After choosing the body style, the next big decision is whether you prefer the four-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearbox, both no-cost options. The final big decision is which of three suspensions to get: the standard suspension, the Z51 Performance Handling Package ($1,495), or F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control ($1,695) with electronically controlled variable damping.

The Corvette comes well-equipped with leather seating surfaces, climate control with a pollen filter, a six-way power driver's seat, power everything, and cruise control. However, we recommend opting for the side-impact airbags, which are included in the two major option packages: Package 1SA ($1,405) includes a rear area cargo convenience net, luggage shade, sport bucket seats with perforated leather seating surfaces, back angle/lumbar adjustment and side bolsters; Package 1SB ($4,360) adds to that a head-up display, a Homelink transmitter w/garage door opener and three-channel programming, interior rearview mirror with compass, driver-side auto-dimming exterior rearview mirror, dual front heated seats, a premium seven-speaker AM/FM Bose system with six-disc in-dash CD, MP3 playback, power telescopic steering column with manual tilt, and a memory package with two driver presets for seat, exterior mirrors, climate control, radio and steering column. The list of free-standing options is relatively short: XM Satellite Radio ($325), DVD navigation and seven-speaker Bose audio ($1,400), OnStar telematics ($695), and polished aluminum wheels ($750).

All 2005 Corvettes come with the same LS2 engine. There's no high-performance Z06 hard top available (yet), but the lightweight new models with the LS2 are nearly as quick as the old Z06. There is, however, a 3.15 rear ratio ($395) available for the automatic for quicker acceleration performance.

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