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:

• 

  forget what you thought about pony-cars - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By tiger - December 26 - 3:43 pm

  Very good vehicle, ride is as good as my 2006 Acura RL, independent rear suspension works for smooth ride and handling. Upright seating, no longer do you recline as earlier Camaros. Very low roofline, side glass less than 12 inches high, but inside view is fine. Almost dont need all the power of V-8, V-6 drives almost as well.

• 

  attention grabber - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By ajay - December 21 - 7:06 pm

  I got a yellow 2lt automatic and it grabs a lot of attention. I took the delivery on Friday evening and drove it to Ohio state fair and the policeman at the parkinglot stopped us to say he likes the car. Girls chased me in a charger till I got off the freeway. Camaro enthusiasts walked up to me and said they used to race z28s earlier. I stopped at the rest area and people started taking pictures with their cell phones. Kids in the block like to spot it. Cars drive around it to see it. Couple of cars pushed me to race on interstate 75 on my way back. This car make me feel Young, enthusiastic. I am totally not kidding but it makes me motivated.

• 

  Im Lucky - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
  By sand132 - November 18 - 1:53 pm

  Although Im disappointed with the wimpy 305, I do enjoy the 28mpg on the highway, and it gives minimal problems for having 285k miles, hasnt broke down yet. Ive been trying to blow the motor for the last 100k miles but I dont think it can run hard enough to hurt itself (saving up for an LS1)

• 

  My Miracle Camaro - 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Scott Fant - November 15 - 3:41 pm

  I bought by 2011 Camaro 5 years ago - V6, Automatic, Leather, RS Package - its been an amazing car. The original tires lasted 70,000 miles! Im at 136,000 and still on the original brake pads. Minimal maintenance and FUN to drive!!!

• 

  2011 Camaro - 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Pat Rollins - November 15 - 7:52 am

• 

  New Camaro Rocks - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By ilovemusic56 - November 12 - 8:36 pm

  This is one rockin ride. It turns heads and it is a rush to drive. Just wish the car would have been out earlier so the poor saps who bought Mustangs could know what driving a real muscle car is like. Its everything a sports car enthusiast could want. We thought about checking out the new Challenger but after seeing the Camaro no question which car we wanted. Chevy hit it right on.

• 

  Excellent GM Product - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Tom - November 4 - 5:03 pm

  I loved my 07 Cadillac, but when I saw the new Camaro I was blown away, and knew I wanted one. I read many reviews before I purchased the car, and have been pleasantly surprised because the car has exceeded the high expectations I had.

• 

  badazz - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By smith71 - October 22 - 7:43 am

  I picked up my car just a few days ago and already took it on a 500 mile day trip. It was comfortable enough for my 9 year old to be in the back seat for 10 hours. The car looks better in person than any pictures can show you.

• 

  Fast - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By jrm1493 - October 18 - 2:15 pm

  Great car, In college my roomate and I built a 91 GTA trans am and I always wanted another F-body. Found this one on a used car lot. The interior is pretty craptastic and there are some squeaks and rattles, but the car is extremely fast, it is well known that the 310hp factory rating was grossly low to make sure the Vette was the king of the GM hill. My car has long tube headers and other bolt ons, probably good for around 325 rwhp (havent dynoed yet). Engine and tranny feel rock solid. My car does have a modified suspension and low profile tires so the ride is harsh but the seats are quite comfortable which help.

• 

  Camaros Rule - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Derek - September 24 - 10:38 pm

  I have had a 3.8 V6 Camaro since june when I graduated. Its t-topped and the best ride I have ever owned. I have cold air intake, loud dual exhaust, and high performance tires. It is also chipped out to 255 hp. This car is fast. I would definitely recomend this car to anybody wanting a nice ride to cruise town with.