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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  Fun car to have/drive - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Rebelord - February 20 - 1:29 am

  Its a fun car to drive. The power is exceptional and it seems to never end. The handling is also very superb, as well is the braking. Like they say, its a cheap mans Corvette. I have had good gas-mileage with the car, mostly on the highway. In the city it can eat up some gas. The seats are so-so for long trips. Needs more lumbar support and better, softer bottom cushions. The exterior styling takes some getting used to as well as the interior could have gotten a bit more attetion. However, your mind is completely taken away from those slight flaws once you roll into acceleration. Its amazing that GM outpowers and out handles its competitors with "aged" technology.

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  99 Z28 Camaro - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Matt - February 15 - 2:23 pm

  Like the car, so do my peers. Its fast, fun, reliable, and the most powerful you can buy for the money.

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  Great little car - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By victim - February 5 - 2:07 am

  I have loved Camaros ever since I was little. I own a 69, and a 98 Camaro. Anyways, the Camaro is a great car. I have found it very reliable, and it has a lot of power for the small engine. I have never had any problems with it, and after 93,000 miles, the clutch is still fine. If you like Camaros, I would definitely suggest getting one, even if it is a v6. You wont regret it.

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  Great Lemon - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By 2k-ss - February 4 - 2:08 pm

  I ordered this car new, and it is my fourth Camaro. Its performance is great, and the fuel economy is surprising. The handling is outstanding. Unfortunately, the differential has been a constant source of trouble. It has been completely rebuilt by dealers three times. It rattles horribly under neutral load and whines when under slight power on turns. Chevrolet has admitted the rear end clunking is common, and says it is normal. Routine rebuilds would not seem to be normal. Now that the warranty is up, Chevrolet has lost interest in this.

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  Pleasure and pain - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By ltl - February 1 - 12:57 am

  Its the car i`ve wanted ever since I was able to drive. When I bought it, it had 79,000 miles, who knows how the previous owner(s) maintained it, but day two, it wouldn`t start. A few months later converter went bad. Six months later opti spark failed. The car is a real pain, but you know what, I love it. Everytime I press that pedal to the floor, I still get chills. Now with a flowmaster on it scares my wife, thats what I like

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  Great vehicle - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Erik - December 20 - 12:37 pm

  I bought my 1991 RS with the 305 V-8 from a private owner. Never seen winter except this year and had only 70000 miles. I really enjoy driving this car. It is not very expensive and you get a lot of power and performance out of it. The gas mileage is (in my opinion) the only really major flaw. I manage only 13 mpg on average, which is suburban driving. The quality of the ride is very nice even though it sits so low to the ground. The ride height can prove to be a problem due to bottoming out on pretty much anything, but careful driving helps to solve that. The t-tops leak but not too bad. only what would be expected. Overall this is a very nice ride and well worth the money.

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  Back to the true sports car - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By John - December 20 - 4:59 am

  I have had this car for a a little over a month, but what a great car. I only have the V-6 with the five speed. It is a very agile car that is very fun to fly through the gears. Drifting the car / burnouts very easy. The car is built solid and doesnt seem to have any problems. The seats even though they are cloth are more comfortable than my sisters Mustangs that are leather. Over all it is a sporty fun car that is a great starter car or even a easy driver.

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  Tough car for the money - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
  By toughcamaro91 - December 4 - 11:50 pm

  I got it with 104, 000, it hadn’t been taken care of. It had sat for 2 years straight one time. it ran great, shifted strong, it was reliable, only had few repairs done to it, one was the valve stem seals which are notorious for going bad on these cars, all that does is cause it to blow a puff of smoke out when first started, it quits after that...only $170 to fix. Despite how hard I drove it, was extremely strong...later it developed major oil leak....sold it at 115,000 miles but it still ran great

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  Fun? Of course, its a Camaro - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Baron3800 - November 26 - 12:20 pm

  Although on the hunt for an LS1 Z28 for my next car, my v6 3800 Camaro has been bullet proof and a very fun car to own. As a long time Camaro enthusiast, of course I modified mine and a new intake and cat-back really wake these v6ers up. Also the handling is great and showing up even Mustang GTs in corners isnt difficult. And of course, the 3800 series II (10 best engine award winner) has been reliable as the day I bought it. Do not buy import trash and these fake sport compact cars, the v6 Camaro/Firebird is an insurance friendly sports car that has big aftermarket support and will get stares from many.

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  255,000 miles and still going - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Bren - November 21 - 12:40 am

  Would you believe I have 255,000 miles on my Camaro with no major mechanical problems so far? Always thought that would be a volvo or saab, not a chevy. Ive been very pleased with my cars longevity just goes to show you what consistent oil changes do for you and good workmanship.