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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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By KS - May 13 - 2:09 am

  Out of the many car cars I have owned in almost 40 years (!), this is the only car I have owned that has been mechanically trouble-free. Only regular oil changes - and tires/brakes @ 55k - its been a blessing to own. I bought it brand-new and am now pushing 100,000 miles.

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  More rifinement needed - 2016 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Harris - April 28 - 6:13 am

  I bought a new 2016 Camaro with the I4 turbo engine. Great power for a 4 cyl. Only problem I have is the constant cluck in front end driving over cracks in the road. GM needs to refine this. Sounds like a cheap import. Test drove a mustang and they dont have that noise in their suspension.

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  2000 Z28 Hatchback - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By First Timer - April 23 - 7:40 am

  This car is tight. When going down a bumpy road it remains quiet. Steering is tight also. The power steering is firmer than expected. Regardless of the speed firm accurate steering is always available. Power is as expected. Except for the clunking of metal parts when shifting from reverse to forward drive. No fluid leakage. Out on the freeway the car is beautiful. I was crusing at 80mph then rolled it on to 135mph. Nothing changed. Not the steering. Not the sound. Not the stability. It got there quick also. I think it will do 155mph with no problems. Seating is bad. I replaced the drivers seat with one I had in a 96 Chevy Caprice cop car. Now it is OK.

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  My Camaro - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By James - April 14 - 11:07 pm

  I bought it at 87000 miles from a widow who had it in a barn with the rest of her husbands toys. The car is polo green met. convert. with tan leather int. and tan top. The car was in great unmolested condition for a 11 yr old car I have a 1970 Camaro with 320hp, and with 50 hp less (only 275hp) you do not feel it in the newer car. The automatic shifts great and shifts hard. The only short comings, the trip odometer died the day I bought it, the top needs to be replaced, mediocre mpg., stock speakers do not handle deep bass very well, passenger door power window is slow.

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  Outstanding Camaro SS - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Hal_396 - April 12 - 11:48 am

  I have had this car now for 5 years. I use it as a highway vechicle only, so it rarely gets used. It has held up well and is a blast to drive. Wish they still made the Camaro. Glad I bought one of the last ones made.

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  Simply amazing! - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Rob - April 5 - 9:16 am

  Im 19 and ever since I was little i aslways wanted a Camaro and I finally got one. Its a real fun car to drive in the summer. I even drove it through one winter and it still never gave me a problem. The serpentine belt went on it at 60k and a headlight. But thats all so far. Great head turner, very fast for a V6. It is really as 2 seater and I dont see a reason for the backseats. But overall it is the most reliable car Ive ever owned

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  Get the V8! - 2016 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Vroom Vroom!! - April 3 - 8:12 am

  I acquired about a camaro 2SS through email and Donna Lee from Chevy Phillips in lansing, il was there every step of the way. She was delight to work with when I got to the dealership and I couldnt ask for a better salesman. This is my second car purchase this year from Donna and she will always be my go to person. Always a pleasure. The V8 is the engine to get. the rumble from the car when you start it up will put a smile on your face. It drives effortless pass other vehicles. It lighter and hugs the road and the car is built solid and tight. I am never the person to worry about a backseat in a sport car. If Im driving Im not worry about who in back seat they need to get there own if they cant fit :)

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  Totally Amazing Car... unbeatable - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By pjhershey - April 2 - 7:40 pm

  Dont buy anything but domestic, and Chevy if you can. On top of just the pure speed and acceleration of the car, it still gets great gas mileage and is built tougher then any other coupe on the road. Its exterior is beautiful, interior is functional and stylish... it is just a great car.

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  Great Car - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
  By wes - April 1 - 10:12 pm

  This car is great "cheap performance." It is a very reliable car. I have taken many trips in this car. One being almost 800 miles. the car ran great the whole way. Im very pleased with owning this car.

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  The Best - 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
  By ann haley - March 30 - 7:10 am

  Exceptional handling due to limited slip differential and performance handling pkg. Effortless to drive and shift. Power was always there when I needed it. The absolute best driving experience I have ever had. Couldnt help but smile every time she took a curve the control you could always count on. Love the look of the 97. Problems - leaky transmission seal-GM Fixed. Spark plug wires - I fixed before the notice from GM regarding the problem. Transmission noise at around 50,000+ miles which the warranty should have covered but Wylers warranty would not due to dispute between dealer that fixed problem and Wylers warranty - I had to pay. Still, I adore that car! Hands down - the best!