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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  My First New Car - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By 98Roadster - July 8 - 1:15 pm

  Ive owned 10 cars and this was my first new car. Shes got 115,000 miles now and all Ive replaced is a starter, spark plugs and wires, and an alternator. Its been a great car and is really fun. Its kept in the garage so it still looks almost brand new. Ill probably trade it in for a new 2009 Camaro just as I did the 1988 IROC is used as a trade in for this Camaro.

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  There is NOTHING like an American V8! - 2016 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Emoto - May 20 - 11:12 am

  This is a drivers car. The motor is intoxicating - both in power and sound. It is the most performance for the money that one can buy at the moment. Unlike the muscle cars of a bygone era, the 2016 Camaro SS handles as well as it accelerates, which is high praise, indeed. The interior is comfortable and well-appointed. Plenty of legroom, but if you are tall, you may want the sunroof, as merely having it means increased headroom in the car. The controls fall easily to hand. Magnetic ride and the adjustable exhaust are the way to go. Change from soft(ish) suspension and a quiet exhaust (Touring mode) to a more throaty exhaust and stiffer damping at the touch of a button. Set the ride to meet your mood or the conditions. Much has been made of visibility out of the cockpit. While no one is going to give the car a "great" rating on rearward visibility, it is certainly adequate.

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  Has its flaws but amazing overall - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Craig - April 11 - 12:53 pm

  Owned the car about a year now and have had basic things go out due to their age. Car gets up and goes and just wants to keep going. My car was involved in a crash and sustained minor front end damage and my rear tires have little to no tread and my foot is made of lead so I dont get the gas mileage I should

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  Impressed! - 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Karma - March 18 - 2:32 pm

  Not the most comfortable car. Definitely not for long road trips. Overall its great car. We bought it from a college student who didnt know what he had. We took her in and have begun restoration. With an all new cooling system in place this car drives like an all american muscle car should. It has a growl all its own. Clutch is a little far for someone in short stature (Im 58") but it is worth the thrill.

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  Awesome, but not for the faint of heart - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Skyszr - March 13 - 2:54 pm

  Great car, awesome performance for the engine. If you can handle the V8 its good in wet weather. If not, dont dog it. I recommend getting drilled slotted rotors, and ceramic brakes. I put almost 90,000 miles on them, and I do hot rod my car. Gas mileage is good, interior is not a wow factor, but its nice. Has a lot of potential for mods, cosmetic, and perfomance If youre looking for a fast fun sharp car, this is the car to drive.

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  No mechanical troubles for 136K miles - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By BL - February 29 - 10:22 pm

  Have owned car about 10 years. Maintaining it was key to trouble free operation, and keeping engine stock. Do service regularly, have fun with the power, but dont abuse it.

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  A true Beast! - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By redz28boy - February 13 - 2:19 pm

  Man this car is hot. I bought the 5.7L V8 and it is fun to drive when it is no snow outside. Love the styling. I had a 92 RS w/ the 305, but after reading up on the LT1 I had to upgrade! Even though Im a third-gen fan, I dont believe you could go wrong with these either. True American muscle! Great car!

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  Lovely - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
  By LordZamme - February 9 - 3:18 pm

  Bought the car used for $850. Motor would not turn over. 3.1L with a 5 speed Had the motor rebuilt and .30 over. I have had replaced the $200 transmission mount, tires, fuel filter, fan relay, battery, computer, injectors and tires since I bought it. Going to replace the dash panel and seats next. New steering wheel to get rid of the airbag and fat steering wheel. Love this car!!

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  I love this car! - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By car_chick - January 2 - 11:23 pm

  Ive had this car for more than 8 years and loved every day of it. It got be through high school, college and after. Its a great car and I never spent enough money on fixing it to buy a new car that even came close to this. I took it to a reputible shop to have it maintained the way it should be and maybe more than necessary. I love my little Camaro, Thor. He stopped well and got up to go when needed. Driving on the highway in the spring or fall with the t-tops off and the windows down was amazing.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By SIXSPEED - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is all about speed and handling, its the cheapest race car you can buy...period! The interior isnt up to Audi standards, but is great considering what you get (engine wise) over cars in a similar price range. Great crash ratings, great gas milage!