on Friday 7/31/09. I am truly looking forward to the moment. I am a former auto mechanic who has rebuilt, serviced and admired GM's 1960-1970's muscle cars all of my life. The car that I purchased outperforms almost all of them in every way. 40 years after the introduction of my first car (1989 Chevelle SS 396 and later, a 327 Malibu Convertible), I will be bringing home a 2009 Corvette 376! This is a great example of what GN can do when it's not micromanaged or mismanaged. I have owned two Porsches, three BMWs and one Mercedes (along with several Mazda RX-7's), and none have given me the excitement of my two Chevelles.
    In my opinion, nothing can touch the Corvette in performance for the buck. I hope GM survives, but if not, it will be nice to know that I nave owned a part of American History and Pride.

  6. By eric #6, Posted: 8/13/2009

    I have put 12000 miles on my "08 Atomic Orange Corvette Coupe. Couldn't be happier with the superior performance and style, but alas, it is still a GM product with the obligatory squeaks and rattles. My local dealer's corvette technician is such a gear head that, when I brought to his atttention a door panel rattle while listening to music, he told me that I didn't need to listening to music in the corvette. Oh well, I still love the car.

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