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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Love it, but Im going to change grill - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
By Roland - October 20 - 2:00 amI love the car, only one problem so far and it was a strange one. Seems that a bird hit the front and passed through the large gaps. It then got wedged out of sight. I only noticed something was wrong after a couple of days and garage was stinking. Im looking at getting a modified grill mesh type so I dont have to go through that again. Drove it down pacific coast hwy and it truly was an awesome ride.
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Tire issue? - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
By cindy - October 12 - 2:00 amI fell in love with this car. Running wonderful, no issues, however, I am beginning to question the Pirelli tires. Front right feels like its flat or I am driving on a washboard, or that it has a flat spot most pronounced in morning, dealer found nothing. Am taking it back to dealer yet again tomorrow,to keep until they fix it or replace the tire.
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Need better paint - 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
By DENNIS - October 12 - 2:00 amI love the car. People stopper everywhere we go. The power is awesome for a stock 6 banger.So far the only problem in 4 months has been the paint. To soft or not enough coats. Chips and scratches, water spots bad.Major problem. GM should on up to this one. Other that that love the car.
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Truly in Love PART 2 - 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
By Cvega - October 11 - 2:00 amMine is a 2011 2SS RS Black with inferno Orange interior. I have it now for a month and a half. I love it everyday more and more. The Exterior mean and muscular look gets thumbs up from everyone. The inferno orange interior leans towards red so it makes the interior look more Upscale than the Black interior. The 6.2 V8 never runs out of power or steam. I took it up to 140 and it was still pulling. It Handles incredible yet the ride is comfortable and soft. Feels more 750 than 3 series. The Camaro is a car that makes you want to drive it for no reason. It offers more power and performance than anyone would ever need unless you love paying for tickets. Z28 however is on my wish list.
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PAINT CANNOT BE MATCHED - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
By JEN WELLS - October 8 - 2:00 amI got a small door ding on my passengers door.I took my car to Young Chevrolet to have fixed.I was told the paint would be matched and it would look like showroom floor quality. 9 Paint jobs later it cannot be matched. Not only does the paint not match I have a deep scratch on one of my side window, swirl marks on my striping and the rest of the paint. They refuse to do anything else. Including replacing the damaged glass or stripes.I also have paint chips .
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RS RED JEWEL - 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
By DENNIS H - October 7 - 2:00 amLove almost the total package. The power is awesome for a 6 banger. Handles great. The looks are looks you get make you a proud owner. The only fall back after 7000 miles is the paint is to soft, like they didnt put enough paint and/or clearcoat on them. Chips and scratches too easily for the price we paid! Other than that we love it!
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Paint Chips everywhere! - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
By bad paint job! - September 25 - 2:00 amI have had my midnight blue camaro for almost a year. I drive 4 miles to work then 4 miles home. I have 10,000 miles on it now. My paint where the gills are look horrific. I have a smattering of nicks that look like I have driven through a paintball war. Im taking it to the dealer next week to have them look at it, but am not expecting them to do anything. Im OCD about my vehicles looking perfect and this one has certainly let me down.
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Awesome car - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
By nards4 - September 24 - 2:00 amgreat sports car for the money. love the car it gets a lot of attention and has all the power in world.
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JWOO - 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
By JWOO - September 20 - 2:00 amI love the exterior design, great job well done. Awesome dash lighting. Fun to drive and very quick. Downfall is the drivers seat is creaking and popping, noisy !
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Hate and love my car - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
By Countrygirl1988 - September 18 - 2:00 amI bought my camaro in 2008 with 97,000 miles on it, I have put 117,000 on it in 2 yrs, in the 2 yrs of owning it I have replaced the rear end and the clutch, a/c refill, transmission lost 5th gear and it was the c clip fell off, and it blew a head gasket also had a lifter making noise, I paid $8,000 for it and have 12 in and its broken down every summer the only time of the year I love to drive it the things I love about my car is the t-tops so easy to take off and throw in the trunk, looks, lot of get up n go, great handling, comfortable, I tell myself I am going to sell it after I fix it every time something goes wrong but then I drive it and I dont want to get rid of it, I love driving it too much
