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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  LT1 Z28 a real performer - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By mean green - May 9 - 1:50 am

  I own a second gen, a third gen. And this fourth gen z28 is by far the best performer. handling is great. dash components are turned slightly towards the driver for ease of use. front driver side provides comfort, but lets you know you are in a muscle car. the other seats well I wouldnt know

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  High geared 2LT RS - 2015 Chevrolet Camaro
  By West Coast Cruiser - May 4 - 5:59 am

  You should know this car with the 6 cylinder is to be driven with careful aggression to provide the performance. It is very torquey and fast when shifted to lower gears and high RPM level. With space it will generally control its domain over other vehicles on the road and it steers and brakes very well. In traffic you need to take care with the blind spot being ferocious on 3-4 lane road 1 lane over. In slower heavy traffic the 6 cylinder tends to transition meekly in auto or too aggressively when downshifted with paddle and changing lanes (a steady medium is hard to find when passing slow vehicles that are typically geared better for commuting at rush hour). But all of that becomes your risk..... and once you learn this you can drive the Camaro V6 to its maximum and eat up the road. In regard to interiors. The 2LT RS with leather and heads up display, navigation, onstar, electric seats etc. is simply another car apart from the base camaro. The interior is absolutely awesome and has much room up front for large adults with legs (more than the average mid-size sedan) . It is a 2 adult car and the family dogs easily fit in back over a padded cover.

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  Awesome - 1992 Chevrolet Camaro
  By CHAD - April 28 - 9:57 pm

  Only had this car for one year and am in love with it. First muscle car and I am hooked. The 305 v-8 has enough power for the size of the car and plenty for me.

• 

  Olympic 10 - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By DDRO - April 12 - 7:46 am

  My camaro arrived 2 1/2 months after ordering it and believe me the wait was worth it. Mine is the red jewel tintcoat and looks like Dorothys ruby slippers, absolutely gorgeous. This car turns heads and gets thumbs up everywhere I go. Ride and handling is perfect. Luxurious yet gripping. The base 3.6 liter engine is in one word powerful. Mileage is averaging 23 mpg combined hwy and city, better than my Cadillac STS. THe interior is sensible and standard equipment is loaded with features. My options were the connectivity package, automatic transmission, and the rs package. Everything anyone needs. Acceleration is great, interior noise unbelievably quiet and the ride is phenomenal. Great car

• 

  Has its flaws but amazing overall - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Craig - April 11 - 12:53 pm

  Owned the car about a year now and have had basic things go out due to their age. Car gets up and goes and just wants to keep going. My car was involved in a crash and sustained minor front end damage and my rear tires have little to no tread and my foot is made of lead so I dont get the gas mileage I should

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  Witness Protection Program - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Patrick - March 29 - 10:00 pm

  This car draws more attention than Paris Hilton or Linsey Lohan on the town at night. If you want to keep a low profile consider something else! The car has great road feel, comfortable but taut suspension and build quality as good as my Accord. Good luck getting your hands on one!

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  Impressed! - 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Karma - March 18 - 2:32 pm

  Not the most comfortable car. Definitely not for long road trips. Overall its great car. We bought it from a college student who didnt know what he had. We took her in and have begun restoration. With an all new cooling system in place this car drives like an all american muscle car should. It has a growl all its own. Clutch is a little far for someone in short stature (Im 58") but it is worth the thrill.

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  Awesome, but not for the faint of heart - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Skyszr - March 13 - 2:54 pm

  Great car, awesome performance for the engine. If you can handle the V8 its good in wet weather. If not, dont dog it. I recommend getting drilled slotted rotors, and ceramic brakes. I put almost 90,000 miles on them, and I do hot rod my car. Gas mileage is good, interior is not a wow factor, but its nice. Has a lot of potential for mods, cosmetic, and perfomance If youre looking for a fast fun sharp car, this is the car to drive.

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  No mechanical troubles for 136K miles - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By BL - February 29 - 10:22 pm

  Have owned car about 10 years. Maintaining it was key to trouble free operation, and keeping engine stock. Do service regularly, have fun with the power, but dont abuse it.

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  Bad SS - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By redracer1 - February 27 - 12:55 am

  I have the 35th SS LE Convertible it has been an absolute blast. More than enough power great handling and turns heads where ever I go.