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 owned. - 1992 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Louie - January 27 - 6:02 am

  Brought it back in 94. Dont hardly drive it anymore, but starts everytime. Uses no oil even at 175,000. Its not been babied. Skipped oil changes, 15,000 once, hard driving at times, Would think nothing about buying it again. This is the 3rd one Ive had in this style and my experince with them have all been the same. Wonderful cars to own . Gets 25 mpg,out of a V8. Everything still works on it, including AC(never recharged)even after 11 years. Ive own a 99 TA also, but I think this is a much better car. Although slower and handles worst. Ive had many offers trying to buy it from me, but its like letting an old friend go. Its also got me there and never left me stainded.

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  Z28 - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Pat - January 23 - 4:41 pm

  The Z28 is one of the most amazing vehicles Chevrolet has ever designed. Its handling is very impressive for a 3300 lb rear wheel drive vehicle and it is just fun to drive. The LT1 is an impressive motor giving the Z28 275 hp and 325 ft-lbs torque. Nothing is better than its ominous growl that always turns heads. The Camaro Z28 was one of the last in the dying breed of the muscle car. I say that if you want an impressive car with a reputation get a Z28 yourself and let the good times roll.

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  Fun car, but terrible reliability. - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By F-Body Luver - January 19 - 2:50 pm

  This is a fun car and it looks great, so if you like that for a cheap price this is all you need. But you better have a couple grand on hand for repair costs. AC compressor, fuel pump (TWICE), gaskets, transmission service, brakes, etc. have all failed early, by 60,000 miles. Be ready for headaches to offset the driving experience.

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  Fun Car, but needs improvement - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By carnut17 - January 14 - 3:58 pm

  I had this car for about a year, and what a blast. This car was scary fast. However, when it came to twisty roads, my old 89 Mustang handled better than this beast. The car is too heavy and has too much body roll to handle well. As a daily driver, I cant recommend this car. The t-tops started leaking at 10,000 miles, and leaked even after the dealer replaced them. The interior rattles started right away, and got progressively louder and more numerous. Everything in the interior like it will snap off. I sold it before the whole thing fell apart when the warranty ran out. Seems like GM still believes in "planned obsolescence."

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  Corporate Fast-food in car form - 2015 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Alex - December 26 - 2:56 am

  Im in this because my 2015 WRX was rear ended. My 2015 WRX and 2008 VW Rabbit MkV are the reference cars for this review. I know its not a V8 but a V6 should have plenty of power to thrill. Even though the redline is at 7,000 rpms, the transmission is phenomenally resistant to going over 3,000 rpms when in "Sport" mode. The transmission behaves similarly to a Honda transmission where its most happy when its parked. You can manually shift the car with the paddles on the steering wheel, but the materials are so cheap that it sounds like a cat vomiting every time you pull one of them. The chassis is okay when going around corners but I wouldnt trust it on a back road. This thing has almost no traction (could be due to more economical tires installed by rental company... my WRX has new PSS tires that are phenomenal). Outward visibility is CRAP! You have to be paying attention to traffic, because someone can easily be sitting in your blind spot or could be approaching and you wouldnt see them. Parking this thing is all about guessing where the lines are. The roof line is so low that you cant see the signal lights when youre stopped in front of them. Rear visibility is as good as you get in a Lamborghini SV. The seats are made for fat people and dont hold you in place. The steering feels artificially heavy and you get no feedback from the road. Forget resting your arm out the window on a hot day when you just want to cruise. The window opening is too high and causes my swimmers shoulder to want to come out of its socket. The steering wheel and armrests are placed and sized very well for comfort. Interior design is pretty damn good. The entertainment system is ok/frustrating. If you think Bose sound systems are good, then you wont complain. All the controls are well placed and function as you think they would. Receiving calls over Bluetooth is fine. The ride is very comfortable (again, compared to a 2015 WRX). CONCLUSION: This car is pure branding. You buy this because you want people to see you in a Camaro, even though a lot of car enthusiasts think this car is crap. It doesnt have the performance or thrills to overcome its shortcomings. I wouldnt trust this car in the rain. These cars are posers. (Ive put over 20,000 miles on my WRX in a year. Ive put maybe 150 miles on this Camaro.... and I already want to burn it)

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  Finally got it. - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By liquify - December 17 - 8:33 pm

  To be completely honest, Ive allways been an F-body fan. I dreamt of having this car in high school and I got it. Now thats out of the way, this truly is a great car. With $123 invested in a simple lid, the car runs 12.9 1/4 on street tires and puts down 310 hp to the rear wheels with an automatic. Just impressive. I have had the car up to very extra legal speeds and its rock solid. On the corners, it could use a better wieght ditribution, but itll still outhandle 90% of the cars out there. There is a leak on the drivers side window. I average 19 city and 28 highway. With this much power on tap, thats awesome. For my money, this car is everything I was expecting.

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  Clean Camaro - 1993 Chevrolet Camaro
  By mindi dimeo - December 10 - 2:34 am

  Bought this vehicle used, re-painted to impove black sports car appeal. High mileage 120,000 - expected normal maintenance, brakes etc. Above that repaired many oil leaks - all minor problems, minimal costs - most major repair was alternator. Although you gotta love Chevy, purchased one from junk yard for $35 with lifetime warranty - still working now! Updated tires and wheels to 96 Trans Am style - most expensive addition, but improved look of car tremendously. Drives every day for personal and business use - has suprisingly high cargo capacity, excellant vehicle except in inclement weather.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By sdtresa - November 30 - 4:43 pm

  If you want performance for your dollar this is it. Performs as well as cars costing twice as much. It doesnt pretend to be luxury in any way, its purpose built.

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  Corvette lite - 2016 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Kelly - November 21 - 3:26 pm

  We have owned the car about a month and it is a very fast car, we also own the new Mustang 5.0 with the performance package and they are very different rides. The Camaro, while luxurious still feels ferocious, the Mustang is smoother and a little tame. The technology in the Camaro is way better than the Mustang, it seems GM look over the Mustang and made everything better.

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  My First Muscle Car - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By droberts - November 10 - 1:38 pm

  This is my first V-8... Ive owned a Honda Accord, Acura Integra, and Infinti I30t... I was ready to try something radically different. The Camaro has been very fun.. I love the Power and the T-Tops. Doesnt have the build quality of the other cars Ive owned, but my other cars a lot more $$$ to buy. This car makes lots of odd noises... but if you push the gas pedal the cool sound of the V-8 drowns out all the other noises. Ive had one consistent problem with the car, which the dealer and other mechanics have been unable to resolve... the power is uneven on light engine load conditions... If It werent for this problem Id probably be in love with this car.