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:

• 

  great - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By kunk - July 21 - 10:00 am

  always have loved camaros. This is the best one that I have owned.

• 

  My First New Car - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By 98Roadster - July 8 - 1:15 pm

  Ive owned 10 cars and this was my first new car. Shes got 115,000 miles now and all Ive replaced is a starter, spark plugs and wires, and an alternator. Its been a great car and is really fun. Its kept in the garage so it still looks almost brand new. Ill probably trade it in for a new 2009 Camaro just as I did the 1988 IROC is used as a trade in for this Camaro.

• 

  Cant say goodbye yet! - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Equine - June 20 - 6:55 am

  Bought this beautiful dark green/beige interior Camaro new in 1996. Yes, that was 12 years ago! Only 116,000 miles on it and engine/transmission still going strong with never a breakdown. Since it was garaged at home, the paint looks brand new. Original plug wires were recalled about 2002 in the same week it acted up. No mechanical repairs-only tow different leaks and normal wear and tear parts. Only thing I am unhappy with is an oil leak that started by the 3rd year and was never fixed. (Got tired of going to the dealership-not where I bought this car). Even though I am now car shopping--I still have no plans to sell it. Plan to have it worked on /updated etc and just be my "play car".

• 

  Love it! - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By kelly08 - June 14 - 10:23 am

  I absolutely love this car. Even though it is a V6 they have a lot of power! Its fun to drive and always turns heads. Its never had any problems and gets an average 24mpg. I would recommend this car to anyone!

• 

  Camaro, One More Time - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By D. Thompson - June 14 - 10:00 am

  As a former Camaro owner (78 Rally Sport), I could not resist buying this car in the 35th and final year of production. After looking at convertibles for 2 years, this car fit the bill from a price, quality, and performance standpoint. Getting a convertible with this much performance at less that Edmunds TMV and walking away with thousands of $$ in my pocket was a great feeling. The build quality on this car is very good inside and out and I noticed none of the problems noted in other editorials. The car rides and drives very well with gas mileage in the 20- 22 range in town and 23 plus on the highway.

• 

  My Camaro - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Jennifer Parker - June 8 - 9:44 pm

  I have the teal green Camaro and it has almost three hundred thousand miles on it. My Camaro has taken me from Michigan to Kentucky to Michigan then to Louisiana and now Texas, all without a problem. My Camaro has proven its worth in gold, except for the problem of the anti-theft and the struts.

• 

  Traded in at 118,400mi, bought at 12mi - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Amanda - June 4 - 6:14 am

  Car was great in the beginning, grad present from parents. Drove fine, had problems from 3k miles on, replaced almost everything in the car at least 2x from the CD player that got too hot to play CDs to the entire rear axle that 2 bearings went bad in and wore the axle shafts out. Coil pack replaced 2x, ignition replaced, fuel pump replaced, clutch master cylinder replaced. Lots more done to the car, but all in all it was a decent ride.

• 

  182,000 miles and going strong - 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
  By ssbn622 - June 3 - 3:34 am

  This car was my wifes daily commuter for 8 years at over 100 miles a day freeway miles. Then it was my daughters for three years, now its mine to restore. Other than a new tranny at 150,000 miles it has been unbeatable for reliability. This car still moves when you put the pedal down, recommended to anyone who still relishes driving!

• 

  Great Car - 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Jessi - May 23 - 7:32 pm

  My first car, 1997 Camaro Z28 V8 convertible, could not have asked for a better first car! Its been very reliable, head-turner, steering is smooth, handles great in rain and ice, only problems I ever had were with the windows but a simple motor problem, was easy to fix. The alternator needed to be replaced at 135,000 miles, but that was simple as well. And the black ragtop started to fade from the sun but treating it with oils brought back the black. Very fun to drive, was quick to get out of the way of bad drivers, roughly 18-22 city, 29 highway. Manufacturers sound system was excellent.

• 

  There is NOTHING like an American V8! - 2016 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Emoto - May 20 - 11:12 am

  This is a drivers car. The motor is intoxicating - both in power and sound. It is the most performance for the money that one can buy at the moment. Unlike the muscle cars of a bygone era, the 2016 Camaro SS handles as well as it accelerates, which is high praise, indeed. The interior is comfortable and well-appointed. Plenty of legroom, but if you are tall, you may want the sunroof, as merely having it means increased headroom in the car. The controls fall easily to hand. Magnetic ride and the adjustable exhaust are the way to go. Change from soft(ish) suspension and a quiet exhaust (Touring mode) to a more throaty exhaust and stiffer damping at the touch of a button. Set the ride to meet your mood or the conditions. Much has been made of visibility out of the cockpit. While no one is going to give the car a "great" rating on rearward visibility, it is certainly adequate.