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!! - 2014 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Cm - December 2 - 9:10 am

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  Love my Camaro - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By S. Lyon - December 1 - 6:09 pm

  I just traded my 2996 Toyota Avalon Ltd. for the new 2010 Camaro 2LT Automatic with the RS package. Its black with silver rally stripes on the hood and trunk. I love it. It has features even my Avalon didnt have and I thought that was loaded. Gets lots of 2nd looks from passing vehicles. Think Ill keep it. Its the first sports car Ive ever owned.

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  6000 miles and 12 trips to the dealership later... - 2016 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Alex D - November 26 - 7:09 pm

  First off before the fanbois go on the attack, yes, I understand its a first year car. But its not the fist time GM has bought or built seats, headliners, transmissions etc. Cant blame "first year car" on seats that were falling apart after 2k miles. Also my car was held up for 2 months in QC to ensure when my car arrived it would be semi problem free. Notice I didnt set the bar dramatically high using "semi problem free" I didnt expect a perfect car as no car is perfect but in the first 6k miles both seats have failed in some way from the motor, cooling/heating mech, latches etc. The A8 trans has been a nightmare with constant overheating issues even when driving in 34-55 mph areas with low to medium traffic density, even during break in. The audio and navigation system has been nothing but problems even after it has received a reflash twice. Also I think they had someone that was under 55 designing dash layout. Who thought it was a great idea to tilt the screen so far downward it causes the driver to crane their neck over and down to see the screen? The exhaust system rattles like it was from a mid 90s civic, even after being replaced. The idiotic run flats they fitted the car with are ridiculously loud and if I had any thought of keeping the car Id swap them out in a heartbeat. There there were issues like the hood not aligning properly and being told their dealerships BODY SHOP had to remove the front of the car to fix it correctly as well as the rear end sounds like it will fail at any moment even after the fluid has been changed in it twice. Still waiting for someone from GM to look at that to authorize a replacement rear end fix. The seat materials for a 50k car are awful, the headliner has sagged and been replaced. The interior rattles multiply weekly and Ive given up on trying to track them all down as the dealerships techs have made more appear than fix the existing ones. Yes its got 420 hp (sorry, I dont over estimate like car companies) and a new body style mimicking some of the lines of the new vette but its the build quality that kills this car. In 5 years this camaro will be no better than the mid 90s trash GM produced. Didnt they receive bailout money to save their company and not build crap like this? I was so tempted to purchase the car but at the last moment changed to a lease and I am so glad I did. Cars you should own m3, m4, mercedes amgs, porsche etc. Cars you should lease American produced junk like this. Its great they moved production back to the US but I would have thought American workers would should their thanks by putting pride into their work and building a quality product. And by all means dont take my word for it. Google issues for the gen 6 camaro, look up pages of issues people are having. People are getting entire motors replaced at 1000 miles, people are getting cars replaced because they werent painted correctly and people like myself with a two page list of issues just get the run around. Its sad because I wanted to like this car and it was my first time back in an American built car in 8 years but with all the issues I will be opting to end my lease early and just take the hit to get out of it. I would rather pay for a car that is worth the monthly payment rather than pay for a camaro that has mediocre reliability and quality.

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  Inferno Orange Screamer - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By 15Again - November 25 - 8:43 pm

  This is the Chevy I have been waiting for since I was a teenager. 2SS/RS auto in Inferno Orange Metallic. Had the dealer install the black rally stripes and it attracts attention and comments everywhere. Incredible looks, nice handling, terrific power, it is easy to drive and quiet when you want it to be and goes like crazy when you want it to. Deceptively fast. Handling is confidence inspiring, I love driving this car and plan to keep it forever.

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  These 5.7s are monsters. - 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
  By The Z28 Guy - November 25 - 7:59 pm

  Simply an awesome car. The 5.7s are torque monsters and are very fast for a 1997 muscle car. LT1s have more torque as compared to the LS1s higher top end, but if you ask me, Ide take torque over top end any day. Replaced water pump, optispark, and starter which is completely understandable. Put on aftermarket cold air intake, throttle body, headers and exhaust which unleashed the true beast under the hood. After putting on bolt ons I began using Castrol EDGE and it went from 288 HP to 318 HP on the dyno. If you want to help the 5.7 breath better and reach its full potential than it is a must to put on a top of the line cold air and exhaust. Find one that is well maintained and buy it!

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  Awesome Ride - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Danno42 - November 24 - 7:19 pm

  This car is exhilarating to drive,handles great,and my 2ss has more power than i imagined. muscle car meets todays technology. Chevrolet has hit the mark. And as far as looks, mustangs are no contest.

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  Worth the wait - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By David - November 24 - 4:42 pm

  Waited for three months to get my Camaro. Well worth the wait! Great car. SS would have been great but needed the all season tires of the v-6. A little hard to get into if you are very tall but performance for a v-6 is great and so is the gas mileage(getting 30). Wanted a Hurst shifter but do not need it. Shifts are short and smooth. Getting stripes (black on my yellow ) and tinting the windows.

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  Reliable, Fun, & Affordable Sports Car! - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Jozzy - November 22 - 1:50 pm

  I wanted an affordable, fun sports car for the summer and I got all of that and more. I love driving my Camaro and the T-Tops are a unique feature that adds to the style. Although I have 180,000 miles on the car, it still runs great. The body is in mint condition and has held up better than any other 98 vehicle on the road today. I chose the base due to the great reputation of the 3.8L V6 engine. It is still responsive, good fuel economy, and a champion of an engine. If you dont know, Wards Autoworld (and other reliable sources) rate GMs 3.8L V6 as one of the best engines ever built. No doubt, a good car for the money and everyone stares when I drive by.

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  Awesome a Serious Animal - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By KG - November 20 - 3:39 pm

  I grew up around Muscle Cars with family and friends but never had on myself. Being in the military for 20 plus years I needed other modes of transportation such as Vans etc. I have to tell you this is my 1st Muscle Car and I Love it.. A little pricy but oh well, we live only once. I have the Transformer packet just like Bumblebee and this baby is an EYE/HEAD turner... Now at 50 I feel like 25 all over again... The Rush that I feel when I step on the gas is beyond explanation... I took my son for a fun ride, he is 27, and when I took off on that Beast, his EYES almost POPPED OUT !! It was Hilarious.. Maybe some people had some problems, but anything mechanical that is the chance we take.

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  The Best Car Ever - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By No Doubt - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my Dream car. So fun to drive. This car will be back