2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 review from North America

Fuel filler hose replaced under the original warranty at 11000 miles. This is a common problem (some gas stations will shut off before the tank is full).

Headlight motor failed at 14000 miles. Replaced under extended warranty (non-warranty cost is about $600)

I track this car a fair bit (road course). There is nothing anywhere near the price range that can come close (assuming similar driver skill). Many 911 drivers have asked me what have I done to the engine only to find out I am running stock power.

You can spin your tires all the way into 3rd gear if you are into that sort of thing. The handling is very predictable and dare I say, user-friendly. The car gives you plenty of warning if you push it too hard and Active Handling will get you out of tough spots if you refuse to listen.

Only the most expensive Porsches, exotic supercars north of $150k, or dedicated race-only cars come close as far as performance goes (the new C6 Z06 is, of course, 100 HP faster). This is not bragging or magazine numbers speculation. This is what I have observed in the years I have been tracking the car.

For everyday driving the car works well. The seats are comfortable during long rides, the interior is functional (although a bit plasticy). The trunk is surprisingly spacious. In normal town driving the car is quite civil - as long as you stay in high gear and under 2k RPM, it feels almost like a family sedan. The suspension is a little stiff going over bumps and such. It does not bother me that much, and you can always drop a few psi of tire pressure to somewhat mitigate that.

I do spend quite a bit on normal track wear items (brakes, tires, fluids). I do most of the work myself so the expenses are not too bad.

I did upgrade my shocks to 2004 Z06 model ones, it improves tracking over the rough pavement. The drive train has been trouble free even though I use every bit of it.

Heads-up display is an amazing feature, I have no idea why they don't put that in every car on the road.

Word of advice to the owners (or future owners) - avoid lowering the car, it does interfere with the handling. Stock ride height is what the suspension is tuned for.