2006 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Test Drive

Tooling around in America's sports car

America's sports car. Only one production vehicle can legitimately lay claim to that title: The Chevrolet Corvette. So when GM tossed me the keys (the keyless ignition fob, actually) to a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, I was thrilled. After all, the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible lists for $51,390 ($64,815 as tested, including $1,995 for the Power Convertible Top option) with a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty and an EPA estimate of 17 mpg city/27 mpg highway. Is Corvette up to the hype?

Firest glance: Looks great, but fit and finish could be better

Corvette's sixth design generation hit the market as a 2005 model. In the looks department, the "C6" Corvette is the coolest-looking edition since the C2 finished its run in 1967. Purists may bemoan the loss of the retractable headlights, a Corvette signature feature since 1963, but they had to go in the interest of aerodynamics.

There's no mistaking a 'Vette for anything else, but the C6 has more of an exotic flavor than ever. Corvette is one hot looking car. The soft top is low-profile, with a glass rear window and a high-quality canvas roof that fits precisely. Top down, Corvette goes from merely gorgeous to absolutely stunning. The top disappears into a well behind the seats and is covered by a body-colored fiberglass cowl that softens the look of the flat rear trunk lid. Short overhangs front and rear add a really muscular look to the ‘Vette, and cool quad exhaust pipes emit a growl that leaves no doubt that the look is for real.

I was a little disappointed with the fit and finish of the exterior on my test vehicle. The trunk lid was difficult to close and didn't really fit right. Body gaps and seams were a little uneven -- not the precision machinery that I expect in a car that starts north of fifty grand.

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In the Driver's Seat: What's with the door latches?

I've got a candidate for silliest use of technology: the Corvette's power door latches. There's a touch switch where you'd expect to find a mechanical latch, and a button to press on the door to release it from the interior. If you have to explain how to enter and exit the car to every passenger, you're not dealing with a simple, intuitive design in my book.

Once you get inside, the appointments are quite nice. My test vehicle was loaded with options, including a $3,395 "Preferred Equipment Group" which featured heated seats (a must in a luxury convertible), head-up display, power telescoping steering wheel and perforated leather seats. The seat adjustment was particularly useful, providing a wide range of fit for different sized drivers.

There's not much extra space in the cabin of the Corvette, but it doesn't feel cramped. The fact that there's an 11 cubic foot trunk out back helps a lot. You lose about half of that space with the top down, but it's still big enough for a golf bag and a weekend's worth of clothing.

The gauge cluster above the steering wheel is chock full of easy-to-read information. I've gotten quite used to audio and nav controls on the steering wheel, and I missed them on the ‘Vette. Guess I'm spoiled.

On the Road: Power trip

The Corvette is all about horsepower and torque. The LS2 engine displaces 6.0 liters and produces 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. My test vehicle was equipped with a six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, which allows you to choose your shift points when the car is in "Sport" mode. The transmission made good use of the powerband in "D" without my intervention. If I were buying, I'd choose to skip the automatic transmission option ($1,250) and stick with the standard six-speed manual.

The head-up display is a great safety feature for serious drivers. An adjustable gauge is projected on the windshield just above the hood line so that you can see your speed and engine RPM by changing your focus without taking your eyes off the road ahead.

Corvette's acceleration is outstanding -- you won't even be tempted by the kid in the tuner car in the next lane, he'll look like such easy meat to you. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, and it's no challenge to modulate at any speed. Handling is secure and stable in both "Touring" and "Sport" suspension settings. There's a tempting button that turns off the traction control -- push this one at your peril. With 400 hp on tap, it's possible to get in a lot of trouble in a hurry.

Journey's End: Yup, it's a real sports car

If you've always dreamed of a Corvette, the 2006 Corvette Convertible is the most technologically advanced, roadworthy and useable ‘Vette you could envision. I loved driving it around. It made me yearn to drive the Corvette Z06 (review). For $70,000 you get a 505 hp monster with a 7.0 liter V8 engine that will literally pin you to your seat at full throttle. By some measures, the ‘Vette is a bargain. Measure it against the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, Dodge Viper or BMW Z4 M Roadster, and the horsepower per dollar equation favors the Chevy. It may be the best bang for the buck in the category.

The challenge for Corvette comes not from above, but from below. How can you justify spending over $50,000 for a Corvette when you can pick up a Mazda MX-5 Miata, a Pontiac Solstice GXP or a Saturn Sky Red Line for under $30,000? No, you won't get the same measure of luxury, but you can have almost as much fun on the city streets, and you'll get better gas mileage as well. Or how about a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible, which is rated to produce 505 hp for around $47,000?

The good news is that there are lots of good choices out there. I can't wait to drive them all -- but I would gladly drive the Corvette Convertible every day.