CORVETTE LISTS
The Best Corvettes Of Every Decade - The Definitive Guide
The three Corvettes that mattered most in every decade since 1953: the cars that saved it, the cars that changed it and the cars that still define it, from the Blue Flame six to the 1,064-horsepower ZR1.
Quick Nav: At A Glance · Every Decade · 1950s · 1960s · 1970s · 1980s · 1990s · 2000s · 2010s · 2020s · About · FAQs · More Lists
At A Glance
1950s: 1953 (the first), 1955 (the V8 that saved it), 1957 (fuel injection and the four-speed)
1960s: 1963 Sting Ray, 1965 (big blocks and disc brakes), 1967 (the L88)
1970s: 1970 LT-1 and LS5, 1971 LS6 454, 1979 (the 53,807-car record year)
1980s: 1984 (the C4), 1986 (ABS and the aluminum-head L98), 1989 (the ZF six-speed)
1990s: 1990 ZR-1, 1996 Grand Sport and Collector Edition, 1997 (the C5 and the LS1)
2000s: 2001–04 Z06, 2006–13 Z06, 2009–13 ZR1 (the first 200-mph Corvette)
2010s: 2015–19 Z06, 2017 Grand Sport, 2019 ZR1
2020s: 2020 Stingray (mid-engine at last), 2023 Z06, 2025 ZR1 (1,064 hp)
The Overview
Production of America’s sports car has now been running strong for more than 70 years. Through eight generations and numerous decades, the Corvette has maintained its iconic status, captivating the imaginations of motorists the world over. With every passing year, the Corvette’s legacy as the nation’s premier performance car only continues to strengthen. Each decade of Corvette production has given rise to several particular models that stand out above the rest, for reasons related to their form, function, or intrinsic value.
Josh Boyd picked three for each decade from the 1950s to the 2010s in 2020; this page gathers them in one place, with his reasoning intact, and adds the 2020s. The picks are the cars that mattered most in their decade, which is not always the fastest or the rarest: the 1979 is here because it is the best-selling Corvette ever built, the 1989 because of a gearbox. Every car links to its year page and, where one exists, its model guide; the best car of each generation, rather than each decade, is ranked on its own page.
Three Corvettes Per Decade
The picks at a glance, with the one car we would add to each decade.
| DECADE | THE THREE | WHY | ALSO WORTH KNOWING |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 1953 · 1955 · 1957 | The start, the V8, fuel injection | 1956: the first restyle, the car that made the Corvette a sports car to look at |
| 1960s | 1963 · 1965 · 1967 | The Sting Ray, big blocks and discs, the L88 | 1969: the 427’s peak year, 116 L88s and the two ZL1s |
| 1970s | 1970 · 1971 · 1979 | The LT-1, the LS6, the sales record | 1978: the 25th Anniversary and the first Indy Pace Car |
| 1980s | 1984 · 1986 · 1989 | The C4, ABS and the L98, the ZF six-speed | 1988: the 35th Anniversary Edition; 1985: the Tuned Port L98 arrives |
| 1990s | 1990 · 1996 · 1997 | The ZR-1, the Grand Sport, the C5 | 1992: the 300-hp LT1 and the one-millionth Corvette |
| 2000s | 2001–04 Z06 · 2006–13 Z06 · 2009–13 ZR1 | Three performance leaps in a row | 2003: the 50th Anniversary; 2005: the C6 |
| 2010s | 2015–19 Z06 · 2017 Grand Sport · 2019 ZR1 | The C7 at its best | 2014: the Stingray name returns with the C7 |
| 2020s | 2020 Stingray · 2023 Z06 · 2025 ZR1 | Mid-engine, flat-plane, 1,064 hp | 2024 E-Ray: the first hybrid and first all-wheel-drive Corvette; 2026 ZR1X: 1,250 hp |
The Best Corvettes Of The 1950s
During this period of time, I Love Lucy was broadcast on television sets across the country, Elvis Presley began his domination of the radio airwaves, and the Corvette was released, spending the better part of the decade in the midst of an identity crisis of sorts. Luckily, the Corvette line soldiered on, eventually finding favor among consumers and experiencing increased sales by the end of the decade. The following are our picks for the three most notable Corvette models to be released during the line’s first decade in existence.
