Overview:
This week I got my heart started and stroked by the Corvette Hardtop. Like special cities of the world this is a special car that is memorable. It is a legend in my lifetime and it continues to renew my love affair with a car I have grown up with. It comes in three flavors: coupe, convertible and the hardtop.
My sister’s friend Chuck, who owns Coast Corvette in Anaheim, has a wonderful nostalgic place to visit your 50’s and 60’s memories. You can visit his site at www.coastcorvette.com.
Corvette, “how do I love thee, let me count the ways”. I love to handle you as you hug the curves and I fall in love at every turn. I still remember fondly our trip from Denver to Aspen three years ago. With you I was able to climb hills with ease and passing traffic was a breeze. That was fall, and the leaves were changing and I felt the crisp air rushing by from the high Rockies. Your seats hugged me and embellished what was already a beautiful setting. Your 2000 Traction Control System keeps me out of trouble and you’re lots of fun to be with. You’re not a cheap date but relative to the competition you’re a breath of fresh air, even in Los Angeles. And when I’m with you, people of all ages nod their approval. Some even give a thumbs up gesture… I think that’s what they were doing.
Handling & Performance:
Absolutely unbelievable for the average driver, like me. I like to think I’m Rodney Race Driver, but if the Traction Control and Active Handling System weren’t a feature of this car I would have gotten into trouble more than once. The Crest Test (over Angeles Crest Highway to the Ranch) takes on a life all its own in a Vette. Not so bad in a Porsche either, I might add. But in this Corvette, there is so much power reaching optimum speeds is mind-boggling. And around town driving I can bop around shifting from 1st to 4th if I want. Huge disc brakes will let you stop on a dime and give you 9 cents change. Literally one of the shortest stopping distances of any car. The average is 140 feet from 60 to 0 and this Vette does it in only 108 feet.
Styling:
Beautifully sleek comes close enough while at the same time the bustle rear end gives you two views of this lady. The front is flat and low to the ground and looks like it’s moving at light speed while standing still. The rear sits high and wide, much like a racecar and to some it is ugly. I rather like the look.
Fit and Finish:
Pretty usual and as good as I expected.
Conveniences:
Everything you’ll need in the standard package unless you need a CD player and power seats.
Cost:
Perhaps the best buy in the world for performance cars.
Recommendation:
If you are an average driver I suggest you get the 4-speed automatic version unless you simply have a passion for shifting. If you’re in the market for a sports car and you like the look of this Vette, you can’t get a better value for the money. Simply look at what most consider to be competitors of this truly American Icon.
The competition:
Acura NSX $84,000-88,000, Dodge Viper $67,225-69,725, Ferrari 360 Modena $136,425-145,925, Lotus Esprit $85,225, Porsche 911 $65,590-111,000.
Good News:
Great handling with Active Handling System and Traction Control, lots of fun to drive, awesome power 0-60 in a scant 4.0 seconds, an all time great buy, gas mileage is pretty good.
Bad News:
Low profile means entry and exit is uncomfortable, so it will either keep you nimble or cut you to the quick, more Road noise than I remember, Visibility good in front but poor backward.
Standard Equipment:
5.7 liter 345 horsepower V8 engine mated to a 6-speed manual trans, traction control system, power disc brakes, power steering, dual air bags, remote entry, theft deterrent system, power heated mirrors, stereo with cassette, air conditioning, cruise control, leather, power door locks and windows.
Gas Stats:
18 City and 27 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $38,555 and Active Handling System adds $500.
