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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  Chevy got it right - 2016 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Bob Edelstein - December 2 - 5:37 pm

  I bought a 2LT conv with 3.6 V6. I cant review the 4 cylinder or the V8. Took car to Phoenix Az with 80 miles on clock. 4900 mile round trip. averaged 27.3 mpg at average speed of 69 mph. that includes about 300 miles of city driving, stop and go and cruising at from 75 mph to 90 mph. Averaged over 30 mpg in mountains of Az and N Mexico. Very comfortable for 12 hour driving days. Preferred it to my Mercedes CLS63 or Audi A5 for the trip.

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  Camaro is fantastic ride - 2016 Chevrolet Camaro
  By ROCKETEER DAYTON - November 29 - 6:21 am

  It is a great car but make sure you get the rear view and lane alarm systems. The windows are small and vision is limited due to the windows. The car makes you feel like you are driving a fighter jet. The Apple Play and nav system are great. The displays are awesome and you can customize them. I got the RS package and the 8 speed automatic. I have had it for a week and I am really enjoying it. This is my first Chevrolet purchase.

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  1996 chevy camaro V6 - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By bergman - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Good overall car. I have owned it for about 2 and 1/2 years, and only had one major problem. The slave cylinder in the transmission and clutch went out at out 90,000 miles.

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  bet you wish you had one!! - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
  By zozsablink - November 28 - 2:00 am

  Any time it isnt raining or snowing, This car is breathtaking to drive! Ive always called it my "affordable" sports car. Insurance isnt that bad, and gas miliage is around 13mpg. I get all the enjoyment of the most expensive sports car, but dont pay for it! (Besides, why would you spend $100,000 + for a Ferrari that can do 180? Where, honestly, are you gonna go that fast?) My Z is the love of my life!

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  One of the Best Cars Ever Built - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By camaro ss - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I have always liked the design and styling of the camaro and decided to purchase one. I never had any problems with it and it is a very fun vechicle to drive. The car performs outstanding and is very comfortable.

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  Z28 Awesome Fun to Drive! - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Jay O - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Awesome power and handling. Acceleration puts you back in the seats and it hugs curves and hills. T- tops are next best thing to motorcycle freedom. Very fun to drive! Only con for me is after two years, sitting so low is getting old (of course so am I). I get nearly 20 MPG city and nearly 30 on the highway with V-8 6- speed (premium fuel only, especially in city). In 2 years and 41K miles, my only maintenance other than oil has been a minor brake adjustment.

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  Nothing Compares - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By SSpongeBob - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Simply the most fun you can have with your clothes on. I love this car. I had a 99 Z-28 automatic but when I heard that they were killing the Camaro, I traded it in and got a 01 SS Sunset Orange Metallic w/ 6 speed manual. What a blast! I will keep this car until the day I die.

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  To know love is to own a Z28 - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By RayB - November 7 - 2:00 am

  Although my Z28 is a garage kept weekends and sunny days ride she is the second one I have owned and this is an awesome car. GM does it right a owner of this car isnt concerned about a pretty interior or lots of useless gadgets. The money is spent on performance and handling. If you want comfort, practical and luxry this car isnt for you - if you want high performance, this car is for you.

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  Best GM car I have ever owned. - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By emarkay - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Practical, performance, economy. Yes, I am talking about a Camaro Z28! 25 MPG average, 300plus HP, seats 4, has carried china cabinets, 15 bags of mulch, dinette sets, or 30 days worth of "on the road" stuff, and goes from 0 to 60 in six seconds. It never let us down, saved our life when a SUV decided to change lanes at 70 without looking, never too hot with the shades in, a convertible with the T-tops out, and for safety, features Rear Wheel Drive (as opposed to Wrong Wheel Drive - one must never let ones tires turn, stop and go all at once!)

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  My Camaro Is One Fine Automobile - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Newk - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I always wanted a Camaro eversince the time I got out of the service. But college, marrage and kids put a damper on it. But this V6 Camaro will go down as one of my best reliable cars and with 113,000 miles it still runs strong, not a rattle, and paint looks great. GM really did a number on themselves when they stopped making this car.