2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 review from North America

At a heavily attended corporate golf scramble, the rear deck, which contained my clubs, wouldn't open. First and last time it's happened. The timing was world class.

Corvettes are THE working-class dream car, so they elicit a lot of emotion, good and bad. No matter one's perception, this is an excellent, well-engineered, incredibly quick vehicle. It personifies the now defunct red-blooded American vehicle: Built in America, by Americans, for Americans. It takes a strong sense of self to drive one, so I understand the skepticism which has dogged the car it's entire 53 years of production.

The engine builds up RPMs so quick, one has to work hard to stay ahead of the rev limiter. The first time I ran this one through the gears, I hit the limiter bang, bang, and yes, bang. The first three gears - I couldn't believe it - just a smidgen below red line each time.

I also have a luxury car with a fairly snazzy interior, so I understand the difference between it and the Corvette. GM spends the money on mechanical engineering in the Corvette - not on creature comforts. Much of that engineering then crosses platforms to other makes and models, and then eventually makes it's way to Europe.

Chevrolet pioneered hydro-formed frame rails, which makes the Corvette chassis incredibly stiff and rattle free. Many other GM models now share that technology, and I'm seeing it mentioned in import ads as well, now, several years later.

Another example, one of many, is the magnetic shock absorber suspension. The Z06 is a factory race car so doesn't have that option, but it does have aluminum A frames, a titanium hood as well as exhaust. Oh, and the HUD, head-up display. I first experienced it on my '99 Coupe. I really miss that when driving my crossover.

When it's all said and done, the Corvette is very satisfying to own and drive. Except in the worst winter weather, I drive it every day to work and park it in the company garage. Rowing the gears early in the morning is an absolute rush. What a way to ease into the office.

For the many nay sayers I saw commenting on one post, the Corvette is what it is. No aficionado ever says otherwise. But, the auto rags say plenty. Read 'em.