The YouTube channel TFLclassics buys one of the most underrated performance cars in their opinion, a C5 Chevrolet Corvette. The fifth generation of the sports car from Chevrolet offers a number of qualities that make it a desirable option for drivers who want both value and performance.
Check out the video on their channel to see why a C5 Corvette may be a car that shouldn't get overlooked for enthusiasts who want power and performance but are also price-conscious.
1999 Chevrolet Corvette: Overlooked Performance
The 1999 C5 Chevrolet Corvette has just 40,000 miles on the odometer and costs just $14,000, despite being over 20 years old. It has solid performance with low miles for less than the cost of a new Kia Rio. It is one of the best ways to get good performance for a reasonable price.
They comment that the C5 Corvette has a number of improvements over the C4 Corvette in terms of driving dynamics and mechanics. The C5 is also an early adopter of GM's celebrated LS engine which outputs 345 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
While the C5 does offer a number of improvements over its previous generation, the C5 isn't without its faults. They comment extensively on the quality of the interior which has a lot of hard plastics and as a result, feels cheap. This is a clear example of the low-quality interior that GM is often known for, particularly in cars of that era. Notably, the C5 Corvette is the final car sold in the United States with pop-up headlights, with the C5 generation lasting until 2004.
The C5 Chevrolet Corvette Is Fun And Comfortable To Drive
The C5 Corvette is on its original suspension which is very low to the ground. They comment that the car scrapes on nearly everything they drive over but the undercarriage of the car has built-in protection. This prevents damage to the car with the exception of extreme circumstances.
The car is mostly original with the exception of an aftermarket exhaust and a cup holder. Despite the car's lack of modifications, it is still powerful to drive and they enjoy the buildup of power as they take the Corvette for a drive on a remote two-lane road.
They reiterate that for the price, the fairly lightweight car with the power it outputs creates a solid driving car that is satisfying behind the wheel. Surprisingly, the C5 Corvette can get into the upper teens when it comes to fuel economy on the highway, making it surprisingly practical for drivers who place emphasis on miles per gallon.
The LS engine is also fairly reliable, isn't particularly expensive to maintain, and is enjoyable to drive. Production of the C5 sat just under 250,000 units, meaning that finding one used isn't too difficult.