Chevrolet Corvette 2003 $25,998

The C5 was a major change from the previous generation. Designed from the outset as a sturdy convertible, as opposed to a coupé that was subsequently weakened by the removal of the roof structure, the car now had a hydroformed box frame. The transmission was moved to the rear of the car to form an integrated, rear-mounted transaxle assembly which was connected to the all-new LS1 engine via a torque tube; this engine/transmission arrangement helped facilitate a desirable 50-50 (percentage, front-rear) weight distribution for the vehicle. The LS1 engine initially produced 345 hp, but that was increased slightly in 2001 to 350 hp. The 4L60-E automatic transmission carried on from previous models, but the manual was replaced by a Borg-Warner T-56 6-speed that is capable of propelling the C5 to a top speed of 170 mph. Gone were the squeaks and rattles of the C4, replaced by a stronger frame that would last for at least two more generations. By all measures, the new C5 was better in every aspect than the C4 it replaced., , Aside from cosmetic differences (new wheel styles, paint colors, pace car/commemorative editions in 1998, 2003, and 2004, etc.), horsepower boosts, and new offerings for optional equipment, there were few fundamental changes from one model year to the next within the production run of the C5. One of the more popular "high-tech" options introduced to the Corvette line was a head-up display or HUD, while another innovation was the Active Handling System (first available as an option in 1998, then standard on all models in 2001). The C5 was also the first Corvette to incorporate a drive-by-wire throttle; and variable-effort steering, whereby the assist level of the power steering is varied according to vehicle speed (more at lower speeds, less at higher speeds)., , , In contrast to the reputation of high-performance vehicles for poor fuel economy, the C5 achieves comparatively high EPA ratings of 18/25 mpg (city/highway) with the automatic transmission and 19/28 with the manual transmission, allowing it to avoid the "gas guzzler" tax that is levied against most other vehicles in the Corvette's class. A number of factors are responsible for this: the relatively light weight of the C5 (a curb weight under 3,300 lb) Chevrolet went so far as to omit the spare tire as a weight-saving measure, relying upon run-flat tires instead); the C5's low drag coefficient; and the vehicle's tendency to upshift into the higher gears as soon as possible. The manual transmission's Computer-Aided Gear Shifting results in an obligatory shift from 1st gear directly into 4th gear under certain driving conditions; the system can be inhibited through the use of an aftermarket device., Suspension choices for the base model C5 were limited to the standard suspension (RPO FE1), with options for either the autocross-inspired FE3 Sport Suspension (included with the Z51 Performance & Handling Package and standard on the 1999-2000 FRC); or the F45 Selective Ride Control Suspension, which permitted "on-the-fly" driver selection of different ride characteristics (sport or touring).

• 2 Door
• Convertible
• Automatic w/overdrive Transmission
• Rear Wheel Drive
• Fog lamps
• Premium Wheels
• Air Conditioning
• Cruise Control
• Dual Climate Control
• Heated Mirrors
• Leather Seats
• Power Door Locks
• Power Mirrors
• Power Steering
• Power Windows
• Rear Defrost
• Tilt Steering
• Alarm
• AM/FM Radio
• Anti-theft
• CD Player
• Keyless Entry
• Antilock Brakes
• Driver Air Bag
• Passenger Air Bag