Automotively speaking, my life hasn't been typical. I started with a Ford Escort that had a terminally ill clutch. I moved from there to an '87 Camaro that needed a new engine, transmission, and a few other things that aren't cheap. I got a bit smarter one day and purchased a '97 Firebird Trans Am. It was then that my future was set. Apparently I am destined to never buy a vehicle with less horsepower than the last. This year I moved up to a 2000 Torch Red Corvette Coupe and never looked back.

My first impression when I took it for a test drive was "wow". I couldn't believe the amount of power it has. Well, maybe I can, but it still startled me a bit. My second thought was "how much is insurance going to set me back until I turn 25?" Accelerating from any speed proved to be effortless and the traction control kept me from angering the local law enforcement. Handling is exceptional though oversteer (where the rear end loses traction) is typical for a front-engine rear-drive car; this is why I keep the Active Handling turned on. Active Handling doesn't get in the way of having fun and I've only gotten it to kick in once while executing a tail-out U-turn in the rain, so I generally leave it on in case I get in over my head.

After driving it for the first time I opened the hood and stared. The way everything is laid out under the hood is stunning. Chevy outdid themselves on the execution of the engine compartment. The fuel-rail covers help keep things looking clean and the fluid tanks have a kind of "square bubble wrap" styling that I find handsome.

After drooling on the front fender a bit, I moved back to the driver's seat to concentrate more on the interior and less on how quickly I could scare the salesman. The first thing I noticed was how incredibly comfortable the up-level sports seats are. Only the parts of the seat the touch the driver are leather, but the vinyl and cloth that covers the rest of the seat doesn't look too shabby. I had no problem finding a seating position that appeals to me through use of the electric seat adjustments and telescoping/tilt steering wheel.

The instrument layout is great and has a multi-level 3-D look to it which is very cool at night. I have found the heads-up display to be exceedingly useful, though I disabled the RPM display as the car I bought is an automatic. The Corvette comes with a DIC (Driver's Information Center) which gives more information than the average person will need, but less information than I want. The buttons to control the DIC are to the right and are masked from view by the steering wheel. Readouts consist of tire pressures of all four wheels (as they are all run-flats), oil temperature, average MPG, range remaining, etc; just to cite a few examples.

The glovebox and center console storage are just about useless because they are so small. I keep napkins and a pair of shades in the middle and paperwork in the glovebox. Low-quality plastic is easy to find, especially covering what little ceiling the coupe has and on the dash and center console. The roof latch on the driver's side has an annoying rattle that no amount of research has yielded a fix for.

Trunk space is amazing for a 2-seater and my wife and I were both able to pack heavy for a trip and still had space left over.

People say they wouldn't spend the extra money for a 'Vette when they could get a Camaro or Firebird with almost as much power for much cheaper. Well, you aren't paying for power. You're paying for dependability, refinement, handling, and exclusivity combined with that power. Sure, you could buy a Lexus for the same price and get more refinement, but less power. You could buy a Porsche 911 with as much power and more refinement, but at a much higher price.

Amount Paid (US$): 44000
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2000
Model and Options: Coupe w/ 1SC package