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:

• 

  Happy Owner - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By offset_98 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Overall I am happy with my purchase. I have been born and raised a Ford man but wanted to take a chance with the last Camaro being produced. Im already at 3K miles as a daily driver and I have no problems. I chose my car without leather and T-tops because I heard the Chevy leather is crap and the T-tops squeak. I have no squeaks in my car. I am comfortable driving my 75 mile a day commute to and from work on the 405 in LA (if youre from here, you know it can be a nightmare). If you can find one, do it now while you still can, you shouldnt be disappointed.

• 

  Who says Japanese cars are more reliable - 1992 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Mikie - December 10 - 2:00 am

  My wifes civic motor blew at about 100k highway miles despite oil changes every 3k miles and perfect maintanence. My fathers new Toyota Corolla burned up its oil and almost blew at 15k miles despite oil changes every 5k. Toyota tried to claim it wasnt covered by waranty because he didnt have it changed at the dealer. He can keep the car running if he uses synthetic oil and changes it every 2500 miles. Ive had my Camaro for over 8 years. While driving 80k hard city miles, I have had to replace tires, clutch, brakes, alternator, brakes, radiator, and air pump. In other words, routine maintenance. I plan to keep this car for a long time.

• 

  Keep the Camaro - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Map Guy - December 5 - 2:00 am

  It is a shame that GM has decided to drop the Camaro\Firebird line. It is the on fun car that still is reasonably priced. This is my 4th Camaro and I love driving them each one gets better.

• 

  Z28 - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Z28 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Good car, fun to drive, especially when others want to race, considering the Z28 is a sleeper car.

• 

  Muscle - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By CAMZ28 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most sweetest car ever. I went and raced my friends ford cobra and smoked th crap out of that chicks car. My parents vette has to work just to stay with it. This car is a bargin for its price.

• 

  Got SSpeed? - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Godspeed - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Quality vehicle that is very fun to drive. I have test driven the likes of Mustangs but it does not draw as much attention as an SS. Heritage + 300 plus Horses = The Untimate Driving Machine

• 

  LS1 POWER - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By musterd - November 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a very reliable car and gets excellent gas mileage. I was very impressed with it. The LS1 engine has the power to stomp almost any other stock engine on the road. Great Value.

• 

  Vroom Vroom, and away she goes!! - 1990 Chevrolet Camaro
  By LoverOf67-92Camaros - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I personally love this car because its a great buy for someone if they are looking to builg a stree machine. These cars are quick, easy to build & work on, and cheap the puchase (and relatively cheap to work on). These cars can run low 12s in the 1/4 mile with very little additions.

• 

  Camaros Rule - 1993 Chevrolet Camaro
  By KevinNeoKevin - November 26 - 2:00 am

  The 93 Z28 Camaro is amazing. I gave it a nice tune-up, bosch platinum +4 spark plugs, taylor wires, new K&N air filter, and a Hypertech thermostat 160. It is an amazing machine, it came with already done modifications on it, magnaflow exhaust, cool air intake, amazing sound system. The steering is a little tough, but it makes it enjoyable. The LT-1 will do 0-60 in at least 5.5, it’s amazing. Torque is set at a low which makes it an amazing street car that’ll smoke just about any import away. The only recommendations that I would give is to keep check on the hoses and such, we did have to repair a coolant leak from a hose.

• 

  2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Jonathan Colon - November 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is simply amazing. Unbelievably lightning fast, intense power, state of the art Corvette muscle car engine. This car with its V8 gets better gas milage, than my 6 cylinder Acura. The last of a fine breed of muscle cars. I wouldnt trade this car for any other in the world. Unlimited potential with the wide array of after- market parts. I love this car.