So I went and visited family this past week and got to borrow my uncle's '97 C5 Corvette for a few days. FINALLY I get to drive the car everyone so rabidly spews about on this site. I understand completely why they do...mostly...I'll explain.

It was the standard issue targa fastback with the stock engine and wheels and all. It did have nice rubber on it, but I can't remember what it was exactly. Well, everything you read about it is true. It's fast (REALLY fast), its strong, it sounds good, it handles well, and it does look really quite fine in black. The one I drove was a 5 speed, and I will say that it makes a helluva sound downshifting from 4th to 2nd, and jeezus, the horizon comes at you quickly indeed. It does have prodigious grip, also. It tracks good on the highway, too, and it's not that noisy inside unless you use the right pedal. I tried to power oversteer (my first time power oversteering anything with more than 100 hp) it on the on and off ramps and whatnot, and it's REALLY easy to do with all that torque. Man, I felt like a drifting king after about 15 minutes of on and off ramps. It's SO easy to correct and SO fun to play with, and the sound of that engine is really, really righteous. The whole experience is definitely positive. I've gotta say, as a whole, it's an awesome, AWESOME car, and it's everything everyone always says.

BUT

...For all the wonderful things the Corvette has going for it, I don't think I could ever own one. For one, it's HUGE feeling. I was always worried about staying in my lane because it's so damn wide, and you ride like you are dragging your ass on the ground the whole time. It also swills gasoline (I averaged a brilliant 18 mpg). I felt like a wanker in it, too. I got funny looks the WHOLE time I was driving it, and I know it wasn't my ugly mug because the windows are tinted really dark. Every other dude in the car next to me was rolling his eyes. It really was a self-conscious experience. It was like everyone knew I was driving a Corvette because I couldn't afford a Porsche. Maybe it's because I'm into Q cars and Hatchbacks, but it was not a good feeling. Not only that, but every asshat with a fart can muffler and a halloween body kit wanted to "race" me. It was annoying as all getout. Seemed like every 4th stoplight. Also, it WAS a mid-90's GM product (albiet the best GM product in the 90's) and it's interior was, ehhh, crap, at best. The shifter and clutch setup was something, too. The clutch is heavy as f***, and I stalled it 3 or 4 times before figuring out where it "grabbed" at, and even though it was pretty acurate, the shifter could be a workout machine. Maybe I'm a puss and I just can't "handle" the all-American sportscar, but it was a little excessive to have to row it like a kayak (I do kayak). The steering wasn't as precise as I expected it to be, either. It wasn't vague or anything, but there were dead spots all over it in weird places where you wouldn't expect.

Ahh, enough complaining though. Really, it's a hell of a car. I think everyone should get to drive one at some point in thier lives just to say they have. At least now I know.

As for this review, you've gotta keep in mind that I am used to feathery, overtly light feeling (sometimes TOO light) Honda's. More than anything, I don't think I suit the personality type for this kind of car in general (brassy, low, loud sports cars), and I think that kind of colors my opinion a bit. Most of you guys would probably love the attention, the knowledge that you drive a REALLY fast car, and the feeling of strong-arming the hell out of this beast, but it's really just not my thing. Oh, and just so you all don't think I said all that bad stuff about this car for being American, thats bullmalarkie. I couldn't ever seriously drive an NSX either (which is my favorite of this type of car), or any super sports car of this nature. Hell, I'd feel funny driving around a BMW! Most of these cars have the same problems (hard-ass drivetrains, junk interiors, etc.) and there's just too much high nose clout and snobbyness associated with most of them, and like I said, I'm more of a lightweight-hot-hatch-four-cylinder-weekend-track-car kind of guy. "Real" sports cars just don't suit me. Anyhow, thanks for reading, and I hope that this is a decent review. If anyone has specific questions, I can awnser as much as I remember.

i drove the 50th anniversary c5, i thought it was a really nice car. it handled well, had good pick up, didnt feel too heavy or anything, it was a really cool car to drive. then i drove a 2003 z06. hands down the most fun car ive ever driven. everything about that car made me more and more excited to drive it. it looks fantastic, the interior is comfortable and does a good job of holding you in the seat under heavy cornering and acceleration as well. i didnt think the clutch felt too heavy, and it shifted flawlessly. the sound it made was amazing, punch the pedal and it roars like a lion, driving through the city at low rpms is purrs like a kitten. absolutely great car i have to say. its because of this car that i havent been able to get corvettes out of my head since :P

Now you know why I get so irritated at all the import drivers who have watched the fast & furious too many times. I live with this every day.

