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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  2001 Camaro SS - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By SStunr1 - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I Had an Impala SS big and heavy but fast, never did I think I would trade it in for a sports car or at all. Until I started thinking this would be the last year for camaros and affordable chevy High Performance cars Since they dont make the Impala SS anymore. So I decided to test drive some camaros. I fell in love with a Black on Black SS 6 speed T- tops. Man I Loved my Impala SS but This Camaro SS really hit the spot.SS Owners Keep on Smoking them tires.

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  Fun Car - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Bri - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Very satisfying car to own. Love the looks, sound and performance. Takes some getting used to at first, its not a weak car that you can just floor in 1st & second gear. You can get sideways in a hurry (which is fun) especially if the pavement is cold or wet. You have to learn to roll into the throttle if traction is suspect. I use it as a daily driver in Michigan even in winter. I throw some winter tires on for the 3 snowy months and it does better than our front drive minivan.

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  Far and away the best Camero - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By BillPennock - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 1986 IROC before this and at about 50,000 miles everything seemed to get worse on it. The handling just went away and by 80,000 miles it was a wreck running. I have 115,000 miles on this Z28 and I drive it just as hard and its still handling great, runs great and the outside still looks great. The inside is beginning to fall apart but a few bucks and it will be back to just fine.

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  148,000 miles!!! - 1992 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Mike Hobbs - May 4 - 2:00 am

  my car has a lot miles on it, but still rides very good and has very few rattles and squeaks. the t-tops do not leak. i am really surprised the car is as solid as it is. I guess youd say its Genuine Chevrolet!

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  nice car - 1992 Chevrolet Camaro
  By theladiesman02 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  i love this car the best feeling is when you drive by a group of people and they all turn there heads there a few lil nickle and dimes problems but overall its a good car

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  Mustang Stomper!!! - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By MUSTANG STOMPER - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I love my 98 Chevy Camaro!Fun to drive ,handling is a little harsh,but do-able!I like the fact that it can dust just about any Mustang on the road!!!The respect I get from the little six and four cylinders,is un- believable!Its really a shame that Camaros are no longer being produced.Oh,well-at least I got mine!!!

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  No Comparable Vehicle if its Caliber - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By starfighter - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Granted, GM could have done a better job in terms of continuous refinement of this great sportscar. Suffice to say that its simply in a class of its own. One buys a Camaro for the sheer pride of owning a part of the American muscle car history. Im tired of reading the cynical reviews. If you cant enjoy ownership, dont buy one!!! Your negative views are not going to spoil my fun!

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  Cant Beat it! - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By T MAN - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Well I love my Z28 and i would not consider any other car as far as performance goes for under 45k. The car is a absolute blast to drive. Not expensive to own just to insure, but my god is it worth it. I feel like i can take on anything with this beast. Fast as all Hell!

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  fast n furious z28 - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By jamyz - April 11 - 2:00 am

  with slite modifications this car is fast as hell.its sounds like an old muscle car and its fast.I recomend the borla cat back exhaust, along with changing the air induction!i also reccomend getting the extended warranty! its been a great car but i have had it in the shop more then i would like.bad water pump,rear bearings,leaking out of the differential.great car but expensive repairs if not warrantied!

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  V6 Camaro - great vehicle! - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By jzy6gf - April 11 - 2:00 am

  We have had almost no trouble with this car in the 2 years that we have had it. It has only been to the shop once with a bad fuel injector.