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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  My Lemon - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Cari - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Typical GM paint job...meaing it doesnt have much left. Both window motors replaced. Headlight knob replaced...twice. Alternator replaced five times. Six different batteries. EGR Valve replaced. Major oil leak-still cant fix it. Fuel cell replaced. Rear end leaked. speedometer replaced. All dash wiring replaced. Computer chip gone bad. Fuel pressure regulator gone bad. U-bolt in rear end bad. Spoiler on front end has had to be replaced four times as the car sits so low and it breaks if you go over ANY kind of bumb. And it only has 72,000 miles on it.

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  One sharp ride - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By dunnr - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Havent spent the first penny on repairs to this car. Gets 22mpg around town and 28mpg on the interstate, not bad for V6 with pep.

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  Buy a Mustang - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Stangowner - June 19 - 2:00 am

  It was a great car at first. But then the brakes started to squeal. I was find with that until I was driving down the high way and the engine died. I couldnt get it started again, so i just got rid of it and got my self a Mustang GT. I suggest you do the same.

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  Good with the bad - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By J,MD - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Last year my wife and I found a used 1996 base model with a V-6. Often we take it down to our parents home in south Florida. In the past three months repairs have started popping up like crazy. Voltage regulator 350 Low beams went out 60 Serpintine belt and the waterpump quit 250 Two weeks ago the fuelpumps check valve failed. The fuel module which includes the pump, sending unit, and check valve. Translated-Chevy charges 406 for the part alone, and by the way the new Camaro has the fuel pump INSIDE the fuel tank. That was 4.9 hours in labor. 847 Done by Chevy with a lifetime warranty.

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  I deliver pizzas in it! - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Stephen Bynum - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I deliver pizzas in it. The only problems that I have had in the 2 years that Ive had it is that I had to get the EGR valve fixed at a cost of $268. I buy used tires for $25. I keep the oil changed every 1000-1500 miles instead of 3000, because I drive it 30000 miles per year since I bought it. Besides that, it is a good car, but the fuel prices is why Im going to sell it in a few months.

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  98 Camaro Z28 - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By JoshuaH82 - June 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle pre-owned with 48,000 miles on it. So far my experience has been nothing but fantastic. The car runs like a dream. No problems so far, and no problems in the past to my understanding. The ride is almost comparable to my Buick Reatta as far as comfort. It has plenty of power under the hood, yet its whisper quiet until you punch it. Some of the interior controls feel cheap, but they are very simple to operate. The t-tops dont leak! The stock stereo is ok, but nothing terribly special Overall Id say its a magnificent car for the price. Plenty of power, great ride, tons of fun.

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  1995 Z-28 Convertible - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Convertible lover - June 13 - 2:00 am

  The ultimate mid life crisis mobile. Wanna feel great-have people look at you and littel kids point-buy this car. Nothing quite like the acceleration and sound of a 5.7 liter V-8 with the roof down. Dont ever-I repeat-ever attempt to drive this car in snow or ice-those great big wheels are useless -)

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  my camaro - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Scott Wolfe - June 12 - 2:00 am

  95 camaros are great...fun as heck the rear end just doesnt fit the car...theres to much power for such a small rear end... but if your not ganna do burnouts a lot.... this car is the best. but dont worry you can burn out enough safely

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  Camaros are Great.... - 1992 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Justin Barnes - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I just got my car and its great, besides some little things that need to be tuned up on it. It has a new exaust system which makes this beast sound great with the V8. I LOVE IT.

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  Solid Car - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By airmac - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Just sold my 95 Z28. It was a pretty solid car. The only maintenance I had with it was replacing the high pressure line from the power steering. Fun to drive and its got nads. The ride is a little bumpier than I would like, but the acceleration and handling make it worth the money. Get decent gas mileage if youre not gassing it all the time. Gonna miss my baby.