I do not remember a 5 spd in a vette. I had thought they went from the 4 spd to the 4+3 to the 6 spd

yeah i searched for it and in 97 they came with a 4 spd auto and the 6 spd manual. but hey i wasnt the one who drove it so it could very well be a 5.

maybe he didn't know there was another gear LOL....most likely a type-O

I found the referance to width and keeping it between the lines funny. I pay taxes on both sides of the road.... I will take my lane out of the middle

So I went and visited family this past week and got to borrow my uncle's '97 C5 Corvette for a few days. FINALLY I get to drive the car everyone so rabidly spews about on this site. I understand completely why they do...mostly...I'll explain.

It was the standard issue targa fastback with the stock engine and wheels and all. It did have nice rubber on it, but I can't remember what it was exactly. Well, everything you read about it is true. It's fast (REALLY fast), its strong, it sounds good, it handles well, and it does look really quite fine in black. The one I drove was a 5 speed, and I will say that it makes a helluva sound downshifting from 4th to 2nd, and jeezus, the horizon comes at you quickly indeed. It does have prodigious grip, also. It tracks good on the highway, too, and it's not that noisy inside unless you use the right pedal. I tried to power oversteer (my first time power oversteering anything with more than 100 hp) it on the on and off ramps and whatnot, and it's REALLY easy to do with all that torque. Man, I felt like a drifting king after about 15 minutes of on and off ramps. It's SO easy to correct and SO fun to play with, and the sound of that engine is really, really righteous. The whole experience is definitely positive. I've gotta say, as a whole, it's an awesome, AWESOME car, and it's everything everyone always says.

BUT

...For all the wonderful things the Corvette has going for it, I don't think I could ever own one. For one, it's HUGE feeling. I was always worried about staying in my lane because it's so damn wide, and you ride like you are dragging your ass on the ground the whole time. It also swills gasoline (I averaged a brilliant 18 mpg). I felt like a wanker in it, too. I got funny looks the WHOLE time I was driving it, and I know it wasn't my ugly mug because the windows are tinted really dark. Every other dude in the car next to me was rolling his eyes. It really was a self-conscious experience. It was like everyone knew I was driving a Corvette because I couldn't afford a Porsche. Maybe it's because I'm into Q cars and Hatchbacks, but it was not a good feeling. Not only that, but every asshat with a fart can muffler and a halloween body kit wanted to "race" me. It was annoying as all getout. Seemed like every 4th stoplight. Also, it WAS a mid-90's GM product (albiet the best GM product in the 90's) and it's interior was, ehhh, crap, at best. The shifter and clutch setup was something, too. The clutch is heavy as f***, and I stalled it 3 or 4 times before figuring out where it "grabbed" at, and even though it was pretty acurate, the shifter could be a workout machine. Maybe I'm a puss and I just can't "handle" the all-American sportscar, but it was a little excessive to have to row it like a kayak (I do kayak). The steering wasn't as precise as I expected it to be, either. It wasn't vague or anything, but there were dead spots all over it in weird places where you wouldn't expect.

Ahh, enough complaining though. Really, it's a hell of a car. I think everyone should get to drive one at some point in thier lives just to say they have. At least now I know.

