Cheap plastic
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 1
Cheap plastic
I've always heard one of the downfalls of the c5 interior is the cheap plastic. I have a problem figuring out what cheap plastic is. Does it wear faster or break easy or something. Do they say it because having plastic in the interior is cheap or the plastic itself is cheap. I personally like the interior except for the shift **** and the radio and other than that I like the interior. I guess I may be one of the few.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 940
Likes: 0
From: Surprise Arizona
I've always heard one of the downfalls of the c5 interior is the cheap plastic. I have a problem figuring out what cheap plastic is. Does it wear faster or break easy or something. Do they say it because having plastic in the interior is cheap or the plastic itself is cheap. I personally like the interior except for the shift **** and the radio and other than that I like the interior. I guess I may be one of the few.
Sure it doesn't have the interior of cars costing twice as much, but the C5 interior - while not perfect - is certainly better than it is made out to be...especially when you consider the C5's overall bang-for-the-buck!
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 53
From: Warrington Pa.
My wife has a top of the line Buick, Lucerne with a very nice interior (same exact interior dash and console as the Caddy DTS), But it isn't as much fun to drive as my "cheap plastic interior" C5. I also don't think the audio system is as bad as some make it out to be, I have upgraded the speakers which helped some but it's still a sports car not a 9 speaker Harmon Kardon system in a slow tank
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
I don't think it's the fact that the interior is composed of "blah, blah" (looking) plastic surrounds, it's that it's not exotic wood, high tech aluminum or carbon fiber in appearance (?). That's not the look I want in my car, but to each his own.
I don't have any issues with mine as it is. I am amused by the people who increase the weight of their cars with 100# of a thumping mega watt sound system, oversize/overweight wheels/tires, googaws and widgets, then complain about loss of performance.
I don't have any issues with mine as it is. I am amused by the people who increase the weight of their cars with 100# of a thumping mega watt sound system, oversize/overweight wheels/tires, googaws and widgets, then complain about loss of performance.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I'm also a fan and apart from the HVAC unit which is somewhat bargain basement, i think it looks good. That said, I've replaced the HU and added a few leather trim pieces here and there.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 866
Likes: 0
From: Madison Wisconsin
I beg to differ with all of you. The interior isn't good at all. I feel really disconnected from everything it seems like. It's just the constant feel of plastic EVERYWHERE. behind you, infront of you. Common GM, wrap this stuff in leather or vinyl, get rid of the stupid thing below the ac controls, add an optional nav, and put some heated seats and call it a day.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,735
Likes: 14
From: Visalia CA
Maybe it's because I'm an old fart, but I think the C5's interior leaves much to be desired. Notice I didn't say I hated it, I just think it could be so much better. And I pretty much understand the reason it turned out the way it did.
I was a teenager in the sixties, and I remember metal dashes with chrome trim. I realize the cars of today can't have those things due to cost, weight, etc. I just can't help but believe that there's got to be a way GM could make the blah, ugly, black plastic interior look a little better. My $ .02 deposited.
I was a teenager in the sixties, and I remember metal dashes with chrome trim. I realize the cars of today can't have those things due to cost, weight, etc. I just can't help but believe that there's got to be a way GM could make the blah, ugly, black plastic interior look a little better. My $ .02 deposited.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 6
From: Santa Maria, CA
I find the interior plastic very basic, but durable. The inside of my 2006 Tacoma Double Cab was nice... but damaged VERY easily. I do agree that something with the legacy of the corvette should have a better interior.
Or you can look at it this way... it's a blank canvas and you could customize it yourself any way you want!
Or you can look at it this way... it's a blank canvas and you could customize it yourself any way you want!
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Dubai Mirdiff
If you are used to any form of quality in your life the interior is a total let down. Some of these boys have rose tinted shades when they drive 
Cheap plastic - 100%, Nasty Radio Unit, Nasty Aircon Unit.
(Applys flames retardent gel)
Cheap plastic - 100%, Nasty Radio Unit, Nasty Aircon Unit.
(Applys flames retardent gel)
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 14,109
Likes: 26
From: 4th on the list of top 100 in USA Ga.
I have to agree ,they could do something to add some color or a little class to the interior of such a fine car.I love my C-5 and realy, you have room for costumizing the interior with loads of aftermarket goodies.