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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  Overall - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By J-dUbS rIdE - August 30 - 7:21 am

  This is an amazing car for a V6. All I have added was a chamber 2 flowmasters & a k&n air filter and I have no problem with 0-60 in 6 and a quarter mile in 14 for being mainly stock. You cant get any car better for your money than this model. The handling is awsome throughout turns and is very smooth at high speeds. The exterior is very sharp. Overall a very good machine.

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  Double the pleasure - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Camaro Crazed - August 11 - 5:46 am

  I have owned at least 300 hundred cars in my life time most of them muscle cars so I speak with a more experience than most and I am not trying to brag just want to put more of an explanation point on my review. At any rate I love my Inferno red 2SSRS so much I bought another one in white but Identical in every other way. It is the most impressive off the show room floor car I have ever owned. I love looking at it, driving it, touching it etc. If you dont own one now you need to go all the way and get a 2ssRs and if you cant afford that get the 6cylinder one in a manual trans which will make it feel even more powerful than it is already 304 hp not bad for a six.

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  Too bad you didnt buy one! - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By tvwalsh - July 18 - 11:44 pm

  I have enjoyed this car more than I ever thought I would! The engine is smooth and powerful. The exterior looks like what we all thought cars would look like in the future. The biggest surprise has been the fact that, lately, it has not been depreciating! I think GM made a terrible mistake when it dropped this car rather than putting a few bucks into it so it could carry the GM flag against the Mustang. Rumor has it that the bean counters at GM said that they only needed to sell one third more Corvettes to break even after killing the Camaro.

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  Get One While You Can Find Them - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Carguy - July 8 - 4:26 am

  I bought this car used in 2004 with 11,000 miles on it. Went from New Orleans to Grand Ledge, Michigan to get it sight unseen. Turned out to be worth the trip. My first ride was the 1000+ mile trip back home with the car in which it performed flawlessly, even in the tropical storm, (no roof leaks) at my return to Louisiana. Fuel efficiency was unbelievable on this trip considering the power. This car has remarkable power, but is a mild mannered city cruiser with a better than average ride when your foot is not heavy on the gas. Exterior styling is excellent with the black top on a black car and chrome 5 spoke wheels. Exhaust note is awesome when you get on the accelerator.

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By KSCamaro - June 30 - 3:49 am

  Most reliable car I ever owned. I bought it used (8k) and has been my daily driver ever since. It has endured hot summers and cold winters in KS. T-top is still water-tight and no interior problems at all. In 9 years I replaced the clutch at 122k, a window motor, and recently O2 sensors, water pump, and optispark cap & rotor(155k). Still runs like a beast and doesnt use any oil. Took it to the dealer today and it is $2k to fix (exhaust leak on both sides..one side broken bolt in head from warped manifold). Also needs new struts & shocks ($750). Combined, cant justify the expense on a car worth $5-6k retail. So ends a great 9 years. I am trading it in on my next car.

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  97 SS - 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Carlton - June 29 - 4:21 am

  Its garage mate is a 2003 Quick Silver Z06. The SS is probably the more fun to drive. It is pure seat of the pants driving where the Z06 is power and technology. It is as much fun today as it was driving it off the showroom floor. Additions/changes include Goodyear F1 GSD3s, shock tower brace, subframe connectors, underdrive pulley, K&N air filter, etc.

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  Slow poke - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Old Man - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I special ordered this car last spring after thinking about it for two years. I ordered all the options except for the T-tops and traction control. I got the Y87 Performance/Handling package. Everything is great about this car except the V6 engine. What a letdown. Two weeks ago I went back to the dealer and special ordered a Z/28 with almost all the same options. I ordered it with the 3.23 axle. I would not have bought another Camaro if it wasnt a great car.

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  knee room - 2017 Chevrolet Camaro
  By denny dubs - June 23 - 9:36 am

  in 2012 i was looking into a mustang and chose a camaro because of the knee room the camaro has and lack of in the mustang. so when it came time to buy new, i went to view the camaro. The very 1st thing i noticed was the console being much wider than my 2012 model causing a lot of discomfort to my right replacement knee. Unfortunately i HAD to pass on buying this car thus causing my dream of owning 2 anniversary models to fade. oh well

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  Best Car for the Buck - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By mntaxman - June 20 - 10:43 am

  The best car I have ever owned. The power is outstanding and with all the add ons available from SLP it can only increase. It is too bad they do not make these any more, the styling is excellent as well. Mine is the upgraded SS model with a six speed. Never any trouble passing.

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  My Green Monster - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By EE Geek - June 17 - 1:54 am

  Bought it new after lots of research. Wow! what a car! Gobs of horses - much more than GM specs. Excellent fuel economy - 30 mpg @ 80-85 mph (18 city). Great handling, yet doesnt wear tires very fast (40K miles per set of Z-rated). Cheap to maintain and absolutely no quality problems. Seats are the most comfortable of any car Ive driven - 16 hour trip will not cause neck or back pain. Lots of features for my $22,300: ABS, Monsoon CD, cruise, fog lights, AC, power everything! Excellent dealer support. Mystic Teal color is a cop repellant - never had a ticket in 7 years. Great looks that arent dated. Best engine of all time (LS1). Please bring it back GM!