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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  TRUE GRIT - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Jim Merryweather - June 22 - 9:46 pm

  I picked up my car on 9/25/09 and all I can say is "WOW". Have 900 plus miles on her and have enjoyed every mile. Ordered with auto/rs package and she is a real beast. Im 62 and this car brought back the days of my 1967 GTO. Just happened by the dealership with a bunch of friends and saw the new 2010 camaro and couldnt sleep that night. Went back the next weekend and ordered her. Ive not looked back! This car is just a delight and draws attention from all age groups. Go get one and remember, youre not here for a long time - just a good time.

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  best car - 1990 Chevrolet Camaro
  By woot - June 19 - 2:00 am

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  Green Ride - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Brand x - June 18 - 2:00 am

  The car has been much more dependable then my Mercury Cougar, although the alternator went out in the beginning. It drives very sloppy around curves but it gets decent gas mileage and its peppy

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  WHAT A GENERAL MOTORS LEMON.... - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By M WITKOWSKI - June 16 - 2:00 am

  HAD THE CAR FOR A YEAR.AVERAGE HIGHWAY MILE.3.4 LITER MOTOR HEAD BOLTS BROKE,WITH NO LOW COOLANT ALARM/INDICATION.MOTOR COOKED FROM INSIDE OUT.G.M HAS SOME SERIOUS ENG.ISSUES WITH THIS 60 DEGREE 1sT GEN.V 6 MOTOR.1sT AND LAST G.M PRODUCT I WILL BUY.

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  The Best!!! - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Camero2005 - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I just recently bought this car from a friend of a friend. The 1995 Chevy Camero is terrific. Its fast, safe, and beautiful. Its V6 engine is powerful.

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  love of a legend - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Aw311 - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Great performance of a 60s muscle cars like the 427 camaros of old, with double the fuel economy, three times the amount of handling and features. Best of all the Ls1 V8 aluminum block with alot of performance availability, what a push rod legend. These cars can really lay down the low end power. Ad a good exhaust and air intake and 400 hp is not too far off for under half the price of expensive imports or the vette. Great driving on back roads and drag strip launches on high way on ramps what a blast to drive..

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  2 thumbs up!! - 2017 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Priscilla Gonzalez - June 4 - 8:51 pm

  I purchased my 2017 Camaro from Andrew Kinsey at Keyes Chevy and you just love it.

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  Black beaSSt - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Black-beaSSt - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I only had the car for 30 days, but the performance is awesome! Handling is much better than stock Z-28. SSs have variable springs, so initial suspension hits are absorbed nicely. The jaring kidney shots are not there unless your driving in Metro Detroit. Worth the extra bucks. For 25k will absolutely destroy mustangs from base GT (19k) to Cobra (32k)!

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  Rock Star - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By bob2the2nd - May 31 - 4:36 am

  This car is like driving around a rock star. everyone looks at it.... everyone. People flash their lights, give thumbs up, take pictures. the car handles perfectly, the cabin is very quiet with the windows closed, but open you really hear the engine. performance WOW, even the V6 takes off.

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  FUN DROP TOP - 1992 Chevrolet Camaro
  By t. w. c. - May 31 - 2:00 am

  BACK IN THE DAY WHEN AMERICAN ALL OUT FUN SPORTS CARS WERE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN CHEVY CAMARO CONVERTIBLE LEADS THE WAY WITH CONCEPT CAR LOOKS AND DECENT PERFORMANCE, THUMBS UP CHEVROLET!!