Does the C5 Corvette Still Hold Up 20 Years Later?

If you have about $15,000 (or a little more) to spend on a sports car, the C5 Corvette ticks a lot of boxes: LS V8, rear-wheel drive, lightweight(ish), manual transmission, good suspension...the list goes on and on. However, things can be good on paper but not so good in the real world cough A90 Supra *cough*, so how does the C5 stack up? Is it still relevant after 20 years, and three generations of successors? Let's go for a drive in this super clean, mostly stock C5 FRC 6-speed and find out.
#c5 #corvette #drivebreakfixrepeat

[@Wsmith247]

Doesn't matter how old it is, it will still outrun most cars you pass on the freeway.

[@arturo9002]

You can say that again

[@neilrobertson1345]

Yes I notice that

[@TheRealZJE313]

That's right

[@mikemichel3333]

Putting that cup in the C5 cup holder was very brave! 🙂

[@mitchellmechling5410]

I daily drive my c5 in the winter too! Never had a more reliable car. Great review!

[@shaark92]

good to hear ... 4 month owner of an 01Z ... she's the "go to work" car. Take care of her, but she runs in the rain ... and doesn't melt! :) Wifee's '71 ... is a princess. Pax side windshield washer got plugged, so I gotta fix THAT. Gotta find me a good touchless car wash with undercarriage spray for the winter. North Texas DOT has started applying that car-rotting solution on the roadways. SMH.

[@TheRalphRoast]

I daily my c5 as well. Not in the winter though cause I run summer tires and it gets too cold here. I have a back up civic for the winter so not to worried about 4 months or so of not being able to drive much. Makes summer time more exciting lol

[@SuperJoes70]

I have a 97 6 speed do you have snow in the winter ??

[@mitchellmechling5410]

@superjones70 I have a 98’ 6 speed and I live in northern Utah. So I get snow a few times a year. When it does snow, it isn’t more than a few inches and the main roads are typically well plowed. As long as I don’t stop on a hill, I’m fine. 😆

[@rapid13]

Funny. I find the stock C5 seats to be very comfortable. Not great for track use maybe, but fine for daily use.

[@Corsavette02]

I put the Corbeau seats in mine 9 years ago and feel like maybe rebolstered c5 seats is a better option, especially in a convertible because the seatbelt is positioned lower behind the driver and it rubs against the back of the seat, causing a weird angle and gets caught...c5 seats are definitley more comfortable on long trips.

[@CorwinS-kd6yu]

Don't own one. Rode around in one for a bit though and found the stock seats to not cause much fatigue on 30+ min rides. Granted, I was 25 at the time not the average buyer age of 50+ lol

[@caseymoore4759]

I did a 1500 mile road trip home with my new c5 when bought it out of state and never once did I get uncomfortable in the stock seats.

[@charlescalkins3485]

I think the stock seats in my 98 are great. I really don't know why so many people hate on them.

[@rapid13]

@@charlescalkins3485 Mainly because if you turn the steering wheel with any authority you're either in the passenger seat or mashed up against the door lol! Comfy, but not very supportive.

[@leonlawrencez28]

My C5 is a daily automatic and I love it. Still gets looks. Keep it clean and detailed.

[@mariechance5655]

Have to say my original C5 seats are very comfortable, have driven cross country 5 times and I have never had leg or back aches. Have 2002 convertible. The only problems I have are electrical: retracting antenna and multi disc CD changer in the trunk . Love my Torch Red C5.

[@tristan9680]

I plan on taking a C5 across country with my fiancé. Would you recommend it? Would it seat two people my duffel bag and her 2 suitcase and small dog kennel okay?

[@Rgh71fish]

@@tristan9680 if you have a coupe with the hatch, you'll have no issue fitting all that stuff.

[@insooleedat1asiandude]

@@tristan9680 dont know about the dog kennel but everything else should fit no problem

[@taylorbott3320]

@@tristan9680 the kennel won't fit. But the rest will. Speaking as someone who has taken their c5 on week long trips

[@taylorbott3320]

It's not how comfortable they are, the complaint most people have is that they don't hold you in the seat well. Especially when driving hard

[@bryang9601]

❤ C5 Z06 rocks in 2024 ❤ Reliable performance after 22+ years is amazing.

