Skip to main content

2006
Chevrolet Corvette

Starts at:
$43,690
Shop options
New 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
Listings near 43272
Change location See all listings

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Cpe
    Starts at
    $43,690
    17 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Conv
    Starts at
    $51,390
    17 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe Z06
    Starts at
    $64,890
    16 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2006 Chevrolet Corvette 2006 Chevrolet Corvette 2006 Chevrolet Corvette 2006 Chevrolet Corvette 2006 Chevrolet Corvette 2006 Chevrolet Corvette 2006 Chevrolet Corvette 2006 Chevrolet Corvette 2006 Chevrolet Corvette 2006 Chevrolet Corvette 2006 Chevrolet Corvette 2006 Chevrolet Corvette 2006 Chevrolet Corvette 2006 Chevrolet Corvette 2006 Chevrolet Corvette

Notable features

400-hp, 6.0-liter V-8
Coupe and convertible body styles
Manual or new paddle-shift automatic
New Z06 coupe with 505-hp V-8
Available Z51 Performance Package

The good & the bad

The good

Performance
RWD handling
Heritage
Instrument layout and legibility
Appearance

The bad

Wet-pavement traction and control
Idling noise and vibration on some cars
Difficult entry and exit
Visibility in convertible

Expert 2006 Chevrolet Corvette review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Anita And Paul Lienert
Full article
our expert's take

America’s oldest sports car is still America’s best sports car — at least in the latest Z06 incarnation of the Chevrolet Corvette.

The Vette has been around since we were babies, and after 50-plus years on the market, it’s grown into a sophisticated performance car that still puts a premium on muscle.

We tested a 2006 Corvette Z06 with just a few options and a bottom line of $71,595.

HE: I know we’re likely to get a flood of letters in protest, from Viper lovers and Mustang fans in particular. But the Corvette, especially the Z06, remains my favorite American sports car, by a wide margin. It’s not just that this is the most powerful Vette ever. It’s also the most capable, in just about every department.

SHE: Are you conveniently forgetting this is also the most expensive Corvette ever? I’m still choking over the $71,595 sticker. And with gas prices over $3 a gallon in most parts of the country, who really needs 505 horsepower anyway? OK, put your hand down.

HE: EVERY guy NEEDS at LEAST 500 horsepower, dear. It’s programmed into our genetic code. And lots of cars today fulfill that basic requirement, including the Viper and the new Shelby GT500, not to mention a slew of expensive European sports cars. But none of them delivers the whole package — outstanding power, sensational handling, excellent ride quality, comfortable accommodations and sheer entertainment value — for this kind of money.

SHE: You must be the only 53-year-old male who could actually justify a $70,000 sports car as a “good value.” Or make it sound like a necessity. I just found it way too boy-racery, especially when you slide into the driver’s seat, start up that massive 7-liter V-8 and watch the goofy checkered-flag emblem pop up on the nav screen. How juvenile.

HE: And the problem is? Hey, let me help with a little perspective. When you really start to push the limit with this car, it just feels that much more competent. Yes, the engine makes gobs of power. But the steering is so sharp, the chassis so controlled, the Z06 could easily wear an expensive Italian or German badge with no shame, rather than the Chevrolet bowtie. The fact that the Corvette comes from General Motors is that much more remarkable, in my eyes. And, in case you were wondering, yes, I’d take the Z06 over just about any Porsche, BMW or Maserati.

SHE: I’m giving it four stars because, on paper, the Z06 sounds intimidating, but it actually has very nice manners. It’s easier to handle than many European sports cars. The ride is comfortable, even over long distances. You can actually put some bags in the trunk. And I have to admit that the fuel economy numbers, especially the highway figure of 26 miles per gallon, are pretty amazing for a performance car. I also like the fact that the Corvette’s silhouette is so recognizable, and that it’s not ashamed to be so American. It’s not posing as something that came out of Stuttgart, Munich or Turin.

HE: I almost hate to quibble, but I do have a few gripes. The interior is OK, but it doesn’t look like it belongs in a $70,000 car. The rear glass is so shallow, it impairs your rearward vision. And the heads-up display, while more comprehensive than I’ve seen on competitors, uses a rather cheesy-looking typeface that would be more appropriate on a cheap import.