1953 Corvette
The one that started it all.
Although the Corvette was initially released to mixed reviews and experienced less than stellar sales, it is difficult to exclude the line’s genesis from a list of the decade's three most notable models. The 1953 Corvette was indeed notable for several reasons, with the most obvious of which being that it was the point of launch for what would grow into America’s premier line of performance cars. Though only 300 total units were sold during the Corvette’s initial year of production, the value still remains. Over the next few years, steps would be taken to bolster the somewhat anemic early Corvette’s performance, and great strides would be made in terms of the line’s fit/finish, ride quality, and handling. As a result, total unit sales would grow exponentially, bringing the Corvette into the limelight, where it has remained ever since.
MORE: THE 1953 CORVETTE
1955 Corvette
Saved the Corvette from certain doom thanks to that V8.
During the Corvette’s initial two years of production, a substantial amount of criticism existed over the car’s subdued 150 HP “Blue Flame” engine, and the less than stellar performance that it afforded. These criticisms were met with the introduction of an optional 265 cubic-inch V8 for the 1955 model year. With the addition of this option, the Corvette gained a substantial amount of performance credibility, and silenced many of the line’s early skeptics. The introduction of this engine option, which only cost an additional $135, also signaled the beginning of an era. The use of a V8 small block powertrain would go on to become synonymous with the Corvette, later inspiring the design, development, and subsequent introduction of legendary engine platforms, such as that of the LS series of small blocks.
MORE: THE 1955 CORVETTE
1957 Corvette
Saw the Corvette fitted with a 283 cubic-inch V8, which produced 220 HP in its base form.
Going into the 1957 production year, the Corvette’s sales numbers had begun to show signs of life. For the first time since its introduction, it seemed as if the Corvette’s viability was not consistently called into question. However, Ed Cole and his design staff were not satisfied with the Corvette simply being “viable”. As a result, the 1957 production year saw the Corvette fitted with a 283 cubic-inch V8, which produced 220 HP in its base form. Outside of its base form, which included the use of a single four-barrel carburetor, the 283 cubic-inch V8 was also offered in two additional forms. The first of which was a dual four-barrel equipped variant, which produced 245 HP. The second was an even more impressive Ramjet fuel-injected model, which was capable of producing an astonishing 283 HP, one horsepower per cubic inch.
The Best Corvettes Of The 1960s
The 1960s were certainly a period of change, both in the American landscape and for the Corvette itself. The Vietnam War was raging, the space race was in full swing, and the now-infamous Woodstock music festival played out before a crowd of approximately 400,000. Meanwhile, the 1960s saw the Corvette span parts of three individual generations, and undergo subsequent design and developmental changes too numerous to count. The following are the three most notable Corvette models from the 1960s.
1963 C2 Corvette
Iconic split rear window design.
The 1963 model year served as the jumping-off point for what many still refer to as the Corvette’s finest generation. The 1963 Corvette was nothing short of a marvel, both mechanically and cosmetically. This came largely as a byproduct of collaborative work between design virtuoso Bill Mitchell, and mechanical visionary Zora Arkus-Duntov. Visually, the 1963 Sting Ray was a masterpiece, showcasing pronounced front fenders, sweeping body lines, and a now-infamous split rear window. Mechanically, the all-new C2 made great strides over previous first-generation models. The Corvette’s prior solid rear axle design was nixed in favor of an independent rear suspension, wider drum brakes became standard equipment, and a total of four engines were available to consumers, including three carbureted models, and one 360 horsepower “Fuelie” small-block.
1965 C2 Corvette
Big blocks and four-wheel disc brakes. Both very helpful.
The 1965 model year is often recalled as the point during which the Corvette gained true credibility as a performance car, free of any remaining negative stigma that surrounded the iconic sports car’s earliest days. Much of the credit for this level of mechanical revitalization lies with Arkus-Duntov, who championed a significant degree of the Corvette’s performance pedigree, both on and off of the track, often to the begrudgery of top GM brass. In 1965, consumers were treated to 5 individual engine options, including 3 variations of the 327 cubic-inch small-block (2 carbureted, 1 fuel injected) and 2 individual big-block offerings (396, 427). Additionally, 1965 is also remembered as the year when four-wheel disc brakes first came standard on the Corvette.