[@Corsavette02]

22 years and goin daily'd for about 16 of em....love it!

[@GregSr]

Love my 2003 C5 anniversary.

[@caseymoore4759]

Same! My electron blue paint is gorgeous

[@caseymoore4759]

Just got a gorgeous 03 stock coupe to build and honestly I was surprised with how good it was in stock form. I’d take it over my 2015 mustang gt pp premium any day. I had a blast road-tripping 1500 miles back to Los Angeles after buying it in Texas

[@ffas23]

I always liked the Hatchback Coupe the best. Still do. Own both a C5 and C6 Hatchback Coupes. I don’t like how the Borla Exhaust looks on this C5 coming out of 2 pipes out back. Not the look I like. The factory 4 pipe set up looks much better with larger Stainless Tips out back.

[@TheMjphoto45]

I have the Corsa exhaust on my 2000 6 spd triple black convertible.

[@TheRealZJE313]

That's right

[@user-tl6qt3er2s]

100% yeah so does 427 Cobra so does any Porsche 911 the C5 with a 6 speed manual transmission is the best looking for vet ever made 🇺🇲💪

[@dougdavis7079]

I have a '99 Convertible that has all the records, bone stock with under 8K miles. So much fun to drive and a great road car.

[@Trig.]

Long story short: yes.

[@TheRobertJohnsen]

I love my C5.. I paid $17k with only 46k miles.. the only issues are the aging of components such as bushings and for me.. driveshaft couplers.. current nightmare..situation..

[@Kinglordfaded]

Damn I’m finna pay 13k with only 100k miles you lucky

[@taylorbott3320]

How about $10k with 130k miles 😂. I have the same thing going on. All my weather stripping are toast

[@sayde435]

@@taylorbott3320 pretty good price!

[@kelvinmejia8384]

Hell yeah man that things a legend

[@youngestson65]

Excellent A1 Top-notch.

[@rjdef9534]

I have a 2000 coupe I bought new. Opt. magnetic red paint 38k miles 6spd came with two roofs and all options except wheels. The heads-up display is my favorite option from any year. Projects all the Info you need including speedo, tach and other details so you can focus on driving. The optional seats with multiple power bolsters are very comfortable. The stocks were not so much. Bose stereo upgrade . cranks out the car tunes. Biggest issue, driving down the road one day and the top flew off once I hit 45MPH. Scared me to death, but nice show in the rear view. It flew for a good 10-15 seconds and had a great landing -- the painted top is slippery. Don't ever distract somebody before they latch that bad boy both sides. The second roof is clear. It saved me. There are some daemons in the C5 with the key lock, alarm system, electric system that must be fixed. The vehicle alarm system could shut down the fuel pump. I straitened everything out by installing two after market mods under the dash. That's what so good about this mature buggy, the issues are known, solutions found and readily available.

[@mc3films]

Looking forward to this one!

[@0Heeroyuy01]

the FRC and z06 might looks the best to car enthusiast but i know when me and my buddy drive together to shows or car events my base model with that long back glass gets more attention than he does and his is the z06

[@That1Niqquee]

Thats capp stop blowing your own head up lol

[@0Heeroyuy01]

@@That1Niqquee no blowing my own head up its just happens to be the way it is at local event as well as when people see us around town. you coming at this from the perspective of someone who KNOWS these cars and the difference between them most people don't. they see a corvette and only a corvette most people including car people cant tell the difference between corvettes they see corvette and know its a corvette but dont know anything about them

[@ForcesNL]

To me the C5 is the definition of the sports car. It flows way better than the boxy shapes just like the 63' Vette does. These two cars, and only these two would fill my American car collection. 65' to 71' are different type of cars. Iconic no doubt, but very different.

