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2009 Chevrolet Corvette Quality Review

November 5, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

The only thing detracting from the ZR1's grand-touring credentials is the interior
Jalopnik

Interior is a mix of grained plastic and nicely textured leather
ConsumerGuide

A surprising level of utility comes along for the ride, too
Edmunds

The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is comfortable enough for daily use, but some reviewers feel that the interior quality doesn't quite live up to the expectations one has when shelling out between $45,000 and, in the case of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, $100,000.

Cars.com reports that the Chevrolet Corvette is a "two-seater" sportscar offering decent levels of driver and passenger comfort. ConsumerGuide says "headroom and legroom are adequate, and the seats are comfortable," while the larger-than-average dimensions of the Chevrolet Corvette mean "the cockpit is wider than in most sports cars." Kelley Blue Book adds that "the Corvette's seats are surprisingly supportive yet not so snug as to cinch the driver in place," and other reviews read by TheCarConnection.com support the opinion.

Sportscars aren't typically known for their voluminous cargo capacity, but TheCarConnection.com's experts are pleased to find functional storage in the rear. ConsumerGuide reviewers agree, finding that cargo room is "great for a sports car, especially in the coupe," and they mention "the convertible has small storage cubbies located behind the rear seats." Edmunds also finds that the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette's "remarkable cargo capacity (22 cubic feet in coupes and 11 cubes in the convertible)" helps to "make the Vette a sports car that's easy to live with on a day-to-day basis." Even Chevrolet's $100,000 supercar can fit an impressive amount of stuff in the back thanks to the fact that the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 boasts a very similar body to the base coupe.

Buyers who are upgrading from the last generation of Corvette will be surprised at the vastly improved interior quality found on the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette. Edmunds reports that "Chevrolet has made big strides in terms of interior fit and finish since the debut of the current-generation Corvette," but they qualify the comment, saying if you "poke around a bit...you'll find some flimsy plastic panels." ConsumerGuide, however, claims "the interior is a mix of grained plastic and nicely textured leather." Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com indicate that the materials are acceptable, with the possible exception of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. On the top-end Chevrolet Corvette, one Jalopnik reviewer finds that the standard interior is "cheap and nasty," while "the 3ZR upgraded interior package" transforms the interior "into luxurious bass boat territory with more embroidered ZR1 and Corvette logos than my fragile mind could comprehend." Edmunds says that "overall, the interior is a step or two behind the class leaders," but on the positive side, the build quality is generally quite good.

Certain loud noises, such as the growl of a V-8 engine, are welcome in a sportscar, and reviews show that the unwelcome noises are kept to a manageable level in the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette. ConsumerGuide reports that the "engines are always heard" and the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's "produces a distinct roar under hard throttle, with just a touch of supercharger whine thrown in for good measure." As for wind and road noise, Edmunds says both "can occasionally be a bit intrusive, but it's nothing out of the norm for this type of car."

Conclusion

The interior of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is improved, but not perfect; though in reality, Corvette drivers should keep their eyes on the road and out of the cockpit.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:The only thing detracting from the ZR1's grand-touring credentials is the interiorJalopnikInterior is a mix of grained plastic and nicely textured leatherConsumerGuideA surprising level of utility comes along for the ride, tooEdmunds The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is comfortable enough for daily use, but some reviewers feel that the interior quality doesn't quite live up to the expectations one has when shelling out between $45,000 and, in the case of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, $100,000. Cars.com reports that the Chevrolet Corvette is a "two-seater" sportscar offering decent levels of driver and passenger comfort. ConsumerGuide says "headroom and legroom are adequate, and the seats are comfortable," while the larger-than-average dimensions of the Chevrolet Corvette mean "the cockpit is wider than in most sports cars." Kelley Blue Book adds that "the Corvette's seats are surprisingly supportive yet not so snug as to cinch the driver in place," and other reviews read by TheCarConnection.com support the opinion. Sportscars aren't typically known for their voluminous cargo capacity, but TheCarConnection.com's experts are pleased to find functional storage in the rear. ConsumerGuide reviewers agree, finding that cargo room is "great for a sports car, especially in the coupe," and they mention "the convertible has small storage cubbies located behind the rear seats." Edmunds also finds that the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette's "remarkable cargo capacity (22 cubic feet in coupes and 11 cubes in the convertible)" helps to "make the Vette a sports car that's easy to live with on a day-to-day basis." Even Chevrolet's $100,000 supercar can fit an impressive amount of stuff in the back thanks to the fact that the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 boasts a very similar body to the base coupe. Buyers who are upgrading from the last generation of Corvette will be surprised at the vastly improved interior quality found on the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette. Edmunds reports that "Chevrolet has made big strides in terms of interior fit and finish since the debut of the current-generation Corvette," but they qualify the comment, saying if you "poke around a bit...you'll find some flimsy plastic panels." ConsumerGuide, however, claims "the interior is a mix of grained plastic and nicely textured leather." Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com indicate that the materials are acceptable, with the possible exception of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. On the top-end Chevrolet Corvette, one Jalopnik reviewer finds that the standard interior is "cheap and nasty," while "the 3ZR upgraded interior package" transforms the interior "into luxurious bass boat territory with more embroidered ZR1 and Corvette logos than my fragile mind could comprehend." Edmunds says that "overall, the interior is a step or two behind the class leaders," but on the positive side, the build quality is generally quite good. Certain loud noises, such as the growl of a V-8 engine, are welcome in a sportscar, and reviews show that the unwelcome noises are kept to a manageable level in the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette. ConsumerGuide reports that the "engines are always heard" and the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's "produces a distinct roar under hard throttle, with just a touch of supercharger whine thrown in for good measure." As for wind and road noise, Edmunds says both "can occasionally be a bit intrusive, but it's nothing out of the norm for this type of car." ConclusionThe interior of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is improved, but not perfect; though in reality, Corvette drivers should keep their eyes on the road and out of the cockpit. 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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