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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  Z28 - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Gayle1975 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I like the car but the engine started to knock at 15,000 miles. GM says this is normal for this engine. It is very annoying & gets worse the longer the car is driven.

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  2015 Camaro SS 2SS - 2015 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Ron M - May 20 - 4:39 am

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  Fantastic - 2016 Chevrolet Camaro
  By jk972 - May 12 - 3:44 pm

  Since purchasing this car a month ago, I havent stopped smiling. I ordered the vehicle in November and although I was discouraged by the 3 month+ wait time for the build, it was so worth it. The styling of this car is amazing, the quality in comparison to the gen5 cars is on an entirely different level. The 2SS is everything I could ask for, the 6.2L is incredible and doesnt stop pulling, cant wait for break-in period to be over....

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  50 Years of History - 2018 Chevrolet Camaro
  By sefrapa010@icloud.com - May 11 - 12:57 pm

  It is a sports car. You definitely need the rear, side safety adder given the limited sight lines for the driver. It is low to the ground so getting in and out is tough for the senior crowd (me) but to drive it is to love it.

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  1999 Z28 by adult driver - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By kjbuster - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Fast, fun to drive, great trip mileage -28 mpg, lots of tire noise inside cab, poor overall quality( two broken sun visors, original battery installation faulty,failed window motor,failed clutch master cylinder, two trips to shop for A/C problems. Too many repairs for a low mileage and carefully driven car.

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  Hodges Experience - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Darvel Hodge Jr. - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had no major problems with this vehicle. It has been very reliable and it is so much fun to drive. When purchased I added ground effects with P275-40ZR17 Perelli SP 7000 and Fitapalidi Exclusive Chrome Wheels. I also added a K&N Air Filter System and an air flow director. It loves to run and basically poetry in motion. I will keep this car forever.

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  You cant beat it - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Drseigler - May 9 - 6:06 pm

  I love this car! I cant think of anything that could give you more bang for your buck! It will SMOKE a Ford, looks great, and who says that boy-racer style s a bad thing? Im 16, and I feel that the car was MADE for me.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!! - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By DodgeNu - May 7 - 2:00 am

  There is only one draw back to this car, and this only applies to people that are 65" and taller, leg room is a little to short

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  Quality Outstanding - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By John/Kathy Parsons - May 6 - 5:33 am

  Our Camaro is Black and any flaws would be easy to see. The fit and finish is outstanding in all areas. I am a retired C.N.C. Machinest from Boeing Aircraft, and a Very Picky Person. Every 2010 Camaro that i have seen is closer to a handmade custom, than a production car.I am totally Awed.

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  I love it - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By offset98 - April 29 - 2:00 am

  My family hated it, my friends made fun of it...guess what. Zero problems with this car! My buddys A4 is in the shop monthly! Anyway, I have nothing but good things to say about the car. Ad a few bolt-ons to the car and you have what I have: 338.3 rwhp & 356.5 ft/lbs all @ 2100ft altitude. I took this car on trips between Chicago and So. Cal and it didnt skip a beat. Not even 12k feet up in altitude over the rockies.