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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  Great car - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By James1548562 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  this is a great car, i have over 122000 miles on it right now, and have no plans of selling it,,,,the body and the inside of the car still look new, i change the oil at 3000 miles, and have only had 1 problem with it,,,, the starting switch that is mounted on the steering collum, back in the dash, were you can hardly reach the thing, it only cost me $17.00 so i cant complain,,, i would recomend these cars to everyone

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  Not so much as a tick: Its Great! - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Ghrankenstein - November 1 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 Sunset Orange Metallic Z-28 has been nothing short of awesome. Ive had absolutely zero problems with it, and I get compliments on it almost every time I pull in to the station for a fill-up. The LS-1 truly makes this rumbling beast a "poor-mans Corvette." Ill probably have to get my speakers replaced, but thats this metalheads fault, not Chevys. The materials are cheap-looking, but the ergonomics are great.

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  Good fun car - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By DaveZ28 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Its fast, its fun. The bad part is that the interior looks and feels cheap, it doesnt handle that good (yeah I had higher expectations) and its had its problems. Dont buy this if youre worried about fuel economy. I dont drive it hard and it gets worse mileage than what GM stated it would get.

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  Better then anticipated - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Mike D - October 25 - 6:03 am

  I worked for GM in Warren, Michigan for 16 years and owned 14 Camaros from 1974 to 1986. Since then I have owned mostly BMWs. I couldnt wait for the new retro Camaro to come out. Bought one for my 17 old daughter to experience the thrill that I grew up with (driving a Camaro). I have to say the 2010 Camaro is much better that I expected. Amazing power and handling. Excellent breaking... even compared to my BMW 330. The $33K price was a bit much. It is great to see my daughter love the same car that I loved to drive back in 1974. So I guess that makes it worth the $33K price tag.

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  V6 Camaro - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Hollywood Jose - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Great car in straight driving and turns but braking at high speeds is a little scary sometimes since it vibrates a lot. Driving fast in the rain is a very bad idea with this car (mine doesnt have traction control) and the car peels out without me even trying(even though i got new Yokohomas).

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  GREAT CHOICE - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By rmpd8680 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I WANTED A GREAT SPORTS CAR AND CAME ACROSS THIS ONE. NO PROBLEMS, FUN TO DRIVE, COUNLDNT GET BETTER FOR YOUR MONEY. MINE HAS 57000 THOUSAND MILES AND STILL GOING STRONG. NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS.

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  SSs are great - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By hal_396 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Purchased 2 years ago. Only drive it 6000 miles per year. The fun factor is off the scale. Just as fun as a vette but at a fraction of the cost.

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  What a great ride! - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By szerfas - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Let me start by saying this car is not for everyone. We actually have it as a summer fun car. With that being said it is everything I hoped it would be. The LS1 pulls hard all over the RPM band. The power is there whenever you want it, especially with 6 speed. I did not expect much from the cornering but for is size and live axle it sticks very well to the corner, I love finding corners to carve. The comfort is really good, long trips have been a pleasure. Decent storage space for a sports car. Take this car on a curvy hilly mountain road and no one is going to be able to wipe the grin off your face.

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  why the Mustang won - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By slickmick - October 11 - 2:00 am

  1.) use a quart of oil in 1200 miles 2.) "SES" lights weekly 3.) holes in the carpet after 1 year 4.) stereo sounds like it was in the river 5.) count the blind spots!!! 6.) dont forget "skip shift"!! The consumer has voted the Camaro out. Duh huh GM! Or are we the real ididots for buying this junk?

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  Teal Convertible - 1992 Chevrolet Camaro
  By RS LOVER - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Have owened four 3rd gen camros but the one I have now is the best. Its only a show car and has won at many car shows pluse this year I have taken it to 2 Super Chevy shows and has won runnner up both times.Great littler car