SHE: Despite its track orientation, you can load the Corvette up with such amenities as a Bose audio system and XM satellite radio. And it has quite an impressive list of standard safety features, including anti-lock brakes, traction control and run-flat tires, although side air bags cost extra. So maybe there is some value built into that formidable bottom line. Let’s just say I wouldn’t be totally mad at you if you brought one home.

2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Type: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-passenger coupe

Price: Base, $65,800 (incl. $800 shipping charge); as tested, $71,595

Engine: 7.0-liter V-8; 505-hp; 470 lb-ft torque

EPA fuel economy: 16 mpg city/26 mpg highway

Where built: Bowling Green, Ky.

AAA Michigan estimated 12-month insurance cost : $2,492

VEHICLE RATINGS Anita 4

Likes: Sure gets lots of attention. Ride quality is surprisingly decent. Shockingly good fuel economy for a sports car. Lovely red topstitching on black leather seats. Much simpler controls than on those pricey German sports cars. Outstanding quality — nearly the best in the GM fleet. Dislikes: In this world of skyrocketing fuel prices, who needs this much power? Too boy-racery. Too expensive. Side air bags cost extra.

Paul 5

Likes: Still America’s greatest sports car. Awe-inspiring 505 hp 7.0-liter V-8. Razor-sharp steering and sensational handling. Crisp six-speed manual gearbox. Comprehensive head-up display helps keep your eyes on the road. Optional nav system is useful. Dislikes: Ho-hum interior doesn’t look like it belongs on a $70,000 car. Wide, but shallow backlight impedes rear visibility. HUD readouts use a cartoonish typeface. Rating system

1. Unacceptable, 2. Subpar, 3. Acceptable, 4. Above Average, 5. World Class He drove, she drove Anita and Paul Lienert are partners in Lienert & Lienert, a Detroit-based automotive information services company

2006 Chevrolet Corvette review: Our expert's take
By Anita And Paul Lienert

America’s oldest sports car is still America’s best sports car — at least in the latest Z06 incarnation of the Chevrolet Corvette.

The Vette has been around since we were babies, and after 50-plus years on the market, it’s grown into a sophisticated performance car that still puts a premium on muscle.

We tested a 2006 Corvette Z06 with just a few options and a bottom line of $71,595.

HE: I know we’re likely to get a flood of letters in protest, from Viper lovers and Mustang fans in particular. But the Corvette, especially the Z06, remains my favorite American sports car, by a wide margin. It’s not just that this is the most powerful Vette ever. It’s also the most capable, in just about every department.

SHE: Are you conveniently forgetting this is also the most expensive Corvette ever? I’m still choking over the $71,595 sticker. And with gas prices over $3 a gallon in most parts of the country, who really needs 505 horsepower anyway? OK, put your hand down.

HE: EVERY guy NEEDS at LEAST 500 horsepower, dear. It’s programmed into our genetic code. And lots of cars today fulfill that basic requirement, including the Viper and the new Shelby GT500, not to mention a slew of expensive European sports cars. But none of them delivers the whole package — outstanding power, sensational handling, excellent ride quality, comfortable accommodations and sheer entertainment value — for this kind of money.

SHE: You must be the only 53-year-old male who could actually justify a $70,000 sports car as a “good value.” Or make it sound like a necessity. I just found it way too boy-racery, especially when you slide into the driver’s seat, start up that massive 7-liter V-8 and watch the goofy checkered-flag emblem pop up on the nav screen. How juvenile.

HE: And the problem is? Hey, let me help with a little perspective. When you really start to push the limit with this car, it just feels that much more competent. Yes, the engine makes gobs of power. But the steering is so sharp, the chassis so controlled, the Z06 could easily wear an expensive Italian or German badge with no shame, rather than the Chevrolet bowtie. The fact that the Corvette comes from General Motors is that much more remarkable, in my eyes. And, in case you were wondering, yes, I’d take the Z06 over just about any Porsche, BMW or Maserati.

SHE: I’m giving it four stars because, on paper, the Z06 sounds intimidating, but it actually has very nice manners. It’s easier to handle than many European sports cars. The ride is comfortable, even over long distances. You can actually put some bags in the trunk. And I have to admit that the fuel economy numbers, especially the highway figure of 26 miles per gallon, are pretty amazing for a performance car. I also like the fact that the Corvette’s silhouette is so recognizable, and that it’s not ashamed to be so American. It’s not posing as something that came out of Stuttgart, Munich or Turin.

