Chevrolet Camaro Overview
The Camaro is both a classic and a modern rear-drive sports car produced by Chevrolet since 1966. The first two generations of the Chevrolet Camaro are considered collectibles, which entered showrooms starting in the 1967 model year and ran through to the introduction of the third-generation Camaro in 1982. Early Camaro models shared components with the Pontiac Firebird and were designed to compete with the Ford Mustang. After the collectible years, the Chevy Camaro continued into its third-generation in 1982. Fuel injection, a four-speed automatic transmission, and a four-cylinder base engine were all relatively new ideas for the Camaro. The much-acclaimed IROC (International Race Of Champions) model was introduced in 1985. In 1986, the four-cylinder engine option was dropped in favor of a V6 alongside the V8 engine options. In 1993, the fourth-generation of the Chevrolet Camaro entered showrooms with a completely new body style was introduced. V6 and V8 engines were still the norm, but a new small-block V8 was introduced in 1995, carrying over from the Camaro's "bigger brother" sports car, the Corvette. From 1996 to 1997, a special edition SS model of the Camaro was offered as well. The Camaro ended production in 2002 and then was revived in 2010 for a new-generation car based on modern technology. This fifth-generation Camaro shared only the 2+2 coupe design of its predecessors and was otherwise a completely new chassis, powertrain, and body. Nostalgic retro-looks were "in" by this point and the new Camaro used those without going too overboard. Again, V6 and V8 powerplants were the norm. The current-generation (6th) Camaro entered the market in 2016, carrying forward the redesign done for the previous gen. This new Camaro was introduced to coincide with the model's fiftieth anniversary. Most everything in the Chevrolet Camaro was changed for this new model, though stylistically it is very similar to the fifth-generation. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine was introduced alongside a new V6 and V8. The Chevrolet Camaro has a relatively good reputation for reliability, even at fairly high mileage. Most complaints are for the 2010-2011 model years where engine timing, clutch issues, and heater core problems can be found as somewhat common. Most of these happen at mid- to high-mileage (50,000 and higher on the odometer). There are otherwise few consistent problems to report for the Chevy Camaro.
Test Drive Reviews
2018 Chevrolet Camaro
The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro continues with the current-generation of this iconic sports car. The Camaro is most well known for its nostalgic past, fast-paced and muscular look, and affordable pony car performance.
The ZL1 performance model introduced last year gets a new 1LE Extreme Track Performance package add-on option this year. The 2018 Camaro also sees the addition of a new base-upgrade 1LS trim point.
The 2018 Camaro is broken into four basic variants, each designated by an engine variant. The base model LS and LT models come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the RS comes with a V6, the SS with a 6.2-liter V8, and the ZL with a supercharged V8. Both coupe and convertible body styles are available in most of the Camaro's six trim levels. All Camaro models are rear-wheel drive with seating for up to four in a 2+2 configuration. Some packages offer a rear-seat delete option.
The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro comes in enough flavors that most sports buyers will find a good match for their wants. The turbo-four offers good driveability as an everyday car with a sports car look. The V6 is more powerful than it might seem to be and motivates the Camaro well, while the V8 options are all about muscle. The Camaro keeps its reputation for being the affordable, typical sports car centered on American-style performance at all levels.
There's a lot to like about today's Chevrolet Camaro and more than a few reasons for sports car buyers to consider it. There are downsides as well, so buyers should be aware of what they're after.
See the full 2018 Chevrolet Camaro Test Drive Review.
2017 Chevrolet Camaro
The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro is the current rendition of this iconic American sports car. The Camaro is best known for its muscular look, fast-paced past and beautiful convertible option. The 2017 model sees the addition of the ZL1 performance model, fitting above the SS thanks to its supercharged V8, and some options shuffling through the trim lineup.
The Camaro comes in four basic flavors, each designated by its engine. The 4-cylinder base model is decent enough for a four banger, offering enough power to keep the Camaro from feeling cheaply sluggish. The V6 is an excellent choice for everyday drivers and those who want performance appeal without the insurance and pump price that comes with the V8. The V8 options are both muscular and throaty, bringing all of the love that entails.
Both enthusiasts and new-to-sports buyers will enjoy the Camaro's good mix of power and driveability along with its strongly-styled exterior.
See the full 2017 Chevrolet Camaro Test Drive Review.
2016 Chevrolet Camaro
The long-lived and much-loved Chevrolet Camaro has been redesigned for the 2016 model year, and to good effect. The new 2016 Camaro is more muscular in appearance, handles better on the road, has a segment-topping interior, and is (gasp) very fuel efficient.
Yes, a muscle car that's also fuel efficient. It's like saying a penguin is ugly. It's out of place, but there it is. This new Camaro has a turbocharged four-cylinder, a smart V6, and a powerful V8 to choose from as well as a manual and automatic transmission. In rear-wheel drive sports cars under the American tradition, that's becoming about par for the segment.
Most notable, though, are the great new styling and much more ergonomic interior to be found on the 2016 Chevy Camaro. We also became fans of the Camaro's improved drive dynamic and love of the sprint. Even the four-cylinder is capable of doing 0-60 in under 6 seconds.
In all, there is much to love about this new-generation Camaro. It deserves the "A" rating we're giving it. This four-seat, two-door muscle car is still the rear-wheel-drive beast that appeared in the 1960s, but has become a much more sophisticated coupe with time. Today's Camaro is fast, fun, and powerful, but is also fuel-sipping and comfortable. It's a great mix of sports, muscle, and daily use.
See the full 2016 Chevrolet Camaro Test Drive Review.
2015 Chevrolet Camaro
(Overall Grade after 8 Categories: 63)
The term classic, or even stronger word icon, is tossed around too frequently. But one or both of those words certainly applies to the Chevy Camaro. The 2015 version is relatively unchanged from the last model year, it will also be the last of the fifth generation of the Camaro. There's certainly nothing wrong with the 2015 Camaro, and it will stand the test of time as another successful vehicle for this classic muscle car. And certainly, the 2015 Camaro goes out with a bang as it makes room for the completely redesigned sixth-generation Camaro. While we look forward to that car, we will take a closer look at the 2015 version.
See the full 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Test Drive Review.
2014 Chevrolet Camaro
Sporting a fresh exterior design and the return of the nearly track-ready Z/28, the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro, in coupe and convertible body styles, offers sporty performance at what many consider to be bargain prices. Add to its appeal the fact that Camaro is American-born and bred - and has the pedigree to prove it.
See the full 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Test Drive Review.
