DecodedCars2005 Chevrolet Corvette
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible RWD, Coupe 2dr RWD
- Engines
- 6.0L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 16 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 174.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,179–3,199 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Many owner complaints179 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 5 for similar models — most often about the steering.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Chevrolet Corvette is a two seaters offered with a 6.0L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,199 lb (2dr Convertible RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 26 highway), 4% better than the 2005 two seaters average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,350 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 179 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible RWD | 174.8 in | 72.4 in | 49.2 in | 104.7 in | 61.8 / 61 in | 3,199 lb | 60/40 |
| Coupe 2dr RWD | 174.8 in | 72.4 in | 49.2 in | 104.7 in | 61.8 / 61 in | 3,179 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corvette | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | +4% | $4,350 | 468 |
| Corvette | 6.0L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 26 / 19 | +4% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Chevrolet Corvette (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Dodge Viper | 13 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Ford GT | 14 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Nissan 350z | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · May 14, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V251000 · 103,158 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles manufactured March 29, 2004, through June 22, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) housing can expand and cause the headlamp low beam relay control circuit wire to bend. If the wire is repeatedly bent, it may fracture causing a loss of low beam headlamp illumination.
- Risk
- The loss of low beam headlamp illumination will decrease the driver's visibility, as well as the vehicle's conspicuity to other motorists, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a jumper wire to correct this condition, free of charge. The recall began January 2, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 13146. Note: Model year 2008-2013 Chevrolet Corvettes will be covered under customer satisfaction program number 14203 for the same issue.
Steering › Column · Apr 26, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V172000 · 40,028 vehicles
- Problem
- GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 AND 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 2004 AND JANUARY 2006 EQUIPPED WITH A TILT AND TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN (RPO N37). IN RARE CASES, REPEATED MOVEMENT OF THE STEERING COLUMN MAY CAUSE A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION WITHIN THE COLUMN. IF THIS OCCURS, THE MESSAGE, "SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM" WILL APPEAR IN THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER, AND ONE OR MORE OF THE BRAKES MAY APPLY, POSSIBLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT.
- Risk
- IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE CHANGE IN VEHICLE MOVEMENT, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
- Fix
- GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Not every 2005 Chevrolet Corvette is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Chevrolet Corvette buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 34 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Power Train — 33 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 31 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 52,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Corvette years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Corvette | 18 | – | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2026 Corvette | 19 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 3 |
| 2025 Corvette | 19 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 11 |
| 2024 Corvette | 19 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 21 |
| 2023 Corvette | 19 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 27 |
| 2022 Corvette | 19 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 21 |
| 2021 Corvette | 19 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 13 |
| 2020 Corvette | 19 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 34 |
| 2019 Corvette | 19 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 148 |
| 2018 Corvette | 19 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 51 |
| 2017 Corvette | 19 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 257 |
| 2016 Corvette | 21 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 104 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →