1997-1999 Chevrolet Corvette

When it debuted for '97, the new-generation C5 addressed a long list of the previous Corvette's shortcomings. Chief Engineer David Hill undertook the task of improving the new Vette's ride quality and safety, increasing fuel economy and power, while reducing weight. Design Chief John Cafaro further evolved the look of America's longest-running two-seater. The result was a better Corvette in every area, its Gen III LS-1 345-horsepower V-8 cranking out 4.7-second 0-60-mph runs, while delivering EPA fuel-economy ratings of 18 mpg city and an astounding 28 mpg highway.

One body style was offered in '97: a fastback coupe. It was roomier than the previous car due to an 8.3-inch increase in wheelbase. Other packaging improvements, such as replacing the engine-mounted transmission with a rear transaxle and chucking the spare tire (run-flat tires were standard), helped double the amount of interior storage space to 25 cubic feet, all accessed by a convenient hatchback. Two transmissions were available: a Borg-Warner T56 six-speed manual and a Hydra-matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic. Three suspension setups also were offered: a daily-driver FE1 base level and two performance options, the F45 sport suspension with Electronic Selective Real Time Damping, and a track-ready Z51.

In the C5's second year, a convertible was added to the lineup, and in '99, a fixed-roof hardtop coupe was released. It was the most structurally stiff Corvette on the menu, and Chevrolet used it as the basis for the hot Z06 option in '01.

Most mechanical issues related to the C5 Corvette revolved around the interior. The audible key reminder tended to chime even when the key was removed from the ignition. Water would sometimes leak into the car at the top of the side windows, and lock-cylinder grease would change the door handles on white Corvettes to yellow. Cabin rattles were all too common.

In 1997, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued four safety recalls: two dealing with seatbelts, a third for a torn fuel-tank seal, and the last concerning the rear control arms. More common issues were highlighted in Technical Service Bulletins. Check nhtsa.dot.gov for a full list.

Corvettes often lead hard lives, so it's essential to have any C5 you're considering buying thoroughly inspected. More than 74,000 were built in the C5's first three years, so there should be non-abused examples around. Spend a little more for the best, and you'll be rewarded with a world-class sports car for a fraction of the cost of most European marques.