[@jaytomes8765]

I really like those seats

[@markcrisp4867]

Listening to your video I run 395/35/18s on back Mickey Thompson ET streets & Nitto 555Rs up front rowdy 💯🇺🇸

[@BillyBob-rr8se]

Tell your buddy to do the anti venom mod, it will really help with the notchy shifting. Cheap and easy to do, and probably the best mod for the money on these T56 cars

[@ericswild]

I love these cars. I have the Anniversary Edition. The audio picked up way too much of the exhaust on this video. What seats are those? They look amazing.

[@ragtopdriver23]

my 2001 is my 4th vette and the best i have owned its now 2022 & i have 37 K on it still drives/looks like new. a minor thing I like is the "heads up display" gr8 from back in the day LOL 1 thing annoying is the "seat fock" from the cheap rubber they used that wears out and a small fortune to fix it right with a replacement kit. I run Power stop brakes and BF Goodrich summer tires for handling since I don't put a lot of miles on it other than that its stock and a blast to drive! Call me "old school" but I like the hiden headlights on it and the seats are fine for me.

[@kotysh]

I don’t think the seats are “universally hated”. In fact, the stock seats are quite comfortable and I road-trip mine just fine

[@tikijojo]

I own a 02 Z06 that I can't seem to put up for sale! These cars are so good and starting to rise in value

[@squid4554]

These things skyrocketed the last year. Ive been planning on getting one the past few years and found them all day for 10 to 15k. Now its hard to find one less than 20-30k lol. I hope its just the inflated used market right now.

[@craigthescott5074]

Z06 are rising in value probably because the new C8 Z06’s are $150K and people are realizing it’s hard to find more performance for less money that a C5 or C6 Z06.

[@Jv615]

That is a beautiful one

[@patriotrising6214]

This next spring god willing 🙏 thanks Jake @

[@BasinMotorsports]

I bought an '04 C5Z two months ago and I agree with the notchy shifting. Not bad when pushing it hard, but difficult down low in the RPM range.

[@alexandergreene1728]

The whole point of the Z06 is pushing it hard lol why buy it if you dont

[@BillyBob-rr8se]

Do the anti venom mod. Very cheap and easy to do, and will really help the shifting tremendously

[@geneknight5194]

339,000 miles daily driver still getting 30 mpg on the highway I love it

[@wesleymcbrayer5640]

I have the identical car same color frc yes go buy one crazy fun for the money!

[@fuzzygoku]

I have 04 C5Z, all stock other than exhaust and intake. In Palmdale,CA welcome to test anytime.

[@mitchellgalvan2582]

Do you still have this

[@TheMjphoto45]

Love mine

[@jaredpowell4108]

Transverse leaf springs are an independent suspension setup, not to be confused with a traditional leaf spring setup

[@CorvetteLife]

I had a C6Z06 for 3 years, sold it and bought a C5 for a quarter of the price. Its modded to 400hp and the interior is completely upgraded. Best budget sports car ever!!!

[@youngestson6537]

Excellent A1.TOPNOTCH

[@Airfoil_]

8:13 I’m genuinely surprised that McDonald’s cup stayed planted. That cup holder is useless 😂

[@kellyaustin7487]

I'm genuinely surprised that there was a McDonald's cup in the car. Who gives a shit about cup holders in a Corvette?

[@MonroeJackson]

I HATE THAT CUP HOLDER, THEY SHOULD HAVE CALLED IT A CHANGE CUP.

[@donovanjackel7509]

change the seats and the radio to a touch screen and it looks just as modern as anytihig else

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Glad to see you enjoyed a C5 Corvette. Does your buddy still have the car?

[@DriveBreakFixRepeat]

It's for sale right now. He's going to focus on his LS3-swapped GTO.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

@@DriveBreakFixRepeat Oh wow! That’s quick.

[@danziger69]

That C5 is being horribly let down by the tire combination. Borla is merely okay for exhaust options. You cannot touch the C5 for bang-for-buck.

[@microminiskirt]

Fyi : i Daily drive my 2005 c6 coupe. I am going to get a Dodge challenger scatpackv392 wide body for daily driver. I need more space. The c6 is reliable but i prefer to use it as a second vehicle.

[@SuperJoes70]

The only regret is I wish I had a fixed roof car I have a 97 6 speed and its my favorite car to just drive = fun !

