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2010 Chevrolet Corvette Safety Review

September 8, 2009

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Not rated
IIHS

Not rated
NHTSA

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

All Corvettes now feature side airbags
Kelley Blue Book

It’s no surprise that the 2010 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, that doesn’t mean the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette is lacking in safety, as it comes with a couple of critical features that should boost 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 2010, 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 reports that "dual front and side airbags" come standard on all 2010 Chevrolet Corvettes. ConsumerGuide also points out that the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and Z06 models get "uprated brakes."

The 2010 Chevrolet Corvette boasts all the safety features you could expect on a high-end sports car, but reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that a couple of issues remain. 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 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Z06, and coupe base models, though that problem is understandably minimized on the Chevrolet Corvette convertible with the top down. The 2010 Chevrolet Corvette also lacks curtain airbags, which are standard on many cars in this price range.

Conclusion

Although official crash-test results don’t exist for the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette, the introduction of standard side airbags only helps improve safety.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Not ratedIIHSNot ratedNHTSAAntilock disc brakes are standard, as is a superb stability control systemEdmundsAll Corvettes now feature side airbagsKelley Blue Book It’s no surprise that the 2010 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, that doesn’t mean the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette is lacking in safety, as it comes with a couple of critical features that should boost 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 2010, 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 reports that "dual front and side airbags" come standard on all 2010 Chevrolet Corvettes. ConsumerGuide also points out that the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and Z06 models get "uprated brakes." The 2010 Chevrolet Corvette boasts all the safety features you could expect on a high-end sports car, but reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that a couple of issues remain. 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 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Z06, and coupe base models, though that problem is understandably minimized on the Chevrolet Corvette convertible with the top down. The 2010 Chevrolet Corvette also lacks curtain airbags, which are standard on many cars in this price range. ConclusionAlthough official crash-test results don’t exist for the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette, the introduction of standard side airbags only helps improve safety. 2010 CHEVROLET CORVETTE STYLING | [9 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "Overall look is less boy-racer and more sophisticated sports car" Edmunds: "Z06 and ZR1 look too much like the standard Corvette" Jalopnik: “The introduction of the Grand Sport is the first time the more aggressive ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

While it may have several formidable rivals, the Corvette’s prime nemesis remains the Dodge Viper. The Dodge now boasts an 8.4-liter V-10 engine pumping out an even 600 horsepower as its sole powertrain option and is humbled only by the ZR1. Nissan’s GT-R also shows that it has what it takes to topple the Corvette, even approaching the ZR1 in performance. Combined with its all-wheel-drive system and sophisticated electronics, the 480-horsepower Nissan proves itself worthy on more than one count. The next closest competitor to the Corvette would have to be the Porsche 911. With its range of models (rear- and all-wheel drive, naturally aspirated, and turbo powered), the German icon offers more choice and arguably more refinement than the American, though at a significant cost. While the Porsche Boxster lines up nicely against the base Corvette, its six-cylinder engine is no match for the Chevy’s muscular V-8. The same goes for Nissan’s 370Z, although the sound from the Z’s tailpipes may persuade even the most loyal of ‘Vette fans.

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Comments (1 total)

  1. By  Nick Bentley #1, Posted: 10/9/2009

    I've owned a 99 Vette convertible and I'd take it over the Viper for a car you can really drive. The seats are comfortable and it's just more civilized. The Viper is the kind of car most people don't put many miles on because there's so many compromises unless you just want a track weekend car and really know how to drive it. The Viper looks better though, it's much less common to see on the road as well. I think it boils down to the compromises you're willing to make with the Viper as well as the comfort situation.

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