Vette Quality issues
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,723
Likes: 0
From: Body by Zaino! Near St Louis!
Originally Posted by Vozin
I dunno how to say this - I love the vette - but after owning a Lexus - I feel let down by GM - My car is in the shop much more ofter - I do not get the same attention from the dealer and interior is on par with my Maid's Chevette (hmmm)
I mean really - the stock radio is the same one in many GM cars and trucks and the rest of the interior plastics are blah... A Nissan Sentra has a nicer interior - I only wish GM would stop worrying about the bottom line and put some pride in the vette - otherwise I really like the car..
Ps: One last gripe - 1997-2004: 8 years and they all look EXACTLY the same (save for the wheels)!! What happened to product development?
I mean really - the stock radio is the same one in many GM cars and trucks and the rest of the interior plastics are blah... A Nissan Sentra has a nicer interior - I only wish GM would stop worrying about the bottom line and put some pride in the vette - otherwise I really like the car..
Ps: One last gripe - 1997-2004: 8 years and they all look EXACTLY the same (save for the wheels)!! What happened to product development?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
From: Bloomsburg Pa
Originally Posted by Vozin
I dunno how to say this - I love the vette - but after owning a Lexus - I feel let down by GM - My car is in the shop much more ofter - I do not get the same attention from the dealer and interior is on par with my Maid's Chevette (hmmm)
I mean really - the stock radio is the same one in many GM cars and trucks and the rest of the interior plastics are blah... A Nissan Sentra has a nicer interior - I only wish GM would stop worrying about the bottom line and put some pride in the vette - otherwise I really like the car..
Ps: One last gripe - 1997-2004: 8 years and they all look EXACTLY the same (save for the wheels)!! What happened to product development?
I mean really - the stock radio is the same one in many GM cars and trucks and the rest of the interior plastics are blah... A Nissan Sentra has a nicer interior - I only wish GM would stop worrying about the bottom line and put some pride in the vette - otherwise I really like the car..
Ps: One last gripe - 1997-2004: 8 years and they all look EXACTLY the same (save for the wheels)!! What happened to product development?
Trust me, I can totally understand how you feel. I traded my 2003 GS for the vette. I fully accepted that no GM (even Cadillac) can compare to a Lexus in build quality and refinement. Simply put though, I didn't buy the vette for Lexus quality or comfort. I bought it for the looks, performance and SMILE factor. Just enjoy the vette for the car it was designed to be.
Save the wave!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 14,372
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis IN
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Originally Posted by Vozin
I dunno how to say this - I love the vette - but after owning a Lexus - I feel let down by GM - My car is in the shop much more ofter - I do not get the same attention from the dealer and interior is on par with my Maid's Chevette (hmmm)
I mean really - the stock radio is the same one in many GM cars and trucks and the rest of the interior plastics are blah... A Nissan Sentra has a nicer interior - I only wish GM would stop worrying about the bottom line and put some pride in the vette - otherwise I really like the car..
Ps: One last gripe - 1997-2004: 8 years and they all look EXACTLY the same (save for the wheels)!! What happened to product development?
I mean really - the stock radio is the same one in many GM cars and trucks and the rest of the interior plastics are blah... A Nissan Sentra has a nicer interior - I only wish GM would stop worrying about the bottom line and put some pride in the vette - otherwise I really like the car..
Ps: One last gripe - 1997-2004: 8 years and they all look EXACTLY the same (save for the wheels)!! What happened to product development?
I can't believe you are driving a Vette with your pessimistic view of most everything about it. You should put it up for sale and let someone who will appreciate it put it in their driveway. Then you can get your new Lexus and let your maid pick you up from the dealer in her Chevette while it's in for service. 
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Havre de Grace MD
There is always something to complain about. I have had 2 C4s and 1 C5 and have had no major problem and only a few minor problems. I sold my 93 with 112,000 miles and it was running strong.
The bottom line is owning a Corvette is better than owning a Lexus.
The bottom line is owning a Corvette is better than owning a Lexus.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,101
Likes: 0
From: Richwood Kentucky
I really don't understand why people buy sports cars and complain that it’s not a GT. They make GT's, if that's what you want buy one. I drove a Lexus and I was disappointed because is stopped like a freight train, accelerated like a pickup and ran the track like the pace car.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
I will readily admit that the C5 does not have a lexus caliber interior. They use better leather, thicker carpet, more noise insulation, and very nice wood trim - and it all fits together with the precision of a swiss watch.
But, for a sports car, the C5 interior is not bad at all. I don't mind sharing the head unit with the Camaro, Tahoe, and everyone else. I actually like to be able to get into other GM cars and instantly know what every button on the radio does. I like that it has a better turn signal stalk with a more refined action than the old style GM part. Steernig wheel radio controls are borderline useless - I wouldn't mind them, but don't desire them. Note, most lexi don't have them (actually, i can't think of one Lexus that has them?). And I like the rubberized door lock and window switches.
The parts fit nicely, the seats are comfy, and there aren't any rattles. It could be improved, (i.e. a flush mount radio like the C6 has, rather than an overlapping trim piece like the C5 had) but it's none to shabby as it sits.
But, for a sports car, the C5 interior is not bad at all. I don't mind sharing the head unit with the Camaro, Tahoe, and everyone else. I actually like to be able to get into other GM cars and instantly know what every button on the radio does. I like that it has a better turn signal stalk with a more refined action than the old style GM part. Steernig wheel radio controls are borderline useless - I wouldn't mind them, but don't desire them. Note, most lexi don't have them (actually, i can't think of one Lexus that has them?). And I like the rubberized door lock and window switches.
