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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  2002 Camaro Convertible - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By C. Brady - July 3 - 2:00 am

  35th anniversary Convertible, sad to see it go. Well built sporty car, very easy maintence, very fun to drive, nice little rumble from the dual exhaust. We are extremely happy with the Camaro.

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  Id waited 30 years... - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By klick - July 1 - 2:00 am

  ...And it was worth it. Changing from a family car to the Z-28 has been one of the great experiences of a lifetime. The handling, power and braking are truely magnificent and, contrary to many warnings, there have been no mechanical problems. The car is simply a joy to drive. GM finally got it right...so they quit making it.

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  Sweet SS - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By SSteve - July 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Fbody. I love the SS looks and all my cars have been very reliable. I have 30000 on this car and have not even had a warrenty issue. The power is grat and it mods easy

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  Best Body Style EVER - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Iroclady91 - June 18 - 2:00 am

  My 91 Custom Made IROC Z-28, (I know its not possible) all of this was done in Ca.by the original owner. She only has 53,300 original miles. The interior still looks brand new. I get asked to sell her all the time, they leave notes in my gas tank door. It has power everything, never been wrecked and shes still beautiful. I dont want to sell her. Hubby made me buy a new Impala 4dr LS Sport. But I miss driving my IROC. She is my 9th Camaro in 32 years. Everyone wants to take her to the drag strip. NO WAY! wouldnt want to damage her.

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  A Very Fine Ride - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By JoeBoca - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new Z28 in July 2002. Although I only have 5K miles on it at this time, I can say that Motor Trend was right, this car is the performance buy of the century. I have the automatic (upper back problems with a clutch). Still, this baby does fly. Very good handling. Recommend Chevy drop the overly raked windshield, fastback, the toooo (55 inches) long doors and go to the Retro version as seen in a previous Motor Trend article when, not if, they build the new one.

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  My 1st Camaro Convertible - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By alsolis - June 16 - 2:00 am

  First let me say, there no substitute for big engine w/ big torque.Surprising gas mileage,(50/50 hwy/city driving, 25 mpg)due to the engine not having to work much above 1500 rpm. But when the demand for horses gets the better of you, that 5.7 liters is very willing and able to deliver that power.The useable torque is available anytime in the rpm band. In these days of 4 bangers it is easy to forget those by gone days of "Torque on Demand". The 5.7 of this Camaro puts to shame the 4.6 of my other convertible, a Mustang GT.

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  AWESOME - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Cheryl - June 15 - 2:13 am

  This my 4th camaro and by far the best. I LOVE it. One word to describe it AWESOME!!!

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  sporty car - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By america - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car --- bring it back--ASAP.

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  Great Car - 1992 Chevrolet Camaro
  By zer0321 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  The 3.1L V6 does a good job at getting up and going, which is fine for most people, but if you want performance you want the V8 for sure...great platform to start with easily adaptable to fit many engines and can out handle alot the the newer cars! for those of you wanting cupholders, just get some from a 1991 or 1992 firebird, they mount on the doors, and work great.

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  Fast and Furious - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Jlay - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and always wins the take off from any stop light!