By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National November 24, 2008Vehicle Overview
The all-new Camaro marks the return of affordable (compared to the Corvette) rear-wheel-drive performance at Chevy. The Camaro is available in LS, 1LT, 2LT, 1SS and 2SS trim levels. The Camaro competes with other retro-inspired muscle coupes, including the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang.
Exterior
The new Camaro has a retro theme that borrows from previous models. The Camaro has a long hood and short rear deck. The front end features a honeycomb grille, and the rear has aggressively styled fenders with air intakes shaped liked gills. The back has four rounded taillamps, similar to the ones found on the Corvette.
An available RS appearance package (on LT and SS models) includes high-intensity discharge headlamps with integrated halo rings, a rear spoiler, unique taillamps and 20-inch wheels.
The Camaro is 190.4 inches long and 75.5 inches wide, with a 112.3-inch wheelbase, placing it smack-dab between the relatively small Mustang and the large Challenger.
- Available 18-, 19-, 20- or 21-inch wheels
- Standard power mirrors
- Standard dual exhaust
- Power, heated mirrors standard on 2LT, 1SS, 2SS
- Auto-dimming driver-side's mirror standard on 2LT, 1SS, 2SS
- Fog lamps standard on 1LT, 2LT, 1SS and 2SS
- Rear spoiler optional on 1LT and 2LT, standard on 1SS and 2SS
Interior
The retro theme continues on the inside. In a rare instance for GM, the Camaro's steering wheel, radio unit and climate controls are unique to that car, not shared with another GM vehicle. There's an available auxiliary instrument panel near the shifter that indicates oil temperature, oil pressure, the state of the battery, and transmission fluid temperature.
The vehicle has space for 11.3 cubic feet of cargo in the trunk, which is smaller than both the Mustang and Challenger.
- Available cloth or leather upholstery
- Standard air conditioning
- Standard power windows, locks and keyless entry
- Standard XM Satellite Radio
- USB connector for MP3 player available on 1LT, standard on 2LT and 2SS
- Heated front seats standard on 2LT, 2SS
Under the Hood
Camaro LS and LT models have a V-6 engine, while the V-8 is exclusively found on SS models. It features GM's Active Fuel Management system, which turns off four cylinders under light driving conditions.
The Camaro offers two suspension settings: LS and LT models receive a sport-tuned suspension, called FE2, while SS Camaros get a performance-tuned suspension, called FE3. SS models also get large Brembo brakes and adjustable electronic stability and traction control settings, and manual versions feature Launch Control.
- 300-horsepower, 3.6-liter direct-injected V-6 with 273 pounds-feet of torque
- 400-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 with 395 pounds-feet of torque (automatic SS)
- 422-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 with 408 pounds-feet of torque (manual SS)
- Standard six-speed manual transmission
- Optional six-speed automatic transmission
- Four-piston Brembo brakes standard on SS models
Safety
All Camaros receive OnStar, with one free year of GM's Safe and Sound Plan, which features services like monthly email alerts, automatic crash response and roadside assistance.
Standard safety features include:
- Side curtain airbags
- Front side-impact airbags
- Daytime running lamps
- Antilock braking system with brake assist
- Electronic stability control
- Traction control
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Joe Wiesenfelder | Cars.com National | September 11, 2009 |
| Kelsey Mays | Cars.com National | March 20, 2009 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | November 24, 2008 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Sherrice Gilsbach | Mother Proof | July 9, 2010 |
| G. Chambers Williams III | Star-Telegram.com | October 29, 2009 |
| Tom Strongman | KansasCity.com | September 11, 2009 |
| Scott Burgess | The Detroit Newspapers | July 2, 2009 |
| G. Chambers Williams III | Star-Telegram.com | May 28, 2009 |
| Warren Brown | washingtonpost.com | May 10, 2009 |
| Dan Neil | Los Angeles Times | April 17, 2009 |
| Scott Burgess | The Detroit Newspapers | March 21, 2009 |
People Who Viewed This Car Also Viewed
Closest Dealers Listing this Car
Featured Services for the Chevrolet Camaro
- Sell your current car quickly and easily on Cars.com.
