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:

• 

  350 F-Body Review - 1990 Chevrolet Camaro
  By mindy shorr - March 18 - 2:00 am

  this unit is super quick, fast and stong. remember, a poor or moderate comfort rating is desirable in a performence car. it has 245 hp and 345 lb/ft of torque in standard form. the 1990-92 f-body may be the best performer of all four generations. motor trend magaine tested this in the march 1990 issue with a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds. and this test was without factory option slp. this was a short model year, so all 90 models were made during the last three months of 1989. why so short? g.m. did not renew its contract with the i.r.o.c. and was not licensed to use iroc starting january 1990.

• 

  Thanks Edmunds for the Deal - 2014 Chevrolet Camaro
  By RegRock - March 10 - 10:08 am

  I saw the car on Edmunds at a low cost and only 11,000 miles. Still cant believe the value for an incredible car. Darcars of Marlowe Heights honored the Edmunds deal and I purchased my dream car within 2 hours.

• 

  Love the car! - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By AmBeR - March 9 - 2:00 am

  A 1996 Z28 Hatchback Camaro is a great car! The car hugs the curves so your back end doesnt drift. It just really makes you feel like youre in control.

• 

  Been great for me! - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By GhostTX - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 1996, V6-3.8L. Have logged 156K miles on it so far. Its been a great car. Typcial wear and tear on it (water pump, power steering pump, a/c compressor so far). Rear axle had to be replaced at 70K as it had some bad bearings. Something other buyers may want to look at. Solid car though, and Ive been happy to own it.

• 

  Move over, fast lane slugs - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By wriddle - March 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a real nice car, excellent convertible top functionality (though it leaks in automatic car washes), no lack of power, handles quite well, adequate mileage out of stock goodyear tires, large doors are a pain in tight parking spots, six speed can be a bear in stop and go traffic, leather seats could be better bolstered, gets a lot of positive commewnts by passers-by.

• 

  No better sports car made ! - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By BigBadZ - March 3 - 2:00 am

  Pure power . I put les then 200 bucks into it and I was running 12 second quarter times on stret tires . I have put 100k on the car now , I drive it constantly . Very reliable ! Plus I had it dynoed stock , and it dynoed 304 to the wheels . That means that this car has over 340 HP stock . Not the 305 advertised . I had a 99 Mustang GT before buying this . This car destroys it in power , and performance . Getting better gas milage too .

• 

  Bang for your buck and then some! - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By TrompetenGott - February 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive, and it looks great. Insurence likes the V6, and its got more than enough oomph to get arround. Cruise controll keeps me out of trouble with the cops because 65 MPH and 85 feel and sound the same in this car. Handles well in corners - you can terrify unsuspecting passengers... The monsoon stereo is a big plus.

• 

  Tuff Camaro - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Dedicated GMer - February 29 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the coupe in june 2002 upon hearing end of production. For a V6 has plenty of power and great milage. We use it as a daily driver for errands, has a great ride as with all GM suspension. Beats any Import Ive rode in !!!

• 

  98 Z28 - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By cobie - February 28 - 2:00 am

  The Z28 has plenty of hp and accelerates very well. It is a great drive once youre up and away you can cruise comfortably and with confidence at high speed. Only problem for a lot of folks is getting in and out of the car since seats are so low and doors are very long. Overall great value for a muscle car and reasonable maintenance.

• 

  Proud city girl with her redneck ride - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Tygernurse - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I started out leasing Baby and loved her so much I decided to buy her after 3 years. Shes quick to react due to her tight steering. Shes a beauty to look at, but her power is deceiving. Shes relatively slow off the line and pick up is delayed when you really need the old drag racing power that shes remembered for. T-tops are fun, but can be cumbersome to manage and !!HOT!! to touch when shes been in the sun. Shes a unique exterior design, you dont find that type of identity with the Accords, Civics, Camrys and Corollas. When she comes barreling down the road everyone knows her name.