Hello all, after having a few Corvettes in the past ( a C3,C4 and a C7), I’m looking for a C5 or a C6 for every day driving throughout the spring, summer and fall months. After getting in and out of the C3 and C4 I was hoping that my C7 would be a bit easier to enter and exit and when I test drove it, it was in fact a little easier in that aspect. I will admit to being stunned at how beautiful the C7 Vettes were when I first saw one and that may have played a part with not realizing the seat bolster so much when I took it for a test drive. I was giddy and drooling over it LOL. Plus the power that this base model completely stock Vette had was pretty darn impressive. I went ahead with the purchase. The C7 was absolutely a remarkable machine with many improvements across the board mainly being performance related IMO. I have been a lifelong Corvette enthusiast and I certainly enjoyed my older models as well. Although I loved the styling of my C7 Base 1LT, it was very uncomfortable on rides longer than 30 min. I’m average size 6’ and slender so I fit fine in all my Vettes but the seat bolsters in my C7 were extremely unforgiving and very uncomfortable. There were no real fixes for this except for unconventional suggestions and the dealership was not helpful whatsoever. Every Vette I owned in the past has had quirks so I am very familiar with what may occur but two months after my C7’s warranty expired, my change oil light came on and would not shut off. Not for me and not for the dealership. Oil changes were on time but the indicator light was stuck on. I purposely bought a CPO BASE ( no need for unnecessary electronics in a 455hp beast ) trying to avoid and potential problems and headaches that I have had with my older models. I ended up selling the C7 and I do miss having a Corvette. With that, both the C5’s and C6’s look like they do in fact have comfortable seats and I’m wondering which one I may be better off buying. I’m currently interested in a 2002-2004 C5 convertible or Z06 as a daily driver (no rain) or a 2006-2008 C6 convertible. I am a fan of the styling of both and am looking for a combination of comfort and dependability (and fun!) . I’d appreciate some opinions because I really do not know much about these models nor have I ever even sat in one. Any info on comfortable seats would be helpful. My C3 and C4 were both comfortable but the rocker panels sat so high on each of them and it made it hard to get in and out and I’m not looking for that problem again! Sorry for the long post, I’m just trying to get into the right car because I absolutely loved my C7 but I was disappointed by it as well.

 

A lot of people complain about the seats in the C5s. I don't have an issue with how mine feel but I did have to replace the shims in the passenger track which is a common issue on them. My drivers seat was reupholstered within the past few years so that may sway my opinion as well.

 

A lot of us C5 owners end up putting c7 seats in our cars

 

If you like the C7, I'd go back to a C7, and swap in some seats that are more your fancy. Lots and LOTS of options, but the dealership will not help you with such. There are plenty of shops that can help you with such. You could even take the stock C7 seats to a local upholstery shop and have them reshaped more to your comfort and liking.

I find C6 stock interiors too "plastic-y" and generic for the most part. The C7 cockpit is too small for my comfort. As mentioned, plenty of people throw rocks at C5 seats. I'm perfectly fine with them though. I'm 6'2", 185lbs, and a 35" inseam, and run my seat all the way back and reclined against the bulkhead. My legs are not completely flat (knees bent), which would be nice. But I'm still comfortable. Many people complain about C5 seat tracks that wear and the seat rocks; but not a problem here.

 

Seat comfort is going to vary by each individual - body shape plays a big part in the comfort level. I found the seats in each of my three C5s (sport seats) to be comfortable, and the seats in my C7 are a bit better than the C5s. Again, everyone has a different tolerance level for comfort.

 

It's not comfort as much as the complete lack of real bolsters in the C5's seats are just horrible. You can tell that is one area where they saved money in production. I changed mine out and it made the car so much better and comfortable for me. No more sloppy seats and sliding around in corners. And they look WAY better!

 

FWIW..I don’t think the c5 seats are terrible for everyday drives, except when the wires cut into foam destroying the padding and little bolsters they offer. If that’s addressed via jute padding and new foam, if needed, they work. My
friend has a c6 and i thought they were more comfortable than my c5 stockers.

 

C5 seats are VERY comfortable. Been on a few 1,000+ mi road trips and it's the most comfortable car I have taken on a trip. I am 6'2" and about 250lbs. It's what has kept me from getting my favorite looking corvette (C4) and I still want a C7 but have been afraid to pull the trigger because of stories like this.

Like others have said, there are issues with them - but it's not comfort related (in my experience). There is the seat-rock that will happen to almost every C5, especially for us bigger guys but there is a $10-$20 kit and about 40 mins of your time that will fix that. Super easy fix and tons of documentation and video's out there on how to do it. I recently have an issue where the outside rail of my driver side - the flanges that go into the seat frame are a little loose so I have a small rock... again. The flanges are easy to get too but you have to drill out a rivet to install the new one. I think C&S sells a kit for it - also easy to do but you need a grinder and punch for that rivet.

All that said, very minor issues that do not take away the comfort and ease of getting in and out of a C5.

Personal opinion: Stay away from the C6 due to the gas-tank issues (they leak and are a fire hazard. It affects ALL C6 Corvettes) - like any car though you may or may not ever experience that issue.
Also, C5 has flip-up headlights. Personal reason to own one

 

C5 seats are nice and comfortable for me 5 foot 6, I daily my car and take long trips with it. Now if I take a fast turns I slide allover the place so much that it saps my confidence in the car.
I have been debating replacing my seat or adding Velcro to my pants, comfort wise the sport seat works for me.

 

Thanks so much for all off the great replies and suggestions. I was a fan of the C5’s design when it launched and I still like the model very much. That being said, the rocker panels look like they sit a bit lower and the seats look a bit wider so I think I’d be more comfortable in that than the C7. I don’t want to sound like I’m looking to be nice and cozy in these cars either. I’m well aware that if comfort is really what im after than I have so many choices with other makes and models. I really do appreciate all the comments and you all make excellent points for me to consider.

 

Per @Missileboy , the issue isn't so much C5 seat comfort, as the near total lack of lateral support. Also, the seats weren't constructed from the highest quality components, so they tend to wear prematurely.

Frankly, the way that you gush about the C7, I would question whether you would be happy "settling" for a C5. You should definitely drive one because there is a night and day difference between the C5 and C7.