Kflyer

Hey all, I'm looking at purchasing a C5 within a month or so. Where can I go to research the differences? Any opinions? Thanks -Kevin

rws.1

A lot of upgrades happened in 2001.
"01-"04 Vettes are essentially identical
here is a good resource... go through every field by year

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/

Ryan L

I will save you the drama by telling you that the best year will the one that the replying member bought.

The real answer is basically, get the newest one you can afford. The biggest difference from year to year was the 2001 model, so start there.

Ralphyboy

I think that it's the same with every type vette. The last year a particular model was made is usually the best because all the bugs are worked out, and the first year of production usually has the most issues. I have an 03, but there is little difference as far as I know of with the 2004s. Get the one in the best condition at the lowest price. I would tend to go for an 03, or 04 though.Good luck.

jlbruggeman

All of the above is very true!

Jacks02

CamachoSF

Yeah, thats pretty much it. I went with an 02 because it had 350 horses over 345....yes, 5 horses help me sleep at night. Anyway, if i could have afforded it, i would have gone with an 04, only because its newer and because its the last year of the C5.

radarmagnet

Another thing to do would be buy the Corvette Black Book. It tells of all upgrades and changes from year to year. It does say there were some changes in '01. I wound up with a 99 'cause it is clean, tight, looks great and was close to home and had a great price. I love it. Upgrade the whhels and no one knows the difference.

jrose7004

The 04 is the best a C5 can ever be!

clayton1

All of em'!!!

itzza427

The newest lowest mile one you can find/afford!!

Double G

01 to 04 and buy the cleanest and most cared for of those years you can afford. Clean and low miles is more important than the year in my opinion.

BOUT X

AMEN BROTHER anyone who owns one loves it when I was out looking for mine I went with the attitude best BANG FOR THE BUCK THEORY and I got a great looking , running 2K for 18k have put 3k in it for some up grades

DefenderC5

Newer is better, but ALL years of the C5 are good!

INTRUBL

Some 01s had oil consumption problems.

jdmvette

if i was in the market, i'd get an -04 with the lowest miles i could find.

Vetteman Jack

Any of the C5 model years would be a good choice. Just check out the car carefully and buy the best, and newest, one you can afford.

JimMr

They are all good but 03 ro 04 would be my choice.

gray-c5

2004

bullmarket

I went with the 2002; 350 horses and does not have the possible oil consumption problem from 2001. Earlier had lower horsepower and I don't like the wheels.
I would say any 2002-2004.
There is a lot of information available on the National Corvette Museum site as well as here on the Forum.
Good luck in your search.