MORE: THE 1965 CORVETTE
1967 C2 Corvette
The pinnacle Corvette years. L88 an absolute legend.
By 1967, the Corvette’s second generation had run its course. Many consumers were holding out for the arrival of the much-anticipated C3, which consequently led to a decline in sales during the C2’s final year of production. However, those who passed up the opportunity to purchase a 1967 Corvette, have likely since lived to regret it. The 1967 Corvette is not only heralded by many as the greatest 1960’s rendition of the iconic American sports car, but is often cited as being one of the greatest Corvette’s to date. Aesthetically, the 1967 C2’s body lines were refined to perfection. Excessive badging was removed, exterior ducting took on a cleaner look, and the “Stinger” hood became a mainstay of all big-block optioned models. However, much of the 1967 Corvette’s appeal stemmed from the car’s generous number of available powerplants. Two different 327 cubic-inch small-blocks were offered for the 1967 production year, as were a myriad of big-block alternatives. The most fearsome of these big-blocks was the legendary L88, which was rated for 430 horsepower, though most believe this engine to have truly produced well in excess of 500 horsepower.
MORE: THE 1967 CORVETTE / THE L88 MODEL GUIDE
The Best Corvettes Of The 1970s
The 1970s were an ever-changing time in both Corvette production and the United States as a whole. The Watergate Scandal made headlines, an ongoing oil crisis left gasoline in short supply, and the movie Jaws first debuted in theatres. However, the 1970s was also a decade during which the muscle car fell from prominence, primarily due to growing oversight toward fuel consumption and environmental concerns. Despite this, the Corvette soldiered on, as sales continued to flourish. The following are the three most notable Corvette models from the 1970s.
1970 Corvette
GM outfitted the Corvette with the 370 HP LT-1 and the 390 HP LS5.
By the year 1970, the writing was on the wall, and industry insiders were well aware of impending oversight related to fuel consumption and emissions output, which would soon come into effect. While the bulk of manufacturers began dialing back their vehicles’ performance to reach compliance, GM went full steam ahead, outfitting the Corvette with some of the era’s most robust powerplants which included the 370 HP LT-1 and the 390 HP LS5. Aside from its obvious performance attributes, the 1970 Corvette also showcased numerous improvements to the line’s interior. Such improvements included the use of redesigned seats, relocated shoulder harness inertia reels, and seat-back integrated seat belts. Additionally, one could opt for GM’s new “Custom Interior” option, which further expanded upon the Corvette’s cabin amenities.
1971 Corvette
The 454 cubic-inch LS6 was offered in conjunction with the specialty ZR2 package.
In 1971, GM’s design and development team were attempting to hold on to their dignity, knowing full well that the coming years would see the Corvette’s performance specifications fall to nearly unprecedented levels. Still, the 1971 Corvette provided much for consumers to be excited about, including the introduction of one of the line’s highest performing big blocks, the LS6. The 454 cubic-inch LS6 was offered in conjunction with the specialty ZR2 package and was rated at 450 HP, though these figures are often cited as being tremendously conservative. Outside of the 1971 Corvette’s list of notable engine options, little else changed from the model year prior. However, the Corvette had just undergone several notable interior upgrades during the two previous years of production.
MORE: THE 1971 CORVETTE
1979 Corvette
By the end of the decade, the Corvette had slowly begun to reclaim its performance merit.
By the mid-1970s, the Corvette’s performance had withered to a level that few could have predicted. Horsepower had fallen much in line with that of a 4-cylinder sedan today, and recovery from these troubling times was slower than most would have hoped. However, by the end of the decade, the Corvette had slowly begun to reclaim its performance merit, and a significant amount of refinement had taken place in the car’s interior. In 1979, numerous features, which were previously offered on an optional basis, made their way onto the list of standard equipment. These features include AM/FM radio, air conditioning, power windows, and tilt/telescopic steering. GM also introduced new “high-back” seats for the 1979 production year.
MORE: THE 1979 CORVETTE
The 1979 Corvette, with 195 horsepower in its base L48 form, is on this list because 53,807 people bought one, a record no Corvette has beaten in forty-seven years. The C8’s best year, 2023, came 22 cars short.
