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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  Disappointed in Camaro - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Fabby - April 18 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the car and come to find that it need a distributor, which is $1000!! Chevy has a design flaw in the engine. The distributor is behind the water pump, what were they thinking? Terrible on gas, but hauls butt.

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  Awesome Car! - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Red Storm - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I love my Camaro RS, its so much fun to drive for a V6!

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  Excellent vehicle - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By G Scott - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding reliability, excellent performance, "interesting" interior design makes this a unique experience. I drive this car everywhere, in all conditions, and the car has performed extremely well. I have had no problems with this car. Change the oil, check the coolant, and youre pretty much set. The interior is this cars weakest link. Half of it can be taken apart simply by pulling on the plastic panels.

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  Awesome - 1993 Chevrolet Camaro
  By CobraEatr - April 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome! How many cars that are sold today come with 275hp and 325ft-lbs of torque STOCK. The ones that do are generally well over $35,000. This car is without a doubt, the best "bang for the buck" out there today. Not only is it fun to drive, but on the interestate its a monster. The 6-speed transmisson makes for excellent MPG while cruising around on the open road.

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  Great Car - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Maria Carmen Schmidt - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I was givven this car for my 40th. b- day, in 94 it was bran-new. I love my car it still looks bran-new people still ask me if i just got a new car and i tell them its not new its a 94. Extremely powerful!! Has a vette engine and handles like a dream. I would not trade it for anything.Ive only put about $300 into it in the 9 years I have owned it, not including regular service. Love the sound of the exaust. LOVE THE POWER!!!! It gets great mileage for being a V8 about 25mpg. and it is very reliable, I have driven it to Mexico several times. I want to thank my husband for that birthday present it was the best present ever!

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  im in love with it - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By len 1 - April 5 - 2:00 am

  its a perfect machine if u love speed adn great looks .

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  CAMAROS EAT FORDS - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By 0Stealth0 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car at 30k miles after a little had to replace the altinator, spark plug wires at 50k and cat at 55k other then mistakes of my own fault no other repairs needed for this fine machine! The camaro line and chevy cars in general have to be the kings of the road! look great sound great has great power for a v6 eats fords on a daily basis. CHEVY DO NOT LET THIS LINE FADE AWAY! You will loose many happy costomers! I plan on making my car a sleeper :grin:

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  Z-28 Power - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Forrest 2 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I wont lie, I bought this car for the mighty LS-1 engine. I have driven quite irresponsibly in this car, and its taken all I have to throw at it and never skipped a beat. Ive raced and beaten M3s, Mustangs, V6 F-bodies, and any number of modified Japanese imports. And this car is AUTOMATIC. Frighteningly fast, and comfortable interior, spells a steal of a deal at the $12,800 that I got it for.

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  Better than a Vette! - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Tod Brindlinger - March 30 - 2:23 pm

  I have the 6 speed stick, V8 and use it to commute 32 miles each way to work. The clutch is soooo smooth it is very easy to drive in traffic. It has the best of both worlds: the power of the LS3 Vette engine, and a very smooth ride. Not nearly as stiff as one thinks the ride would be. Im 62" and found the head and legroom to be great. Driving my C5 is fun, but for $15K less the power and muscle of the Camaro is hard to beat.

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  lil bea - 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
  By rhonda patterson - March 30 - 9:23 am

  if you want a car with excellent pick-up and a feeling that you are part of the car when driving,, this car is for you!!! it actually feels like the tires are sticking to the road when driving, really great handling.. have owned it for nearly 5 years and still love it.