2002 Corvette C5 Z06 - When America's Sports Car Stopped Being A Joke

[@paulvenn7598]

I ran a C5 Z06 as my “daily driver” here in the UK for 10 years and only parted with it because of my wife’s arthritic hip. Its additional benefits not covered here are its practicality and real world comfort! What you say; how come. Well for a start we could get luggage for a 4 week trip to France in the boot no problem. The comfort on a long journey (12 hours and 600 miles into France on the payage) is due to the seating position, legs almost straight out not bent at the knee. We were always surprised at how fresh we felt after this journey compared with my wife’s Citroen C6 which was supposed to be supremely comfortable. Indeed I replaced the Corvette with a Maserati Quatroporte and it was not as relaxing. On the French motorway cruising at 130kph it showed just under 1900 RPM and gave 28 to the gallon. I had an oil and filter change every year, the handbrake adjusted every 2 years together with an air filter change; 1 set of rear discs in 10 years and 2 sets of pads. Nothing failed not even a bulb and no warning light ever came on, and tyres lasted over 20K (Vreidersteins). And at the time it could leave just about anything in the dust. A wonderful car much underestimated.

[@brianiswrong]

Did left hand drive give any problems

[@paulvenn7598]

@@brianiswrong Yes, you need lots of patience on occasion.

[@deviklovecraft3835]

That gas mileage is nuts !

[@vincezab1]

I suppose the gas milage is in US gallons, it would be 20% higher in Imperial gallons.

[@paulvenn7598]

@@vincezab1 No, I'm an "old timer" and I convert litres into UK gallons (still do) and kept a paper record. Also as anyone who has driven from Calais to Limoges via Le Mans knows the payage is very lightly used so its a very steady run so ideal for low consumption especially many hours at a constant 1900 RPM.

[@miked2691]

My 2002 Z06 is 20 years old. It makes around 400hp to the tire with basic bolt-ons. 0-60 in 4 seconds flat. It can do 1G on a skid pad. And still gets 28mpg on the highway. All while being comfortable. People can make fun of the plastic interior but those people fail to realize that GM blew the budget on the drive train and other mechanical bits. Titanium exhaust, HUD, hydroform frame etc. Some truly cutting edge stuff for its time. These cars have gone up 20% in value in recent years and are regarded as some of the best "driver's" cars out there. Before the time when every car had 100 computers on it to numb the experience. Mine will never get sold.

[@stereolababy]

they didn't spend much money on window seals

[@TheChenny73]

I’d rather have an MX-5ND2 then live in that cockpit

[@sprezzatura8755]

Los angeles-based guy here. The C5 ZO6 is well regarded. It is ferocious out of the box and easily modified almost without limit. Incredible value for money. Superb track day car as well. Even a base C5 is good fun. And all the big name auto parts stores carry spares. Easy to work on and actually pretty decent fuel economy if you are determined!

[@Omnificuser]

This is isnt true for 1999 and 2000 models!!

[@TheChill001]

value for money also counts for the US, in europe this car's a moneypit due to the lack of official support and having to import most parts. Which is kind of sad, considering the fact that of all the american cars...the corvette is probably the closest thing to having a european feel.

[@t1mech1ldtc60]

so you are suggesting that this is the Honda Civic of performance cars ?

[@joeracer302]

Bargain performance wise, makes for a great track car. Has the build quality of a Lego/Rubbermaid set.

[@Silverhks]

@@t1mech1ldtc60 more that the Honda (Civic) is the Chevrolet (Corvette) of the imports

[@fabssgarage]

C5 Coupé owner here from Spain. Bought mine after an awful Porsche 996 experience and i really can't be more proud and happy owning a Millennium Yellow C5 with manual transmission. The LS is massively gorgeous, simple and not thirsty. After 20 owned cars, I might say this is the best one. Cheers

[@regows123]

C5 Z06 is still a prize in America. A real well cared for car will sell in the $30,000 + range. I have just purchased one and love it. Great review, Thanks

[@Boredomislife75]

I've seen decent ones in the mid 20's. Hard to beat the performance you get for the dollar you spend.

[@iantownsend500]

The interior on American cars has never bother me. They’re such good value for money and so much performance for so little money. Good looks & shed loads of power are all good in my mind

[@aussirat4806]

Just incase you didn't notice this guy is a scammer

[@550LMS]

agree. Look what cars like this cost in the States in period, and pick ups, SUV's etc...for very similar money, in Europe we got Vauxhaul/Opel Astra's whilst in America you got something with a V8 and RWD. The interior on that is as shit as it was on American cars, dare I say, possibly worse even. Of course BMW/Merc etc are far ahead but so are they in price...

[@raymonds7492]

@@550LMS good point, the average person drives a cheap car anyway so why look down on cheap performance cars? At least everyone can have fun. I think Europeans in general attach luxury to performance, whereas in American the two are divorced.

[@Rudenbehr]

@@raymonds7492 because performance is cheap and unregulated here. If you want a powerful car, you can have one. Not really possible in Europe I’d think with prices.

[@TheG60528XiJinPing]

They never bother me either because I don't feel bad about throwing it all away and putting in buckets

[@marcos1669]

British people saying some other brand is bad quality? they must have forgotten pretty much any british brand

[@matrinezkevin11492]

@Richard Harrold it's an LS. That automatically makes your counterpoint complete nonsense and just an argument for arguments sake.

[@marcos1669]

@Richard Harrold I have actually heard that one is quite reliable

[@matrinezkevin11492]

@Richard Harrold notoriously fragile yet always reliably able to put out over 600hp on stock internals even before using forged internals. Why don't more tuners use Jag V8s then for mild stret builds if they're so rock solid? It's one thing if it's something ubiquitous like a 6.0 powerstroke or Subaru EJ motor going through headgaskets every 70-100k miles. What you're spouting is more forum nonsense that happens when apes try to slam 18 psi of boost on stock internals.

