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:

• 

  Powerful fun- 1991 RS - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
  By GK - February 28 - 5:47 pm

  I always liked Camaros growing up and finally, in my 30s, bought a teal RS with the 5.0 liter V8 and Auto tranny and have loved it. It also has the 16" tires & silver wheels. The motor growl and acceleration have made it very fun to drive. My commute now is mostly mountain driving and Ive found the ride to be too harsh. Putting on smoother-riding tires and shocks helped but Im now thinking its time to move into a sports luxury sedan(with power close to this RS).

• 

  What can you say AWESOME! - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Bryan - January 5 - 5:16 pm

  Ever since it was announced that they were bringing the old body style back, lets just say I couldnt wait. Purchased a Black on Black with the V6. Power from a V6? you would think its a V8.... Trust me. Lines on this car are incredible.

• 

  Get one if you can! - 2015 Chevrolet Camaro
  By John Johnston - December 14 - 5:52 pm

  Unreal! So after a few modifications and driving the car 20K miles in a year, Im still thoroughly impressed with the car!

• 

  Vastly improved car over prior generations - 2017 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Greg Miller - November 13 - 7:00 pm

  I have previously owned a fourth generation and a fifth generation Camaro. The fourth gen had good handling and surprisingly good fuel economy (especially for a V8), but was rough around the edges. The fifth generation was a porky car that seemed slower and while nicely styled, was impossible to see out of. It seems like GM got it right for this particular version. The acceleration (V8) is the quickest of any production car I have ever purchased, while the handling is glued to the road and the braking is first rate. But outside of the sports/muscle-car aspects, the biggest improvements are in refinement and features. In short, it is actually a nice to borderline luxurious interior that is comfortable with logical controls and well-laid-out instrument clusters and displays. The seats are essentially perfect, and even things like the steering wheel feel like they were made with optimal comfort in mind. Features like the controllable vehicle modes (Touring/Sport/Track/Snow-Ice) are a nice plus. Another plus (with the optional dual model exhaust I have) is that the car makes it clear that it is serious - the only description I have for it is that it snarls like it is angry with a dont-mess-with-me-attitude whenever you stomp on it or first fire it up. There are still negatives to the car - the biggest one is that while it is improved, the outward visibility is still not great. Another negative is the back seats are really only fit for children or small adults, so this is best thought of as a Corvette with back seats. But the pluses of the car easily win out. One other note - while I have always been a stick-shift driver, this is the first automatic vehicle (with the optional A8) I have owned that I actually like. The shifting of the auto is first rate. I am also seeing almost 27 MPG on the highway with my admitted lead-foot driving. All in all, this is by far the best muscle car I have ever purchased in a continual stream of them I have had all the way back to my high school days.

• 

  Classy and - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Ron - September 12 - 8:56 pm

  My 2007 Corvette Z51 Montery Red has been sitting in the garage for 3 weeks now while I have tacked up more than 2,700 miles on my 2010 Inferno Orange/ white stripes, RS, SS, LS3, 6 speed manual,Inferno int package,sun roof.... The car is fun and gets 25 mpg on the freeway at 74 mph. The Boston speaker system is the best I have ever heard.

• 

  My new daily driver - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Bob - August 4 - 6:43 pm

  I had waited for the Camaro to make its official debut before deciding between it and the Mustang/Challenger. For the money asked, the Camaro SS was the best performance bargin. Just over $30K got me 426HP, a 6-speed manual transmission, Brembo brakes, Independent Rear Suspension and a perfectly proportioned coupe body style. This car is fast but can be driven with maturity in city traffic and still return a lot of fun for the time spent behind the wheel. Just listening to the sound of the exhaust as I go through the gears makes even the standard audio system unnecessary. Combined mileage with the V8 is around 18-21 right now. I can live with it. Well worth the wait to get it.

• 

  Not any more. - 2015 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Matthew McGinley - July 15 - 11:13 pm

  The 2015 Camaro is really a nice-looking car, something out of a cartoon come to life. Very adequate 6-cylinder 323 horsepower, this car has no trouble passing on dry roads. The interior was meant for bachelors and empty nesters, not families. The bucket seats are perfect for two; the cockpit is well laid out and all the instruments and controls are easy to reach. The power and agility is there on demand. The front goes out a bit, and converting from a front-wheel drive takes some getting used to. This car has too much power for city driving. It does not handle well on wet corners, and after only 300 miles I had to have the car repaired because the back end slipped out on me during a light rain negotiating a traffic circle and slammed into a curb, ruining my passenger rear wheel assembly. My whole attitude about muscle cars has changed, and this will be the last one for me, especially the last rear wheel drive car. I do not recommend this car except for dry roads only, summertime, and highway driving, otherwise, it is too intrusive and likely to cause an accident from too much acceleration. In the city, the car basically drives itself with no additional throttle, and too much foot-down is an accident waiting to happen, so after having the car for a short time I will be trading out of it at the earliest opportunity into something more capable in city driving and in the rain and light snow. I regret my purchase now, as this was something I could not discover on just the test drive going very slowly on dry roads. The stock P-Zero Nero tires are only good on straight and dry roads in warm weather, otherwise the 2015 Camaro is a liability and very dangerous. My only wish is that the dealer provided a 30-day trade in guarantee, but now that Ive signed the contract I have to live with this beast until I can get back to a front-wheel drive car that handles much better than this. ------ UPDATE: I took the car back to Bill Pierre Chevrolet in Seattle, and they were gracious enough to trade me out of it. Whew! What a relief! Now Im into a much better car, much safer, and front wheel drive and BACK SEATS! I must have been in some kind of trance, but now that Im out of the dangerous and ego-centered Camaro, I can get on with my life and not have to look back and see if anyone is watching. No more ego trips, no more sliding around corners. Just look at the face of this car, esp. the 2017 Camaro. Its too aggressive, mean--like an animal. The new Camaros are just too fat in the rear and too unstable with the default tires, unless you are on a closed track. But for commuting to work--uh uh, forget it!

• 

  questionable reliability & resale value - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By lxs333 - May 31 - 8:53 pm

  Overall is pretty good but since I also own both 2009 M3 and 2008 M5 then Im thinking to get rid of this Camaro since I dont think this is one of the true sport car out there you can find. For those who loves this very much I suggest you go test at least the ISF, M3 or C63 before driving the Camaro. Im sure you will find something is missing from this American brand. Never buy the V6 because 300 HP is not something new anymore in todays market, a G37s can easily blow you away. For V8, just get the manual one coz the automatic version has less HP for fuel economy purpose but it doesnt save much at all for long term.

• 

  Best yet! - 2016 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Michael Pittman - May 23 - 1:06 am

  Not big enough for 4 people. But loads of fun for 1 or 2

• 

  Still satisfied - 2015 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Al Micucci - April 12 - 3:23 am

  We have been enjoying the car. If the sun is out, the roads are dry and there is no snow, we are in it. had the top down Saturday in 54 degree January weather