[@kennethmalpartida828]

I just bought a 1998 c5 corvette I live in the Palmdale area Do you have any recommendations on Good corvette mechanic’s

[@jeffboyd8232]

There be a lighter spring that can be put in the shifter that gets rid of the reverse difficulty.

[@mnbubba]

Obviously, nobody buys one of these things for the mileage, but the fact is that the FRCs (if you keep your foot out of it) will get you 30+ mpg on the interstate. They are great touring cars.

[@luizferreira5213]

I have an all stock c5 in San Diego.. you are welcome to come down and drive it👍 1:55 at willow springs with very used run-flats on 105F day, these cars are the best value nowadays

[@Joey856721]

C5Z?

[@luizferreira5213]

Joey Garcia C5 base.. better brakes and sway bars, original mag shocks

[@mitchellgalvan2582]

Do you still have this?

[@luizferreira5213]

@@mitchellgalvan2582 I do, but much better now

[@jcw9396]

Bad audio in car …..enjoyed your review well done

[@odfarmboy]

I don’t think the interior looks dated, I like mine just fine. And the seats seem ok too, could use bigger bolsters.

[@carslifestyle5196]

I have an 04 c5 torch red fbo ons and they still hold them self good againts other cars

[@js92css]

What seats are those?

[@craigthescott5074]

The C5 Z06 is probably the most performance for the money out there. The C6’s and C7 Z06’s are more performance but a lot more money. I daily drive a C5 Z06 with 600 HP and it gets 20 mpg.

[@user-qs4gh5ln3m]

I only see five, and it would be nice to be able to get parts for it

[@timtimtimmay4654]

I have the same shifter in mine and can confirm either you love it or hate it. Luckily, I love it but the previous owner hated it.

[@mrdeanv4414]

What year was this car?

[@markcrisp4867]

Myself I prefer the removable top on my C5 & looks better 2001 💯🇺🇸

[@Franklin3792]

just bought a Convertible.. Mods, Steering wheel lock, the shift out lock , brass gears for the lights.. Catch Can...Shifter.... that's it... thinking about a Stereo... but I don't want to cut the brackets...

[@PatrickGotHands]

They sell a aftermarket part for double din

[@inverted311]

Interior is my favorite part… C6 interiors are garbage! And don’t even compare it to a C4 that’s just silly…. 🙄

[@rapid13]

Dood. The interior is so nineties that Nirvana called and asked all those jellybean buttons back. Looks like a friggin Taurus vomited in it.

[@keelansmith7613]

I'm thinking saving money to buy a C5 in the future. Can you guys give me some ideas on how reasonable the prices can be?

[@DriveBreakFixRepeat]

C5 prices seem to be on the rise, but $15-20K should still get you a really nice example. Look for 2001+ models, because GM fixed and updated a few things.

[@keelansmith7613]

@@DriveBreakFixRepeat Thanks. I'll be looking out for one then.

[@craigthescott5074]

Spend the extra money get a Z06 it’s worth it.

[@michaelparks3106]

If you're looking for the best performance, the Z06 is an even better value. I bought a 2002 Z06 for less money than any new car and drove it daily for 5 years. Fast, reliable, comfortable, what more could you want for such little money?

[@default9350]

I am sorry I must have missed it, what exhaust is in the car?

[@Corsavette02]

Borla

[@mjphoto45]

I have Corsa

[@lashlarue2266]

My C5 is a 1999, torch red, and I love it. Rides great, suspension excellent, comfortable, 29k miles. Only issue, harmonic balancer separated, luckily caught before significant damage could be done. This is a problem with C5 & C6 vettes. Beware.

[@TheMjphoto45]

I had my harmonic balancer replaced last year. I also did the oil sending unit myself by cutting the top

[@tacticalbreadman7409]

Damn that is my EXACT car, only difference is the VIN.. as far as tires go ................. find a matching set of c5 zo6 sizes lol good luck

[@mattybaddT.V]

What does a auto c5 average on mpg?? Say one with intake and exhaust I’m in the market for one

[@odfarmboy]

Mine is stock and gets 23 mpg.

