1988 Chevrolet Corvette | Retro Review

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The quintessential 80's car gets a few tweaks for 1988.
Show 728 | Original Recording 4-7-1988
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[@CaseTheCorvetteMan]

Need to learn to pronounce the letter "D" first.

[@orangejjay]

We're donating to for profit corporations now? Hell yeah! Move over charities. I got retro car reviews on KZbin to binge!

[@kellanhills1972]

Donate for what? I’m sure they are stored just get a kid to load them on KZbin. Where is the cost?! Weird.

[@andersonjosegerminojosefer6]

É verdade amigo vamos ajudar motor week toda essa semana eu sou apaixonado por clássico são muito bonito pura máquina 👍😁😁😁

[@jordanabraham1290]

I watched this show religiously as a teenager. That theme music was so awesome!

[@johnknight2012]

And it was PBS to how did that happen lol 🤣

[@rickjohansson4257]

The vette and Lamborghini were the only cars that lived up to the music.

[@ObsoleteGamercom]

It still is!

[@ytsux9259]

That means you are 100 years old? 😭😭😭

[@jordanabraham1290]

@@ytsux9259 Pretty close. LOL

[@bruceh92]

Love the styling of C4 Corvette

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

My favorite! 🙂

[@dohc1067]

I agree. I am surprised 😮 the views are low for even retro reviews 😳

[@K-Effect]

I think this is one of the best looking Corvettes

[@basshead.]

@@dohc1067 Because the C4 is the most boring Corvette(except the ZR1).

[@dohc1067]

@@basshead. the Zr1 was exceptional, but I am also impressed by the Callaway twin turbos vette. I love the way beast looked.

[@davek12]

I'm sorry, I LOVE that gorgeous blue interior. That model did as graceful a job skirting her way into a low car as I've ever seen.

[@jimmyc8131]

Kinda looked like a dude in drag.

[@christopheralexander624]

Exactly that blue is fantastic

[@rodmunch69]

Well they said it didn't work with the dark exterior color, and I agree. If that Corvette was white, that neon blue would look pretty awesome. Or, if you want to go full 80s bright color nuts, have that blue with a yellow Corvette - that would be pretty radical.

[@davidsafely732]

@@SehlraC Actually it's genderism not racism. Race has to do with "race" not sexual presentation.

[@davidsafely732]

Color was kinda cool, and as a professional artist and photographer, it DID work. Would have been hard to keep clean however! LOL

[@josemontano7767]

The 80s corvette still looks beautiful.

[@MyC4Corvette]

They are the best cars imo

[@hakeemsd70m]

They really do. It's a shame they ruined the styling with the '90 model.

[@rennwolfwolfgangkriegl]

The exterior is indeed beautiful and very original in it's design language. But the interior, while also very unique, does not work nearly as well for me.

[@drunvert]

Cheap now too

[@mikeyerke3920]

The big hair was my favorite aftermarket option. ❤️ LOL

[@bradlemmond]

And the shoulder pads.

[@mikeyerke3920]

@@bradlemmond LOL

[@chaseman94]

And the cans of hairspray it takes to get that look.

[@jtckentucky3481]

I would like them to find more old videos where the model doing the driver seat/steering wheel adjustments is wearing clothing that matches the interior perfectly

[@Viper81766]

Looked like a floating head and set of hands :-)

[@rodmunch69]

The Atari dashboard was f-ing awesome. Motorweek HATED anything digital back then, every time they wanted boring traditional analog displays. No thanks, give me that Atari dashboard, and heads up display, and a CRT control center out of a Buick Regal and I'd still be driving it today.

[@BIGGIEDEVIL]

Timeless design for the corvette

[@killerb4202]

This was the beginning of all the hp we have now! After this til today every year kept getting better! Thanks 80's lol

[@adelaseeri768]

Don't know about that, the 80's were the worst years for all US muscle cars because of the oil crisis and emission restrictions.