[@Fraser-369]

@Richard Harrold Ummm…the car in question is running a LS6 Just saying

[@JayMaverick]

Yay whataboutisms. "You can't say something is bad because something else is bad." What is this, Russian politics?

[@One-way]

Have an 01 Z06 130,000 miles. EVERY time I get in I giggle like a little kid… LOVE my car…

[@15DEAN1995]

I'm Irish and I love American cars they know what they are and they don't try to pretend they're anything else. I would love to own a corvette some day

[@geoufloaf5526]

As an American with a C5, I highly recommend

[@FrancoisTCS]

Plenty on sale in Sweden right now, it is the season to buy.

[@15DEAN1995]

@@FrancoisTCS theres only one corvette on sale over here. its a 97 c5 but sadly its an automatic. if i was buying a mercedes v8 thatd be fine because they only had autos. sadly most corvettes ive seen which have been imported over here are autos...

[@Mr.Marbles]

same with the viper. other car manufacturers: well actually if you calculate the hp per litre its actually very high we did this by changing the valves and then we made sure the suspension is... meanwhile dodge went: V8? TOO SMALL! BEEEEGER! bob something missing? oh yeah wheels, right. almost forgot those. ok were done. safety? we have the most modern one. its called DARWINS THEORY OF THE SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST YEAAAAH MURICA

[@failingup4907]

Respect my Irish friend. I'm half Irish and Finnish :) I have a C7 and they are Incredible cars. Mine has a Supercharger, My car would spank most Euro cars.. :)

[@chuckdavis572]

American corvette owner, here. The C5 and C6 are easily upgraded to be absolute track weapons. A few suspension, brake and safety mods and the cars can compete with almost any other production cars on track. They're really great drivers cars - if a bit cheap in fit and finish.

[@norman1907]

Cheapest easiest option is c6 parts on a c5

[@chuckdavis572]

@@norman1907 honest question... which parts?

[@norman1907]

Wheels brakes clutch. You could get the shaft if you have a base model, but z06 has it already. The biggest barrier you're going to have tracking either of them is your cooling system. They can run all out, no problem, but not indefinitely. One rad later, you don't have to sit one out, or point a dyno fan at your car in between runs.

[@chuckdavis572]

@@norman1907 my 19 grand sport can be flogged in 100 degree temps and no issues.

[@norman1907]

@@chuckdavis572 that's a c7. It's totally the best one.

[@frmula1fan51]

I worked at Home Depot in the early 00's. A frequent customer, Thor, and I would frequently talk cars. In particular, the Corvette. He said he had one and would take me for a ride. He came by one day, while I was working, in his Yellow Z06. I got in, on the clock, and off we went. It was amazing. I don't think he ever really had any traction through the first 3 gears. The rest of the work day was uneventful and dragged on. Thank you Thor!!!

[@OCDRex11]

2004 C5 Z06 owner here. Done coilovers, spec endlinks, and bushings, race brakes and lines, short shifter and summer tires. I have never had as much fun in any other car.

[@bcrandeis]

American here. C5 Z06's are pretty underappreciated here - many people like them, but it seems they are not particularly highly desired to buy. They can be had in the $20,000's for a decent/good example. Thanks for the video, James! Always cool to hear a Brit's perspective on a car from across the pond.

[@damienlee1165]

I think it's because the Corvette still has the "Dad image" in the U.S., while it's slowly changing, it's hard to escape that image associated with the car. Like how vaping goes with WRXs and beating your wife goes with Dodge Challengers.

[@midwestc5corvette639]

for a high mile z06 maybe. anything less thank 50k miles is gonna hit around 30-40k depending on condition

[@bcrandeis]

@@midwestc5corvette639 hmm, they must have gone up since I've last checked

[@joeracer302]

Because they made a ton of them. There is absolutely no scarcity of low mileage examples, even 20 years later.

[@ahemgee9542]

Wouldn't mind importing one !

[@johnclayden1670]

As a Brit, I've never driven a C5 but have owned a C6 since 2013 and love it. Interesting is that many may mock (Yank-Tank) until they have a drive and become converts. Great cars.

[@Better_Car_Control]

California native here. These cars are a cult classic and well regarded across the enthusiast community. People try to knock the interior, but technically it’s on par with any 90’s sport car. I consider the interior simple and analog which many purists can appreciate. No gimmicks needed. Low weight aluminum Engine sits in back of the front axle, low cg, rwd, and plenty of usable power across the entire RPM range. Well balanced sports car all around, and is aging very nicely in the looks department. Still turns heads

[@UncleTravelingMatt2]

I never understood why people knock the interiors. It’s a SPORTS car it’s not supposed to be luxurious. It’s also how Chevy was able to sell these for such a cheap price. I personally think people are looking for an excuse not to like them. The interiors are fine. Go look at the interior of a Ferrari F40 that’s completely bare bones.

[@Better_Car_Control]

@@UncleTravelingMatt2 valid points

[@lorddoobsworth144]

Nice to see you mention that the engines in these are actually small in size and that fuel consumption is good compared to other cars with similar power levels. These LS engines are so much better than so many realise, the genius comes from the simplicity. The 7 litre LS7 can easily get 34 UK MPG on the highway, while having 505hp at its peak in stock form, and is similar in size to the 3.5 litre Nissan VQ35DE :)

[@jsquared1013]

It's larger and heavier than the VQ, but not by as much as most people think. It's impressive how they kept the weight and exterior dimensions of the LS-series down while still keeping it somewhat affordable (compared to say a BMW V8 or Mercedes V8)

[@a.kblur04]

That's something that I thought was really neat growing up. Watching a lot of TopGear made me think that these big displacement V8's were huge. Came to learn that even an LS7 is no bigger than your average V6. And with the gas mileage... kinda defeats the whole "big useless lump that makes no power for its size" idea

[@lorddoobsworth144]

@@a.kblur04 SNAP! down to the fine details. People calling engines "big" or "small" based on displacement was misleading for me too. The LS7 is actually my favourite engine now :) Also have to bare in mind that power numbers are just peak power too, a 505hp LS7 is gonna have a very different powerband to a 505hp 2 litre turbo

[@a.kblur04]

@@lorddoobsworth144 oh absolutely. check out Savagegeeses video on the C6 Z06 if you get the chance; apparently the valvetrain problems were way overblown, too, so they're solid like the rest of the LS family. and that SOUND!! yeah the ls7 is one of the all time great engines imo

[@midnight347]

They do good on the highway but this has as much to do with the tall overdrive and slippery aero dynamics as it does the engine itself. They're also very lightweight for a v8 powered car.

[@evankesel642]

Never been more terrified by lateral grip than in one of these set up for autocross. Deeply impressive platform.

[@richardsalmen]

I have owned 30+ Corvettes over the years ranging from a 1967 327ci/350hp fastback coupe with the factory side pipes to a 2014 C7 Z51 coupe and everything in between. The only Corvette I own right now is a 2004 C5 Z06 that I bought two years ago from the original owner with 36,000 miles on it. Was shopping for a C7 Z06 when I bought it. At least 90% of the fun for 30% of the money!

[@prestonrobert2625]

had both 2002 best

[@timothyhodge14]

I just got my first Z06 and I love it! Some light maintenance here and there, some basic modifications, and they are real beasts for the track and long term cruising.

[@Thatsnapchatyellowc6]

American here, the c5 platform is extremely well regarded here.. and the c5 z06 is an icon and really paved the way for the next 2 generations of corvettes to come. Mechanically the c5 is almost the same exact car as a c6. they make 405 crank hp out of the box.. but throw a good size cam and headers.. give it a good tune and you have an extremely reliable 400-450 wheel hp lightweight missile with 26-30 mpg on the highway to boot. get one with Bose stereo system and man what a perfect cruiser that can lay the smackdown and plentttyyy of cars out of its class.

[@MrHaun]

Thank you for the review of the C5 Z06. The Z06 is quite a hallowed car in the US now. As a prior owner of 2001 C5 base, few things to note: The suspension has composite mono leafs in both front and rear and the ride height is actually adjustable. That interior was "enhanced" by someone with no taste (most notably the armrest and red trim bits) LOL. The air dam in front is factory (apart from the stupid rollers- which are not), but it is designed to flex and actually pivot over objects/kerbs. Lastly, the traction control is multi-mode- including a "competitive driving" mode if you hold down the button. Pretty impressive tech for late 90s- early 00's.

[@Spencer_Marks]

These are definitely not hallowed in the US.. -An American

[@RearWheelZeal]

@@Spencer_Marks In sports car circles they are predictably well respected, but people less informed on their heritage and capability tend to view them as gaudy show cars for old dudes to tool around in on cruise night.

[@Silverhks]

@@RearWheelZeal this exactly. The Corvette has two very different niches. It is much beloved/respected in the performance community while being considered more of a midlife crisis and car show special to the general public.

[@r4raced4doom2]

The red trim bits (minus the center consol, shift boot stitching and shiter center) was a factory option called 'mod red' that was one of the few options you could get on a Z06 and a fairly rare one depending on exterior color.

[@y2ksierra]

@@r4raced4doom2 mod red looks great but the extra bits in this one really cheapen up the look. I miss my old C5Z at times, I would have another but I would stop at full bolt ons this time around.

[@cjg6364]

Correction, that "somebody who fitted an air dam to it" happens to be the GM factory in Kentucky. All C5s were fitted with that flexible air diverter which helps reduce lift and aerodynamic drag overall.

[@craigthescott5074]

The C5 Z06 is probably the most performance for the money that you can get right now. $25K to $30K and you have a world class performance car.

[@paperboy371]

Love my 02 in electron blue. They’re really starting to get the recognition they deserve here in the US. Great reliable wknd/track car.

[@RabihSaadguitars]

The C5 and the C5 z06 Corvette are now very thought after here in North America and the prices are rising dramatically. Great machine indeed...

[@adamcoleman5716]

A Canadian here that owned a C5Z for the better part of a decade. Long time enjoyer of your reviews (now first-time commenter), but nice to see one that hits close to home. Your review, IMO, was spot on. If you're willing to accept the comically bad interior, it's an incredible high-performance bargain that still keeps up with modern cars. Some points to help clarify some items: 1)That front air dam is (shockingly!) OEM. It's to feed the radiator. It scrapes on everything and is even on hinges. 2) That armrest is wildly gaudy and aftermarket. The OEM one is just black. 3) The mini wheels on the front are aftermarket too, and semi-popular. They work well to protect the font frame rails (which are dangerously low) 4) The partition that divides the passenger compartment from the trunk was not offered from factory and would have been an aftermarket bit. It does a lot to reduce drone and exhaust noise which is especially helpful on the highway. 5) The red bits on the interior are an optional 'mod red' package. The standard interior is all black. Cheers

[@wardog0086]

Aston DB7 Ferrari 355 Corvette Z06 Ah, NFS III memories flooding back. Might just need to go back and play it again.