[@tomparker9966]

If you can find a 2004 C5 that has been adult owned and taken care of BUY IT. More Corvettes with low mileage sitting in some mans garage than any other sports car. Reliable, Fast and reasonable priced. Hard to find the guy that wants to sell though. Most for sale had multiple owners and run hard and modified. Chevy built a reliable, fast sports car that is fun to drive. 24 mpg in stock trim.

[@markharvey6575]

If I’m not mistaken the FRC were pre 2001. So that has an ls1 intake not the ls6. FRC came with 345 hp. After 2001 all corvettes came with the ls6 Intake. And had the more hp and torque.

[@MartinWibert]

I was ging to say the same thing. Non Z06 FRCs were only made in 1999 and 2000, and they had 345 HP. The car in this video is identicle to one that I just sold. Saddly it developed the dreaded LS1 piston slap issue, and I could not find a shop that wanted to fix it.

[@mattwalker4965]

What, exactly, is the diference between "dated" and "classic"?

[@tonytorres4984]

How much did your friend got it for? I am in te search of a c5

[@johnmellyn2700]

I’ve got a 2000 , pewter, black top convertible, Grey interior ,6 speed, showroom condition , 21,995 miles … Massachusetts

[@drufetti510]

Are higher milage c5s with 130-150k miles worth it? I seen a couple for $10k

[@TheMjphoto45]

Make sure harmonic balancer has been replqced

[@drufetti510]

@@TheMjphoto45 What else should I look for brotha

[@YungEagle3k]

@@drufetti510 the ls1 and ls2 are very reliable. But just go drive em that's it. If it feels like shit low ball em or put money on a different one

[@drufetti510]

@@YungEagle3k What should I look for when purchasing one?

[@wackysamurai1583]

@@drufetti510 check the fluids, harmonic balancer for sure..have a mechanic inspect it..I bought a 2002 with 53k miles for $15.9k with my down payment

[@mjphoto45]

My c5 doesn't see water yetalone snow

[@clawmachinetime955]

Automatic c5 are just as good not sure why you diss the automatic’s but they are just as bad ass and better drag cars

[@varicustoms]

What brand are those seats ??

[@DriveBreakFixRepeat]

Braum.

[@Joey856721]

@@DriveBreakFixRepeat they’re really beautiful actually for the price

[@user-ys9to2ie7k]

Well, that was just painful! What a dink ¿`_

[@GOmegaPHD]

Hey this was a great video. I had a little trouble with the audio mixing once you were in the car though. The music and the car drown you out a lot. Nothing serious, but just a comment. Loved the video!

[@Gotmath8]

There is no doubt that mechanically this car holds up - few cars today could keep up w/ it. And I could make peace with the squeaky interior. To me - my eye just does not like the look of the FRC which is the ONLY way to get the top dog C5 - the Z06. For me, the hatchback is far better looking. I hate the conundrum of settling either way: performance vs appearance. One thing for sure - there is a corvette for almost any taste and for me it is the C4 LT4.

[@kingfalcon6232]

Your audio is terrible, content is good.

[@TheMjphoto45]

Needs a removable roof

[@traewhizzy2450]

whats wrong with automatic?

[@craigthescott5074]

Nothing but a manual still better.

[@pearldrums92]

Short answer yes, long answer no

[@Ls_corvette]

I want to trade my c5 in for a ls3 vette

[@6.2Slomaro]

I’m surprised the McDonald’s cup held in place

[@mogulme6190]

I always find autos and I hate the autos in these cars

[@MrMisanthrope1RBjr]

try the z06 not this one

[@tbn334]

The car you showed is in my opinion the worst of the c5 line. The one I would never buy. A fixed roof that is not a z06. The convertible and the coupe are much better. All coupes have a targa top. I have 3 Corvettes and they are all automatics. If you can not do maintenance and repair work yourself never buy a c5.

[@jeremiahthomas1385]

Unrelated note adds are aids.

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

You’re in the wrong gear the entire video 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@MC-uj4co]

If you need to ask bring it