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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  95 Z28 - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Koby - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This has to be the best car I have had. The Z is a blast to drive and it is has been reliable since day one. With a good set of all season tires it can be used as a yearly car. Gas milage is normal for a 95 car, it might be a v8 but it does good on gas. What other car can you use for a daily driver and then take it to the track on the weekends and have fun with it?? All around great car.

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  Exciting Rear Wheel Drive Sports Car - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Rear Wheel Drive - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Since the new purchase of this z28 camaro, it has been a joy to own and drive. The V8 engine packs alot of power, great for excelleration and going up mountain drives. The interior is well laid out with great views, comfortable cloth seats and a super stereo system. Add on t-tops and you have a fun almost convertible experience. The camaro is a fun, well laid out car with automatic headlights and daytime running lights too for safety. Great car for the value.

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  Awesome - 2015 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Wayne - September 12 - 2:36 am

  I havent owned a Camaro since the first body style change, but this is the one yet.

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  Sorry Bro - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By super slick - September 12 - 2:00 am

  dont get me wrong, i think the car is pretty fast. the exterior is ok but the interior is horrible. not too many mechanical flaws but it shakes a bit during cold weather start ups.

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  Fun and Reliable! - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By F-Body Fan - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven my 99 V-6 coupe almost 50k miles now, and it has operated flawlessly. It has only been in the shop once for a blown catalytic converter, which was covered under warranty. Snow tires make winter driving a lot easier in northern areas. Its amazing what you can fit in this car if youre creative - Ive hauled over a yard of mulch, 32" TVs, gas grills. Gas mileage averages around 20MPG with mixed city/hwy driving. Definitely get the manual trans - my 96 with the auto wasnt nearly as fun. Overall a great car for the price! Dont waste your money on the V-8 unless you live somewhere with a lot of open roads and no cops.

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  1991 Z28 CONVERTABLE - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
  By AWALTDAVIS - September 11 - 2:00 am

  FUN CAR, EYE CATCHER, NEVER WILL SELL THIS CAR. ALL OPTIONS, REPLACED FRONT SUSPENTION- AS IT NEARED 100k BLACK AND SEXY.

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  98 Camaro, hard to beat - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By glenarch - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I have driven my Camaro for 4 years. It has been great fun, reliable and inexpensive to drive. Its a shame that they are no longer in productio- I would buy another one.

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  AWSOME - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By dazzle09 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Good...I love this car. Before this I drove a tempo and a buick! What was I thinking?! LOL What a change of car!

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  think about it - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Fox Hunter - September 2 - 2:00 am

  fun to drop the foot but all around this car is making me tiresome. pretty slick sitting inside but its not comfortable. you sit on the ground and the seats tire you on long rides. one stupid place to put a cat on the floor. becoming a boring body style. new style looks better. after only 78K miles i have dealt with a water pump break opti- spark and starter problem. dont forget how ingenius it was to put the opti- spark under the water pump. car is on sale and im looking to see how comfortable the newer zs might be. also looking towards ford to see the mustangs, can be fast too. i hear they are a better fit. camaros are fast but nothing else

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  Awesome - 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Crystal Clear - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I havent had any problems out of my camaro at all. It has been an excellent vehicle. It is very sporty and fun to drive. Its pretty good on gas too. Its been a reliable car. I wouldnt own anything but a Chevy after owning this particular vehicle. I am totally satisfied with my purchase. Thanks