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2004 Chevrolet Corvette Review
Commemorative editions mark the last of the C5s.
2004 Corvette Review Summary & Specifications
The fifth-generation, or C5, Chevrolet Corvette is said to have been the newest Corvette in the history of the model, sporting more changes than all previous models, including the original, which shared some parts with other Chevrolets. The C5 is by far the best Corvette to date. And with continuous refinements aimed at improving performance and ride quality, the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is the best of the C5 models.The Corvette is no longer this country's only sports car. And it has evolved well beyond what we would call affordable. But whether you choose the coupe, convertible or hardtop, there doesn't seem to be much question that the latest generation of this 50-year-old American is a world-class GT. Nothing can match the Corvette's pavement-ripping prowess per dollar.
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| Vehicle Category | Sports Cars |
| Editor | Mitch McCullough |
| Model Lineup | Corvette Coupe ($43,735); Convertible ($50,735); Z06 Hardtop ($51,585) |
| Engines (standard) | 5.7-liter ohv 16-valve LS1 V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 4-speed automatic |
| Engines (optional) | 350-hp 5.7-liter ohv 16-valve V8 (LS1); 405-hp 5.7-liter ohv 16-valve V8 (LS6) |
| Transmissions (optional) | 6-speed manual; 4-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual airbags, ABS, Active Handling, traction control |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | none |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Bowling Green, Kentucky |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-950-2438 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.chevrolet.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 43735 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Chevrolet Corvette convertible ($50,735) |
| Standard Equipment | dual-zone air conditioning with electronic control, AM/FM/CD stereo, power windows with express down, keyless remote entry, heated power mirrors, power door locks, leather seats with lateral support and back angle adjustments, tilt steering, illuminated vanity mirrors, tire pressure monitoring, cruise control, rear window defogger; Z06 adds five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels (17-inch front, 18-inch rear), titanium exhaust, head-up display, performance handling package with stiffer springs, larger stabilizer bar and special shock valving, tire sealant and inflator kit, traction control, 3.42 limited-slip rear differential, 6-speed transmission |
| Destination Charge | 800 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Commemorative Edition ($3,700) includes LeMans Blue exterior, special badges, special seat embroidery, Head-Up Display w/digital readouts for speed, rpm and transmission, power telescopic steering column w/manual tilt-wheel, Twilight Sentinel headlamp control system; Performance Handling package ($395) includes power steering cooler, stiffer springs, stabilizer bars; 3:15 performance axle ratio ($395) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | rear-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 56025 |
| Horse Power | 350 @ 5200 |
| Torque | 360 @ 4000 |
| Fuel Economy | 18/25 |
| Wheelbase | 104.5 |
| Length/Width/Height | 179.7/73.6/47.7 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 40.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.9/54.2/42.7 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Trunk Volume | 13.9 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent |
| Rear Suspension | independent |
| Ground Clearance | |
| Curb Weight | 3248 |
| Stock Tires | P245/45ZR17 front, P275/40ZR18 rear |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity | 18 |
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