[@chrisodell6107]

@@adelaseeri768 His statement was correct, after the crazy emissions of the 80s we kept getting more and more power, and it was REAL power since a lot of older cars werent measured the same way.

[@jimmylinch47]

I think the ‘88-‘90 C4s are the best of the bunch. Best dash, better front and rear end and I think the build quality is better on these than on their 90s counterparts.

[@operator91210]

Same here that straight wedge shape is the definitive c4 not those weird and toned down jelly bean c4s for the mid 90's which also lost the classic over the top digital dash which is half the experience in itself.

[@andydhillon1977]

I prefer 90-96, but I wouldn't mind an 88-89 as well.

[@hebrews11vs5]

From what I see, the 88 is the old style and 89 and 90 the newer style dash. I am beginning to lust after the c4 and I'm also finding a sweet spot with 89 and 90 6 speed manuals.

[@erikk1820]

Nope. The build quality improved dramatically in the 90s, especially on the last 3 years. The 96 was amazingly refined for a C4. Almost all squeaks and rattles were gone.

[@meshies]

I am appalled he said the color combo was ugly. IT. IS. PERFECT.

[@azaleaoutdoors8109]

I like the convertible John was standing with and omg that lady matched with the blue interior on the test car.

[@sidefx996]

These cars also kicked Lotus and Porsches asses in SCCA Showroom Stock, going THREE YEARS undefeated. They got so butthurt they had them banned and the Corvettes were forced to race against themselves in Corvette Challenge.

[@anthonypsomas1183]

Own an 88 35th Anniversary for almost 20ys. Have to say it’s aged well and still fun to drive. Handling and braking is very respectable still. The L98 runs out of breath pretty quickly though. Nothing says the 80’s like a C4. Disco dash, clamshell hood with that fighter jet feel. Best bargain sports car out there!!

[@MarkMeadows90]

One of my favorite body style Corvettes. The sharper lines really stand out to me. I want to own a ZR1 version of this Vette someday.

[@vettenatic86]

Stingray Chevrolet in Plant City Fl. has a yellow 94 (I think). Just had the heads off and I know they replaced all 16 injectors.

[@shawnbauman5463]

As a C4 owner, keep these reviews coming. I've bookmarked them all!!!

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

That lady was dress to kill on the dance floor!👋😂👉💃

[@Sanpedranoazul]

The unbeatable Corvette, the benchmark and still rocking!

[@operator91210]

The gen that pulled the vette from the tar pits and placed it into the big leagues

[@brantisonfire]

In the past month, I’ve ordered a bunch of exhaust parts from Rock Auto, and when they ask for a reference to where I’ve heard of the site, I always put that I’ve seen them mentioned on MotorWeek KZbin videos. I know they’ve been a constant sponsor, but I hope that adds a little bit more of an incentive for Rock Auto to continue to sponsor the channel.

[@bendavis9733]

Thank you!!!

[@andydhillon1977]

Great idea!

[@fhowland]

Love rock auto

[@joskjj3625]

Such an iconic design

[@Acc0rd79]

When that lady appeared I thought she was about to start the Thriller dance with that hair, figured she was a zombie or something? lol

[@DoctorTauri]

Lmao

[@smartkid1201]

⚰💀

[@pscurti350]

I think that was Michelle Obama

[@blschneider]

Hee hee!

[@allsportnj]

Just picked up an '88 Corvette two weeks ago with 33,300 miles. Loving it!! :)

[@WatchfulListener]

That interior... It feels like you are in the living. I adore it.

[@bigmoe8982]

We gotta give Motorweek its flowers 💐. Without this show, we won’t have any of our favorite car KZbin channels we love to watch

[@hectorsantiago5350]

The C4 is the generation that started the technology phase of the Corvette. ABS, Traction Control (ASR) and the LT5 DOHC V8 on the ZR1. Legendary!

