1989 Chevrolet Corvette 5.7L L89 from North America

Summary:

I was glad to get rid of it

Faults:

Something broke on it about every 2 months. Was in garage more than on the road.

Major things - 3 fuel pumps, injectors plugged up, ECM blew. Last straw was head gasket started leaking.

General Comments:

Maybe I got a bad one, but I hear the above problems are normal for a Corvette? If so, I don't want another one.

Performance was odd. I never felt I was fully in control.

Very uncomfortable, and hard to get in and out.

Cheap materials for the interior. Looks like a sixth grader installed it with elmers glue and bubblegum.

The reason I chose this car is the same reason I chose women... for the way it looked... great looking car... too bad it let me down the same way as every good looking woman I've dated... you think I would have learned by now and just marry a fat chick.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th January, 2010

17th May 2015, 14:22

As for the guy with the 89 Vette, you must have gotten a bad motor, or one that was not taken care of. I got mine in 1992 from Napoleon Ohio, just south of Toledo Ohio. I went thru all their used Vettes, and there were a lot back then. I got a black one and found out it was from New York. It had high mileage for a 3 year old car; around 60,000. It now has around 93,000 or so, and it still looks great and runs great. Sure there are things that go bad in any car. But with the Internet today, you can tackle almost any job, if you're mechanically inclined.

Bobby.

1989 Chevrolet Corvette C4 Convertible L89 350ci from North America

Summary:

More addictive than crack cocaine and safer than sex

Faults:

Factory Alternator Failed.

Brakes Vacuum Assist Failed.

Power Seat and Window Switches Failed.

Electronic Climate Control Fails Intermittently.

General Comments:

Overall a wonderful performance vehicle. Blistering acceleration, grips road like a magnet and head turning good looks.

The engine has been about bullet proof. Items which failed are to be expected of a vehicle driven daily of this age.

If you cannot work on cars yourself, expect some difficulty finding an experienced Corvette mechanic, and they come at a premium cost.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th January, 2005

24th Jan 2005, 08:10

"an experienced Corvette mechanic"?

Why would you need to find one of those? Doesn't the powertrain (especially on an '89) use most if not all the same components found on other GM vehicles?

16th Feb 2010, 15:02

The electronics with all the relay switches and four on board computer on the 89 vette make it more advanced than most 2010 cars on the road! Don't believe me, road race one on a twistie, curvy road, see ya!!! The c-4 (1983.5-1996) suspension is so advanced you can buy the package out of Ecklers for the C-2 for three thousand dollars!!!

Vette owner/lover.

1989 Chevrolet Corvette Hatchback 350 V8 Tuned Port Injection from North America

Summary:

The best high performance vehicle made in America and a bargain at any price

Faults:

The starter failed at 85,000 miles. According to the car's logbook, this was the second starter replacement.

The battery failed about the same time and I had it replaced with a heavy duty model.

General Comments:

Driving a Corvette is like nothing else. I have owned everything from a Volkswagen Beetle to a Lincoln Town Car and this is in a class of its own.

The car does ride rough compared to a typical sedan, but that's part of the personality of the vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd January, 2004

1989 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 5.7L V8 from North America

Summary:

A fun weekend car

Faults:

The alternator is the weak spot in this car. If you buy a Corvette, look for a heavy-duty alternator to replace the stock one. Also, you should replace the battery, if it hasn't been replaced already, buy the best battery you can afford. I have been stranded by the battery/alternator problem twice, but never again!

The radiator fins need to be cleaned regularly if you live in the country, since this car is a bottom-feeder. All kinds of dirt and junk collect in the fan shroud and in the fins.

Air-conditioning clutch needed to be replaced. It was easy to do.

Radiator fan motor died, but it was easy to replace.

General Comments:

The Corvette is a supercar! I don't know how to begin to express my love for Corvettes. This is my third one, the first two being a 1986 coupe and a 1990 convertible. I bought this 1989 coupe ten years ago and I still love it.

The body is made of fiberglass, and the hood is huge. It swings upward effortlessly with a pull of your hand. It's easy to work on the engine because the hood is so big. I do a lot of my own work on the car, things like brakes, replacing hoses, spark plugs, etc.

The Corvette handles extremely well on twisting mountain roads, so it's definitely a fun weekend cruiser. People come up to me all the time and say "what year is that?" and "oh wow, a Corvette!". This is not a car for introverts! As for styling, it's low, wide, and sleek.

I can't recommend this generation of Corvette as an everyday driver, because it's too impractical. I understand that the C5, the newest Corvette, is much more comfortable for everyday driving.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th May, 2002

14th Dec 2003, 00:43

I have to agree with you 100%!!! I drive my 89 corvette every single day. Rain or shine. It is out side driving. And it is by far, way more comfortable then my moms 2000 ford explorer. It has leather seats as so does the corvette, but there is something abou those super seats... gotta love them.