Most automakers currently operate under the mandate that all cars need to do all things for all people. Trucks need to carry people as well as cargo, and comfortably so. Sedans need to get drivers from point A to point B, with handling like a Ferrari and interior noise levels as low as a Bentley. And SUVs need to carry people and cargo, climb mountains, be efficient, and handle like a sedan (which, again, has to handle like a Ferrari). While many vehicles make a pretty good go of it with this multi-tasking approach, they lack serious fun factor. They're compromises offering conditional fun, and our Autobytel Editors' Choice for Most Fun New Car of 2005, the Chevrolet Corvette, won't be having any of it. Looking fast while sitting still, the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette is trimmed down this year thanks to its redesigned exterior, sharp body creases, short rear overhang, fixed headlights, and massive 19-inch rear tires. But what puts the perma-grin on drivers' faces is under the Chevy's skin, in the form of 400 rowdy horses and 400 lb.-ft. of all-American torque. Punch the gas, and the stunning acceleration produces tears of joy. But, an outmatched chassis could drive all of that happiness right into a tree. Thankfully, the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette comes ready to play right out of the box, capable of unbelievable adhesion in the corners and easy triple-digit speeds on straights. For those who really like to get the blood pumping, there's the added tenacity of the optional Performance Handling Package. Finally, as odd as it sounds, there are actually people who feel a certain amount of guilt for having too much fun. Those folks should consider that the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette gets up to 28 mpg on the highway, offers up to 22.4 cubic feet of cargo room (in the Coupe), and starts at about $44,500 for the Coupe and $52,000 for the Convertible. That's fun accented by a touch of practicality…without the compromises. - Thom Blackett
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