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Chevrolet Corvette C6

05-13 · Chevrolet Corvette

60out of 100

The sweet spot of the Corvette lineage: LS3 power, Magnetic Ride available, and Brembo brakes on the Grand Sport.

Scores last updated: June 14, 2026

Score breakdown

70/ 100Reliability×3.536/ 100True Annual Cost×3.070/ 100Safety×1.552/ 100Practicality×0.580/ 100Repairability×1.5

Our take

What it really is

The C6 brought exposed headlights (no more pop-ups), the LS2 then LS3 V8, and optional Magnetic Ride Control. The 2008-2013 LS3 produces 430hp. The Grand Sport adds Z06 body work, Brembo brakes, and Magnetic Ride at a base Stingray price.

Why it's on this list

LS2/LS3 longevity matches the LS1 at 300k+ documented. $737/yr maintenance cost unchanged from C5. The C6 Z06 (505hp) is the highest performance-per-dollar sports car in history at current prices.

The honest trade-offs

Fuel gauge/level sender failure is the same issue as the C5. Budget $200-400. The 2005 launch year had transmission and electrical issues. The automatic valve body on 2007 examples wears earlier than other years.

What to buy and what to avoid

2011-2013 Grand Sport, the definitive C6. 436hp LS3, Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes, Z51 package available. Under $35k used. It competes with Porsche at twice the price.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$2,171 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$737 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$420 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$4,000 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$2,700 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$5,360 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$4,060 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
21[5]
MPG city / hwy
16 / 26[5]
Tank
18 gal[5]
Engine
LS2 6.0L (2005-2007) / LS3 6.2L (2008-2013)
Horsepower
430 hp
Torque
380 lb-ft
Seats
2
Cargo max
22.4 cu ft
Ground clearance
4.7"
Stock tires
245/40ZR18
Body
Coupe
Rear seats
No fold

Also available in convertible. The score reflects the primary body style listed above.

Safety

NHTSA overall
4/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
9%[2]
IIHS rating
Not Tested[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Low
Frame rust risk
Low

Known issues by mileage

60,000-100,000 Miles (97,000-161,000 KM)
Fuel gauge/level sensor (sulfur deposits, same as C5)Minor
N/A
Automatic transmission valve body wear (2007)Moderate
N/A
Battery drain when stored long-termMinor

Best and worst years

Best years

  • 2011
  • 2012
  • 2013LS3, most refined

Years to avoid

  • 2005Launch year electrical and transmission issues

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$820 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
3.5/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.7[1]
Severe issue probability
9%[1]
250k-mile survival
38%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$65 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
8/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Chevrolet Corvette?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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