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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  What a car - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By morningman556 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the aniversary edition. Red w/black convertable, leather etc..loaded. The only problem I have had is the door seals leak. The dealer fixed them and I love the car. Everybody looks whn u drive it. I did add a few effects to the car to dress it up a little. All considered, I would recommed this car.

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  Best Year Ever - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By KamaroKid - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is deffinetly a highway car. Rides superb and has ample horse power for a nice sunday drive.

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  Farewell to a classic. - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Bill Balluff - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Too bad chevy has choosen to discontinue the Camaro. A real value for the money.A real hoot to drive and it still turns heads. Chevy should make one less SUV and bring back the Camaro!!

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  the best - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By petecamaro - September 9 - 2:00 am

  it is a great car. it is so much fun to drive.

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  I got mine... - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Davy Zoomzoom - September 5 - 10:00 am

  ... before it was too late. What a shame they are gone.

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  My 95Z - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By cdd_99 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought car new in 94, drive as weekend/summer car only. Had usual problems with manifold/oil leak, but it appears to be fixed after 2 attempts. Car handles well. Performs very poorly in ANY wet weather. Surprisingly fast, dont be fooled by published reports, very underrated, not for <18 drivers. Has great Bose sound/cd. Have 6 SP, T-Tops, no problems. Gas 12/city 25-28/Hwy w 6th gear

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  Love My Car - 1992 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Lindadee - September 4 - 2:00 am

  My 92 camaro is so sharp and has been good to me, I still love it after 10 years. I never had a problem with it, its a beautiful car to drive on a clear day. (NOT GOOD ON WET ROADS) It handles curves like nothing I have ever driven (I never drove a real race car) but its probably like just like that. -A lot of car around you.- I did have an unfortunate accident years ago (nothing that couldnt be fixed) but with the heavy doors it has my camaro most likely saved me from a more serious injury. ITS JUST A BEAUTIFUL -- GOOD CAR !!!!!!

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  Good Car - 1993 Chevrolet Camaro
  By yella_ducky04 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I just got this car a month ago. I like it a lot. Its used and has a lot of miles on it, but it dosent have any problems. Which is suprising because its ten years old. I hope I have it for a long time.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Roadwarrior1956 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car new in 94 and still love driving it, loud and fun to drive, still looks great and easy to modifiy. check out this site for info and upgrades http://www.f-body.org/

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  Lots of fun per cubic inch! - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By jrvanvon - September 2 - 2:00 am

  The car looks fast and is! Enjoyable to drive with the top down in the middle of summer. Interior finish is somewhat lacking but you dont buy this car for the interior finish. You buy this car because you want a Corvette with a backseat! Although not very roomy in the back, it does offer an alternative for small kids, etc. Great buy for the money with lots of Detroit muscle and rumble!