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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Chevrolet Corvette

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Overview

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2009 Chevrolet Corvette Review

By KBB.com Editors

Once hailed as America's only true two-seat sports car, for 2009 the Chevrolet Corvette continues to offer driving enthusiasts the most bang for the buck, running neck-and-neck (and in some cases surpassing) exotic cars costing up to four times as much – or even more. No where else but in America can you find a sub-$50,000 sports car delivering 430 horsepower while returning an EPA highway fuel economy figure of 26 miles per gallon. Although not as light or nimble as the Porsche 911, the Corvette's luxurious interior and comfortable ride make it perfect for daily commutes or long weekend getaways. For those willing to spend a lot more money for even more performance, there's the 505 horsepower Z06 and, beyond that, the optional ZR1 Performance Package delivers track-ready supercar status.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you love your cars American and iconic, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car purist's dream come true. Drivers experience awesome V8 power, amazing handling and an interior filled with more creature comforts than some luxury cars.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Though its handling is admirable, fans of lighter, more nimble sports cars may find the Corvette's size ponderous in tight turns and tight spots.

What's New for 2009

A new, lower-priced LT1 Convertible joins the fleet, while the LT2 version receives as standard a power operated top. New features for the 2009 Corvette include steering-wheel audio control, optional Bluetooth connectivity, a new variable steering ratio and, on the Z06, a new 10.5-quart dry-sump lubrication system. The Z06 and Corvette Coupe also receive a power hatch pull down.

Driving the Corvette

Driving Impressions As you would expect, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is a terrific driving experience. The 6.2-liter V8 delivers abundant power throughout its speed range, a fact the driver is reminded of...

with even the slightest touch of the accelerator. There is no need to work hard to "handle" this muscle machine. Instead, it steers with ease and precision, dealing with twists and turns as effortlessly as imaginable. All three of the suspension packages – base, Magnetic Ride Control and the Z51 package – are notably enhanced from the previous-generation systems. In the sport mode the Corvette grabs the pavement with tenacity, and in the touring mode it soaks up road harshness like a large luxury sedan.

Favorite Features

Six-Speed Transmission
Chevrolet's latest short-throw six-speed manual transmission makes the shifter in past Corvette models feel like something pulled out of a 1966 Chevy pickup.

Keyless Access with Push Button Start
Keep your keys in your purse or pocket – when you approach the car, you simply reach for a touch-panel in the door handle and the vehicle starts up with the press of a button.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette Details

Interior

The Corvette's clean, uncluttered interior is executed using the highest quality parts and trim, bringing it into world-class contention. A handsome Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package was added last year and carries over largely unchanged. It adds two-tone leather inserts to the dash and console area, a nice touch for those who prefer to customize their rides. The Corvette's seats are surprisingly supportive yet not so snug as to cinch the driver in place. Interior sound levels are about average for this class, which means the Corvette's cabin can still be noisy at highway speeds.

Exterior

The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette bears a strong family resemblance to previous Corvettes dating back to the ground-breaking 1968 C3 design, although the subtle changes to the exterior make this sixth-generation car a different animal than its predecessors. Overhangs both front and rear are noticeably shorter and the overall look is less boy-racer and more sophisticated sports car. A flush-fitted set of headlamps molded to fit the curving hood line set off the front of the car, a radical departure from the pop-up headlamps gracing the Corvette's design language since 1963. A large removable body-colored roof panel is standard and can be ordered with tinted glass or in a package that includes one of each (not available on the Z06).

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2009 Corvette features a 6.2-liter V8 engine, six-speed manual transmission, traction control, limited-slip rear axle, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), xenon headlamps, AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 capability, auxiliary input jack, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar, color-keyed removable roof panel, dual-zone air conditioning, Driver Information Center (DIC), keyless access with push-button starter, leather seats, six-way power driver's seat, cruise control, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel and 18- and 19-inch front and rear alloy wheels, respectively. The Z06 adds a race-inspired 7.0-liter V8, revised front end, wider rear fenders, 18-inch front and 19-inch rear ten-spoke wheels and a firmer suspension.

