DecodedCars2008 Chevrolet Corvette
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible RWD, Coupe 2dr RWD, Z06 Coupe 2dr RWD
- Engines
- 6.2L 8-cyl, 7.0L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 16 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 174.8–175.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,131–3,199 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Many owner complaints486 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 5 for similar models — most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (6.2L 8-cyl and 7.0L 8-cyl) 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), 2% better than the 2008 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $4,350 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 486 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2008
- Engine added: 6.2L 8-cyl
- Engine dropped: 6.0L 8-cyl
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Corvette →
Trims, performance & features
Built in: Bowling Green, Kentucky
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2008 Corvette configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
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 | 52/48 |
| Coupe 2dr RWD | 174.8 in | 72.4 in | 49.2 in | 104.7 in | 61.8 / 61 in | 3,179 lb | 52/48 |
| Z06 Coupe 2dr RWD | 175.6 in | 76 in | 49.2 in | 105.9 in | 63.8 / 63.4 in | 3,131 lb | 51/49 |
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 | 6.2L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 26 / 19 | +2% | $4,350 | 468 |
| Corvette | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 25 / 18 | -3% | $4,550 | 494 |
| Corvette | 7.0L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | -3% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Dodge Viper | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Nissan 350z | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Shelby Mustang GT | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Chevrolet Corvette buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 356 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Engine — 42 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 25 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 48,000 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 2008 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 →