Overview & Reviews

For most of the past four decades, the Chevrolet Camaro has been the poster car of young (and not so young) speed freaks and boulevardiers alike. You know, the type of folks who value the rumble and thrust of a small-block V8 and sleek styling as much as would-be Hollywood starlets value a photo op.

Starting out in the late 1960s as an answer to Ford's Mustang, the original Chevrolet Camaro could be had in coupe or convertible form and with six-cylinder or V8 power. Forty years and five generations later, the concept really hasn't changed, as the current Chevrolet Camaro also can be had in coupe or convertible form with six-cylinder or V8 power. It even looks similar and carries the classic Camaro qualities of tire-spinning performance and a reasonable base price. But this is a thoroughly modern car that makes for a decent everyday driver, despite some significant practical drawbacks.

Current Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is available as a two-door coupe or convertible and in five trim levels: base LS, midgrade LT, high-performance SS and hyper-performance ZL1 and Z/28. The LS comes standard with niceties like alloy wheels and air-conditioning, to which the LT adds power seats and a touchscreen with smartphone integration. The V8-powered SS includes a limited-slip differential and a sport-tuned suspension. The ZL1 boasts a variety of performance parts like Brembo brakes and adaptive suspension dampers, plus standard leather upholstery and Boston Acoustics audio. The hard-core, coupe-only Z/28, on the other hand, has a race-ready suspension and modifications for reduced weight.

The Camaro LS and LT pack a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 323 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the V6, and a six-speed automatic is available. The Camaro SS is equipped with a powerful 6.2-liter V8 matched to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The manual-gearbox SS cranks out 426 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, with the automatic version tuned to "just" 400 hp and 410 lb-ft. Offering the same transmission choices, the Camaro ZL1 gets a supercharged version of the 6.2-liter V8 good for 580 hp and 556 lb-ft of torque. The Z/28, which is 300 pounds lighter than the ZL1, employs a 505-hp 7.0-liter V8 and comes only with the six-speed manual.

On the road, any of these Camaros will provide brisk performance, a reasonably compliant ride (though the Z/28 is significantly firmer) and respectable handling, while the V8-powered versions should satisfy the most ardent acceleration addicts. The ZL1 and especially the Z/28 are astoundingly capable on a racetrack with their special suspensions. However, in day-to-day driving, the poor outward visibility, mediocre cabin trim, cramped backseat and tiny, oddly shaped trunk opening could be deal-breakers. As such, we'd advise potential buyers to also consider the Camaro's equally classic competitors, the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang.

Used Chevrolet Camaro Models
After a seven-year hiatus, the Camaro returned for 2010. In that first year, the Camaro was offered as a coupe only, and the V6 engine produced 304 hp. The next year saw the convertible's introduction and a bump up to 312 horses for the V6. It reached its current output for 2012, which also saw the introduction of the ZL1 and a number of noteworthy changes to the cabin. Camaros produced prior to this suffered from an oddly shaped steering wheel and gauges that were hard to read. For 2014 the Camaro introduced revised styling (including one-piece taillights that replaced the original double-rectangle design) and the debut of the Z/28.

Running from 1993-2002, the previous Camaro generation continued the age-old tradition of performance and style above all else. Initially just a coupe body style was offered in base and Z28 trims, the former coming with a 3.4-liter V6 (160 hp) and the latter with an LT1 5.7-liter V8 (275 hp). Transmission choices included a five-speed manual (V6), a six-speed manual (V8) and a four-speed automatic.

The following year saw the return of the ragtop, while 1995 brought a 3.8-liter, 200-hp V6 for the base Camaro. For 1996 the Z28 had 285 hp and the SS trim was reincarnated, complete with a 305-hp version of the 5.7-liter V8. A midcycle refresh took place for 1998 with a new front-end look and powerful new LS1 5.7 V8s for the Z28 (305 hp) and SS (320 hp). Apart from minor trim differences and a bump in power for the Z28 in 2001 to 310 hp, the Camaro soldiered through 2002 mostly unchanged. That last year also marked the Camaro's 35th birthday, which was celebrated with a 35th-anniversary SS.

Although fast, stylish and affordable, this Chevy Camaro was lacking in terms of refinement, particularly in regards to the interior. The clunky steering wheel design was about as sporty as a taxicab's and there was an abundance of low-grade plastic trim. Furthermore, the seats were rather plain and short on lumbar and lateral support. On the upside were the large gauges, decent cargo capacity and buttoned-down handling (though midcorner bumps could upset the solid rear axle suspended out back).

Consumer feedback is mostly favorable toward Camaros from this era. Praises center on the strong performance (even with the V6) for the money, relatively good fuel economy, mechanical reliability, cargo capacity, handling and styling. Chief complaints concern cheap interior construction, a smallish interior considering the body size and occasionally leaky T-tops.

For more information on these and even older Chevrolet Camaros, go to our Chevrolet Camaro history page.

User Reviews:

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  FINALLY, MY DREAM-COME-TRUE CAMARO!!! - 2017 Chevrolet Camaro
  By SIRKING BURKE - January 8 - 5:13 pm

  FIRSTLY, 50 YEARS AGO, I CAME SO CLOSE TO OWNING A 1967 CHEVY CAMARO (BASE MODEL, SLIGHTLY USED BY AN OLD LADY), BUT DAD DIDNT OK MY DESIRED SELECTION... NOW, FAST FORWARD TO JUNE OF 2017, WHILE SHOPPING ONLINE FOR A PRACTICAL SUBARU FORESTER SUV, A HYPER-BLUE CHEVROLET CAMARO POPPED UP ON MY MONITOR AND THE IMAGE JUST FROZE THERE! THE FOLLOWING DAY, I VISITED THE GENGRAS CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP, MY INTENTIONS WERE JUST TO CURIOUSLY CHECK OUT THE NEW HYPER-BLUE CAMARO CAR. WELL, IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!!! YEAH, SO MUCH FOR VEHICLE PRACTICALITY! FOLKS, CHEVROLET REALLY DID A FANTASTIC JOB OF ENGINEERING A FUN & BADASS LOOKING HIGH PROFORMANCE VEHICLE!!! THIS 2017 HYPER-BLUE CAMARO WAS THE BASE MODEL AND, IT IS A FREAKING AWESOME ROCKET SHIP ON WHEELS!!! MY CRUISING SPEED ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS 88 MPH, WITH INTERMITTENT INCREASED SPEEDS UP TO 140 MPH - WITHOUT ANY ROAD OR WIND VIBRATIONS - HENCE, ITS A BONAFIDE ROCKET SHIP!!! FUN FACT: JUST SLIGHTLY COME OFF THE ACCELERATION PEDDLE, AND THE CAR QUICKLY DECELERATES TO ALMOST THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT; THIS IS UTTERLY HELPFUL WHEN ONE SPOTS A LURKING STATE POLICE CRUISER! MY BADASS CAMARO IS JUST OVER 2 1/2 YEARS, AND STILL; VAST NUMBERS OF ONLOOKERS ADMIRE ITS TRULY REMARKABLE HYPER-BLUE COLOR AND ITS FORMIDABLE HIGH PROFORMANCE SPORTY BODY STRUCTURE! LASTLY, THANKS, CHEVROLET FOR JUST DESIGNING MY ALL AROUND PERFECT & AFFORDABLE DREAM CAR!!!

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  Restored projct - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Ice - December 19 - 12:02 am

  Well I bought this car broken... i mean everything needed replaced. 1996 Camaro Base. Restored RS upgrade project. Even with the head gasket blown (and may others out there with the same problem) wheel bearings and brakes shot and stock exhaust old suspension, the car was still handling and driving really well. I always wanted a camaro... spend more time working on it then driving it tho. Ive rebuilt the entire car inside and out. without getting into detail the car is not what was bought.. a full restore and upgrade intoa racing package. This camaro is really nice. the longevity of the interior is horrid. after an abusive first 100k family owned car and a couple dogs it wore out fast.. same issue with a hot roding driver, driving a v6 like its a tuned drift machine destroyed he running gear and blew the motor. V6 is a poor mans version of the v8 buying the car more for the looks then the power. i only bought casue it had 99k on it for 1000 bucks and still ran.... Anyway I always wanted a camaro and although i spend more time working on it then driving it. I cant say much for the gas milage as i have a new motor and its going to be crap and fluctuate for a while until it breaks in i been ranging from 15-40 mpg, also i think its definitely not the best camaro body style out there but i love the drive and feel of the car.

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  The only car Ive ever been afraid of... - 2014 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Tim - November 23 - 8:37 pm

  ...is this 2014 Chevy Camaro ZL1 convertible with the 6 speed manual transmission. Ive owned 2 other Camaros (1990, 2010), 2 Mustangs and even a Corvette (2000), but nothing had the performance to make me fear for my life like this ZL1. It accelerates like a rocket, handles like its on rails and stops on a dime so theres no real need to review the performance of the 6.2L supercharged engine. I mean, 580 hp and 556 lb/ft of torque speak for themselves. Were I so inclined I could cut the tires loose in almost any gear despite the traction control, however I dont make enough money to keep replacing them. Instead, Im going to focus on the technology and aesthetic aspects of the car. First, the styling is gorgeous. Heads turn wherever we go, and once folks see the ZL1 script on the hood fingers begin pointing. Yes, its difficult to see out of it when the top is up but I knew that going in. Besides, the top is rarely up. Its a summer time car and I use it as such. It gets appalling gas mileage yes I said appalling. Roughly 12-14 mpg. But I wasnt buying a Prius, nor is this my daily driver so Im ok with it. The infotainment system is decent and relatively easy to use once youve read the manual and played with it awhile, but the Boston Acoustics stereo is bad. Coming from a THX II Surround system in my Lincoln I am severely disappointed. I expected so much more. Sigh... The alcantara/leather seats and alcantara on the steering wheel/shift knob/dash are nice touches and make the interior stand out. There is plenty of room up front (65" driver here), but none in the back. None. Nada. All in all, I am thus far eminently satisfied with this car. Ive put a little over 3k summer time miles on it and Ive smiled during all of them. I wanted a sexy, fun, ridiculously fast and completely unnecessary indulgence and thats exactly what I got!

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  GREAT first ride 3.8 v6 2002 - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Chad - October 26 - 1:13 am

  the doors are made of fiberglass and tend to be broken easily both my driver door and passenger are broke...i have ro dukes of hazzard into driver door, just havent fixed it yet lol but great power and reliability 210k had to replaced ignition coils, cats, the fuel pump both doors, o yea the danged ol O2 sensors which are expensive....even had car seat in back

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  convertible in paradise - 2015 Chevrolet Camaro
  By gary - October 4 - 3:58 pm

  Rented a convertible in hawaii that had 16 miles on it. V6 had good power at speed but really i mean really struggled to do a burnout in 1st with traction off. Back seat mostly was for gymnasts only. Looked very cool everywhere. Navigation was the worst ive ever dealt with. Incredibly the controls for it and stereo, heat made it very frustrating. Used phone instead and tried to stay away from the buttons. How hard is it to have useable technology. My 10 yeard old tom tom is better. That is embarassing just being from the country that designed it. Ugh chevy

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  Bullet Proof!!! - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By theZman - September 4 - 8:13 pm

  My car (2001 Z28) has been very reliable from day one. Bought it new fully loaded and now has about 92k miles, I hope I didnt jinx it. I think as long as it continues to receive proper maintainance, this beauty will continue to run strong for eons. Its truly a looker and Ive been asked many times if I want to sell it and the answer is always no. Too bad I cant post a pic here to show her off.

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  First American car Ive bought in 23 years. - 2015 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Tom - July 30 - 11:10 am

  Unless you really need to be the fastest guy on the block, the 323 bhp V-6 is all you really need. I owned a 1982 Mustang GT that I bought new. I loved that car. This Camaro is faster, Granted technology has changed a lot in 33 years. Ive owned several imports since 1988 when I traded my Mustang on an Integra. Its good to be back in American Metal. I am not brand loyal. I have owned every Japanese, German and American brand sold in the U.S. in the 36 years since I bought my first car. I compared the Camaro to the Mustang and the Challenger without any pre-conceived bias. I was looking at the base models. The Challenger was eliminated based on looks. It just isnt for me. It was close between the Camaro and Mustang. I really like the Mustang but since Ive already owned one and Ive liked the new Camaro since they came back, I went with the Camaro. The first Chevy I have purchased since 1979 when I bought my first car , a Chevy Monza. I now have about 800 miles on the Camaro. It has been great and I have adjusted to the rearward visability issues. The trunk is a little small but you dont buy a car like this for the trunk. If you are looking for a very reasonably priced American sports car, you can not go wrong with the Camaro

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  Great Car, Repairs...ehh... - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By sergheis - April 25 - 9:34 pm

  The V6 is not much compared to newer ones, but it will still pick up to highway speeds before you could turn your head to check the other lane. Takes any turn without a problem, good on fuel, and how could you ever forget the nostalgic but mandatory t-tops. Interior is roomy in the front, the back, can be made comfortable if youre sitting alone.

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  Totally Hot Car - 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
  By scarlett13 - November 1 - 9:41 pm

  My husband actually bought this and traded in my Ford Explorer while it was in the driveway. Its the 2SS and I adore it! This car is very fast. 426+ hp.. Been asked for phone numbers while pumping gas on more than one occasion in car. Got a few minor issues probably due to my height. 56". Trouble seeing out front and back. Gotten a few tickets. Sunroof and whole package great. Thoroughly recommend. Hasnt been in the shop one day. Just listed to get something boring and sensible. Just hate to sell. Makes driving fun again. Love it. Needs a rear camera.

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  3 weeks in - 2014 Chevrolet Camaro
  By lansingdriver - April 17 - 9:03 pm

  Was very hesitant to buy the camaro as the last two gm cars i had were duds (fiero and corsica). Liked the styling and price and the test drive sold me on buying it. Very fun to drive. Definitely agree it has some kick. Exhaust sounds nice, but not as deep of purr as the 2005 mustang i owned had. Like the seat. Im 64" and i have plenty of head room. Getting 1 or 2 mpg over the stated range. I drive mix of city and highway. Diffent getting used to seeing out the rear/sides, but im adjusting. Its true there a big blind spot on either side. like console, but plastic marrs easily. less cheap and rattly plastic than my 05 stang had. Summary - happy owner so far.