Optional Equipment

Options include a paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmission, front side-impact airbags, Head-Up Display (HUD), Bose audio with six-disc in-dash CD/MP3 player, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, Turn-by-Turn and DVD navigation, the Z51 Performance Package, Magnetic Selective Ride Control, dual-mode exhaust system, transparent roof panel and polished alloy wheels. Also available is the Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package, which adds padded door armrests, custom embroidery on the dash and headrests and two-tone leather-wrapped pieces to the upper and lower instrument panel, door pads and seats.

Under the Hood

Although there is no denying the pleasure a 430-horsepower (436 horsepower with the optional dual-mode exhaust) V8 delivers, with the Corvette you also get a certain lack of refinement. The 6.2-liter LS3 small-block V8 feels gruff at idle and roars loudly when pressed into action. It's a purely American feel that instantly takes one back to the late 1960s muscle-car era. Porsche and Jaguar lovers will probably never love this engine, but they can't easily overlook its tremendous performance potential, either.

6.2-liter V8
430 horsepower @ 5900 rpm
424 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/26 (manual), 15/25 (automatic)

7.0-liter V8
505 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
470 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/24

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2009 Chevrolet Corvette Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.3

Out of 10

Based on 547 Ratings for the 2005 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.5/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.7/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.5/10

My first Corvette

By J-dub (GA) on Friday, April 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 31,600

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Super powerful bone stock! Sexy ride!!!"

Cons: "The noise from the run flat tires."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"The is the fastest car I've ever driven. I'm currently sitting at 31,600 miles and bought it 2 years ago with 8,989 miles. This ride gets plenty of attention. 2006 Z06"

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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A powerful car with everyday driving convenience

By Bline (SC) on Monday, April 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Reliable power, good sized trunk"

Cons: "Eats car batteries and tires."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"A great car. Fun to drive. Fits two sets of golf clubs in the trunk. Great gas mileage for a car with 400 hp. This is my third corvette and by far my favorite. I now have 70,000 miles on the car and have had no mechanical issues. Take it in for an oil change twice a year and it doesnt need much else other than a battery every year. I will take that small yearly cost in place of the hassle of repairs on a lesser vehicle."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great value for a serious sports car.

By TNT (TX) on Monday, March 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Quick. Handles well. Plenty of power. Looks great!"

Cons: "Noisy ride. Mediocre interior quality."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Wife is not a fan because it is noisy and a stiff ride. Will get a 2014 when they become available. Hope they upgraded the interior."

2 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Awsome True American muscle

By Megs (NJ) on Monday, March 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "lots of power and cruises like a Mercedes too"

Cons: "A tight interior for a big guy. 5'8" fits perfect"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my second Corvette owned. My first was a 1997 coupe. my next one will be a 2013 Grand Sport..."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Best Vette I have ever owned.

By Weaver (LA) on Thursday, February 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Has all the power I will ever need!!!!!!!!!!"

Cons: "Headlights are a little dim down the road."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my 5th Vette 2013 GS LT2 coupe!By for this C6 out performs the previous ones I owned! MPG is 27 @ 70 MPH not bad at all.The only thing that Chevrolet could have done better is the headlights at night even with the high beam on I find you cannot see that for ahead,but overall I Love my Vette !!!!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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THE BEST VETTE IVE EVER OWNED I RECOMMEND IT 2 ALL

By C6MADMAN (NY) on Monday, February 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "GREAT SUPER CAR FEEL AT A CORVETTE PRICE"

Cons: "I CANT AFFORT 2 RIGHT NOW"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"IVE OWNED C3-C4-C5 AND NOW MY BELOVED C6 THE MOST POWERFUL EASY TO DRIVE CORVETTE EVER,NO HEAT ISSUES LIKE THE C3-NO RATTLE ISSUES LIKE THE C4,NO HARD TO SHIFT & STEER ISSUES LIKE THE C5-THE C6 IS JUST PURE FUN!!!!! BUT IT YOULL LOVE IT, I DO"

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 547 reviews