1990-1992 Chevrolet Camaro: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1992 Chevrolet Camaro
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1990-1992 Chevrolet Camaro ▼
- Price Range: $700 - $2,800
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1992 Chevrolet Camaro and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V8)
- Handling
Cons
- Passenger room
- Fuel economy
- Wet-weather traction
- Ride
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced in this form way back in 1982, the popular Camaro came in both hatchback coupe and convertible form--the latter added during '87. Base and performance-oriented IROC-Z editions were on sale in 1990. By 1990, all Camaros had a driver-side airbag. New standard equipment included a tilt steering wheel, tinted glass, intermittent wipers, and halogen headlamps. The high-performance IROC-Z convertible gained a standard limited-slip differential and new 16-inch alloy wheels, but those items were optional on the IROC-Z coupe. The '90 dashboard flaunted new yellow-gauge graphics, further enhancing the car's assertive nature.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Chevrolet Camaro Z28 5.7-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 9 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 42 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1992 Chevrolet Camaro. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1992 Chevrolet Camaro.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Chevrolet Camaro:
After disappearing since 1988, the Z28 Camaro returned for 1991, while the IROC-Z edition faded away. All 1991 Camaros debuted early--in spring of 1990. The revived Z28 had a standard 5.0-liter V8 and optional 5.7-liter. Both engines gained horsepower this season, and all Camaros got new fascias and aero rocker moldings. The Z28 had a unique rear spoiler, cosmetic hood bulges, and red bow-tie grille emblem, plus newly patterned 16-inch alloy wheels instead of the usual 15-inchers.
1992 Chevrolet Camaro:
A "Heritage Appearance" option group commemorated Camaro's 25th anniversary on the market, but otherwise change was minimal. A totally redesigned Camaro with dual airbags was waiting to debut as a '93 model.
Our road test for the 1990-1992 Chevrolet Camaro includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1992 Chevrolet Camaro and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1992 Chevrolet Camaro is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Camaros are tight in back even for children, with only modest room for parcels and luggage, though a lift-up hatch and fold-down rear seatback add some cargo space. Owners face a snug driving position, with tight head room. Mated to 5-speed manual shift, the V6 RS models offer the best performance/economy balance. With judicious use of the gearshift, a V6 Camaro doesn't feel particularly underpowered. Those with V8 engines perform as promised, delivering quick acceleration but dismal gas mileage. Poor wet-weather traction is another major drawback. Camaros are notorious for twitchy behavior on wet or icy roads. The all-coil-spring suspension gives Camaro some agility. Ride comfort is acceptable on V6 models, but punishing on the stiffly sprung Z28. Expect squeaks and rattles on many Z28s, and on convertibles of either rank. Even when nearly new, ragtops tended to suffer from numerous rattles, clanks, and similar auditory misbehavior.
Value for the Money
Neither Camaro nor the similar Pontiac Firebird is cheap, even today. But provocative styling of this generation--coupled with brawny V8 engines--still lures younger fans, in particular.
Neither Camaro nor the similar Pontiac Firebird is cheap, even today. But provocative styling of this generation--coupled with brawny V8 engines--still lures younger fans, in particular.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Chevrolet Camaro Z28 5.7-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 9 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 42 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Chevrolet Camaro includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chevrolet Camaro .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Accessory belt:
The dust shield for the serpentine belt bends easily. If bent it could cause belt squeal. (1998-99)
Automatic transmission:
TH-200 or 700-R4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-92)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $500 |
| Alternator | $225 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $780 |
| Brakes | $355 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $475 |
| Exhaust System | $430 |
| Radiator | $410 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $575 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $285 |
| Universal Joints | $160 |
Our price chart for this generation Chevrolet Camaro details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1992 | |||
| Camaro RS Coupe | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| RS Convertible | $2,200-2,700 | $1,600-1,900 | $400-500 |
| Z28 Convertible | $3,000-3,700 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-900 |
| Z28 Coupe | $2,300-2,800 | $1,700-2,000 | $400-500 |
| 1991 | |||
| Camaro RS Coupe | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| RS Convertible | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Z28 Convertible | $2,600-3,300 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| Z28 Coupe | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| 1990 | |||
| Camaro RS Coupe | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| IROC-Z Convertible | $2,300-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $400-600 |
| IROC-Z Coupe | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| RS Convertible | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Chevrolet Camaro include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 101.1 | 101.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 192.6 | 192.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.4 | 72.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 50.3 | 50.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3203 | 3103 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 6.6 | 12.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.5 | 15.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.2 | 37.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.0 | 43.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.8 | 34.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 28.3 | 28.9 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
A new 3.1-liter V6 replaced the former 2.8-liter as base engine for 1990. Three V8 choices were available that year: a 5.0-liter V8 with throttle-body fuel injection, making 170 horsepower; another 5.0-liter with port injection, rated 220 horsepower; and a 5.7-liter V8 that cranked out 230 horses (available only in the IROC-Z). Only a 4-speed automatic transmission was available for use with the 5.7-liter V8, but other engines could have either 5-speed manual shift or the optional automatic. For 1991, the Z28 took over the role of the deleted IROC Z, carrying either a 230-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 or the optional 5.7-liter, upped to 245 horsepower.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.1 / 191 | 140 | 180 | 5-speed manual: 17/26 4-speed automatic: 18/27 |
5-speed manual: 17.8 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.0 / 305 | 220-230 | 290-300 | 5-speed manual: 16/26 4-speed automatic: 17/24 |
5-speed manual: 14.4 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.7 / 350 | 230-245 | 330-345 | 4-speed automatic: 16/24 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.0 / 305 | 170 | 255 | 5-speed manual: 17/26 4-speed automatic: 17/26 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Canada
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chevrolet Camaro include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1992 Camaro |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1992 Chevrolet Camaro directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990:
Fuel return hoses on 5.0- or 5.7-liter V8 engine may break at either crimped coupling.
1990:
Plastic components of seatbelt-buckle assemblies could be weakened by exposure to direct sunlight and high interior temperatures.
1991:
Front-seat upper-hinge-cover screws are too long on small number of cars and interfere with seatback inertia lock.
1991:
Metal latchplates of seatbelts may not engage buckle assemblies, which could cause release from buckle.
1991:
Poor adhesion between windshield glass and mounting on small number of cars could allow windshield to separate during a collision.
1991-92:
Fuel-filler neck's solder joint can develop cracks or pinhole leaks, allowing fuel vapor and leakage.
1992:
Automatic-transmission shift-control cable can separate, preventing shifting into proper position.
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