The first generation of Corvettes are affectionately known as "Straight Axle" Corvettes, in reference to their simple rear suspension arrangement. Although the chassis remained essentially the same, there were distinct body styles. The 1953 - '54 (left) had the rocket tail lights and the headlights set in the fender with a fashionable stone guard. The 1956 - '57 introduced the Cove as a styling element. The design was stepped up a notch with the quad headlight treatment in 1958 (above right). 1961 and 1962 were the transitional years, (right) in which the rear of the upcoming C2 convertible body was used.

Also known as the "mid year" Corvettes, the C2 is probably the most sought after Corvette. They were the first to use an independent rear suspension (see The Chassis) and featured one of the most admired body styles in the history of performance automobiles.

Although the C3 was a new body style, the chassis was inherited from the C2. The new body set the standard for Corvettes for many years to come. The subsequent generations of Corvette would have a strong resemblance to the C3, all the way to the C7 introduced in 2014.

When introduced in 1983 as a 1984 model, the C4 Corvette was an all new body style and chassis. Early production saw quality and build problems that gradually sorted themselves out. For this reason prices are low, making the C4 an interesting choice for aspiring Corvette owners on a budget. The front was given a styling update and the rear bumper was changed from concave to a convex shape in 1991.

The C5 continued the styling theme introduced with the C3. It was the first Corvette that featured an all new body style, chassis and drivetrain. A rear mounted transaxle and other enhancements greatly improved the handling. The C5, C6 and C7 chassis was mostly the same through the 2019 model year and so are the driving characteristics.

The C6 was not a major change especially when compared to the C5; some of the Corvette faithful thought that C5.5 would have been a more accurate designation. One significan change was the open headlights. The overall body length was shortened. As with the C5, the C6 also saw improved build and paint quality. Many thought the interior and the seating came up short by performance car standards.

The C7 was a major upgrade; the body, interior and engine were all new for 2014. Styling was upgraded and modernized but most important, the interior and seats saw massive improvements. One chassis upgrade was the electric power steering.

The C8 generation introduced the mid engine Corvette. This massive change took the Corvette into a whole new perfromance realm as it was able to compete with exotics costing three to four times what Corvette buyers paid. High performance renditions appeared in the form of the 2023 Z06, 2024 E-Ray and 2025 ZR1 editions.