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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  V6 is horrable - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Ford4v460 - March 29 - 2:00 am

  the V6 that i have is very weak, it was said too be "like a V8", but it is not............

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  Bang for the buck - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Goodsean - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought a showroom floor model back in 1997 and have not looked back since. It has been an extremely fun car to drive and has been very reliable. The gas mileage is not that great, but I expected that. It is too bad that the line was discontinued as it is a much better car than the mustang.

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  Camaro V6 - 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
  By NinoK - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Have owned my Camaro for just over 6 years, and never had any noteworthy problems. Among favorite features: sporty looks and affordable price. On the downside, car feels very heavy, and is not much fun to drive. Still arguably one of the best bangs for the money – and if I had to do it again (with my finances six years ago, and my ownership experience six years after), I would buy it no questions asked.

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  Bang for the Buck - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By 2000Z-71 - March 25 - 2:00 am

  As far as bang for the buck, its impossible to beat the Camaro. Where else can you get over 300 horsepower for under 30,000? Yeah its crude, loud, noisy and a few shakes and rattles, but that all disappears as you roll into the throttle. My only complaint about the car is moving to Phoenix and seeing my insurance rates double.

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  Great Used car choice - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By frankwt - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car, had leather interior put in as soon as we bought it, made the seast more comfortable. Fast enought to get a ticket real easy...LOL Great comments from others that love the "look" of the car.

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  Collierville Camaro - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By YH8MYSS - March 17 - 11:00 pm

  Ordered my SS in March, picked it up in June. The car is more than I thought it would be. Shifting is great, power is terrific, handling is fun. Its a very easy-to-drive car. You can putt-around in a school zone, or smoke everyone else on the highways, and I have the 6 speed manual... I look forward to driving. My gas mileage is now holding right at 19 city which is really good considering its 6.2 liters and 426horses. Im running on a local drag strip next month, so I can legally open it up. Ive gotten up to 125mph, but ran out of road. My kids have named the car Decepticon "Wiplash" I asked,"Why not an AutoBot". They say it looks way too mean......

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  Hell of a first car - 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Metlhed1386 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car and Im lovin it. Not only does it look good but it goes good too. Theres nothin like cruising with T-tops

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  green machine - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By builtfspd2 - March 14 - 2:00 am

  have no complaints at all. no real mechanical problems experienced except for small rear end seal leak.

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  camaro rs - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
  By camaroguy - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It has over 140,000 miles & still runs strong & nothing can beat the looks.

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  Awesome beast !! - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By ED VOSS - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Handling and performance of the Camaro SS is awesome. This car is a beast, capable of over 150 mph and quarter mile under 13.5 seconds. It can rock n roll in the twisties, too. If you didnt get your factory hot rod 35 years ago, then the Camaro SS is the modern day equal. The SS shares a LS1 V8 with the Corvette, delivery 325-345 horses, The Corvette and Viper are faster, but for a whole lot less money, albeit equally high insurance premiums, the Camaro SS is a bargain.