2002 Chevy Corvette Review
2002 Chevy Corvette Review
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Used Corvette for sale
Appraise This CarChevrolet Corvette model years
Chevrolet Corvette types
- Coupe
- Convertible
- Z06
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Ultra-high performance, daily-driver livability, bargain sticker price.
Cons
- Some low-grade interior pieces, can't get the Z06 in a coupe or convertible.
What’s new
The track-ready Z06 model gains more power and performance. Electron Blue replaces Navy Blue metallic on the color palette, while Dark Bowling Green metallic gets dropped.
Edmunds says
Stunning performance for less than $50,000. Need we say more? If bang-for-the-buck is your priority, look no further than the awesome 2002 Z06.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$228/mo for Corvette Base
Corvette Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Nearly 45 years after the 1953 Corvette debuted, Chevrolet introduced the fifth-generation Corvette for 1997. Since then, it has gained a reputation as one of the premier sports cars in the world.
Much of that reputation stems from the standard LS1 V8 under the hood. Rated at 350 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque (375 lb-ft with the manual transmission), this engine unleashes effortless power at any speed. Equipped with the standard four-speed automatic transmission, the Corvette will hit 60 mph in a shade over 5 seconds. Opt for the six-speed manual transmission, and you'll cut almost half a second off the trap time. To help rein the power in on slippery surfaces, acceleration slip regulation (traction control) is standard equipment.
Last year saw the introduction of the ultra-high performance Z06 model. With 385 hp, race caliber brakes, and a lightweight chassis, it was one of the fastest, lightest and stiffest Corvettes ever to leave the factory. This year, the Z06 roars with 405 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque from its LS6 V8 in addition to a retuned suspension and a standard head-up display. With that kind of power on hand, expect 0-to-60 times in as little as 4 seconds and quarter-mile passes finished off in 12.5 seconds. Manhole cover-sized four-wheel-disc antilock brakes keep stopping distances short, while massive 17-inch front and 18-inch rear tires contribute to prodigious amounts of road grip. Standard on all Corvettes is a second-generation Active Handling System (AHS), which keeps the Corvette in line even if the driver isn't.
Inside, large analog gauges and well-placed radio and climate controls greet passengers. Luggage space beneath the coupe's rear hatch glass is a healthy 25 cubic feet, more cargo room than any Corvette in history and more than most sedans.
Yes, the Corvette is an outstanding sports car and competes favorably with the best in the world. With more than 400 horsepower, the 2002 Z06 lands the Corvette in some very exclusive territory populated by the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini -- not bad considering that it sells for less than $50K. Don't let the fact that the C5 will swallow two golf bags sway you into thinking this is a gentrified sporting coupe. The 2002 Corvette is one of the best true sports cars you can buy at any price point. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Chevrolet Corvette.
5 star(89%)
4 star(8%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(3%)
109 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3 out of 5 stars
Z06
Robert, 07/30/2015
2002 Chevrolet Corvette 2dr Convertible (5.7L 8cyl 4A)
It's a good sport car, it's fast and fun.
Interior is chintzy. Center console indents easily and stays that way when you rest you arm on it. Oil pressure gauge failed. Shifter top piece barely stays on.
Valve spring shattered due to tcsb which lead to an O2 and catalytic converter failure. $2500 it ran fine. (42,000 miles)
It made a weird squealing noise under acceleration shortly … afterwards, steering box was leaking. $1000 it ran fine. (44,000 miles)
Computer malfunction caused my battery and alternator to fry. $500 ran weird. Next day steering wheel locked up for no apparent reason, towed to dealership that would re-fix faulty recall repair, only dealership in my area that was honest enough to agree it was a recall. $0 ran fine. (54,000 miles)
A week after this my car started leaking oil and threw a P0420 code, about $2000 later, I sold it.
It was a fun car, but I would recommend getting something a little lower maintenance.
5 out of 5 stars
If you always wanted one...this is it!