As for this review, you've gotta keep in mind that I am used to feathery, overtly light feeling (sometimes TOO light) Honda's. More than anything, I don't think I suit the personality type for this kind of car in general (brassy, low, loud sports cars), and I think that kind of colors my opinion a bit. Most of you guys would probably love the attention, the knowledge that you drive a REALLY fast car, and the feeling of strong-arming the hell out of this beast, but it's really just not my thing. Oh, and just so you all don't think I said all that bad stuff about this car for being American, thats bullmalarkie. I couldn't ever seriously drive an NSX either (which is my favorite of this type of car), or any super sports car of this nature. Hell, I'd feel funny driving around a BMW! Most of these cars have the same problems (hard-ass drivetrains, junk interiors, etc.) and there's just too much high nose clout and snobbyness associated with most of them, and like I said, I'm more of a lightweight-hot-hatch-four-cylinder-weekend-track-car kind of guy. "Real" sports cars just don't suit me. Anyhow, thanks for reading, and I hope that this is a decent review. If anyone has specific questions, I can awnser as much as I remember.

man ur lucky...i wish someone gave me the chance.....ya so all those guyz are rolling their eyes because of jealousy.....o and just because its a vette doesnt mean that a more expensive porsche is better....the americans got it down pat with a awesome car for the price....nothing can beat a vette in its price range......idk about u but i would love the attention and the loud ass sound which u can hear from a mile away lol....pure american V8...o and wow im surprised ur uncle let u fishtail and burn some rubber like that.....ur lucky though man

if its not too much touble..can u post some pics......o and does he have any mods on the car?

Sheist. Yeah, it was a type-o. Of course it was a 6 speed. I'm so used to typing 5 speed for everything I probably just hit the wrong number button. Sorry, all! That was a long post, so I probably goofed on a few things!



if its not too much touble..can u post some pics......o and does he have any mods on the car?

We forgot the stupid camera at home here in Richmond, VA and they are in Cleveland, Ohio, so I didn't get to take any pictures. He's an older-ish guy, so he has probably never thought of modifying it. He did have some upmarket rubber on it, though, and it may or may not have made a difference in the grip, which was astounding. I could probably get him to take some pictures for me at some point, although I don't think he has quite grasped the 20th century and still uses a film camera, and since I don't have a scanner, erll, you know. I'll work it out and get some pictures soon, though.

maybe he didn't know there was another gear LOL....most likely a type-O

I found the referance to width and keeping it between the lines funny. I pay taxes on both sides of the road.... I will take my lane out of the middle

Ha! Well, it is a rather wide car...I don't think people realize it. It's gotta be as wide as the big ass van I drive for work, and being so low it's hard to see the lines on the road unless they are about 30 feet in front of you.

Oh, and Heretic, I feel you. Believe it or not, even with my punky ass little Honda Fit I get people "challenging" me like I (or they) can do something. I just think "dude, I know my car is slow, and what do you have to prove by punking something with 109 bhp from a red light?" Jeez.

...really gives guys like me a bad name. Everyone who knows anything about Honda's knows they are butt ass slow in a straight line. Our cars are built for corners, and going from stoplight to stoplight doesn't include corners usually. Duh.

Use the multi-quote option....and don't double post.....I don't care...but the rules are bound to be brought up by someone.


As for your experience...well you are a lucky guy and I hope I can get to drive a corvette one of these days.

I really do not know much about how the car is because I haven't driven it, but I'll take your word for it.`

Congrats... All of the things about the car (the clutch and shifter, etc...) that you noted were bad are the reasons why I love American cars like the Corvette. That hard as hell clutch and shifter that makes your right bicep grow... mmmm beautiful.. BTW... the Corvette is small. It does seem huge inside it though...

Yeah I know dimensionally it's small, but it feels huge...to me at least. I figured there would be lots of folks who would disagree with me on the soloflex drivetrain, and that's cool, but like I said, I prefer light controls. I guess it's just how we were brought up. I meant to ask you also monkey, how old are you again?

V Tec is right about not being able to see lines very well. Because of the sloped nose on vettes you have to guage where the center line should be acording to where you see it across the front fender. After driving one for a while, it just becomes second nature.

Heh, I already kinda fear driving my dad's C3 because of the fact that it can "break" around corners and that it will slip on wet roads and cause me to spin out. In fact, I had nearly forgotten that I had to step down on the gas a little more to feel the power from a standstill. Plus, I get cramps sometimes when I drive in it and the stickiness of the steering and pedals I guess is a trademark. And the long front end does making parking a bit tricky.