[@amogus694]

12:11 It's funny that you mentioned that since the Lotus Carlton had a similar gear knob because it had the same gearbox from the C4 ZR1

[@soggysadboi]

I managed to snag an '03 in Electron Blue for around $12k back in 2019. It had been pretty severely mistreated but never complained too much; adore the thing and its raw toughness. Thanks for the wonderful review.

[@matthewjudge3763]

The C5 Z06 is pretty well known as the ultimate performance bargain over here (I'm in Canada). It's reliable and easy to maintain even on a budget. Put a set of modern tires and an upgraded oil cooler on it and it's a really fast track car with low cost of consumables and better fuel economy than any sports car but an N/A 4 cylinder.

[@leadfarmer7755]

The interior is no more embarrassing than that shirt 😂. Love the video!

[@Mazak23]

I was saying to myself as I was watching the video that he is wearing a very loud shirt.

[@4pevans]

Thanks James! Unlike most Corvettes the C5 ZO6 has been on my wish list since its release

[@MrJz97ss]

C4 ZR-1 was an awesome ride and world beater in its time and loved the sound of the dual overhead cam engine.

[@danielsvavars6787]

And the c4 zr-1 easily beat the 911 turbo in track testing, i wouldn't call that a joke

[@Sprocketboy1956]

@@danielsvavars6787 And could run rings around the Countach back then.

[@Joey856721]

@@Sprocketboy1956 it was a pretty insane package.

[@jayledermann7701]

I'm American , I own a 2003 Zo6 and love it. Good old American muscle. Most people on this side of the pond like the FRC look better then the couple but its a personal choice in the end .

[@PhilDagostino]

I have owned a 2003 Z06 for 4 years. My family also has c4s (including a 1991 Zr1) and a 1976 c3. I simply LOVE my car. It does everything well, still gets the looks, and is comfortable to semi-daily. Good on gas, great handling and power, and easy to fix when something breaks! Best 20 grand I will ever spend on a car.

[@billmcmeekin7909]

Best Vette is the one you own :⁠-⁠) But ironically, no matter which one you have, people are always attracted to them, curiously, or willing to tell their Vette story. Enjoy, we do :⁠-⁠) Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@stephendibari5010]

Great 👍. I’m saving up for a 03-04 Z06. Should be ready by next summer to buy.

[@fuddrucker74]

Guy from the states here. Zo6's are looked at my my set as a track weapon. They perform out of the box, but they are cheaply and effectively made into serious performers that will go hard day in and day out. Seats are a must, Aux coolers, are warranted, and breaks, & tires, are the standard wear items. The trannys and rears hold up well. When predominantly tracking you should definitely upgrade the clutch. There are astounding break options out there (rotors, pads, lines, master cylinder, fluid), suspension is decent, but can definitely be upgraded as well. There is NOTHING out there like the LS platform for cheap and effective performance. So, in closing, you can get as serious as you want, but they just flat get it done and can do so repeatedly off the showroom floor. This is the best overall platform for getting on the track in a performance car out there.

[@brandonchism6960]

“We” (some of my friends and various car nerds) call it the plastic fantastic. The Z06 is a special version and for that reason the cost is going up here in the states. But the normal C5 is still one of the best performance car bargains out here. I prefer the looks of the hatch myself anyway so I’m inclined to look for a well kept, base model in manual. Cam, headers, tune, and a set of modern performance tires makes these legitimate weapons on backroads, canyon roads, and any other ribbon of tarmac. Plus adding a set of decently bolstered seats makes them formidable on track. If you can get over the interior, it’s a wonderful car to push hard.

[@matthewgodwin3050]

What a soundtrack. I don't think I would ever tire of that sound. Absolutely glorious.

[@Auto_Funk]

Great to see the mighty C5 getting a bit of attention here in the UK. I owned a 2002 6 speed manual C5 targa for a while and it was a bloody excellent car... ! Mine had a short shift kit and some very nice coilovers. It was a taut, ferocious driver’s Corvette and with a targa roof, huge boot and legendary LS1 reliability I believe it’s a great off-piste alternative to any obvious sports car.... Underrated I think. And I want another one! (manual only though!)

[@toddinthemiddle]

remember when people were calling corvettes old people cars when C5s were current? i had an '02 6 spd coupe, and scoffed at that assertion. wish i coulda kept mine....

[@GoldenCroc]

The relation between a lot of the uk press/general public and the Corvette, certainly from the C4 onwards, always seemed to me like one of the most transparent cases of "sour grapes" ever. There is no doubt in my mind that if it had a well known british badge and said "Made in the u.k" on it, it would have been hailed as the worlds finest price/performance sports/gt darling by the aforementioned crowd...

[@robertstone9988]

British guy: I'd never own an unsophisticated plastic Automobile with a cheap plastic interior and a pushrod V8. Same exact British guy: ooh I'll take a TvR Griffith that's one of the best V8 sports cars there is.

[@GoldenCroc]

@@robertstone9988 Exactly.

[@syscoord195]

@@robertstone9988 you've not sat in a tvr have you, there's no plastic, just leather insanity

[@GoldenCroc]

@@syscoord195 The comparison was perhaps not fully spot on when it comes to the interior, but the gist of the post seems like quite an apt comparison in some ways. But were it a british car, it would likely have been hailed as an "Aston for the common man" or something like that. Since the C4, it certainly wasnt markedly slower around a track than any Astons either.