[@bigwrenchgarage1360]

At 1:21 when the throttle body linkage rev's the engine....wow that brings back memories of simpler mechanical times! L98 was the second prettiest vette engine ever...second only to the LT5. 88-89 with the saw blade wheels were beautifully clean cars.

[@mattc9875]

The intro about German and Japanese cars (a bit quicker, smoother on tight corners but no V8 soul) is the reason why many love American legends as the Corvette, no matter the interior simplicity or rough stability on making turns! I just drove my 1985 vette today through South Florida and still received many compliments, love the style and presence on the road. Cheers from the 305 to all car lovers.

[@kevin9c1]

Which Japanese car was quicker in 1988??

[@ravioli2389]

My dad has the 88 35th Anniversary in manual.......super clean & super fast 💨

[@Laptops1781]

That interior color is amazing

[@BM-nd8gy]

My dad had an 88, always had a soft spot for them.

[@johnj.baranski6553]

get one. they are like $5 K now.

[@chevymanpontiacman6330]

My first vette ,drop top 88, and hey this car I had ran my mid 13s with a true duals set up cats with a chip and 160 thermostat with a k& N filter.this car was a blast to drive I would buy another all day long.

[@monkeywkeys3916]

The blue exterior/interior colors are boss

[@monkeywkeys3916]

That in between color outfit must come as a package?

[@Hamburgler6.9]

They didn't age well tho. Looks good new, but they faded into some bullshit.

[@monkeywkeys3916]

@@Hamburgler6.9 I would imagine the GM interior would wash out. Now that I recall.

[@monkeywkeys3916]

The Delco Bose stereos were a surprise. Direct Uncomplicated potent smooth sound.

[@93remix]

OMG THAT 80s HAIRSTYLE ON THE LADY ENTERING THE VETTE!! LOL I was a baby boy when that style was the "IN THING" LOL

[@wooddragon576]

Had an '89, nicknamed it the Beast because it was a monster compared to anything I had driven before. Amazing brakes, wicked cornering and superb acceleration. 0-60 in 5.8 secs was thrilling in 1989, My current family car is now over 400HP and goes 0-60 in 4.5 secs . How far we've come in 30 years......

[@oldtwinsna8347]

You have a Kia Stinger?

[@fhowland]

But the older cars are more visceral and feel faster

[@ryanpatterson9526]

Wow, 5.8 seconds. More than I was expecting for the 80s.

[@Bartonovich52]

Yeah. But a top spec Honda Accord can do that today.

[@JohnDrivesAnything]

@R Robert and a top spec Accord is still just an Accord. I rather drive my Abarth 500 even though it's slower then an Accord. Accords are just appliances with no personality.

[@sidefx996]

@@Bartonovich52 Why does some idiot always chime in comparing a modern car to a 30 year old car? And the brand new Accord still won't handle, corner or brake like this 30+ year old Vette.

[@johnj.baranski6553]

@@Bartonovich52 stupid comparison don't you think??

[@BEBNC1]

@@sidefx996 Idk, but a 1990 ZR1 would wax that new Honda's ass. Along with 99% of all other "new" cars on the road today.

[@gettingbettereveryday350]

Car of choice for cookie monster

[@codyC423]

It's hilarious that they thought this was an old design in 88. They didn't know that the C4 would still be around for almost a decade

[@ScreamingEagleFTW]

ya he says at one point that it will be 5 more years until a new corvette comes out.. hahaha it wouldnt be until 1997 that a new one comes out.

[@LTJohn]

Those L98 Corvettes were always nice. 😇😎👍

[@tmo2798]

LS is way better....

[@melliott604]

@@tmo2798 as it should be. Newer LOL. biggest issue the L98 had was its intake runners.

[@bryanwashington9511]

My favorite generation of the iconic muscle car

[@russsyracuse8143]

I LOVE my 88's digital dash!

[@dougsmith9571]

Great looking and simple , purposeful design . Still great

[@robertferguson5518]

Not only is the C4 Corvette one of the best Corvettes ever made, it's one of the best sports cars the world has ever known, period!

