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Chevrolet Corvette C7

14-19 · Chevrolet Corvette

51out of 100

The most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in production sports car history, at 2020 Camry maintenance costs.

Scores last updated: June 14, 2026

Score breakdown

60/ 100Reliability×3.530/ 100True Annual Cost×3.080/ 100Safety×1.552/ 100Practicality×0.540/ 100Repairability×1.5

Our take

What it really is

The C7 Stingray's LT1 6.2L V8 produces 460hp at 6,000 RPM naturally aspirated. The Z06's LT4 supercharged adds 650hp. Both engines share the LS-family architecture and longevity profile.

Why it's on this list

The C7 Stingray is the best-handling car ever made at this price point. $737/yr maintenance. The LT1 is a continuation of the LS-family tradition, documented to 300k+ miles. iSeeCars ranks Corvette in the top 5 for value retention.

The honest trade-offs

Bent and cracked wheel rims are the top complaint. Inspect all four wheels carefully on any purchase. The 19/20" staggered tires are performance-only compounds, $400-600/tire. The 2015 transmission shudder issue was resolved under warranty.

What to buy and what to avoid

2019 for the most refined version. 2016-2018 Grand Sport for the Z06 body work and Brembo brakes at Stingray money. Avoid 2014-2015 for early production issues. Inspect every wheel for curb rash and rim cracks before purchase.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$2,280 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$737 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$450 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$4,200 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$2,800 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$5,694 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$4,294 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
20[5]
MPG city / hwy
17 / 29[5]
Tank
18.5 gal[5]
Engine
LT1 6.2L V8 (Stingray) / LT4 supercharged (Z06)
Horsepower
460 hp
Torque
460 lb-ft
Seats
2
Cargo max
15 cu ft
Ground clearance
4.9"
Stock tires
245/35ZR19
Body
Coupe
Rear seats
No fold

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

Safety

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

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Minimal
Frame rust risk
Minimal

Known issues by mileage

N/A
Bent/cracked wheel rims — #1 complaint. 2017 and 2019 had recalls. Inspect all 4 wheels carefully before buying.Major
N/A
Transmission shudder/jerk (2015)Moderate

Best and worst years

Best years

  • 2019Final year, most refined
  • 2016
  • 2018

Years to avoid

  • 2015Transmission issues
  • 2014Early production bugs

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$924 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
3/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.7[1]
Severe issue probability
10%[1]
250k-mile survival
35%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Led Assembly
At major retailer
No
Headlight benchmark
4/10

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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