DID YOU KNOW
The Best Corvettes Of The 1980s
The 1980s were a booming time, both for the Corvette, and the world in general. The stock market was flourishing, the Cold War was drawing to a close, and Ronald Reagan spoke the now infamous words, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” Meanwhile, the Corvette was undergoing a change of identity, so to speak. In 1984, the Corvette’s long-awaited fourth-generation came to fruition, effectively revitalizing GM’s flagship sports car line. The following are the three most notable Corvette models from the 1980s.
1984 Corvette
Showed definite strides in technology, especially in its much-improved handling.
By 1984, the C4 Corvette’s imminent release was anything but a secret. After the C3’s 15 year stint in the sun, consumers were clamoring to get their hands on the new, totally redesigned fourth-generation Corvette. What these consumers received was a totally reimagined sports car, that featured a space-aged look like nothing the automotive world had seen. Though legendary Corvette designer, Bill Mitchell, went on record as being unimpressed, the C4’s reception was largely positive in nature. The 1984 Corvette featured a 205 HP Cross-Fire V8, and a 4+3 overdrive transmission. By most accounts, the fourth generation’s initial offering was renowned for its rapid acceleration and superb handling. However, GM’s engineering team still had a few kinks to work out of the mix, especially in regards to the 1984 Corvette’s notably rough ride, which was accompanied by an abundance of road noise.
MORE: THE 1984 CORVETTE
1986 Corvette
By 1986, GM had fine-tuned and refined the C4 to perfection.
By 1986, GM had begun working out a number of the C4’s earliest issues, including those pertaining to reliability complaints which plagued the generation’s earliest powerplant. By this time, the Cross-Fire V8 of old had been ousted in favor of a new, more robust L98 V8, which was fitted with a set of aluminum heads for the 1986 production year. These heads featured larger intake ports, centrally located copper-core spark plugs, and sintered-metal valve seats, all of which played a role in boosting the L98’s output to 235 HP. The 1986 Corvette was also the first year of production to feature anti-lock brakes (ABS), as well as a hardwired anti-theft system. The latter of these two improvements came as an absolute necessity, as 7-percent of all 1984 and 1985 Corvettes had been reported stolen at one point in their service lives.
MORE: THE 1986 CORVETTE
1986 red C4 Corvette convertible1989 Corvette
ZF 6-speed manual transmission far more appreciated by the majority of owners.
In preparation for the C4’s 1989 production run, GM’s engineering staff set out to remedy a long-standing critique, which had loomed over the fourth-generation Corvette since its initial year of production. Many critics had repeatedly scoffed at the C4’s Doug Nash 4+3 manual transmission, which featured a tiring high-effort clutch, and an awkwardly arranged linkage configuration. In an effort to meet these critiques head-on, GM discontinued the use of the Doug-Nash 4+3 manual, in favor of a new, more user-friendly ZF (Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen) 6-speed manual transmission. Though this transmission itself drew some level of concern from critics, it proved to be a far more appreciated option by the majority of consumers.
MORE: THE 1989 CORVETTE
The Best Corvettes Of The 1990s
The 1990s proved to be a distinctive time, both in Corvette production, and across the American landscape as a whole. The World Wide Web officially launched, the Hubble Telescope was sent into orbit, and the Gulf War raged on. Meanwhile, the Corvette’s fourth generation came to a close, and the newly refined C5 debuted to much anticipation. The following are the 3 most notable Corvettes produced during the 1990s.
1990 Corvette
Continuous improvements to C4 platform made it a great overall package.
By 1990, the C4 had undergone a significant amount of revision, since its 1984 release. Many initial consumer complaints had been addressed, and the fourth-generation Corvette’s popularity was on the rise. Additional revisions were made for the 1990 year model, including the addition of a standard driver-side airbag, upgraded ABS capabilities with improved yaw control, and a new, more robust radiator. The C4’s L98 powerplant was also the recipient of a revised camshaft and increased compression ratio, bringing its total output to 245 HP. However, the 1990 model year was most notable for the introduction of the all-new ZR-1 Corvette. The ZR-1 was powered by a 375 HP, 350 cubic-inch, LT5 V8 engine, produced by Mercury Marine at their Stillwater, Oklahoma plant. Also featured was GM’s Z51 high-performance handling package, as was Selective Ride Control capabilities. The ZR-1, dubbed “King of the Hill”, effectively returned the Corvette to its former, pre-emissions era performance glory.
