Market Position:
The 2000 Chevrolet Corvette represented the pinnacle of American sports car performance and luxury for its era, directly competing with established European sports cars while offering a distinctive American muscle car character.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles like the Porsche 911 (996 generation), Ferrari 360 Modena, BMW M3 (E46), and the Dodge Viper. The Corvette offered a compelling blend of performance, technology, and value, often outperforming many competitors in straight-line acceleration and overall track capability for its price point.
Key Features:
Iconic American sports car design, powerful V8 engine, advanced chassis and suspension technology (FE1 or optional FE3 Z51 suspension), driver-centric cockpit, and the introduction of significant technological advancements for the C5 generation.
Systems Covered:
Dashboard indicators, climate control, audio system, lighting, exterior features, interior comfort, seating adjustments, steering wheel controls, power accessories, fuel information, tire pressure monitoring, basic vehicle care, emergency procedures, towing information, security system, keyless entry, charging system, braking system, suspension system, drivetrain operation, on-board diagnostics (basic interpretation of warning lights).
Systems Covered Additional:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, wipers, washers, power windows, power locks, adjustable steering column, cruise control, power seats (if equipped), memory seats (if equipped), anti-theft system, tire changing (spare tire location and operation if applicable, though often run-flats were common).
Procedures Included:
Starting and driving, parking, using the transmission, operating convenience features, adjusting mirrors and seats, using the climate control, infotainment system operation, checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire inflation, changing wiper blades, jump starting, fueling procedures, replacing fuses, emergency equipment usage, understanding dashboard warnings.
Procedures Included Additional:
Understanding warning lights and messages, proper use of the cruise control, adjusting seat and steering wheel for optimal driving position, operating the convertible top (if applicable), locking and unlocking procedures, using the valet key.
Technical Depth:
User-focused operational guidance and basic maintenance, not in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostic procedures. Focuses on how to operate and care for the vehicle as an owner.
Primary Engine:
5.7L (350 ci) LS1 V8
Horsepower:
345 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
350 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel System:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
Compression Ratio:
10.1:1
Bore X Stroke:
3.90 in x 3.62 in (99 mm x 92 mm)
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Displacement:
5.7 Liters (350 Cubic Inches)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA in the same standardized format as modern vehicles, but design incorporates significant safety advancements.
IIHS Crash Test Performance:
Generally performed well in independent tests for its time, with a robust chassis structure.
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Active Handling (optional on some trims, standard on Z51), Daytime Running Lights (DRLs).
Passive Features:
Driver and passenger front airbags, front and side-impact protection (integrated into seat design and structure), three-point seat belts with pretensioners, crumple zones.
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia reel seat belts with shoulder belt height adjustment and pretensioners.
Infotainment System:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Bose premium sound system, optional navigation system (rare for 2000).
Driver Assistance Features:
Traction Control System (TCS), optional Active Handling stability control system.
Connectivity Features:
Keyless entry, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors in wheels.
Instrumentation:
Digital and analog gauge cluster, driver information center (DIC) with basic vehicle status and trip computer functions.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. (Refer to manual for specific driving conditions that may alter intervals).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Coolant Flush Interval:
Initial flush at 5 years or 100,000 miles, then every 2-5 years or 30,000-100,000 miles thereafter (depending on coolant type and manufacturer recommendations).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approximately 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped spark plugs.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually, depending on air quality.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil (GM 4718M specification)
Coolant Specification:
Dex-Cool (Orange) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (GM 1825M specification)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or Dexron VI for newer fill)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Dexron III (or specific manual transmission fluid as recommended by Tremec/GM)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Differential Fluid Specification:
GM LUBRICANT SPECIFICATION 9986084 (Synthetic, SAE 75W-90 with limited slip additive if equipped)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Washer Fluid:
Windshield washer fluid (distilled water and washer fluid concentrate)
Known Issues:
Potential for interior/exterior plastic trim degradation (especially brittle on early C5s), occasional issues with electronic modules (BCM, HVAC), and common wear items like wheel bearings and clutch components (on manual cars). Fuel pump failures can occur with age. The manual's advice on proper operation and care helps mitigate these.
Brand Heritage:
Chevrolet has a long and storied history in performance automobiles, with the Corvette nameplate representing its flagship sports car since 1953. It is an iconic American automotive symbol.
Model Evolution:
The 2000 Corvette is part of the C5 generation (1997-2004), which marked a significant redesign for the Corvette, featuring a hydroformed steel frame, rear transaxle, and the advanced LS1 engine, setting a new benchmark for Corvette performance and refinement.
Production Years C5:
1997-2004
Assembly Location:
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
Recognitions:
Car and Driver's Ten Best list (multiple years for C5 generation), MotorTrend Car of the Year.
Ratings:
Consistently praised for performance, handling, and value relative to its competition.
Certifications:
As a consumer product, it adheres to various automotive safety and emissions certifications required for its model year.