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Chevrolet Corvette C5 (5th Generation)

1997–2004 · C5 · coupe

The C5 launched 1997 with the all-new LS1, the first Gen III small-block, all-aluminum, 5.7L, 345 hp. Hydroformed perimeter frame, rear transaxle, run-flat tires, and a coupe-only debut. Convertible returned for 1998. The Z06 hardtop arrived for 2001 with the LS6 (385 hp, then 405 hp for 2002-2004). Production ended after the 2004 model year; the C6 replaced it for 2005. The C5 is the platform that turned the Corvette into a genuine world-class sports car.

Watch out: Column lock failures on early C5s (later subject to recall) and steering column key-cylinder issues are well-known. Owner reports of leaking targa-top weather seals, harmonic balancer separation on higher-mileage cars, and intermittent CAGS (skip-shift) skip behavior on manuals are common.