Getting 28 Miles a Gallon: Is the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette Base Better than Last Year?
The 2002 Chevrolet Corvette Base was introduced to compete in the hatchback market. The Base is a member of a series of two trim levels for the Corvette which include Base and Z06. The two-door car with its rear-wheel drive is positioned to aggressively fill this niche for Chevrolet. There is strong competition from vehicles from Honda.
Chevrolet Corvette Engine Specs
The restyled Corvette Base is equipped with a General Motors 5.7-liter 8-cylinder engine that utilizes a total of 16 valves. The Chevrolet engine is paired with a Borg Warner 6-speed transmission. This configuration has proven to be a successful design for Chevrolet.
For the 2002 Corvette, the fuel delivery system is a electronic SFI, using gasoline for fuel. A fuel-injected MFI configuration. The gas tank holds 18.50 gallons.
The Corvette uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The car uses leaf and leaf springs front and rear respectively.
Vehicle Statistics
104.50 of wheelbase allows for limited leg room for the backseat passengers. It sits a comfortable 47.70 inches off the ground. It seats a standard two passengers, with 2 doors. The dimensions of the Corvette Base are 179.70 inches long by 73.60 inches wide.
Cost is an important factor when buy a car. The Chevrolet Corvette lists at $50,430 when new. The dealer cost on the car was $44,126. This price was high compared to the industry standard price for a 2-door hatchback.
The standard warranty period for the Corvette is 36 months, or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is standard in the hatchback market.
Fuel Efficiency
The 2002 Corvette gets 28 miles/gallon on the highway and only 19 in the city. This is exceptional for a hatchback car.
We Think…
The 2001 model began the promise of the Chevrolet Corvette. The 2002 expanded on this success and has proven to be a strong seller in most markets. Even with strong competition from other manufacturers Chevrolet hopes that the Corvette Base will continue to be a profitable vehicle.