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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  Whiplashing Fun & Stylish - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Candlgrl768 - March 24 - 10:39 pm

  I absolutely LOVE my Mean Green Machine- "Synergy" OMG heads turn all the time, actually got pulled over by a State Trooper just to check it out. Included.. Sunroof, upgraded Stereo, Rear Spoiler & added Gauge cluster the only thing missing from this model is the leather seating. I would definitely recommend to anyone whos hesitating. Its a great car!

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  A Decade of Fun!! - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By camaromom2000 - March 24 - 6:22 am

  I have had this car for 10 years, Picked it up for a song and have been singing a happy tune ever since.I have the Mystic Teal paint and the color still blows me away, right along with how well this car still handles after all these years. Aside from replacing one fuel pump, this car has had NO major mechanical issues. Been extremely reliable!

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  What is Edmunds problem? - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By earlr - March 23 - 4:17 pm

  After reading the Edmunds editors reviews of the 4th generation Camaros, I suddenly felt the need to write a review of my own. I dont ever recall seeing such obvious bias in a review but then, I havent read many other reviews of American muscle cars, so maybe thats where their issues lie. I am very happy with my 02 Camaro sure its not perfect, and its not Japanese, but it is a lot of fun to drive, is as reliable as any other car of its ilk, and oh did I mention its a blast to drive. The car has over 120k miles on it now, and the engine & transmission are a solid now as they ever were. Ive been able to fix any minor issues that have come up.

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  Seriously fun !!!! - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Jason - March 22 - 5:56 pm

  Only had the car for a week and I cannot get enough !! I now love to drive at any speed or on any road. I have a few more miles to go before the motor is broken in so I have not yet felt this monsters full potential. Its truly a carnival ride - so fast. My first muscle car and I could not be more satisfied! The car is a magnet for attention and I got a victory red one to boot so it is unavoidable to the human eye.

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  Near perfect for its purpose - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By eikl - March 22 - 9:27 am

  Chevy really hit the ball out of the park with this car. Its really near perfect for what this car is designed for. Its got the looks, the muscle and the comforts. It rides too well for a sports car and yet manages to be firm in cornering. The power is amazing, I have the v6 version and that is ALL you need, it beats most sports cars out there off the line and at rolling speeds. Get used to seeing most people in the rear view mirror. The best part about this car is the look. I have the dark grey with black rims basically it looks like the old bat mobile. I get compliments almost every day, all age groups, sometimes it gets annoying. Excellent value as well.

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  Dont be bashful! - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Charles - March 20 - 8:45 pm

  This car absolutely rocks! A total homerun from GM! I cant even drive to the grocery store without getting at least 2-5 comments on how awesome of a car Im driving and theyre right! Im very grateful and appreciative that I get to drive such a fantastic piece of craftsmanship and design as this.

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  A beast with manners. - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By LVR - March 17 - 3:54 pm

  It took me a while to warm up to the Camaro. Perhaps it was my own belief that, other than the C6 Corvette, "old" GM wouldnt/couldnt truly build a decent performance car. But my daughter nearly begged me to look at the new Camaro. So I did the research plus read a ton of "professional" and consumer reviews before even taking a test drive. I did the same on Jaguar XK, Mercedes CL series, Porsche, Cadillac XLR, Corvette, Lexus SC, Infinity and BMW sport sedans. Then selectively test drove the other cars again. Yes, I over analyzed it, but I usually keep and use my cars for a long time. I bought the Camaro and havent looked back. Ive driven it on long trips and its my daily driver.

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  The Best Car Ive Ever Owned! - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Gerry - March 10 - 7:47 am

  I had my RS Coupé built for me in 1991 (5.0 V8 with 5-speed manual - an NO T-tops!), and have been in love with Mr. Toad ever since. It was delivered with absolutely no defects, has never broken down, and has always been an absolute joy to drive, it drives like a go-cart, and, on one of my many cross-country drives, regularly turned out almost 30mpg ... not bad for a big lump of Detroit Iron V8 - and, despite its age, still has the beatings of most other cars on the road! Admittedly, I have "only" 139,000 miles on it, but that means I should still have another 19 years of life left in the engine & clutch before I need to replace them. My only problem has been the a/c unit developed a leak.

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  Cost Per Laugh Still Going Down - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Ziggy - March 8 - 10:16 pm

  Got all the toys V8/2SS/RS, 21" black rims, black ground effects, hood stripe and sun roof. Its not yellow or red (its silver) and yet people see it coming from a mile away. And OMG its a kick in the pants to drive! With properly placed mirrors, there are no blind spots when driving down the road. But when backing out of a parking spot, hopes and prayers work best because you cant see squat. And it takes a little practice getting it into a tight spot in the garage. But who cares!!! Did I mention how much fun it is to drive? I went to a coffee shop close to a police station the other day and by the time I got back to the car, cops were circling and gawking. Now THAT was fun!

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  One fun packed ride! - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Brett - March 4 - 11:49 am

  Im still very much in the honeymoon stages with this new purchase but Ive been very impressed so far. The exterior lines on this car are hard to beat with the big 20" wheels. Interior comfort was not compromised in this design either. Have not had a chance to really test the big V8 just yet due to break in mode but that time will come soon. I must say that I already like this machine more than my 2003 Z06 Vette. The smaller side windows create a couple significant blind spots but that is something that one can get used to with appropriate mirror settings etc. These windows are a big part of the cars overall appearance from my perspective ... giving it an almost chopped look.