[@robertstone9988]

@@syscoord195 and in 4 days it starts unstitching and unraveling I'm talking about the build quality not the materials Corvettes are full of leather too it's just put together by someone who doesn't give a shit. And I think it might be Cat Skin, But no never set in a tvr. there's probably just as many tvrs around here is there are Corvettes in Britain. I'll use an example I do know of Jaguar XKR. Do you want to talk about unreliable everything's about to break after 3 years none of the buttons work piece of s*** car

[@jorgenunesdasilva4965]

Another cool vídeo, Didn't expect to see a C5 here what a nice surprise, they are a rare site in Portugal and sufer from the stigma of the old american cars "lots of noise and only good for straight line". I looked for years until i finally found one in Portugal 3 years ago, a hatchback C5 with 6 speed manual, did the basic mod's, mgw short throw shifter, exhaust and intake, it's been a Joy to own, what a Fun car!

[@mro9466]

C5 has aged so well

[@itravellight]

Overall a nice commentary. I purchased this very car one year ago with the purpose of tracking it a few times a year. I bought it without ever having driven one and didn't expect to like it as much as I do. As you said, this car is just so much fun to drive. I found the suspension to be a bit soft so I upgraded to Delrin bushings and Bilstein shocks. Now, it's much more planted with less body roll. Ciao!

[@Gibbo205]

You driven a C6 Z06? That was the one which really blew me away, that 7.0l is magical and the handling epic!

[@HandSolo1]

Or slap a LS7 in a C5? Yee Haw!

[@Joey856721]

Yes but this is the reason why the C5Z is the unsung hero, they’re both great in their departments!

[@ras22273]

The C6 Z06 is worth losing a girlfriend over, trust me. No regrets. 😏

[@slowanddeliberate6893]

I think the C6 had a modified C5 chassis.

[@stevensimunov7826]

@@slowanddeliberate6893 C5 and C6 use essentially the same chassis. Even the interior is mostly similar (and cheap). Even the C7 uses the same architecture, but was more refined.

[@jonathanpeden9930]

Zee-oh Six..."Zed's dead, baby" Lol Personally I would love to boot one of these around a track. Or some country roads. Anywhere, really! Another cool video, James

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@jj481012]

Corvette has always been the hillbilly super car here in the states, but I can’t help but love them in spite of that. I bought a dilapidated C4 that didn’t run out of my neighbors driveway when I was in college. I fixed it up and since then I have had a soft spot for corvettes. Particularly, I very much like the whole C5 Z06 package and would like to own one soon. The noises, the power, the handling, and the style all at a price a young person like myself can afford is quite a good deal for under $25k. Corvette gives me patriotic pride like no other domestic brand does - considering the car goes toe to toe with its European rivals at a fraction of the cost.

[@mcmc1863]

Owning a 14k mile 2004 C5 Z06....i love it. Performance, handling, is still up there with the best, even now. Look at the ring times, still quicker than a BMW M2, by quite a few seconds, plus bare in mind these times from 2003/2004 were frim a standing start not a rolling start they have now. Epic car

[@markcrawford8876]

The "somebody" that fit that front air dam, actually goes by the name of General Motors!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

This has been pointed out in the comments a couple of times but I was going on information from the owner!

[@peoplehavetherights]

I had a C5 Coupe for four years. It hardly had any issues at all, and I managed 27mpg at 75mph. You won't have to worry about endless repairs in these.

[@drewmorg.]

Before Covid you were finding decent examples of these for $14,000 USD. Excellent examples for under $20k C5's here in America were seen as the first cool Corvette although getting long in the tooth particularly the interior. The Z06 has always been a VERY well received version of the 'Vette. I remember seeing these brand new back in the early 2000's and they were very exciting to witness. Then came the C6 Z06 and it was an absolute world beater. That was really the car that sold the Corvette brand for me. I've wanted one ever since.

[@ronherman6033]

My C5 Z06 was best car I ever had...yes the interior was less than stellar....but damn it ran great, handled like it was on a slot-track...and got great gas mileage on trips with ability to pass cars at will at highways speeds. I loved it and miss it....wish never sold.

[@elijahprasad7884]

You can get it back, they're cheap.

[@toddinthemiddle]

@@elijahprasad7884 it's crazy that C5s can be had so cheaply. even non-Z06s are fantastic, and available under $20k

[@WarriorsPhoto]

As a Yankee I would like to say thank you. America does make some amazing cars. Especially our sports cars. The Corvette is made for the 90 year old man that'll be buying it. That older buyer doesn't care to rev the engine to 8600 RPM. Till now that is. ;-) I am pleased to hear that you've enjoyed the C5 Z06. It was ahead of it's time and had pop up headlights. Hope you get a chance to drive more Corvette models. See you in another video. Wait do any other Europeans watching this like the Corvette?

[@JoeEngineer]

I would gladly add a C5 Z06 to my stable. Always loved the way they looked compared to the standard C5.

[@Eidrian111]

You definitely should

[@andybroer651]

Silicon Valley car nut here. I mostly have had European sports cars: Lamborghini Countach 5000QV, Maserati GrandTurismo S and Cabrio S, Porsche Boxster, Ferrari 308GT4 and 308GTS QV and a few ALFAs and an Abarth500 daily driver. The C5 Z06 coupé looks odd, but it is a fantastic bargain and a durable sports car that can take a great deal of abuse, while being a good handling with reasonable fuel economy vehicle. Parts are easily obtainable and modification abundant. My only close American car was the Aussie built Chevy SS sedan with the 6.2L LS3 from a C6 Corvette which was a super sleeper as so few were sold in the US. The C5 Z06 is still a bit cartoonish, but most blue collar workers don't know any better and they are rightfully proud of the bargain brute that actually stops, accelerates and handles pretty damned well. Hard to beat for the money. Thanks for the review JM!