The parts fit nicely, the seats are comfy, and there aren't any rattles. It could be improved, (i.e. a flush mount radio like the C6 has, rather than an overlapping trim piece like the C5 had) but it's none to shabby as it sits.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,396
Likes: 2
From: North Manchester Indiana
I love the c5 interior, it has a decent feel to it, and looks like a sports car inside, not too many gizmos but has enough to play with. I love the rubber controls in the doors, way cool to me, easy to use and keep clean...as far as the new c6, it may be better, but I have so many goodie son my car, no way can I afford to sell it and pay more for a c6,,,,,plus my car will smoke a c6 and a lexus
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 0
From: St. Robert Missouri
Originally Posted by eddie44
I think most here would agree with the quality issues but I don't know that you'll find alot of support for the product development comment. Most of us love the C5 lines. With the C6 coming out I for one am not overly impressed. I'm sure some day I'll end up with one but I'm not like alot of guys that go 
over it. Check back with me in 3-4 years and you'll probably find a C6 in my garage but for now I'm very happy with the C5 styling.
over it. Check back with me in 3-4 years and you'll probably find a C6 in my garage but for now I'm very happy with the C5 styling. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 5
From: Plainfield, IL
I agree with most of you. GM built a car that can hang with most much more expensive import vehicles. If they wanted the car to have an interior like a Lexus or BMW they would have built it, and you would have paid for it. I personally find my C5's interior to look very good, so far its very tight and rattle free. I have drivin a Lexus LS400 for about a week nice car but sure doesnt have any fun factor. Not that its supposed to or anything.
Here is me driving my corvette
Here is me driving the Lexus
Here is me driving my corvette
Here is me driving the Lexus
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
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CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
For the price, I think you get a lot of bang for the buck with the Vette. Styling is awesome and maybe that is why they did not feel a need to do much change in the life of the C5. Yes, the interior could be a bit better, but then the price would go up.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 12,952
Likes: 0
From: Greer SC
Cruise-In II Veteran
My experience with our Corvette & our Lexus is just the opposite.
Basically no problems with the Vette.
With the 2004 Lexus RX-330:
All 4 wheels & tires had to be replaced due to serious vibration.
Windshield replaced due to 2-foot long stress crack.
Window motor replaced.
Transmission replaced (twice).
Cruise control has intermittent problems.
Engine surges on deceleration, computer reprogrammed.
Numerous rattles & noises.
With vehicles it is the luck of the draw.
Basically no problems with the Vette.
With the 2004 Lexus RX-330:
All 4 wheels & tires had to be replaced due to serious vibration.
Windshield replaced due to 2-foot long stress crack.
Window motor replaced.
Transmission replaced (twice).
Cruise control has intermittent problems.
Engine surges on deceleration, computer reprogrammed.
Numerous rattles & noises.
With vehicles it is the luck of the draw.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Originally Posted by Vozin
Ps: One last gripe - 1997-2004: 8 years and they all look EXACTLY the same (save for the wheels)!! What happened to product development?
I agree with everything you've said except the above. I like it that GM didn't change the body during the C5 years. It was nice knowing I could get another new C5 and it still be the same. Cars today change body styles much to quickly. To many changes in a car means new problems.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Chandler AZ
I like the interior in the C5. Sure there are a couple of cheap plastic pieces but I wouldn't compare it to a Chevette. I had a 95 camaro and that was a cheap interior. I don't think I've ever seen a cheaper looking interior in my life. I think they used the cheapest plastic they could find. Most of the interior on a C5 is padded and I like the way it looks. I do think they could have put a nicer radio in it.
As far as GM not changing the body style, how many years did the 911 look the same? Probably alot longer than the C5. Thats what makes it a classic.
How many people waved to you when you were driving your Lexus? I got a record 4 waves yesterday just driving around for a couple of hours.
As far as GM not changing the body style, how many years did the 911 look the same? Probably alot longer than the C5. Thats what makes it a classic.
How many people waved to you when you were driving your Lexus? I got a record 4 waves yesterday just driving around for a couple of hours.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville AL
I'm been following the CF for a few weeks as I finally bought an 04 C5 Torch Red Coupe after lusting for 40 years for a Vette....figured it was about time we enjoyed some benefits of many years work! Had to jump in on this one........!! We have a couple other cars including a Lexus RX-330. They're both entirely different vehicles bought for entirely different reasons. After driving the C5, I can easily see why the CF members, for the most part, are absolutely in love with the car. Unless I encounter something to change my mind, I believe I've found a car that I love more than any other I've ever owned. The Lexus has been flawless since I bought it 6 months ago, but it just doesn't put the smile on my face that the C5 does........enough said!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,269
Likes: 50
From: Dallas Texas
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'09-'10
Let's face it, the Vette is a low volume production vehicle. To get the handling and performance for the price, sacrifices have to be made in other areas. We can condemn the GM accountants, but if the car did everything we wanted, it would be in the Viper, Porche 911 price range or higher. That would be out of reach for a lot of us.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 916
Likes: 0
From: NC
If you really are a corvette person and know the long history of the car, then all you have to do and look back at all the quality problems they have had in the past. The 63 (one of my favorites, thanks Larry S.) had a lot of quality problems, the tri-power set up could go up in flames, the '68 is probably the worst of the bunch with the '84 not far behind. GM finally got the fuel injectors right in '89 after 5 long years. I could go on and on, but the point is I don't buy the car for the quality expecting the level of Lexus. I buy it for the performance and style. There is no substitute for 5500 RPM with your son in the car smiling from ear to ear. I will say the stereo system does suck. I can live with that. I still am having to get used to the crappy C6 boring style. But guess what, we are looking for 500 stock HP Z06 to be rolling out in less than 2 years. Yee..Haaaaaaa