[@1Rolinha]

This has been and always will be my dream car!

[@johnj.baranski6553]

get one. they are like $5 grand in good shape

[@operator91210]

If you thought the idea of owning one is great just wait Till you get one.....it's better than you could ever imagine.

[@2KONIC123]

Amazing how the Corvettes change the new C-8's are a true super car -Love the old styling

[@500erider]

Still the most visually attractive engine ever installed in a Corvette, IMO.

[@VTCharley13]

Almost… LT5 is more attractive in my opinion.

[@GregSr]

I have an '88 automatic that I bought in '89. It won't pass California smog any more so it sits rotting in my garage. At Pomona drag strip, my stock C4 turned a best ET of 13.992 @ 102 MPH (still have the time slip somewhere). That's a full half a second quicker than the '88 in this video.

[@edwardchamu]

Why won't it pass smog? I've got a '88 Vette as well, it failed the 15mph idle and I can't figure out why? I've adjusted the timing, new cats and exhaust system

[@GregSr]

@@edwardchamu I'm not sure why it won't pass smog. I have a few guesses. The engine has 216,000 miles. The only things I have not replaced that is emissions related is the fuel injectors. I'm hesitant to throw any more money at it. I'd like it to just go away.

[@edwardchamu]

@@GregSr aha I see, maybe fuel injectors may cause for it to misfire, for my car I figured it had a blown head gasket, after signaling low coolant for the longest time, so I basically had to replace everything 😅 Thank you for sharing!

[@jeffflaig362]

@@GregSr 88 vettes still had gm multec injectors. More than likely they are bad.

[@michaelcabral2174]

Sounds like you need to relocate out of California so you can enjoy your car again along with lower gas prices

[@JarrettWilliams99]

That blue interior looks incredible 😤

[@OLDS98]

Thank you for more GM footage and sharing this video.

[@e.s.1523]

As a European petrol head I love older Americain sports cars!

[@Darylrb1983]

A lot of people complain about these, but the best part about them is the aftermarket can fix some, if not most of the issues.

[@K-Effect]

I have always wanted to find this body style in a nice clean used one. Then replace the engine with an LS change the transmission etc. and make it a real street killer for not much $

[@ianfrench1577]

It's a nice surprise to see a brand new example of a Corvette with perfect interior dash panel alignment. Many since have self destructed and rattled themselves apart showing misaligned trim.

[@Njderig]

I don’t understand why people don’t like the C4 styling., it’s clean and classy and stylish.

[@hakeemsd70m]

I love the '84-89 C4 styling, but strongly dislike the '90-96.

[@MyHumanWreckage]

I own a ‘95 Roadster and wouldn’t trade it for anything. The C4 is a bargain performance car.

[@sidefx996]

It's not "a" bargain I think it's "THE" bargain lol. Is there anything else out there that compares for the money? Either as is or as a base for a project.

[@Solitude47152]

I picked up a mint 96, a few years back. So glad I did.

[@beatone2000]

Loved my 88 Z52 corvette.

[@brenthatesashley]

Its great that in 1988 corvette gave the driver a standard cassette player. What i think is interesting is that a Compact Disc wasn't standard equipment on all Vettes until 2002!

[@EFCONNECT]

I forgot all about PassKey. A friend of mine had an 1989 Firebird Trans Am GTA Anniversary Edition (talk about a car name) with that feature. I remember thinking how technologically advanced it seemed.

[@jesseraina1614]

My father purchased a 2 owned 1986 C4 Corvette Targa top. 3 years ago. Mint condition, under 100kms, upgraded brakes, headers, downpipe, mid pipe, mufflers, repainted with a C5 C6 Atomic orange color. c5 c6 Chrome Corvette wheels, aftermarket sony stereo, speakers, 10" subwoofers, completely redone targa top seals and brembo calipers and rotors, only thing id do if i was him would be a built ls2 swap with a 4l80 or th400 or a 5.3 ls4 aluminium block with a 6266mm turbo making 600hp to the wheels on a mild build. With adjustable qa1 shocks

[@NYKgjl10]

My ultimate dream car. The C4 rules!!!

