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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  Original owner - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By mike - June 5 - 12:22 am

  Im the original owner of a 1998 Z28 Camaro and its been a really great car. Ive had it now for 7 years and have been driving it every day and in all types of weather. Its an absolute hoot of fun to drive. The LS1 V8 is a lion of an engine and it has incredible acceleration and handling - even to this day. Its also been very reliable considering how these cars always seem to have a bad rating in this area The only drawback is the difficulty of getting in and out of the car

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  Pony killer - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By mike - May 31 - 3:12 pm

  The car is very fast and fun to drive has a good exhaust sound and the interior is pretty sporty and built to fit. The normal maintenance like spark plugs and water pumps are very hard to do and the parts arent cheap like normal Chevys. The traction control is non-exsistant. But I do like it a lot and I am truck guy.

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  Never get tired of driving it - 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Bryan Mills - May 18 - 7:13 pm

  If you dont like a sports car, dont get this car. You will hate it due to the low ride and poor visibility compared to a commuter car. I ordered my car from dealer new because I wanted all options except for T-tops (no truck room due to holders), chrome wheels (trows weights with hard driving) and upgraded stereo (put in aftermarket unit). Almost all dealer ordered cars have T-tops. My roomate bought the exact same car but he went with the V8. So I can also rate his as well. Mine now has 35,000 miles, his has 145,000. I drive this car real hard on occasion. Roomate babies his ride. Both cars are driven in NH winters with no traction problems thanks to the limited slip differential.

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  Still Crusin - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Kman - May 18 - 1:07 pm

  I bought the car used in 2000. The BOSE was blown but a new custom sound system has me rockin. I like to put on my reflector sunglasses and drive around slowly. It still gets looks and comments. It corners like its on rails and the 3.8 has plenty of power for the light body. I love the car. My girlfriend thinks its too low. Mechanically its been good but interior quality is kind of iffy. Overall, I love the car. At 118,000 I expect to drive her for a while longer.

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  My 00 Z28 - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Gregg1LE - May 17 - 1:24 am

  This is my first LS1 car. I have owned both a V6 and an LT1 4th gen car. This is by far the best one in terms of looks, style, and performance.

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  Insane performance - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Jim - May 11 - 11:24 pm

  I had been looking for one of these cars for about a year, since I was very picky. I have t-tops, 6-speed manual, leather, Monsoon audio... the works. I have done a few mods including a full header back exhaust with a flowmaster cat-back, and a K&N intake as well as a B&M short shifter. I also installed iRotors cross-drilled and slotted rotors with hawk pads. It also has the handling package. This car is a blast to drive, but it can be a tame cruiser if you want... I never want it to be a tame cruiser though. It has tons of go and plenty of whoa thanks to the new brakes. The stock intake and exhaust are very restrictive, so if you modify, go after this first.

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  Alright......... - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By hornet - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Well i bought this car because i thought i would be able to compete with my uncles 00 mustang cobra, but was i wrong. After thousands of dollars, i can now keep up with his stock cobra, but this car was a severe let down. Since it was the same engine as the vettes, i thought it would be easy to mod., but im still working on beating the damn ford.

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  2002 SS - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By David - May 2 - 6:55 pm

  This car is an absolute blast to drive. People dont believe it runs 13.3 sec 1/4 mi stock. There still isnt a car available with this kind of power for less than $30K. It isnt for the faint of heart. The stock brake rotors warp every 10K miles. The build quality was low and it showed in several trips to the dealership to replace cracked/warped interior pieces. The glass and paint are soft and chip easily. The unibody flexes causing several rattles and squeaks. The right catalytic converter sits just in front of the passenger seat making it quite uncomfortable for some riders. Take a test ride as well as a drive. It has never failed to get me where Im going however.

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  Wow - 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
  By charles - April 22 - 3:28 am

  This was my first car and I have to say that it was an excellent choice. I picked my slightly used 1997 Camaro RS for $10,000 with low mileage. And I have to say it has been amazing. I have never had it break down, it is very fast, and very eye catching. I have people telling me how beautiful my car is and they love the color, and the way it looks. The interior is not that bad, when you do some work to it its amazing. The AC control knobs happen to be clear underneath so you can take off the grey housing and the knobs will be clear, also just about all the accents can be taken off and painted to match the color of the car. Leather is a must for this car though.

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  Great Car But It Has A Long Way To Go - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Detour2525 - April 20 - 12:27 am

  This car is a fun car to drive and the V-6 has a lot of power. But thats where the fun ends. In the 3 years I owned the car, I realized there is always something to fix on this car. First off, the GM build quality is horrible. The car is a pain to work on, nothing lines up. The front fenders are totally uneven with the doors and the car has never been in an accident.The glue on the seals in the trunk came undone and had numerous puddles under the rear seats.The driver seat creaks and moves a little while driving.2 pieces fell off from under the car and I do not know where they came from. Watch the weather reports b/c snow will make u stay put,dont even try to drive in the snow,waste of time.