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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  Bang for the buck - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Goodsean - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought a showroom floor model back in 1997 and have not looked back since. It has been an extremely fun car to drive and has been very reliable. The gas mileage is not that great, but I expected that. It is too bad that the line was discontinued as it is a much better car than the mustang.

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  Camaro V6 - 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
  By NinoK - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Have owned my Camaro for just over 6 years, and never had any noteworthy problems. Among favorite features: sporty looks and affordable price. On the downside, car feels very heavy, and is not much fun to drive. Still arguably one of the best bangs for the money – and if I had to do it again (with my finances six years ago, and my ownership experience six years after), I would buy it no questions asked.

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  Bang for the Buck - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By 2000Z-71 - March 25 - 2:00 am

  As far as bang for the buck, its impossible to beat the Camaro. Where else can you get over 300 horsepower for under 30,000? Yeah its crude, loud, noisy and a few shakes and rattles, but that all disappears as you roll into the throttle. My only complaint about the car is moving to Phoenix and seeing my insurance rates double.

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  Hell of a first car - 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Metlhed1386 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car and Im lovin it. Not only does it look good but it goes good too. Theres nothin like cruising with T-tops

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  Awesome beast !! - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By ED VOSS - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Handling and performance of the Camaro SS is awesome. This car is a beast, capable of over 150 mph and quarter mile under 13.5 seconds. It can rock n roll in the twisties, too. If you didnt get your factory hot rod 35 years ago, then the Camaro SS is the modern day equal. The SS shares a LS1 V8 with the Corvette, delivery 325-345 horses, The Corvette and Viper are faster, but for a whole lot less money, albeit equally high insurance premiums, the Camaro SS is a bargain.

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  95 Z28 Very Fast!!! but Problematic. - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Johnny-Speed-Racer - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle new back in 95 and w/ 51,000K I dont drive it very much... My A4 Transmission is problematic and a 4L40E Nightmare!!! 8 times rebuilt. Other than that, its a High Performance Z with every SLP bolt-on including a Level One Handling Package. Its an Ultra Quick Street Car, and a really fun car to drive. With 26 years Driving Experience, My Z can outrun, outperform, or at least hang with anything with 4 wheels on the street or Highway. I still Love the Car!

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  Great car for the money - 1993 Chevrolet Camaro
  By pat lippy - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car when I could finally afford the insurance. Love to hop in and drive in the summer - especially after cleaning, washing, and waxing. No fun in the winter. I have to make alternative plans to go to work but thats OK - just a minor inconvenience.

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  zed2k - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Zed - February 19 - 2:00 am

  Car is not running right now, but with 2,000 $ of engine repairs, it should be back to normal. (That would be taken off my selling price.) Assuming repairs are made, car is fun, extremely quick with no soup-ups, and a great color. Problems include the 103K miles on the car.

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  Near Flawless - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Thebeast431 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I read the other reviews about buy a Mustang, Viper, etc. Who want 70hp less for more money in the Mustang, and want to pay 7 time more for a Viper? My Z28 has been great to me. I have had it for 2 years and 25k miles. Replaced waterpump and power steering pump, and thats all. My other problems were related to instlling of my headers, ie. burnt plug wires. Fun to drive, eventhough its an auto, leather interior is very comfortable. I dont know what the other reviewers were talking about bad interior and uncomfortable, they must of had cloth. T-tops do not leak and aftermarket exhaust is a must.

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  2002 Z28 - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Ken D - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Love it Big improvement over 2nd & 3rd gen. cars, Fun to drive. Great to cruise w/t-tops off. Runs in mid 13 second 1/4 ml. in stock form. great for a car that starts under 25 grand. To bad they stoped making them.