VTEC_Dreams ("I never said ANYTHING about Hondas") was overwhelmed by the Vette's bulk. He prefers smaller/lighter cars despite FWD.

Give me the same power/weight ratio of a Vette in a 2000lb/900kg RWD car and I will be happy.

I do enjoy playing with small light sports cars, but They are not something that I can spend much time in. I am too tall for most compact sports cars. The larger cars like the vette are more comfortable for me to drive

Not seeing the front of the Corvette? I won't lie, I practiced in my driveway with a traffic cone until I knew where the corners of my car was.

Sorry you got self-conscious in the car, never really had that issue but I love the car for what it is, not what people think it is. Imagine driving a Ferrari if you feel that way in a Corvette.

I love the hard shifter and clutch combo, just makes the car feel more "real" to me.

As for dead spots in the steering, your uncle might want to get his bushings checked out.

VTEC_Dreams ("I never said ANYTHING about Hondas") was overwhelmed by the Vette's bulk. He prefers smaller/lighter cars despite FWD.

Give me the same power/weight ratio of a Vette in a 2000lb/900kg RWD car and I will be happy.

Lotus Elise anyone? Despite FWD??? Huh? What in the hell are you talking about, friend?

Not seeing the front of the Corvette? I won't lie, I practiced in my driveway with a traffic cone until I knew where the corners of my car was.

Sorry you got self-conscious in the car, never really had that issue but I love the car for what it is, not what people think it is. Imagine driving a Ferrari if you feel that way in a Corvette.

I love the hard shifter and clutch combo, just makes the car feel more "real" to me.

As for dead spots in the steering, your uncle might want to get his bushings checked out.

Joe, thanks for NOT being a stick in the mud like some folks and making a real comment. Like I said, I would NEVER drive a Ferrari, or an NSX, or a Porsche, or even a Corvette. I feel akward in my father in laws' old '86 Crown Vic, really, just because of the size of it. Just not my thing. Too big, too much. I do understand the fix that folks have on this car now, though. If your 'Vette is anything like my uncles', I do indeed "get it" now.

Joe, thanks for NOT being a stick in the mud like some folks and making a real comment. Like I said, I would NEVER drive a Ferrari, or an NSX, or a Porsche, or even a Corvette. I feel akward in my father in laws' old '86 Crown Vic, really, just because of the size of it. Just not my thing. Too big, too much. I do understand the fix that folks have on this car now, though. If your 'Vette is anything like my uncles', I do indeed "get it" now.I can't understand if you're being sarcastic and had the impression I was trying to attack you, sorry if it came off like that. If not, just ignore what I just said.

I can imagine feeling somewhat self conscious in a Lamborghini or something that has a huge imagery appeal but I never considered a Corvette to be one of those cars.

As for car size, it's a personal preference. I love small cars for daily drivers but when I had to choose only one car, the Corvette's appeal overrode anything else.

I was commenting on Mr. Bent Rim FX Steveguy. Him and Heretic have been on my ass since I joined these forums. I was being serious...thanks for making a decent comment. They seem fewer and more far between around here.

Anyhow, even the look of the Corvette which is reminiscent of old school supercars makes me a little on the "uh-uh" side. It really is a dynamic looking car compared to most junk on the road. I always notice them from a ways away, at least. Imagery appeal is what most folks buy them for, ya know. Performance be damned. You'd be surprised at how little my Uncle knew about his 'Vette. I was asking him stuff that he had no clue about. He's one of those types who bought it because it looks fast as hell. It just so happens that it IS fast as hell, too, which is the car guy appeal of it, too. The Cadillac Cimmaron looked pretty quick, too, and so does a Mitubishi Eclipse, but we know the truth about those cars.

...Also, the more I'm here, the more I notice how unbelievably different peoples' personal taste is in cars, and how damn stubborn folks are about them. It's interesting.

I was commenting on Mr. Bent Rim FX Steveguy. Him and Heretic have been on my ass since I joined these forums. I was being serious...thanks for making a decent comment. They seem fewer and more far between around here.