[@RedLP5000S]

I adore the C5 Corvette. It ushered in a dynasty of winning at LeMans. I grew up in the Eighties, so the C4 was the Corvette mainstay for so long. But then the C5 arrived and blew everyone away. Such a deviation from what we were used to. At first, the rear end was somewhat controversial among the purists, but eventually was warmed up to. I was working at a Chevrolet dealership when the Z06 started arriving. We were all amazed by the sheer power of it! I would love going for rides in them when the mechanics finished prepping them for sale. I would get tunnel vision as the 'Vette took off at full throttle. Amazing machine and worth driving if you get the chance. A lot of folks love the C6 Corvette more, but not me. I would take the C5 over that one any day of the week. Cheers.✌🏻🇺🇸

[@Mazak23]

I agree. I drove a C6 Grand Sport with a 6-speed manual once. The steering felt light and I didn’t like the clutch pedal feel. Then I drove a C5 Z06. The steering was nicely weighted and the clutch action was smoother. It felt raw and mechanical which is how I like it. I plan on buying a C5 Z next spring.

[@bicyclist2]

I may be an American, but I've never been much of a fan of American cars. This is one of the few exceptions. I hate the look of the new Corvette C8. But this C5 is great. The engine sounds absolutely monstrous. I clicked because I wanted to see what a British person thought of this car. I know Mr Clarkson liked the red C6 Z06 that he drove over here in an episode of Top Gear. The typical Corvette buyer wants to show off. And will tell everyone who comments on his car, why his car is unique and different. There are always a handful that are seen being driven around by new money people. It has become rare to see one of these older Corvettes on the road, as most Corvette people seem to want the newest one. The Z06 and the ZR1 tend to be used as ether track day cars, or posing machines for the terminally insecure. So glad that you liked the car. Although I'm much more of a Mustang guy. Thank you.

[@mr.wildcat405]

Have had my C5Z for 2 years. Basic goes a long way.

[@Ramzes945]

Have you ever seen 20 year old British car still driving? It must be something extraordinary.

[@dj_paultuk7052]

Back in the mid 2000's i had a couple of Pontiac Fiero GT's. They were a great little sports car, despite being American. 2.8 V6i from the 80's with just 145bhp. But a fair chunk of torque and a lovely exhaust note from its pushrod engine. I had all the suspension refreshed on mine and they handled as well as my Renault Alpine GTA V6 Turbo.

[@kichigaisensei]

I'm a Mustang man, but I love this car. And it sounds BAD ASS.

[@DethThrasher1]

godi miss the swoops of the 90s. SO much better looking than todays angular cars!

[@eagleheartuk1]

Thanks for the nostalgia. Crying shame that it did sell as it should. This is what the European and Japanese sport car manufacturers should have emulated and added their own touch to. Price, reliability, fuel consumption, performance, relative ease of maintenance and always, fond memories.

[@Moparmaniac-mr1tp]

I owned one for a year and loved it. Being 6'3" it's definitely hard on getting in and out. But still very awesome experience!

[@choward874]

I'm also 6'3 and have been Pondering buying one. I had an 87 and it was pretty hard to get ot of as well lol. But worth it. It was fun!

[@eag8999]

@@choward874I’m 6’3 and fit very well with seats and a smaller steering wheel

[@jean-michell9945]

C5 Z06 is a top dog mod racer over here in the states 💯

[@McNabbula]

Better get one while you can. Cats out of the bag! Thanks J

[@michaelsimpson3548]

Driven a couple of C3, C4(TPI,LT1/4 and ZR-1) and C5. The ZO6 C5 is by far the best ( for me). And in my opinion is the last real Corvette!

[@lolmeercatz10]

Impeccable timing I'm about to buy one!

[@anastassiosperakis2869]

there is no accounting for bad taste. WIll you insist on the Halloween Interior Package this one has?

[@GazRsExtremeBrickMachines]

Why are you posting stupid replies to everyone? The c5 z06 is a great car! Can run 11.9 @ 120 mph stock in the right hands. Lapped the nring as fast as any rival Porsche did and will bring a huge smile to your face whilst being reliable! Unlike old Euro exotics..,

[@lolmeercatz10]

@@anastassiosperakis2869 with all due respect, I don't care what you think and i'm certain you drive a matiz so have no right to an opinion. Respond to me again and we can play top trumps with our bank accounts if you like.

[@anastassiosperakis2869]

@@lolmeercatz10 With no respect, I could care less what YOU do. GO away and do not waste my time any more.

[@lolmeercatz10]

Update ended up buying a C6 instead

[@Amarillobymorning777]

I’m Mexicano. I got little joe Cartwright a red 01 C5 . Absolutely love it. Greetings from North Texas

[@paulfinney]

Top Gear and Clarkson have a lot to answer for when it comes to cars that get a bad rap undeservingly. They were spot on usually with the good cars, and aside from the vectra which was awful, the Corvette is a good example of one person’s opinion being taken as gospel

[@wayland7150]

Vectra was pretty good, huge boot but no legroom in the back.

[@philroder4878]

Clarkson usually did a lot of talking out his south end...He just doesn't like Americans..

[@loonatticat]

@@philroder4878 To be fair, I’m sure Clarkson has met some truly awful Americans in the circles he travels. They are sprinkled amongst us from the lowest to the highest echelons of society. I’m sure that’s a global, human truth, but when you see things like that console armrest, it’s hard to imagine that anything likable can exist in the designer or buyer of such hilarious garbage. Whenever I hand wash my high-mileage C7, particularly the flimsy rear trim panels, I completely understand Clarkson’s scoffing. Touching them gives the impression that they will definitely fall off at any moment, but I can testify (with surprise) that the rear fascia remains in place after 90k miles of hard driving. Had he driven any C5/C6/C7 Corvette for 90,000 miles, he would have been more kind, and likely amazed at the sheer utility and effortless performance as a daily driver. He would also resume scoffing at the abundant interior squeaks, clicks, pops and rattling that increase with mileage.

