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2011 Chevrolet Corvette

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$49,045

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Coupe

Body style

18

Combined MPG

2

Seating capacity

174.6” x 49.1”

Dimensions

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(58 reviews)

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
  • Engine heat in cabin
  • Difficult entry and exit
  • Visibility in convertible

5 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2011 Chevrolet Corvette trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Coupes for 2024

Notable features

  • 430-hp, 6.2-liter V-8
  • Standard side-impact airbags
  • Coupe and convertible body styles
  • Manual or automatic
  • 505-hp Z06 coupe
  • 638-hp ZR1 model

2011 Chevrolet Corvette review: Our expert's take

By Clifford Atiyeh


I experienced tunnel vision for the first time a few months ago, in a tunnel, in a ZR1. I had a clear 700 feet ahead of me, and this little red Corvette humming patiently in second gear. What happened next is harder to remember.

I recall a battle between traction control and tires. The rear writhed and struggled to find ground. Dragon fire expelled from the open exhaust baffles, and the windshield became a pigeonhole, reducing my vision to a red-and-grey splotch of painted carbon fiber and cement. Third gear, slipping and spitting still. I was underground, but I think the ZR1 forced a total eclipse of the sun.

I hit the brakes a little too late, realizing the ZR1’s surge had rushed me too close to the glob of cars ahead. Slowing, as the blood rushed back to my eyes, I upshifted to sixth at an indicated 20 miles per gallon. Like nothing happened.

Saving the rides to high school in my friend’s Honda CR-V, the ZR1 gave me the scariest few seconds I’ve ever had in an automobile. Not even tires a foot in width could contain the Vette’s 604 lb.-ft. of torque. Nothing near its $111,100 price has played on such fear, and that includes exotics like the “gullwing” Mercedes SLS AMG, the 621-horsepower Bentley Supersports, and, yes, the $287,000 Ferrari 458 Italia we drove in California.

That’s because the ZR1 brings a superior power-to-weight ratio of 5.2 pounds per horsepower. Its extensive use of carbon fiber, carbon-ceramic brakes, and an all-aluminum frame keeps the ZR1 at a trim 3,333 pounds, about 59 above the Ferrari and 161 below the Porsche. And while it’s obviously traction-limited, the ZR1 punches 60 mph in about 3.2 seconds, and is likely quicker in midrange and top-end acceleration than the two Europeans. As on the 911 Turbo, subtlety is the secret weapon. Only a transparent hood dome, unpainted carbon fiber roof and rocker panels, plus blue brake calipers behind special chrome wheels call this a ZR1.But while there are lots of pricey bits on the outside, inside is a bargain basement. Cheap leather covers the unsupportive seats and dash, the navigation/radio system is very dated, and the switchgear is insubstantial. You do get a precise shifter and a pussycat clutch. Around town, the 6-speed manual ZR1 can be feathered almost as perfectly as the automatic 911, and rides beautifully for such a super-low two-seater. The fast steering is a bit numb to road surfaces and artificially light at times — take extra care on narrow back roads. Remember, though, that overall the ZR1 can outgun cars costing three times as much.

Americans love a value, and thankfully, the ZR1 sacrifices little to raise the performance bar — and our mortal fears — among the world’s greatest sports cars.

Consumer reviews

(58 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.6
  • Interior 4.5
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.9
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.8
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

Blue Corvette

It's a jetstream blue metallic tintcoat Corvette with a titanium gray leather interior. It also has preferred option group 3LT and LPO option that includes 15 spoke Z06 style chrome wheels, fullwidth body color spoiler and body color door handles.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
33 people out of 38 found this review helpful. Did you?
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American design teamwork at it's best

For reliable performance that's been thoroughly tested and debugged, you cannot beat it - globally. Leave it as is and it will hold value. Jazz it up any way you want and it will become more valuable to you. Either way, you can't get more fun for the money without breaking the law. Learn to drive it at your personal limit and keep it just under that. Live to enjoy it without pissing off the slow lane crowd.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
11 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Fun to drive

The car is a sporty as it looks. Car is a blast to drive. It is a doable daily driver. Gas mileage is great for the performance you get with it

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
14 people out of 15 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 58 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Chevrolet
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 model years or newer/up to 75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12 months/12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years/100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Powertrain
6 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
172-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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