The 1984 model year was the second highest production year in Corvette history. The 1983 model year was skipped because the new C4 wasn't ready for production due to quality and build issues. The C4 was officially on sale in the US in March of 1983 (except in California). This made the model year longer than normal which is one of the reasons for the high sales figures. The California version was officially available in April of 1983. All 1984 models were produced at the Bowling Green, Kentucky factory. The brand new 1984 Vette was almost a complete redesign. The design included handling as it's main goal and more interior space and ground clearance as secondary goals. It was also specified that the height of the car should be lower. To attain the height goal the engine was moved rearward and the exhaust was routed through the center tunnel resulting in less room in the footwells. The new design included many firsts, including a new 1 piece removable targa top. The rear hatch glass was the largest piece of glass on any production car in America at the time. New aluminum calipers made by Girlock of Australia stopped the car. A new clamshell hood design made it easier to get to engine and front suspension components. A manual transmission option was offered but was not available until January of 1984. A fully electronic digital dashboard was standard equipment and offered readouts in either English or metric systems. The parking brake moved from the center of the car to the left of the driver.

The "Vehicle Identification Number" (also VIN or serial number) is stamped on a plate on the inner vertical surface of the left windshield pillar visible through the windshield.

1984 Corvette engines have the last six digits of the VIN stamped on the block after the engine number. The date code the engine was manufactured was also cast into the block. The engine serial number includes a production sequence number starting with 0001001 and one of the suffixes below.

Interior options for exterior colors are suggested by Chevrolet. Any combination could be ordered.