HE: I almost hate to quibble, but I do have a few gripes. The interior is OK, but it doesn’t look like it belongs in a $70,000 car. The rear glass is so shallow, it impairs your rearward vision. And the heads-up display, while more comprehensive than I’ve seen on competitors, uses a rather cheesy-looking typeface that would be more appropriate on a cheap import.

SHE: Despite its track orientation, you can load the Corvette up with such amenities as a Bose audio system and XM satellite radio. And it has quite an impressive list of standard safety features, including anti-lock brakes, traction control and run-flat tires, although side air bags cost extra. So maybe there is some value built into that formidable bottom line. Let’s just say I wouldn’t be totally mad at you if you brought one home.

2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Type: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-passenger coupe

Price: Base, $65,800 (incl. $800 shipping charge); as tested, $71,595

Engine: 7.0-liter V-8; 505-hp; 470 lb-ft torque

EPA fuel economy: 16 mpg city/26 mpg highway

Where built: Bowling Green, Ky.

AAA Michigan estimated 12-month insurance cost : $2,492

VEHICLE RATINGS Anita 4

Likes: Sure gets lots of attention. Ride quality is surprisingly decent. Shockingly good fuel economy for a sports car. Lovely red topstitching on black leather seats. Much simpler controls than on those pricey German sports cars. Outstanding quality — nearly the best in the GM fleet. Dislikes: In this world of skyrocketing fuel prices, who needs this much power? Too boy-racery. Too expensive. Side air bags cost extra.

Paul 5

Likes: Still America’s greatest sports car. Awe-inspiring 505 hp 7.0-liter V-8. Razor-sharp steering and sensational handling. Crisp six-speed manual gearbox. Comprehensive head-up display helps keep your eyes on the road. Optional nav system is useful. Dislikes: Ho-hum interior doesn’t look like it belongs on a $70,000 car. Wide, but shallow backlight impedes rear visibility. HUD readouts use a cartoonish typeface. Rating system

1. Unacceptable, 2. Subpar, 3. Acceptable, 4. Above Average, 5. World Class He drove, she drove Anita and Paul Lienert are partners in Lienert & Lienert, a Detroit-based automotive information services company

Available cars near you

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 model years or newer / up to 75,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years / 100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Dealer certification
172-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2006
    4.8
    Chevrolet Corvette
    Starts at
    $43,690
    17 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    -
    Payload Capacity
    -
    Towing Capacity
    Compare
  • 2005
    4.7
    Chevrolet SSR
    Starts at
    $42,555
    13 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    1,310 lbs
    Payload Capacity
    N/A
    Towing Capacity
    Compare
  • 2010
    4.6
    Chevrolet Camaro
    Starts at
    $22,680
    18 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    -
    Payload Capacity
    -
    Towing Capacity
    Compare
  • 2005
    4.5
    Cadillac CTS-V
    Starts at
    $49,490
    15 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    -
    Payload Capacity
    -
    Towing Capacity
    Compare
  • 2005
    4.6
    Dodge Viper
    Starts at
    $81,795
    12 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V10
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    -
    Payload Capacity
    -
    Towing Capacity
    Compare
  • 2014
    4.8
    Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
    Starts at
    $53,000
    16 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    -
    Payload Capacity
    -
    Towing Capacity
    Compare
  • 2008
    4.8
    Chevrolet Corvette
    Starts at
    $46,100
    15 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    -
    Payload Capacity
    -
    Towing Capacity
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

4.8 / 5
Based on 108 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 4.5
Performance 5.0
Value 4.8
Exterior 4.9
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

  • Deal Subaru fantastic

    Just purchased this car from Diehl Subaru. I have never had such a great purchase experience from a dealership. They were so accommodating. I lived an hour and a half away and they delivered the car with me in it to my residence at no additional charge I give them a five star rating, highly consider purchasing from Diehl Subaru.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • C6 Corvette won me over from Porsche.

