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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  Great Car! - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By SIXSPEED - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is all about speed and handling, its the cheapest race car you can buy...period! The interior isnt up to Audi standards, but is great considering what you get (engine wise) over cars in a similar price range. Great crash ratings, great gas milage!

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  A true Beast! - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By redz28boy - December 17 - 1:53 am

  I bought this car 10 months ago and I have been very pleased! I had a 92 rs Camaro with the 305 and this is a big step up. I put flowmasters on it to sound even more menacing. I love taking into open parking lots and lighting up the rear tires! If you ever have an opportunity to buy the lt1 or ls1, then I say go for it. Go Chevy!

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  1995 Z-28 Convertible - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By James - December 13 - 8:26 pm

  Ive had my red 95 Z28 convertible for 12 years. What a fun and satisfying car. Great power, drag beats a Mustang every time (in top speed too probably, but at 155 mph predicted, I dont try it), comfortable interior, perfect air flow protection around driver & passenger with the top down at 90 mph. The Z28 seems a rare car with very few convertible Z28s made. Timeless body design often mistaken for a new model. 26mph gas mileage on highway. I havent found a better replacement for the money, exclusiveness, looks, and fun. How did Mustang ever get high ratings over the beautiful Z28? It just made Camaro Z28 that more exclusive. No plans to sell it yet. Can the new 2009 Camaro be better?

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  2015 Camaro RS - 2015 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Biscuits - December 13 - 4:17 pm

  This car wants to go fast. Handles the road very nicely. I purchased it used with only 1500 miles on it for 20K. The rear side visibility Is pretty bad so you must use your mirrors.

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  A lot of bang for the buck! - 2016 Chevrolet Camaro
  By JON AKSU - December 10 - 2:58 am

  Great car thats fun to drive. Performance and options match or outperform that of European sports cars double the price. Dont buy from Autonation Pembroke Pines Chevrolet. The manager there was unpleasant and seemed dishonest. Their service center is really very disappointing also.

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  Pure power - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By ANTS Z28 - December 8 - 9:01 pm

  I bought the car a couple of months ago and its the best car Ive even seen. I did some work to it like a new flowmaster exhaust and a new k&n intact, also has a redone suspension not done by me But all in all there isnt many cars that can compare to the z28. Its a very fast car and really fun to drive...with some work the car is absolutely a perfect creation

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  My 99 Convertable Rocks! - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Toddrick Futter - November 27 - 5:36 pm

  I have had my car now for over a year and I drive it every day. I wrote a review when I first aquired the vehicle and rated it at about 8.6 or something like that. I was wrong. My Camaro is darn near a 10 in almost every area. This car has been very dependable and reliable, I put at least 100 miles on the car per day, 5 days out of the week, it has never let me down. I simply keep up on the regular maintance schedule, put gas in it and it keeps on going. The things that were "drawbacks" for me at first have become non-issues now that I am used to my car. I love my 99 Camaro, I never tire of driving it!

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  Peachy - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
  By AllConfused - November 23 - 1:20 pm

  I bought my RS, rebuilt the 3.1 and had it bored over, replace the rear end, trans mount, fuel filter and was good to go. Wish the seats were more comfortable and that the tach and speedometer were switched around

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  Exceeded Expectations - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Itchy - November 17 - 11:03 pm

  I woke up last Thursday not expecting to have one in my garage that evening. Owned several Corvettes in my pre- family days, and an 03 Cobra in 2002. This 10 Camaro SS2/RS, sunroof, 6spd, Victory Red is nothing shy of amazing. It has every bit of the raw power that the 03 Cobra had (if not more) AND an excellent tech appropriate interior. Ive owned the car for 48 hours now and if I had to point out any weak link it would be a blind spot over the drivers left shoulder that will take some getting used to. Thats it! The car has turned SO many heads already, Ive lost track - except for that State Trooper!

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  GREAT, GREAT, GREAT - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Sgt Darkness - November 6 - 4:53 pm

  Three years ago when GM said they were going to bring back the Camaro, I said yea, sure, same ole, same ole. I have ate my words, twice. This is probably the best car I have ever owned, 21 and counting. The ride, power, fit and finish are perfect. Chevy has a great car again. I bought the LS, 3.6, 6 speed manual to try to replicate the 67 version as much as possible and for 23,000 I feel like I stole it. And I thought my 08 Miata was fun to drive......Another reason I bought the LS, 6 speed manual is because as of this date only around 500 have been made. There will be many LTs and SSs on the road so the LS will be hard to find one day. Great car, buy one NOW.