1996 Corvette
Powered by GM’s newly released 350 cubic-inch, LT4 V8 small-block.
After 13 years in the limelight, the C4 was set to make its departure at the conclusion of the 1996 production year. To bid the Corvette’s fourth-generation farewell, GM’s engineering department decided to up the ante, offering two individual special edition models for the C4’s final year of production, known as the Collectors Edition Corvette, and Grand Sport Corvette. Both of these special edition Corvettes were powered by GM’s newly released 350 cubic-inch, LT4 V8 small-block. The LT4 featured a free-flowing intake, specialty aluminum heads, and premium head gaskets that were designed to withstand the engine’s higher rate of compression. This robust powerplant operated on a 10.8:1 compression ratio, and churned out an impressive 330 HP at 5,800 RPM.
1997 Corvette
The 346 cubic-inch LS1 was capable of producing 345 HP. Became iconic engine platform.
In 1997, the C5 Corvette was finally released to the eagerly awaiting public. News regarding the C5’s development had been circulating for a lengthy period of time, which bolstered speculation regarding what was to be expected, and piqued the curiosity of Corvette enthusiasts the world over. By all accounts, the fifth-generation Corvette did not disappoint. Consumers were treated to an aesthetically pleasing exterior design, complete with sweeping body lines and a refined stance. Inside, the C5’s cockpit was significantly more spacious than that of the C4 before it. GM also introduced the Corvette world to the all-new LS series, small-block V8. The 346 cubic-inch LS1 featured an all-aluminum construction, and was capable of producing 345 HP at 5,600 RPM. Little known to most at the time, was the fact that the LS1 would go on to serve as the jumping-off point for one of GM’s most iconic engine platforms, and would foretell the general direction of Corvette powertrain development for years to come.
MORE: THE 1997 CORVETTE
The Best Corvettes Of The 2000s
By the turn of the millennium, America’s sports car had been running strong for nearly fifty years. The Corvette was in its fifth-generation of production and growing increasingly popular with each passing year. Unbeknownst to many, a performance revolution would soon take place, which would ultimately yield a number of the most fearsome Corvettes to date. The following are the three most notable Corvette models from the 2000s.
2001 - 2004 Corvette Z06
A true world-class super car that could rival the best from Germany
Upon its release in 2001, the C5 Z06 proved to be one of the most powerful Corvettes to ever roll off of the assembly line. The track-ready Z06 featured an LS6 powerplant, capable of producing 385 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. The LS6 was mounted to a 6-speed manual transmission, which featured more aggressive gearing than that offered by the era’s base coupe. The C5 Z06 exhibited 0-60 MPH times of approximately 4-seconds, and was capable of completing a ¼ mile pull in only 12-seconds. The Z06’s introduction signaled the Corvette’s return to performance dominance. Not since the pre-emissions era had the Corvette produced such a degree of output. Combined with modern advances in steering and suspension technology, the C5 Z06 was arguably the most refined Corvette of its day.
2006 - 2013 Corvette Z06
Equipped with its signature LS7 powerplant, the Z06 produced 505 bhp
Immediately following the C5 Z06’s release, many consumers felt that the Corvette had peaked, in regards to performance and overall output. However, GM quickly proved this notion to be of little merit. In 2006, the automotive world was introduced to the all-new, sixth-generation Z06 Corvette. The C6 Z06 proved to be nothing short of an engineering marvel. Equipped with its signature LS7 powerplant, the Z06 produced 505 bhp, and churned out 475 lb-ft of torque, placing itself in a class all its own. The sixth-generation Z06 was not only immensely powerful, but also handled remarkably well. While the Z06’s suspension system appeared outwardly similar to that which was found on the year’s base model coupe, special mono-tube dampers, higher-rate springs, and larger sway bars were included.
2009 - 2013 Corvette ZR1
Pushed the envelope of the C6 platform. Dynamite car.
