Really, this car needs no introduction. Existing largely unchanged since late 1983, the current Corvette has been continually improved each year, enough so that it ranks as one of the best sports cars you can buy at any price. And, compared to most of its upscale competitors, the Corvette offers brash style, performance and image at a relative bargain.

The Corvette's styling still seems fresh, even after 13 years in production. Still, it's been a long time since a thorough redesign, and the Corvette is beginning to show its age. For 1997, Chevrolet is planning to roll out a new Corvette, and it will likely showcase cutting-edge technology and represent a vast improvement over the current model.

To send the fourth-generation Corvette off in style, Chevrolet has developed two special edition models for 1996. The first is a Collector Edition, painted in an exclusive Sebring Silver color and sporting wheels and tires from the dearly departed ZR1. Perforated leather seats with "Collector Edition" embroidery can be ordered in Torch Red, Black or Light Gray. Available in coupe or convertible format, the Collector Edition is the best looking Corvette we've seen in some time.

More exclusive is the other special edition 1996 Corvette. Called the Grand Sport in tribute to five lightweight Corvette race cars constructed in the early 60s, this model is painted in an exclusive Admiral Blue Metallic, with a white racing stripe and red hash marks on the front left fender. Black aluminum wheels, rear fender flares, and perforated leather come with the package. Only 1,000 examples of the Grand Sport will be produced.

Showcasing a new LT4 engine, the Grand Sport's V8 makes 330 horsepower and is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. This powertrain is available on all 1996 Corvettes. Cars equipped with an automatic have the LT1 engine from last year under the clamshell hood, making 300 horsepower.

New to the Corvette for 1996 is an optional Selective Real Time Damping system, which adjusts the shock absorbers every 10 to 15 milliseconds to provide optimum control of the vehicle. Coupes can be equipped with a Z51 Performance Handling Package, tuned for autocross and gymkhana enthusiasts. We don't recommend this ultra-stiff setup for street use, unless you want to have your dentist refill your teeth every few months.

Were it not for the excellent Camaro Z28, we'd recommend the Corvette, but we think the extra 20 grand it costs over the Z car would be better spent on a Jeep Wrangler for weekend treks to the north country and a few coolers full of Killian's Red. However, most Corvette buyers aren't interested in bang-for-the-buck; they want the name and the styling found on the Corvette. The new for 1996 special editions give them just one more reason to shop this Chevy.

1996 Highlights

New 330-horsepower LT4 engine debuts on all manually shifted Corvettes. Two special editions are available, the Collector Edition and the Grand Sport. Next year, an all-new Corvette debuts. Other additions for 1996 include a Selective Real Time Damping system for the shock absorbers, and a stiffer Z51 suspension setup.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette.

Overall Consumer Rating

4.821 reviews

Write a review See all 21 reviews

5(76%)

4(24%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

Smile per mile

96Torpedo,12/09/2009

Over the years I've owned a 72 Corvette Convertible, and a 88 Corvette coupe. I purchases my 96 in June of 2009 with 31000 miles on it. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was coming home with me. I'm 65 years old and this car makes me feel like I'm 25. I'm flexible enough to get in and out with no trouble at all. Looks, power, handling, and most of all, pretty good on gas. I love it. If

'96 Collectors Ed.

bcar2x20,01/21/2008

My '96 Collectors Edition is my daily driver! Live in Colorado and drive rain, snow or shine. I purchased with 108,000 miles and have been pleasantly surprised at how reliable the car is. Performance is great and still gets attention with over 135,000 miles on it. Drove down town last year to view a car show. When leaving a man and his young son walked by as I was getting ready to pull

Fun, Fun, Fun

simbadb,10/07/2007

The last and the best of the C4. The 1996 LT4 engine is a real sleeper and conservatively rated at 330hp. If you can find a fine condition LT4, Buy It!, as this engine option particularly in Collector Edition badging should maintain its value over the coming years.