[@johnj.baranski6553]

get one. they are like $5 grand for a good one

[@NYKgjl10]

@@johnj.baranski6553 I'm definitely will look into getting one soon, especially a convertible one.

[@DoctorTauri]

Lol everyone roasting the lady and her hair

[@tylercouture216]

The interior was nice

[@codyC423]

THE VETTE SQUARTS FROM 0 TO 60 GOBBLES -TIM (Sent from my 88 Corvette)

[@Bergamot88]

That blue interior today looks wicked

[@LetMrAL1]

Still happy with my 1999 Coupe

[@tmo2798]

C5 is way better than C4.. Those are the ugliest IMO. The 1983-1996 Corvette was ugly. ... and it produced about 100 HP less.

[@shizzy_Snorlax]

Yes Hair! Yes Denim! Yes Black Excellence! I'm here for all of it.

[@bretthansen8166]

My second V8 and car I leaned to drive manual in was my 1985 Z51 C4. Was 19 when I got it. Had the horrible 4+3 manual transmission which I later swapped for a Richmond 6 speed manual. I had a C5 after but to me the C4 was far more fun to drive. Fond memories of the C4 platform.

[@Jcrm22]

Wow that blue interior!

[@joshuating5954]

I LOVE the design of this generation of the corvette than the modern ones in my opinion....

[@monkeywkeys3916]

That's the Corvette style. Not a fan of the newer.

[@michaelwhite1300]

Love the blue interior! First time seeing a black person in a MotorWeek episode.

[@uncleyoto8205]

85 auto was fastest of L98 due to 2050 rpm stall converter it ran 13.9 from Motorweek’s test of those years, stick as 14.1

[@ash27slick74]

Good observation. I had an 85 which I bought used in 89.

[@uncleyoto8205]

The 87-96 automatic stall speed was 1400 rpm

[@BEBNC1]

@@uncleyoto8205 Damn...details I didn't know. Thank you.

[@jeffflaig362]

I had a 89 auto with the 3.07 gears it ran high 13s with just mufflers

[@tmo2798]

@@jeffflaig362 Mufflers don't do anything. Why did you mention it?

[@revelare_xvii6269]

*C4 Vette screams 80s just as loud as the Countach.*

[@bigwrenchgarage1360]

At 2:31 those 275/40/ZR17 Gatorbacks...oh those were soo cool in 1988-89!!!!

[@88MUSICTIME]

1988 Corvette is my favorite.

[@Solitude47152]

I have a C4, still the King of the road.

[@cdbig9er]

Dang. I had a 1985 and I ran a 13.9 at 101 mph and it's an automatic. (Back in 1996)

[@tuowl0564]

These were the cars of my youth. A well kept one is still a great weekend car rather than some sort of garage queen. My only complaint would be the terrible interior components. That's where the GM quality control, or lack there of, is really noticeable.

[@tonychavez2083]

Had a poster of 89’ model year near my bed when I was a teen.

[@MBailey1977]

Had a white 88 or 89 poster on my wall as a kid :)

[@buickgnx88]

@5:44 The manual shift lever reminds you of a vintage muscle car since the 4-speed part of the transmission dates back to the 50’s!

[@operator91210]

That's exactly it! when I drive mine it feels as if I'm driving a futuristic '68 stingray. At times it can throw a fit as it's by no means a racey transmission but for causal Sunday drives in the country it's an unparalleled experience.

[@tigerwoodsescalade9611]

2:08 Never say that again.

[@christopherhamilton5557]

Omg the hair!!! Aaahhhhhh! Zombie! 😂😂😂

[@ChicagoIrishman]

That's a cool windbreaker.

[@sailordave1000]

Super fast for the 1980s.

[@grunkohlaktionar7474]

Please a review of the 94 Galant!