In what was quickly becoming a standard affair, the Corvette again bested its prior performance benchmark, upon the ZR1’s 2009 release. The ZR1, fitted with GM’s new supercharged LS9 engine, was capable of dominating the track, and was like nothing to have ever previously carried the Corvette name. The ZR1’s output was rated at 638 HP, and 604 lb-ft of torque, making it unequivocally powerful in every sense. The C6 ZR1 also holds the illustrious distinction of having been the first Corvette to feature a top speed in excess of 200 MPH. The ZR1 produced 0-60 MPH times of only 3.4-seconds, and recorded ¼ times of just over 11-seconds. Even today, more than fifteen years after its initial release, the C6 ZR1 is still considered to be frighteningly quick.
The Best Corvettes Of The 2010s
There has perhaps been no more significant decade, in regards to Corvette performance, than the 2010s. Over those ten years, GM has transformed America’s sports car into one of the most powerful production vehicles currently available. The following are the three most notable Corvette models from the 2010s.
2015 - 2019 Corvette Z06
One of the most capable sports cars ever created. World beater.
Upon its 2015 release, the C7 Z06 ushered in a new wave of Corvette performance. Powered by the now legendary 650 HP, supercharged LT4 V8, the Z06 was capable of tearing up both the track and street in a way that few prior Corvettes could. With a top speed of 205 MPH, the Z06 could complete a 0-60 MPH sprint in only 2.95-seconds, and could conquer the ¼ mile in just under 11-seconds. This high-output Corvette also carried the distinction of being the first Z06 since 1963 to be offered in both coupe and convertible forms. Though a number of Z06 iterations had been released since 1963, none had been offered in a convertible configuration.
The 650-hp, 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is one of the most capable vehicles on the market, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in only 2.95 seconds, achieving 1.2 g in cornering acceleration, and braking from 60-0 mph in just 99.6 feet.2017 Corvette Grand Sport
The sweet spot. Balance, poise, power and great style touches.
In 2017, GM released the C7 Grand Sport Corvette, commemorating the unveiling of Zora Arkus-Duntov’s race-inspired Corvette of the same namesake, some 50 years prior. The C7 Grand Sport not only performed at a superior level, but handled with unsurpassed acuity. In fact, the production-racer featured an estimated 1.05g in cornering capabilities. To further enhance the Grand Sport’s on-track capacity, it could be equipped with the Z07 performance package. This package included carbon-ceramic brakes, Michelin Sport Cup II tires, and a specialty carbon-fiber aerodynamics package, which provided enhanced downforce.
2019 Corvette ZR1
“Absolute power corrupts absolutely”
The 2019 ZR1 Corvette was, until the C8 ZR1 of 2025, the most powerful production Corvette. Backed by a supercharged LT5 powerplant, the ZR1 produced 755 HP, as well as 715 lb-ft of torque, and featured a top speed of 212 MPH. In the ¼ mile, the ZR1 was capable of posting sub-10 second times, and could complete a 0-60 MPH sprint in only 2.85-seconds. The C7 ZR1 also cornered with superb agility, thanks in large part to its highly aerodynamic design. This included a rear spoiler, which could be optioned in two individual height configurations. A standard “low-wing” allowed drivers to achieve the highest possible rate of speed, while an optional “high-wing” provided optimal downforce. “I’ve never driven a Corvette like this before, and nobody else has either, because there’s never been one like this before,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “Its unprecedented performance puts all other global super-cars on notice that the ZR1 is back.”
MORE: THE 2019 CORVETTE / THE 2019 ZR1 GUIDE
The Best Corvettes Of The 2020s
The 2020s are the decade the Corvette did the thing it had been threatening to do since 1960. The engine moved behind the driver, the Z06 got a flat-plane crank, the first hybrid and the first all-wheel-drive Corvette arrived, and the ZR1 and ZR1X took the car past 1,000 horsepower and 230 mph. The decade is only half done, and the picks will be argued over again when it is. The following are the three most notable Corvettes of the 2020s so far.
2020 Corvette Stingray
The engine finally moves. Mid-engine, 495 hp, $59,995.