1996 Collector Corvette

Joe St. Romain,02/25/2006

I've bought this Vette new in 1996, and drive it about 6000 exciting miles per year. It is bullet proof sound. I never worry about it leaving me. Other than oil changes, the ONLY maint. on it was 1 set of brake pads, 2 sets of tires, 1 water pump, and 2 batteries. This is a VERY reliable car that can be driven hard if you want to.

Write a review

See all 21 reviews

Write a consumer review of your vehicle for a chance to WIN $100!

Write a review

See Official Rules for eligibility and other requirements.

Write a review

Features & Specs

MPG

15 city / 24 hwy

Seats 0

6-speed manual

Gas

330 hp @ 5800 rpm

MPG

15 city / 23 hwy

Seats 0

N/A

Gas

300 hp @ 5000 rpm

See all Used 1996 Chevrolet Corvette features & specs

Safety

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
0

More about the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette

Used 1996 Chevrolet Corvette Overview

The Used 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is offered in the following submodels: Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible. Available styles include Grand Sport 2dr Convertible, Grand Sport 2dr Coupe, 2dr Convertible, and 2dr Coupe.

What's a good price on a Used 1996 Chevrolet Corvette?

Save up to $294 on one of 2 Used 1996 Chevrolet Corvette for sale at dealerships within 25 miles of Ashburn, VA with prices as low as $8,494 as of11/17/2018, based on data from dealers and consumer-driven dealer ratings ranging from4 to 5 out of 5 stars.

Price comparisons for Used 1996 Chevrolet Corvette trim styles:

The Used 1996 Chevrolet Corvette Base is priced between $8,494 and$10,680 with odometer readings between 75239 and130650 miles.

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which used 1996 Chevrolet Corvettes are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1996 Chevrolet Corvette for sale near. There are currently 2 used and CPO 1996 Corvettes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $8,494 and mileage as low as 75239 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $294 on a used or CPO 1996 Corvette available from a dealership near you.

Can't find a used 1996 Chevrolet Corvettes you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a used Chevrolet Corvette for sale - 5 great deals out of 24 listings starting at $22,101.

Find a used Chevrolet for sale - 7 great deals out of 8 listings starting at $9,315.

Find a used certified pre-owned Chevrolet Corvette for sale - 2 great deals out of 8 listings starting at $12,957.

Find a used certified pre-owned Chevrolet for sale - 6 great deals out of 17 listings starting at $17,473.

Compare prices on the Used Chevrolet Corvette for sale in Ashburn, VA to other major cities

City
Great Deals
Cars for Sale
Starting Price

Houston, TX
Great Deals77
Cars for Sale3656
Starting Price$14,843
San Antonio, TX
Great Deals32
Cars for Sale5280
Starting Price$17,327
San Jose, CA
Great Deals24
Cars for Sale4945
Starting Price$12,168
Indianapolis, IN
Great Deals75
Cars for Sale5611
Starting Price$11,975
Austin, TX
Great Deals17
Cars for Sale7992
Starting Price$14,843
Fort Worth, TX
Great Deals15
Cars for Sale583
Starting Price$7,431
Charlotte, NC
Great Deals57
Cars for Sale4440
Starting Price$8,999
Boston, MA
Great Deals44
Cars for Sale611
Starting Price$18,096
Milwaukee, WI
Great Deals69
Cars for Sale1024
Starting Price$7,198
Nashville, TN
Great Deals46
Cars for Sale3115
Starting Price$13,264
Oklahoma City, OK
Great Deals60
Cars for Sale1299
Starting Price$15,652
Long Beach, CA
Great Deals93
Cars for Sale4864
Starting Price$18,254
Oakland, CA
Great Deals10
Cars for Sale2828
Starting Price$14,141
Colorado Springs, CO
Great Deals78
Cars for Sale5435
Starting Price$12,806
Honolulu, HI
Great Deals58
Cars for Sale3097
Starting Price$9,324
Arlington, TX
Great Deals66
Cars for Sale1591
Starting Price$9,122

Should I lease or buy a 1996 Chevrolet Corvette?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Used 1996 Chevrolet Corvette

New

Used