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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  fire somebody !! - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By doug kach - October 1 - 2:00 am

  i bought 35th. ann. what a shame to put something special on the market, and make it so cheap, no thermo in the mirror, no cruise light in dash, no power ant.bad tunes and speakers. and more, who ever was put in charge of this potentual classic car should be unemployed. what a way to screw up a perfect chance to make something special

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  Most potential for fun for the $ - 2015 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Retired Guy - September 24 - 9:53 pm

  I bought it right when they released the info on the 2016. I wanted a retro style car and the Challenger which I think looks better drives like an ocean liner by comparison. The V6 does well, although lacking the torque of a V8 and requiring higher RPM to get the power down. People who dont own one of these always comment on why have a V6- except this V6 puts down more power than any of the V8 Camaros of the 60s 70s 80s or 90s. Even the big block SS396 was barely a match for the modern V6. When I bought my Camaro, it was really just something to drive to work and I already had a 2015 Impala (which is an awesome car with the same engine). Although I never intended to do it, I ended up taking the car to an autocross instead of my usual race car. It did REALLY well. The car can handle well and when driven hard- it doesnt do too bad. Of course, this meant the commuter started to get changed into something else. I added the 1/LE performance suspension with shocks/struts/springs/sway bars as well as the 1/LE Brembo brakes and a GM performance exhaust by Borla. This car is a beast on the autocross course and the high revving 6 and paddle shifters make it a pleasure. With some bolt-on mods, its nearly the same output as the base V8 but happier at high revs. Now, onto the interior- Great seats, nice gauges although with the HUD, I never really look at the cluster. The MyLink works well, but sometimes switches input when it gets confused. Bluetooth always works. I bypassed the Boston Acoustics amp and run an Alpine with Polk speakers and a Polk sub. The stock system with the Kicker subwoofer option sounded good, but I usually look for more audio performance in any car I own. The lack of HD Radio was a surprise, as other MyLin equipped Chevies have HD Radio... and it sounds WAY better. My biggest complaint on interior is the 4-gauge cluster by the shifter. You cant see much of it. They also marked the bottom of the range with an orange marker that looks just like the orange pointer. Nothing like glancing at the gauges and two of them look as if theres a problem because you cant see the pointer- and it looks as if theres an orange pointer at the minimum/bottom end of the gauge. Ridiculous. Wish I had the change tray instead- as all the same info can be on your color display between the speedo and tach. The "luxury" 2LT should have auto climate control. Seriously, manual controls on the supposed "luxury" model? Ridiculous. The trunk is tiny, a spare tire is an option (this is a lousy trend). The back seat is tiny, but my 10 year old and 7 year old dont mind it at all when we take this car places. All in all, its a fun car. I cant think of what other car I could have purchased with 335 horsepower, paddle shifters, leather and heated seats etc for only $24K. Sticker was $34K, I think, but got a discount through work.

• 

  MAD CAR OF THE YEAR - 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
  By fredyjnrt - September 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is cheap and super strong and has guts.

• 

  Poor Mans Vette - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By CODE 4 - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Truly a performer. Very sleek and eff- cient design, good sound proofing, plenty of power. Handles like a real sports car. Very fuel efficient (30.5 mpg @ 75 MPH) in light hwy trfc (Lexus owners eat your hearts out).

• 

  Surprisingly few problems - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By SantaClaus - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Maybe I got lucky, but this car has been more reliable than just about any other I have owned. Almost 60k miles. The only thing I did outside of reqular maintenance (which is low) was replace the drivers power window switch.

• 

  what r u thinking?! - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By rob - September 20 - 7:56 am

  how is this car not a 10?! This car can kill any mustang ever mad, i dont care what u say. this is a fast car for pretty cheap. i can see the editors rating being low, scince they r out to get camaros, but the consumer rating should be of the charts. Do u want to settle for a chick car? a mustang? u go buy ur mustang.

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  Best Value - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By MLCrisis - September 19 - 2:00 am

  The Camaro is the only car out there that fills the niche for me. I have no need for an SUV. The Japenese imports all look the same to me -- boring. You just cant beat the styling and performance of the Camaro. I wasnt really ready to buy a car yet, but with the last year of production and the rebate, I couldnt refuse. I got a great deal, but then again, thats what everyone thinks. I love the handling, the performance, the looks, and the great fuel economy. It is actually fun to drive to work now.

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  2002 Chevrolet conv. SS - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By xtrememusclecar - September 19 - 2:00 am

  345 horse power. this car moves!

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  Corvos Z28 rating - 1993 Chevrolet Camaro
  By John Corvo - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 93 camaro Z-28 a year ago and I think i like it more now than I did when i first got it. The Z28 camaro engine, the LT-1 is quite a workhorse. Its torque kicks you back in your seat while you hit 0-60 in under 6 seconds. I have added a Borla Dual Cat- back exhaust, a Moroso cold air intake, a BBK pulley kit, and a Holley air foil and my camaro has reached about 310hp at the rear wheels. If your looking for a car to put imports in there place then a camaro Z28 is all you need.

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  Underrated - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By OnyxZ28 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Thats the story of the Camaro for the 4th generation, especially the LS1 (98- up) versions. Editors with little to no experience with the car step in expecting a Lexus ride with Corvette performance. What did they expect for 22K? Its the fastest car hands down in its price range, and contrary to urban legend, its fuel efficiency is amazing (26 MPG A4, 29 M6 highway). Others critique the LS1 with comments like "dinosaur pushrod technology." Hey -- why change what works? Whats even more amazing is that almost nobody outside the auto community has realized that the LS1 F-bodies are underrated from the factory.