[@michaelsimko7694]

The C4 is totally underrated in today's market and doesn't get the attention it deserves. The exterior styling was amazing for its time. The C4 was the first generation of the Corvette to be a true sports car and a close competitor to European sports cars and supercars.

[@TheOzthewiz]

The interior 'quality' of a Corvette equals that of an AMERICAN econo-box, with not only the aforementioned squeaks and rattles, but with panel screws that are driven in cockeyed, in typical slip-shod fashion. I should know, owned an '86 (bought new) for a year. Traded it on an '87 Supra and never looked back!

[@chriscoleman1151]

I had an 85 in the early 90s and the overall quality was poor. That is why the porsche was 15 g more back then and is now worth 5 times. Still a fun car though in the dry.

[@brendancarlson1678]

80's hair was awesome

[@man_on_wheelz]

"While an all-new Corvette is probably still 5 years away..." Boy, you were in for some disappointment, still had another 8-9 years partner! 1997, but worth the wait, much nicer Corvette imo.

[@kevin9c1]

Really better all around. And lighter/cheaper, too.

[@BlackRam17]

C5 was better in every way than the C4

[@rubyred93chev]

@Jeff Spicolli amen. It was the bubble period at GM. That said, I did like the ZO6 in the C5.

[@rubyred93chev]

_Actually the C5 was set to originally be introduced as the 40th anniversary, but GM was cash strapped due to poorly designed 80s cars(save for the Corvette of course)._

[@rodmunch69]

@Jeff Spicolli It was the 90s, ovals were what was in style at the time. I owned a 98 Convertible, and at the time, there was no one that didn't ride a short bus that thought the C4 was better looking. In fact the C4 was considered to be quite boring and bland by the end of its life. I also own a 82 C3 Corvette, and I will tell you, that thing gets way more looks than just about anything else on the road, it looks stunning. BUT, as time went back, the trends went away from ovals and rounded edges, and you saw less and less C4's and more and more C5's, then the very similar C6's, the C4 really started to look more interesting, and now I think they look pretty great again. In another 10-years, the exact same thing will be said about the C5. Everything goes in cycles.

[@TurboMan942]

Described as both limber, but not nimble. Let's just throw a bunch of adjectives out there and see what happens.

[@RapideWombaticus]

A great looking car

[@lilcs3011]

I like that blue interior.

[@rogermouton2273]

Love my C4! A real sports car, with a big V8 that goes and corners hard. Best sports car value there is, if you want my opinion.

[@metop33]

The new redesign Corvette was actually nine years away! Go figure!! Most perfect GM cars in the 80s and 90s were the 1982-1996 Buick Century/Olds Ciera and the 84-96 Chevy Corvette. They were perfect because GM made them almost exactly the same for more than a century! No pun intended! lol

[@ArtistBrianSheffield]

One of the vettes ever made in manual fivebspeed

[@gvs376]

0-60 in 5.8 seconds was supercar territory back then. Especially with an automatic!

[@operator91210]

This is the gen that pulled corvette from the mud and placed it in the big leagues. Everything the corvette is now was only possible because of this ground breaking automobile

[@Tuppoo94]

Ah, Chevrolet Corvette, the quintessential American sports car. Unfortunately where I live they cost the same as a small apartment, so it will be a dream forever.

[@RyanB1987]

And 34 years later the corvette is still an icon

[@nebelwerfer199]

Funny I just watched retro 2002 WRX video and that car matched the performance of this with a 4 cylinder turbo

[@EXCELSIOR_INC]

Best digitals in the business, wow have times changed 5:09

[@somejackball]

ya that little chip on the key saved our old 89 Turbo TA from being stolen in Dallas. we had the car only 2 weeks and drove to Dallas on day to eat out stay all night and shop next day. over night, someone broke in, broke the steering column all apart, but were unsuccessful due to the electronic keys. but they did take the T-Tops

[@Bartonovich52]

Nowadays the few that are left prevent you from driving your own car.