[@realAlexChoi]

If you were comparing this to a 996 in 1999, then yeah, I could see why you’d scoff at the Vette. But now, 20 years on, they’re cheap enough that you can look past the crappy interior and notice the lovely chassis, the surprisingly good suspension, the handling, and the LS6.

[@joefilardi523]

The BEST video of “my car” that I’ve seen! You really nailed it, thank you!

[@Joey856721]

This car and the 996 Turbo are truly so much car and are really the two cars from this era are so well priced and so much car for the money right now!

[@RearWheelZeal]

The kind of maintenance and repair costs that the cheaper (often abused/neglected) 996 Turbo's may start wracking up can be incredibly harrowing and so I think there's a bit of a false economy at the low end of the 996T marketplace. The Corvette C5Z is still a bargain of course and hopefully continues to be for many years!

[@kevincockburn7805]

As Mr regular from "Regular car reviews" says: The LS is the game genie of engines. With the LS you win.

[@paolosioson5013]

Even the late C4's were already very good, they beat the 964 911 quite often in journalist tests back in the day

[@CPAJayhawk]

Yeah on paper corvettes have always been right there with Europe…

[@papa_pt]

Once the 300hp LT1 came out in 1992 yeah. By then the 993 was just a couple years around the corner

[@paolosioson5013]

@@doommonger7784 both stats wise and in performance tests by the likes of Car and Driver

[@Emira_75]

Yeh exactly on paper…. Handling wise not so much, as Jay said; C4 was 5 TIMES less stiff then C5! That’s a lot of chassis wobble

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Yeah there's also a huge difference between numbers on a skid pan or drag strip, and how it goes down a real road

[@shaunportlock4924]

Always liked these, and as I used to have a 944. I will always love pop up lights.

[@Canadian_Gamer]

THAT'S the nicest body style and the Z06 package sets it off. I look at that car and Need For Speed III: Hot Pursuit comes to mind. ❤️

[@MS-mr4zm]

Drove my heavily modded C5Z (cam/headers/blower/meth etc) w/ 718whp to work today. Cool up here in New England probably making a lil extra HP too lol! They’re the lightest of all modern vettes, outrageous aftermarket support for every component. Real fun car. Old school muscle

[@ivaniii9707]

My attitude to American cars changed mainly with me hearing a straight piped C3 or C2 straight piped idling at a set of lights. It was amazing to hear.

[@UncleTravelingMatt2]

Like it or not American cars in the 60s were the pinnacle for power. There’s a reason Ford beat Ferrari with a 7 liter V8. I live in the states and muscle cars and corvettes are everywhere and although I don’t care for the muscle car platforms the engines are incredible.

[@ivaniii9707]

@@UncleTravelingMatt2 there is a reason why the saying there is no replacement for displacement exists. If you have huge displacement and big compression ratio you will have big power too with big torque

[@VQSeries]

Great review as always, glad u enjoyed this c5 vette, I appreciate your open-mindedness with different cars

[@GlennsCarCollection]

I had a 2002 Z06 in Electron Blue, great car for the money. and still is today even in this market.

[@anastassiosperakis2869]

you got much less than you paid for. Same if you had bought a damned YUGO. WHenever somebody says "great car for the $" it MEANS "cheap POS".

[@jblovell9065]

03 Z06 owner just puts big smile on your face here in America 👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿

[@michaelisaacson9735]

In the Corvette's defense, a road test in Road & Track many years ago, when a new Corvette sold for roughly $35,000, there was a quote from a Corvette engineer. He essentially said the lack of build and materials quality as well as the then-measured performance inferiority against whatever European supercar to which it was being compared with the comment, "Do you know what we could do if we could retail a car at $100,000?" Hard to argue with that. Corvettes were always built to a price in a way the competition wasn't, at least to the same degree. They had to be affordable to the guy whose budget was limited, whose ability to shift manually was generally non-existent, whose belt line was bigger than his inseam was long, and who refused to drive anything not American-made. So I hated them. Driving a Ferrari, one could look like a successful, well-heeled, doofus. Driving a Corvette...just a doofus. What moves me about a car primarily are the looks. How it feels when driven and what it can do are very much secondary. I've always liked the C2 very much. It still looks good and compares favorably with any European competition of the time. Beyond that...yecccch! Garish and exaggerated in all the wrong ways. In your test car, that console cover says it all. Runway models aren't chosen for their college majors. And Fiberglas never appealed to me. It made sense for small-time British manufacturers to use it due the the option of either making a car or not. But Chevrolet? The Corvette should have been aluminum years ago. I completely understand the appeal of running a Foreign Sports Car so over there, owning this could be fun. Over here, seeing one is like seeing a squirrel. The C7 was, indeed, overly garish. American car manufacturers rarely have ever understood proportion. But the C8, which does turn my head when I see one, is still dramatically and unfortunately overcooked, which is a shame. Far too many needless angles and sharp cuts. Visual vomit. One wonders what they could do if they could retail a car for $350,000.

[@damienlee1165]

The last production car with pop-up headlights along with the Esprit. Nice. This car was truly an end of an era.

[@disturbed250]

Not gonna lie when you look back at this one.. From the exterior design at least... Was pretty good. Simple but nice lol

[@tvrduude]

Autocrossed a C5 Z06 when new and took a trophy at SCCA Nationals in 2001 with well over 40 cars in class. A formidable weapon at the time, it still has significant performance on any chart now. Among those in the know, this car for the sport/competitive minded driver is highly regarded as one of the "Best bang for the buck" cars out there!

