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2009 Chevrolet Corvette Safety Review

November 5, 2008

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Antilock disc brakes are standard, as is a superb stability control system
Edmunds

Options include...front side-impact airbags
Kelley Blue Book

Dual front airbags
ConsumerGuide

It's no surprise that the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette hasn't been crash-tested by either NHTSA or the IIHS given its $47,000-plus price tag for even the most basic coupe. However, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is hardly lacking in safety, as it comes with a couple of critical safety features that should give a boost to driver confidence.

The Chevrolet Corvette lineup comes with standard "antilock disc brakes," according to Edmunds reviewers, along with "a superb stability control system known as 'Active Handling.'" For 2009, Motor Trend notes that "revisions are also incorporated to the hardware and software of the anti-locking braking, traction control, and Magnetic Ride Control systems." In addition to those electronic systems, ConsumerGuide finds that "dual front airbags" come standard on all 2009 Chevrolet Corvettes. Furthermore, ConsumerGuide reports that the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and Z06 models get "uprated brakes." The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 also offers optional "side airbags" with the "3ZR Preferred Equipment Group," according to ConsumerGuide.

The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette boasts all the safety features you could expect to find on a high-end sportscar, but reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that one major safety flaw manifests itself from the driver's seat. ConsumerGuide reviewers are disappointed to discover that "thick roof pillars hamper visibility to all corners" on 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Z06, and base models, though that problem is understandably minimized on the Chevrolet Corvette convertible with the top down.

Conclusion

An unparalleled stability system keeps 2009 Chevrolet Corvette drivers from getting into too much trouble.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Antilock disc brakes are standard, as is a superb stability control systemEdmundsOptions include...front side-impact airbagsKelley Blue BookDual front airbagsConsumerGuide It's no surprise that the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette hasn't been crash-tested by either NHTSA or the IIHS given its $47,000-plus price tag for even the most basic coupe. However, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is hardly lacking in safety, as it comes with a couple of critical safety features that should give a boost to driver confidence. The Chevrolet Corvette lineup comes with standard "antilock disc brakes," according to Edmunds reviewers, along with "a superb stability control system known as 'Active Handling.'" For 2009, Motor Trend notes that "revisions are also incorporated to the hardware and software of the anti-locking braking, traction control, and Magnetic Ride Control systems." In addition to those electronic systems, ConsumerGuide finds that "dual front airbags" come standard on all 2009 Chevrolet Corvettes. Furthermore, ConsumerGuide reports that the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and Z06 models get "uprated brakes." The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 also offers optional "side airbags" with the "3ZR Preferred Equipment Group," according to ConsumerGuide. The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette boasts all the safety features you could expect to find on a high-end sportscar, but reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that one major safety flaw manifests itself from the driver's seat. ConsumerGuide reviewers are disappointed to discover that "thick roof pillars hamper visibility to all corners" on 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Z06, and base models, though that problem is understandably minimized on the Chevrolet Corvette convertible with the top down. ConclusionAn unparalleled stability system keeps 2009 Chevrolet Corvette drivers from getting into too much trouble. 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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