Anyhow, even the look of the Corvette which is reminiscent of old school supercars makes me a little on the "uh-uh" side. It really is a dynamic looking car compared to most junk on the road. I always notice them from a ways away, at least. Imagery appeal is what most folks buy them for, ya know. Performance be damned. You'd be surprised at how little my Uncle knew about his 'Vette. I was asking him stuff that he had no clue about. He's one of those types who bought it because it looks fast as hell. It just so happens that it IS fast as hell, too, which is the car guy appeal of it, too. The Cadillac Cimmaron looked pretty quick, too, and so does a Mitubishi Eclipse, but we know the truth about those cars.

...Also, the more I'm here, the more I notice how unbelievably different peoples' personal taste is in cars, and how damn stubborn folks are about them. It's interesting.

This is what makes a more knowledgable automotive entheusiast, and a better member on this forum. When you experience other automobiles, and make honest opinions about cars based on experience instead of magazine articles, you are able to make more intelligent comparisons. Having the opportunity to drive something like that also tends to make you more open minded. I am sure that if you thought about it there are things about the vette that you prefer to the honda (like maybe the torque curve). Most well made sports cars have their good points, and things you would rather change

This is what makes a more knowledgable automotive entheusiast, and a better member on this forum. When you experience other automobiles, and make honest opinions about cars based on experience instead of magazine articles, you are able to make more intelligent comparisons. Having the opportunity to drive something like that also tends to make you more open minded. I am sure that if you thought about it there are things about the vette that you prefer to the honda (like maybe the torque curve). Most well made sports cars have their good points, and things you would rather change

It's interesting, actually! I liked the handling and the sounds that the Corvette made more than the power and torque. I mean, it was nothing to sneeze at of course, but it wasn't the thing that made me like it. I would LOVE if my Honda could sound as mean as that thing did. I would also love it if could pick itself up and head for the hills like that thing could, too, BUT I love how light my Honda is. I also love how flingable it is. I also love how it's a proper 4 door hatchback. Those are 3 things in the Vette that I couldn't replace and would indeed miss.

Still, if it could sound as menacing as that thing did, THAT would be cool.

Different stroke for different folks...I don't like FWD or traction control on RWD's. I prefer to be able to control the car completely not have to worry about the brakes automatically engaged or timing screwed with by the electronic systems. The Vettes can turn off traction and give you a much better feel for the car and that what I like. I also liked the seating position in my Camaro compared to my Mustang. It was much lower and gave me tons of leg room so my knees weren't always bent up into the steering wheel

Different stroke for different folks...I don't like FWD or traction control on RWD's. I prefer to be able to control the car completely not have to worry about the brakes automatically engaged or timing screwed with by the electronic systems. The Vettes can turn off traction and give you a much better feel for the car and that what I like. I also liked the seating position in my Camaro compared to my Mustang. It was much lower and gave me tons of leg room so my knees weren't always bent up into the steering wheel

I forgot to mention something pertaining to that, actually. The Vette is SO pure to drive. That is something that I would never change about it. No computer crap to gum up the way it drives. It's you, and the car. That's it. It's cool.

V Tec is right about not being able to see lines very well. Because of the sloped nose on vettes you have to guage where the center line should be acording to where you see it across the front fender. After driving one for a while, it just becomes second nature.

Firebirds are the same way, especially with the Ram Air package. I drove a T/A for prom last year and I swear I thought I was going to wreck it everytime a car was coming in the other direction. It was a sweet as car though, Black, Black+Red interior, 6-spd and aftermarket exhaust. Mmmmm...

I love the purity of the Corvette, it's one thing about the car that really attracts me to it but also results in such great performance numbers.

Ahhh, see? This is what I love about Hondas, also. This year is the first that they have introduced traction control on any of thier "performance" cars. At that, it's just a VSA system to keep you out of the weeds. Purity, indeed. We are not so different!

My neighbor has a corvette ZR-1. He constantly tunes it and revs it and the fumes come through the window of my house. I can smell the gasoline. The best i can do is to close the window.

^ Hell, everytime my dad starts up the C3, I can see the exhaust and smell how rich it runs!