    After 63 years of driving, my 2006 C6 Corvette Base Convertible is my favorite car ever. Past sport cars include 3 versions of Mazda Miata, 14 Porsches (including 914/6, 1973 RS Carrera, 1967 911S soft window Targa, 1979 Turbo Carrera, and IMSA 914/6 track car). I dislike the Corvette weight, width in the garage, and lumbering response to the wheel, but the flatness in a turn and the throttle response are amazing. I find it absolutely beautiful to look at, and the auto transmission (6 Spd w/paddle shifters) is the first automatic I have enjoyed in a sport car. This is my first Corvette after all those Porsches, and I am amazed at the refinement and attention to detail in this car. Leather seats are fairly nice, but they are a little overshadowed by excess interior plastic. The black exterior blends with the black interior and leather, and softens the interior starkness somewhat, but the width of the door sill is an unusual inconvenience.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    42 people out of 42 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Rocket ship

    Vette owners are a particular group of people. We love and take care of our baby's. Mine is a 06 Daytona sunset orange 6speed it's a frickin rocket ship. If you can buy one do or enjoy yours
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    20 people out of 20 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • you drive one and you will buy one.nothingcompares

    omg....I am a 56 year old Army veteran with 10 years of service.... I wanted a car that would check all the boxes....1- looks like a sports car with an attitude...2-drives like a car I have never experienced and driving is my passion.3-very comfortable sitting in the cockpit while taking corners or driving to the store.4-affordable to purchase compared to exotic sports cars out there.5- ABSOLUTELY fun to drive wow.......EVERY freakin box(please dont listen to people who complain about money spent on interior comfort and heavy materials.....)
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    77 people out of 81 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • COVID stopped me from driving for a year

    I picked 4 stars because of shifter problems common on the C6 Corvette. I believe they are design problems, as I have never had this with ANY car I have owned over the last 50 years ( which is about 25 ). Problem:? won’t shift out of PARK, and if it does shifter cable breaks due to plastic/nylon connectors at each end. My other main complaint is EXTREMELY low front end making it difficult to drive ( without damage). On many roads, driveways, parking areas, etc. On the PLUS side...mpg is amazing for a 400 hp car with a 4 speed AT. 19-24 city / 28-32 on the freeway. And because of COVID last year, my car “only” has 195,000 miles! Let me know if you ever find someone with more miles...on their Corvette.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    21 people out of 24 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Wonderful Muscle

    Traded a Mustang for my 2006 convertible almost 2 years ago and just hit 40,300 mi. 6 speed manual and is great for daily drive. Plenty of trunk room, the motor has a mean growl and the 1/4 shift......Nice!! I will keep this for the duration. Very happy overall!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    11 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Runs prefect like new

    This car has hardly been driven it's like new it's a very good buy for the money. It's just time for me to move on. Garage kept.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Exceptionally Clean 2006 C6

    Exceptionally Clean 2006 C6 LS2 Private Owner No Issues with Car Very Low Miles With a Few Extras Add . I Have Enjoyed Owning And Driving This Car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I’ve only had the car of couple of weeks. So far i

    Looking forward to having fun. Car is very clean and well taken care of. Hope to enjoy for many years to come. Very please so far
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most favorite car ever owned

    This car met all of my needs and wants for a fun sports car. Plenty of leg and arm room. Nice interior, Exterior in very good condition. Drives and responds very well.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • most fun car to drive

    this is 2nd vette I have had, it is a lot of fun to drive ,lots of power ,great handling, get a lot of looks,(head turner).
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • True American Sportscar

    Fun and Challenging to drive and plenty of horsepower. With the top open we truly enjoy the country roads. Good gas milage and thumbs up from people as we go by !
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest news from cars.com

See all news

Chevrolet dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette?

The 2006 Chevrolet Corvette is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (2 styles)
  • Z06 (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette?

The 2006 Chevrolet Corvette offers up to 17 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette?

The 2006 Chevrolet Corvette compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?

The 2006 Chevrolet Corvette has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2006 Chevrolet Corvette owners.

Is the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. 98.1% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 108 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 5.0
  • Value: 4.8
  • Exterior: 4.9
  • Reliability: 4.7

Chevrolet Corvette history

Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":"coupeconvertible_coupesport","stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"Coupe","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":["Gasoline Fuel"]}]