I get a question all the time, "what year is your car?" My response, 2002. They say "really, I thought it was much newer than that." When I had my 97 they were really surprised. Back in 97 the C5 was a big step forward in car design from the 90's. Now that the C7 is coming out the C5 is starting to look a little dated to me too. Kinda how I look at the C4 now but not as bad. But I think the Z will always have a place in my mind as a beautiful car.

 

I live in England so my car turns heads the minute I pull out of the garage. It's a classic; no ifs or buts

 

Stand out in a parking lot?? NO

Heck I can easily lose my car in a parking lot....it sits so low, it's hard to see!!

Oh, but when I do see it. It gives me a little thrill feeling because of how it looks....and to know it is mine.

It's classy and elegant and mean and beautiful and muscular and sporty all at the same time.

It has also been very practical with the good gas mileage, huge "trunk" and dependability.

And the driving experience never gets old or humdrum. If it does....I just press on the go pedal and smile once again.

Truly...an amazing car.

 

My 69' Vert was the best looking Vette out of the 3 I've had so far, rode like a covered wagon but was FAST (especially on the bottle). I like my C5 but the Chrome bumpered C3's, especially with the vacuum actuated wiper doors was the "BOMB".

 

Buying my C5 was a dream come true and everytime I park its hard not to look back at it, everytime i am at the light I feel all eyes on me and of course everytime i hit the gas it puts a smile on my face. My neighbors must think im crazy because im always cleaning it not that its that dirty but i dont like to see any dirt on my car (just me). I just love everything about MY C5!

 

I'll say that in terms of today's high end sports and exotic cars, my Z06 doesnt get all that much attention... Lots of guys at the local cars and coffee events have hundred thousand dollar plus cars, and while the C5 doesn't "pop" next to some of the more modern cars available today, it certainly stands the test of time when it comes to design... unlike the c4 cars (and to some extent the narrow body c6 cars as well)

I like to think I'm not biased, my z is the first american performance car I've ever owned and loved, and you'd certainly be hard pressed to find something as timeless in the looks department with the performance potential of the c5z (if I had, I wouldn't still own mine), but I genuinely think that the c5 corvette (especially the z) is the absolute best car you can own for the money these days.

I was extremely gratified a few weeks ago while talking to the judges at a local charity show in Hershey Pa, to hear them remark about how well my z has stood the test of time with 13 years and 70k on the odometer... "hey! this ones a DRIVER!" is a wonderful thing to hear from a bunch of guys tasked with judging porsche 959's, spykers, lambo's, and ferarri's!

 

My car is 10 years old now and to me, it still looks better than 99% of the cars out there, including the new ones. I get lots of comments from people who just can't believe mine is an '03 - they would have guessed much newer. The C5 design will prove to be a classic IMO.

 

Bill, first off I'd like to thank you for starting this thread. It's these kinds of threads that seem be bring out the best in our forum members.

Almost all of us share the passion you have for your C5. It seems the longer we own one, the more we fall in love with it.

My 16 y/o '97 Arctic White coupe gets looks and compliments that I can't believe.

However, at a car show with my best friend with a Torch Red C5 coupe, people will gravitate to the red car every time. His is slightly more modded than mine, but both cars detailed to a very high level. That doesn't make me like my car any less, or wish I had a red one. It is what it is. I love all 'Vettes in all colors!

 

I paid $49.000 for my 2003 1SC coupe, and it's now ten years old and I have to say Bill, you guys did a great job. I personally don't like red cars. But when I saw my 50th Anniversary coupe with the special paint I was sold. I'm not in too good of shape, But I found a detail shop in Wayne PA. They have a employee named Freddy, he is African American and about 55 years old, maybe more, but this gentlemen once given a buffing wheel and a container of Carnauba wax and in about one and a half hours', he returns to me a 2003 Corvette in Stunning Anniversary red. It looks so "wet" you could push your finger into the wet paint,

Even though it's garaged, I take it to him twice a year, he washes it and then 'clay bars' the entire car and then rewashes it and blow dries it and then he goes to work his magic on it. I always slip and $20.00 bill tip in his hand. but this man is a true craftsmen, What he can do with a wheel and the best carnauba wax is just something it hard for me to explain. You really have to experience the work. I've done some additions to my car, but Bill I think you guys hit the nail dead on the head with the C5. I could not ask for a better sports car. it does everything I ask of it. And most of you will think I an idiot, but in ten years, I've never taken the Targa top off of it. I know as soon as the C5 came out there was a hundred of the "Flying top club" but I'm old fashion, I like a convertible or a solid coupe top. but that's just me, we all like something different. But this the "one" for me.

 

Um it's a bright friggen red sportscar with shiny rims...could be why it stands out. Try parking next to a Lambo or Ferrari and see what stands out.

 

The C5 is starting to become a bit dated now but it wont take much to bring is back up to todays standards. Halo L.E.D taillights, L.E.D license plate lights, H.I.D headlights, Higher end/newer wheels, L.E.D interior lights.

 

Butt looks a little big

 

hmmm. That'a a lot like asking a hunt-club if they eat meat. You won't likely get an objective response

 

I've seen your car in person man .... Pictures do it NO JUSTICE ....

 

 

 

I'm glad that there are differences in opinion here. Some are 180 degrees out from where I stand... I'm also happy that this is not a captive audience where everyone who owns a corvette feels the same way I do. Some people say that the C5 is dated, and some say put it next to a couple of Ferraris and Lambos, then I would sing a different tune. the problem is that I've never parked anywhere, including the gym where the lots was full of Lambos and Ferraris... IN fact I've never come in contact in any of my travels where I parked next to an exotic car... what I was saying is that my 14 year old car with 90,000 miles and worth maybe 15/20 K can stand up visually next to 2012 and 2013 SUV and luxury passenger cars that are worth 2 to 3 times the money and have 1/10 the mileage. I daily get people coming up to me with positive comments ask if they can take a picture etc.... I don't see anyone walking up to a brand new 2013 Acura, Camry, Or a Buick Murano, or a Cadillac STS or Avalon or Lincoln XTX. and taking pictures next to it. and all those cars are worth 2 to 3 times what my car is worth. It takes me about ten minutes to park, go pay and pump 20 gallons of gas in my car, and in that time 80 % of the times I go to a gas station someone comes over to look at my car...and offer comments. Other here know exactly what I'm talking about. and I doubt if anyone other than going to a car show ( which I never do ) has ever parked next to a couple of Lambos and Ferraris at a gas station, bank or gym.

 

It does from me! I like that painted roof. I don't have the guts to do it...I'd love to do my black car with a white roof.

 

Very Well Said!!



I agree with you. It is the constructive criticism on here that has helped me form my car into what it is today... Yes I do what I want with it and will not let anyone tell me what I can and cannot do but the opinions help me make a calculated and informed judgement about what to do.

Like another said, It is threads like this that really bring out some members from the woodwork to share their opinion! AND I LIKE IT!!