James B, 02/23/2016
2002 Chevrolet Corvette 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 4A)
I've owned my 2002 "C5" Corvette coupe for many, many years. Each time that I'm behind the wheel is the same - great! I have the "base" 350 HP model but it still feels like it gets from zero to sixty in just under five seconds. Always garaged, my car's light pewter color is still very good and it looks great with the dark tint of the side and rear windows. While the Z06/manual is the … enthusiast's choice, the base LS1 with 4-speed AT is a superb daily driver that provides a ton of low-rev power. You always have what you need for the daily commuting challenge and it's a breeze on the highway. This model is now 15 years old and still gets 28-30 MPG on the highway (Summer time). I don't drive it during the Northern Winter, to avoid snow/ice and risk for frame rust. The interior is basic by today's standards but the leather wheel and seats hold up well, and look for the upgraded Bose entertainment system (which is still good by today's standards). Corvette seats have been the favorite joke of automotive writers but you need to decide for yourself. I've driven this car for 15 hours at a time with minimal stops, and have never had a sore back from the seats. I cannot say the same for a Porsche and its Recaro seats I owned in the past. The Corvette also bests its German rival with its reliability, especially for the power train and brakes. With its composite body and plastic interior pieces, it does have a few flex creaks (not rattles) with age, and I've needed to replace the weatherstripping. These are small issues when compared to how the 2002 Corvette cruises through each year with the same agility and power - with only oil changes and tire rotations needed. Overall, a great used super car bargain! If you are in the market, I recommend you search for models which have always been in warmer climates. If you buy from a dealer, it's not difficult to negotiate covered shipment for your car, and look for aftermarket parts/service warranties from reputable providers (parts can be pricey). I may be selling mine this Summer, so stay tuned. Enjoy!
5 out of 5 stars
What a gift!
Eric, 07/21/2016
2002 Chevrolet Corvette 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 4A)
My wife and I just received a gorgeous 2002 Pewter C5 "Base" with the AT as a gift from my father-in-law. The past six years he drove it less than 2500 miles. I was never too sure about Corvettes in the past because the ones I had ridden in were older (pre-C5) and felt like a car without shocks. Not this car. The ride is so comfortable I could use it as a daily driver. As it is, I am … greatly enjoying this car. There was about $2,500 worth of deferred maintenance, but with a clean bill of health and only 120K miles, this car is in remarkable condition. Not a single ding in the body and the paint is flawless, which says a lot about how GM took care in the factory paint process. The drivetrain is the most responsive of any vehicle I have ever owned, and the handling is very tight. There are a few minor rattles (I would expect this for the age and mileage) and the driver's side window is frozen in the up position, so tomorrow I am taking it to a friend who has done a lot of work on GM vehicles. Apparently the window problem is common with Vettes. I am also doing a complete brake job all around, as I am told that rotors on Vettes aren't worth turning, so I have bought all-new parts. Will see how challenging this process is. The Bose sound system is very good, even by today's standards. Be aware that a common problem with the driver's seat is that it is subject to the seam splitting in the door side corner closest to the seatback. Will cost me about $100 to fix, not too bad. Also, the plastic housing of the bottom seat cushion typically separates some over time from the seat bottom cushion. It's not really repairable, and I am told that the sport seat holds up better. As far as maintenance costs go, everything is more expensive than the typical passenger car. Mention that it is a Corvette, and the parts cost is double. But in comparison to other cars in this class, it is a great value. Built-in cup holders are scarce - there is only one that I have found in the short time I have owned this car. I plan on getting another "portable" one for the passenger. So far all the electronics on this car are working flawlessly. My car came without keyless entry fobs, so I was able to order two on e-bay for $25 for the pair, and it only took about 60 seconds to program them myself using the owner's manual. This was a pleasant surprise considering that many cars require you to go to a dealer to get fobs programmed and can charge you a substantial (more that $50) amount for such a simple task. As far as overall value, this car is a great surprise and the re-sale values are pretty good. Low-mileage (less than 50K miles) go for over $20K, and some with the same mileage as mine and the same excellent condition and good Carfax are $15K to $20K.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Mid Life Toy
proper, 08/26/2014
2002 Chevrolet Corvette 2dr Convertible (5.7L 8cyl 4A)
Always wanted a Corvette, almost bought a 1995 with 50K but it was beat and abused.
Found this 2002 Convertible, good price, low mileage.
Fell in love almost immediately.
Great Looks and acceleration, a real classy looking sportscar.
For a car 12 years old it looks better than most cars its age.
Everything works inside.
Noticed some wear on the outside edge of the drivers seat due no … doubt to how you have to get in and out of this low slung beauty.
Engine runs smooth and flawlessly on the highway.
Headlights could be brighter as well as the daylight running lights but all in all this is a great car.
2002 Corvette Highlights
Coupe
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $41,680 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $228/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 24.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Corvette include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
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