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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  The most fun Ive had in years - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By spifeme - July 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 1998 Red Camaro, with its V-8 and T-Tops for about 18 months. But in that time my 2 teenage kids have decided that I am too cool. That for a single parent, made buying this car worthwhile. Its performance is awesome. I have pushed it up to 140 mph and felt safe. It corners great and it looks great. If a person wanted to look and feel good, get one!

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  Runs like its brand new - 1992 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Camaro Driver - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car used when it had ~148K miles on it. I just turned 180K miles and I have done very little to keep it running. I had to do the normal things like change tires, shocks, brakes, etc., but I havent had any expensive repairs to deal with, especially when you consider the mileage.

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  98 camaro - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By kingtombroz - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Overall the car is fun to drive. Pick- up and acceleration are awesome for a 6. As long as your sitting in the front the car is comfortable. The only real problem is the blind spots are huge, but i guess thats the story with all sports cars. Im extremely happy wit it.

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  CAMARO!!!!!! - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By hourang - July 17 - 2:00 am

  ONE bad azz car!!! too fast for my own good, plus i get 23 mph on the highway!!!!

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  Bang for the Buck - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By JCC - July 15 - 2:00 am

  A car you can drive everyday to work and still run a 13.8 with just an intake and exhaust with an A4 transmission. It looks mean and still turns heads, its 6years old now.

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  Tip top car - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
  By PhilMACnCheese - July 14 - 2:00 am

  My car has 140k miles on it, and the only thing Ive had to fix is the transmission. The guy that owned it before me drove it to the grave, and stripped out the transmission. It got an over-haul, and tweaked out 12% more horsepower. My Z28 has the 5.7L vette engine, and has over 310 horses and 350 lbs/ft torque, which is phenominally powerful. I wouldnt trade it for anything on the road.

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  Hard to park but great car!! - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Dale L - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Loved the power of the V-8! Not much on traction in wet or snow. This is a fair weather friend only. Always started except when I wanted to steam clean the motor once. Dont do it!! Great gas mileage on trips {26hwy}. Loves to eat Mustangs alive!! Seats need alittle more cushion and support. Sound system rocked {Bose}! Getting use to not seeing the long front end and parking was always fun. Thank gosh for plastic front ends!! Some interior parts like to break after time. Watch for the window felts that wear out in short time and scratch the side glass.

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  Wonderful bang for the buck - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Michael M - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I really like my car. Ive had it for 3 years now and 46K miles and it is fun, grogeous, fast and was dirt cheap to buy. Great fuel consumption too. The V6 with the manual is fast enough for me and insurance is very reasonable compared to the V8. This is a great car for those of us who love a sports car but cant afford a BMW M3 or an AUDI S4. Only problem has been radio static since about 10Kmiles. Dealer has tried everything and cant fix it. It is really annoying... I will need to buy another car in the next couple of years as we now have two kids and I have no idea what to get. I wish they made a 4 door camaro... :)

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  I love my cams! - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Spongeytim - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I own 2 camaros. I have an 85 and a 91. They both have the 305cid V8 in them. I love them both and wouldnt trade them for any car in the world.

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  SS, so long! - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Kristopher - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Unfortunately just had to sell my 00 Camaro SS, convertible. My hardest decision Ive had to make in my young life. Searched for months for the right color and body, and found a 00 leftover in 01 with only 5000 miles on it. Bought for significantly lower than wouldve paid new. Excellent performance, and roominess (ever try sitting in a little Mustang)?