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.