[@briandeaton3550]

A lot of folks look at the displacement of an engine and equate it with physical engine size. It's often not appreciated that cam in block pushrod valve train engines have very small lightweight cylinder heads. The engines are light weight and externally small for the horsepower.

[@lorddoobsworth144]

Yep, not just plenty of peak power but a lovely powerband and under stressed too. I used to hate these engines until I realised im a muppet and they're actually amazing and small / light :)

[@joetz1]

It only weighs 100lbs more than a Honda s2000 engine

[@philroder4878]

Had a 2002 ZO6-Just like the one shown. Same color. 535Hp at the rear wheels.A REAL Beast! I had it to 178mph. Then physics started to take over. A bit of lift started to show up. But the car was in 5th and still pulling like a train. 190+ was a reality.Never an issue/no breakdowns. It always worked.I had had 4 C5s. 2 -FRC-1 Coupe, 1 ZO6All were exceptional and extremely reliable. Best Vettes Chevy ever built or, ever will build.

[@DraegerV1]

Great review and glad you enjoyed the C5Z. Just wait until you drive the C6Z... I have owned 2 and I personally think it's the sweet spot between price, power, weight, low-tech, raw/analog and oh my that sweet LS7.... Thanks!!

[@MS-mr4zm]

C6Z is great too except it doesn’t have a unique body style (that notchback hotrod “FRC” only belongs to the C5Z & a handful of base FRCs kicking around- EVERY other C4-C7 is a hatchback w/ the big rear glass) also- C6Zs all need some valve guide/head work immediately if not already done in order to prevent dropping valve/lifter grenading the engine- extremely well known documented issue & about $2500-$4000 fix depending. Also….less of a candidate for FI builds b/c of the thinner sidewalls & compression. But for a N/A build it’s a great car. If I had one I’d just run some headers & a nasty cam on it leave the rest of the mods to the suspension

[@DraegerV1]

@@MS-mr4zm the C6Z doesn't need a unique body style, that's what the LS7 is for. I'm aware if the heads issue, I've had two C6Z's. Also, if you are boosting an LS7 you are doing it wrong... it's design is to be NA and balanced, not big power numbers....

[@MS-mr4zm]

@@DraegerV1 I know, but I already have a built C5Z, I’d like a C6Z too & yeah- like I said keep it mostly stock & N/A just intake/cam/headers,

[@sergioromero9932]

American here. My favorite is the C6. The C5 still had the pop up headlights but it is very beautiful for its curves.

[@literallyshaking8019]

That armrest and a lot of those over the top interior trim pieces are aftermarket. Old GM products are often tacky, but not that tacky 😂

[@deanchur]

Hope you can get a ride in a C8 Z06; that looks like it's going to be one of those cars that only come along once a decade.

[@nickallain]

The c5 z06 is known in the US for being a performance bargain for a track weapon. They made a lot of them (God bless America) so they've stayed relatively cheap. They are also very serviceable and cheap to maintain - even when tracked. C5 Z06 is really when the Corvette became a world-class performance car. The c8 z06 is really a continuation of the c5 z06's legacy as a track car.

[@IndependenceCityMotoring]

C4 and C4 ZR1 is really when it started.

[@adamsweet3587]

I am a Brit and I am finding it amazing that the crap that some commenters here saying the LS engines are not reliable compared to..... for example the jag engines. I have lived in New Zealand for 14 years and have been involved with Aussie / NZ V8 supercar racing (Holden Commodore ). I have hobby worked on engines most of my life and can say that the GM Gen 3 architecture is the best I have ever worked on, (and yes I did own a 1999 Jag XK8 and replace the cam chain tensioners). Small size, easy power and lots of it, and mostly... reliability. I have moved back to the UK, but could not resist in bringing back two LS1 motors and a LM7 with a nice load of tuning parts from Summit Racing, Jegs and BTR. Also with three TR6060 gearboxes with clutches. These engines are that good and can virtually be fitted into anything.

[@MrFrankfurt13]

17:00 The arm rest. If that was a shirt, you'd love it...

[@JayEmmOnCars]

You are right

[@larryp.450]

I am looking at buying one here in the states and ironically, Jay helped solidify why I want to buy a Corvette. Thanks, mate!

[@ahemgee9542]

These are amazing sports cars, been at looking at them in the UK. They're fairly cheap in the US. Would go nicely with my 996 C4S.

[@Joey856721]

It definitely would! Especially considering they’re rivals of the same era!

[@thecartruthreport8451]

After driving my 2022 SS 1LE with a HUD I'm at a loss to explain why modern cars, that have 100 useless technologies in them, don't have HUDs as standard equipment. Super useful and not expensive to implement I'd recon.

[@deviklovecraft3835]

One would be hard pressed to get more performance for the $. However, I must deduct points for James not wearing proper gear. Where are the jorts, tube socks and New Balance trainers ? 😏

[@nedaCFilms]

Love the C5 Z06 models!!!

[@CharlesFlahertyB]

A couple of summers ago, I did a track day at Corvette Motorsports Park (a truly fantastic circuit) in my 2012 Boss 302 Mustang. I went out with my instructor in his C5 Z06. On track his car was very impressive, handling all of CMSP 23 turns with aplomb. He had a proper racing seat for the driver and the stock seat for the passenger and that seat was not up to the task. I came away really wanting one. Though now, a C7 Grand Sport really gets me excited

[@anastassiosperakis2869]

Do you have any plans to upgrade to anything more sophisticated and well made than this Detroit crap?

[@anthonycelano165]

Had mine for 15 years tracked it a few times great car traded it in for a new 2017 GS also love it . Great video man.