Zora Arkus-Duntov proposed a mid-engine Corvette in 1960 and GM built a dozen prototypes over the next thirty years without committing. The 2020 Stingray committed: a 6.2-liter LT2 making 495 horsepower with the Z51 package sat behind the seats, driving through an eight-speed dual-clutch, and the car reached 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, quicker than the 755-hp ZR1 it replaced, at a starting price of $59,995.
It was MotorTrend’s Car of the Year, it sold out its first year before the plant could build it, and it ended sixty-seven years of front-engine Corvettes in one stroke.
2023 Corvette Z06
The 5.5-liter flat-plane LT6: 670 naturally aspirated horsepower at 8,600 rpm.
The C8 Z06 was the Corvette Chevrolet had been promising since the C7 Z06 went supercharged: a naturally aspirated, flat-plane-crank 5.5-liter V8 with 670 horsepower, the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8 ever built, revving to 8,600 rpm in a car with a wider body, bigger brakes and the Z07 package’s carbon-fiber aero and wheels.
It drives and sounds like the Ferrari 458 it was benchmarked against, and it is the engine the ZR1 and ZR1X are built on.
MORE: THE 2023 CORVETTE / THE 2023 Z06 GUIDE
2025 Corvette ZR1
1,064 horsepower, 233 mph: the most powerful Corvette ever built.
The 2025 ZR1 put two turbochargers on the LT6 to make the LT7: 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque, 233 mph verified at Papenburg, a 6:50 lap of the Nürburgring that beat cars costing three times as much, and the quarter mile in the nines on street tires.
It is the first Corvette past 1,000 horsepower and the first past 230 mph, and it was followed within a year by the 1,250-hp all-wheel-drive ZR1X, which is why the argument over the best Corvette of the decade is only beginning.
How We Picked
The three per decade are the cars that changed the Corvette or its fortunes in that decade, which is why a 1979 with 195 horsepower sits alongside an L88. Where a model ran for several years (the Z06s, the ZR1s) the whole run is the pick and the year page linked is the first year. Josh wrote the seven decades from the 1950s to the 2010s in 2020; the 2020s section is CorvSport’s and will be re-argued when the decade is over. The best Corvette of each generation, as opposed to each decade, is a separate page, and the two do not always agree: the generation page picks the 1962 as the best C1, this page picks the three 1950s cars that got it there.
FAQs
What was the best Corvette of the 1960s?
The 1967, and specifically the L88. The decade also produced the 1963 split-window Sting Ray, the most recognizable Corvette ever built, and the 1965, the year of four-wheel disc brakes and the first big block.
What was the best Corvette of the 1970s?
The 1970 LT-1 for driving and the 1971 LS6 454 for power; after 1972 horsepower fell to 165 in the base car. The 1979 makes the list for a different reason: 53,807 sold, still the record.
What was the best Corvette of the 1980s?
The 1989 is the one to buy, with the ZF six-speed, the FX3 adjustable suspension and the 17-inch wheels; the 1984 is the one that mattered, as the first C4; and the 1986 brought ABS and the aluminum-head L98. The ZR-1 arrived for 1990.
What was the best Corvette of the 1990s?
The 1990–95 ZR-1, the 1996 Grand Sport and the 1997 C5, which brought the LS1 and the hydroformed frame. The 1992 LT1 is the value buy of the decade.
What was the best Corvette of the 2000s?
The 2001–04 C5 Z06, the 2006–13 C6 Z06 with the 505-hp LS7, and the 2009–13 ZR1 with the 638-hp LS9, the first production Corvette past 200 mph.
What was the best Corvette of the 2010s?
The 2019 ZR1 (755 hp) at the top, the 2015–19 Z06 (650 hp) as the volume performance car, and the 2017–19 Grand Sport as the sweet spot of the C7.
What is the best Corvette of the 2020s so far?
The 2020 Stingray for moving the engine, the 2023 Z06 for the flat-plane LT6, and the 2025 ZR1 for 1,064 horsepower and 233 mph. The 2024 E-Ray (first hybrid, first all-wheel drive) and the 2026 ZR1X (1,250 hp) are the other candidates, and the decade has four years to run.
More Corvette Lists
The fastest, the rarest, the most expensive, the best of every generation and the ones we would buy with our own money. All of CorvSport’s lists and rankings.
