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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Love My Camaro - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
By PONY H8R - February 27 - 2:00 amMy camaro was my first car and its been with me for years. While I have had some problems with it, (replaced window motor and A/Ctrouble), the car has been great. With 140,000 miles on it, shes still ready to get up and go. I dont know why people complain about gas mileage, I manage to get 25- 26 MPG consistantly on my V8, (that is with premium gasoline of course).
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Just like the first time... - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
By Edna - February 27 - 2:00 amBeautiful, reliable (@135,000 miles), powerful, sure replaces my husband... This car has been in a lot of places and has been driven tough (hey, im a woman) and has never given up, still running strong (with only a v6), looks great (how about a hot chick in a camaro?)...in 9 years the only things replaced have been the oil, the struts and the clutch, and can still kick your a**!
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Camaro SS: Excellent power per dollar - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
By Qwerty327 - February 26 - 2:00 amIf you are looking for a solid built beast that will tear up the street as easily as it will shred a set of $1000.00 tires, the camaro is the ticket (if youre on a budget, otherwise go with the vette). Ive owned 2 - a 91 RS and my current one - a black on black 2002 SS. If youre looking for the frills that you get in a luxury car, forget it. Sure, you can get plush leather, power everything, and a very respectful stock radio, but the heart of this car is under the hood.
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Nothing ROCS your body like an F-Body! - 1992 Chevrolet Camaro
By 3rd Gen F-Body Lover - February 22 - 2:00 amI just got my 92 Camaro RS w/Z28 handling pkg Bright red w/Flame Red Interior, on the 2nd of January 2004 (what a way to start the new year huh?). Ive always wanted to own a Camaro. And was blessed with my car. I absolutely lover her shes awesome. The styling is fly, 20 bucks is a FILL UP using 93 Premium! Nothing like cruising with the t-tops off! Ive heard for years HOW reliable Camaros and T/As were...Ive NEVER had to add a drop of oil to the car and Ive had it for nearly 2 months! (I had the crankcase filled with Valvoline MaxLife the next week of ownership)
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A Dream Come True - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
By S.Hall - February 17 - 2:00 amThis vehicle has been the car of my dreams since 1998, when I first saw a 98 Camaro SS. While this isnt the SS, its easy to make it look and act like one. The styling of this car is controversial, you either love it or hate it. The front end looks stolen from the Chrysler Concorde to many, and share a distinct similarity... but thats where any comparison ends. This car is FAST, STRONG, and the very picture of AMERICAN MUSCLE!
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Simply put Camaro Z28 - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
By 2000Z28 - February 15 - 2:00 amBest car Ive ever owned. "A corvette with a back seat" Can not find performance like this for the money. I own a 2000 Camaro z28 with t-tops, it is seabring silver metallic with black leather. It is just beautiful. It can be sporty, a muscle car and it can be classy all at the same time.Great for everyday driving, or for just cruisin around. I love this car so much and would never trade it for another so called "sportscar".
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Unreliable but fun in the summer - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
By kylefarlow - February 14 - 2:00 amThe "VATS" (vehicle anti-theft system) was just determined to be faulty, causing an infamous "security" light to come on the dashboard, and the engine will not start. $400 to replace the necessary parts and cut new keys. Alternator has been replaced twice and still cant seem to supply enough power to run all car systems. Glove compartment latch has been replaced more than 4 times during the lifetime of the car. The t-top is great, but leaks when going through a car wash and has since it was purchased. After the VATS debacle, I will never buy another GM car again.
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The Best - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
By hggirlly - February 12 - 2:00 amAwesome car, kills the Mustang (even the GT) every time!!!
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WOW GM. TOP NOTCH - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
By Jeff Delabre - February 10 - 7:36 amI was considering a BMW 135i with a manual and a few options at about $42k. But this Camaro 2SS/RS loaded costing $38k BLOWS AWAY the little BMW
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Best bang for your buck - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
By dkushnir - February 1 - 2:00 amI love this car! If you are looking for high performance at a relatively inexpensive cost, this is (or was) your best option. 305hp (before modification), excellent brakes, very good fuel economy for the size of the engine, and above all...its a fun car to drive. Im very sad that it is gone because the Mustang GT (not the $35k-$40k Cobra models) is now the only V8, RWD car left in the $25k-$30k price range, it it doesnt even come close to the performance of the Z28 or Trans Am.
