Best Corvette Model Years for the Money

The Chevrolet Corvette combines sleek, eye-catching lines and the timeless appeal of raw speed and power. This definitive American sports car is a living testament to American automotive muscle, made memorable by the best Corvette model from 1987, and many others.

Best Used Corvettes for the Money

Corvette has produced some of the most unforgettable sports cars over the course of its nearly 70-year history. This world-famous design has evolved with the times, but its classic look and racy aesthetic endures, a must-have for collectors and sports car enthusiasts. If you’re looking at used cars for sale and want to land in the driver’s seat of a classic, here are a few of the best used Corvette models for the money:

1987 Corvette

Corvette hit its stride when the 1987 C4 model rolled off the assembly line. This simple yet striking design, also available as a convertible, boasts a powerful 5.7-liter engine and an amazingly smooth ride.
The 1987 model’s removable roof and power windows gave Corvette lovers and classic sports car collectors excellent value. To top it off, the ’87 earned high praise from Car and Track magazine.

2011 Corvette Z06

The 2011 Z06 is a classic Corvette blend of raw power and incredibly smooth, seamless handling. The 2011 version was designed to handle curves and uneven surfaces effortlessly, thanks to its rubber steamrollers and heavy-duty magnetic shocks.
Its 7.0-liter engine steals the show with explosive takeoff and acceleration that hits 60 mph in just under four seconds. The 2011 Z06’s European-style good looks make it one of the most spectacular offerings in a long line of visually arresting models.

2016 Corvette Stingray Z51

The 2016 Corvette Stingray Z51 was the carmaker’s eighth generation offering and its first mid-engine vehicle. It is easily one of the most spectacular members of its class, a design that oozes power with its 6.2-liter V-8 engine.
At 30 MPG highway, the Z51 evinces Corvette’s evolving design, incorporating a degree of fuel efficiency unequaled by its predecessors. A touch-screen infotainment control, heads-up display, and Bluetooth capability round out a Corvette built to satisfy modern-day ‘Vette lovers.

2010 Corvette ZR1

With the introduction of the 2010 Corvette ZR1, the automaker demonstrated its ability to develop a superior vehicle. This one’s capable of going head-to-head with some of the world’s most renowned models.
The 2010’s 6.2-liter V-8 engine generates 638 hp and more than 600 lbs per foot of torque, more than a match for comparably powerful European cars. Yet despite all that power, the ZR1 maintains a smooth, even ride and overall comfort.

1963 Corvette Stingray Split Window Coupe

The 1963 Corvette line introduced the look that’s made the Corvette world famous, an instantly recognizable brand. The Stingray Split Window Coupe, with its powerful 327 cubic inch V-8 engine, gave Corvette a lasting identity.
This revolutionary vehicle introduced a new independent rear suspension, and could generate 360 hp. However, the Stingray Split Window lasted just one year due to a design flaw, which has added to its value.

’Clearly the Best’

The 1987 Corvette marked something of a turning point in the evolution of this legendary brand. It represented an unprecedented blend of power and sophistication, a smooth-riding speedster that’s nearly as much fun to look at as it is to drive. Car and Track put it best, calling the ‘87 “clearly and easily the best” Corvette model of its generation.