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Chevrolet Corvette
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Chevrolet Corvette

America's star-spangled sports car retains the 10Best ranking it regained last year after a two-year hiatus. The prime instrument of the Vette's resurgence was — and is — the Z06 coupe, an assemblage of handling, power, and braking that adds up to the hottest production machine ever to wear the Corvette crossed flags.

But for all its potency, the Z06 is only a part of this success story. The rest has to do with refinement, a word rarely associated with the Corvette during its first 50 years. The C5 represents a major improvement in build quality, roominess, and all-around user-friendliness. The stress creaks long associated with the plastic skin have been eliminated, structural rigidity is exemplary, and ride quality is remarkably civilized for a sports car with reflexes such as these.

Base Corvettes come with a 350-hp, 5.7-liter V-8; the Z06 produces 405 hp. Acceleration ranges from quick to quicker, and it's all but impossible to match this kind of performance for the money. It's no longer the only American sports car, nor is it the fastest. But if you want comfort, convenience, and uncanny competence in one handsome package, the Vette is in a class by itself.


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Specifications:

Vehicle type

front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe, 2-door roadster, or 3-door targa

Base price

$43,995-$51,645

Engine

pushrod 16-valve 5.7-liter V-8

Power (SAE net)

350-405 bhp

Transmissions

6-speed manual, 4-speed auto

Wheelbase

104.5 in

Length

179.7 in

Curb Weight

3150-3250 lb

EPA fuel economy, city driving

18-19 mpg