1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
2002 Chevrolet Camaro
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1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro ▼
- Price Range: $1,200 - $8,600
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (Z28)
- Antilock brakes
- Control layout
- Handling
- Airbags
Cons
- Fuel economy (Z28)
- Wet-weather traction
- Tire noise (Z28)
- Noise
- Rear-seat comfort
- Ride (Z28)
- Visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Total restyling of Chevrolet's sporty rear-drive hatchback coupe retained some familiar cues, in a more curvy body made largely of dent-resistant composite material. As before, the popular "pony car" came in base trim (with V6 power) and as a Z28 (propelled by a V8). Base and high-performance Z28 models again are similar to the Pontiac Firebird, riding the same basic platform as before. Dimensions grew only slightly, but this latest rendition gained some weight--and power. All Camaros now included dual airbags and antilock braking. A reworked dashboard put all gauges in a semicircular pod, easy to view. No convertible hit the market for the 1993 model year.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Chevrolet Camaro base convertible Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 1 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro.
Year to Year Changes
1994 Chevrolet Camaro:
A convertible arrived late in '94, with a glass back window and power top. The Z28's 6-speed gearbox added Computer-Aided Gear Selection, which forces a first-to-fourth gear shift when accelerating from a stop under light throttle.
1995 Chevrolet Camaro:
Traction control finally became optional at midseason, but only for Z28 Camaros. It can be switched off, if desired. Later in the model year, a 3.8-liter V6 became optional in base Camaros.
1996 Chevrolet Camaro:
The 3.8-liter V6 engine, introduced as an option during 1995, became standard in base Camaros. The Z28's 5.7-liter V8 gained 10 horsepower. A new RS package added lower-body aero trim and a 3-piece spoiler to base coupes and convertibles. Moving further into performance, an "SS" (Super Sport) option became available for the Z28. Produced by an outside firm, SLP Engineering, the SS package includes wider wheels and tires, styling and suspension modifications, and a functional hood scoop. Engine horsepower rose to 305 on the SS.
1997 Chevrolet Camaro:
Redesigned dashboards, daytime running lights, and revised taillamps were added to all 1997 Camaros. Accompanying the new standard dash is a revised center console with more storage space.
1998 Chevrolet Camaro:
Camaro gets a restyled nose courtesy of a fresh fascia, composite headlamps, and a restyled hood and fenders. Underhood, the Z28 gets a version of the Corvette's aluminum V8 with 305 horsepower, 20 more than last year. SS models get a power boost to 320 horsepower.
1999 Chevrolet Camaro:
Traction control was a new option on base models and the fuel tank grew from 15.5 gallons to 16.8.
2000 Chevrolet Camaro:
Facing ever-declining sales, Chevrolet's "ponycar" saw little change for 2000. All models now had steering-wheel audio controls. Engines were retuned to Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) standards, for states that required it. Z28 coupes switched from black to body-color door mirrors. Wheels were redesigned for both the SS option and the Performance and Handling package available on other Camaros.
2001 Chevrolet Camaro:
The Z28-based SS package returned for 2001 with high-power V8, functional hood scoop, larger tires, new rear spoiler, and upgraded suspension. V8s gained 5 horsepower and all models got retuned shock absorbers.
2002 Chevrolet Camaro:
For its final season, Chevrolet's rear-wheel-drive sports coupe offered a 35th Anniversary Package for the SS version. The package included red paint, dual silver stripes, and special wheels and trim. Newly standard were a CD player and automatic transmission for V6 versions. Pontiac's Firebird shared Camaro's design and also retired after the 2002 model year.
Our road test for the 1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
This last Camaro beats its predecessor in two notable ways: ride quality and dashboard layout. Both the base model and the Z28 have softer suspensions, which reduces the harsh impacts commonly endured in prior models. Z28s are still quite harsh over rough pavement, but more easygoing than before, though optional high-performance tires generate too much noise at highway speeds. Both models retain their well-known handling prowess. Gauges are easily visible through the steering wheel. Radio and climate controls are high-mounted, easy to reach and see. Climbing inside can be a chore because of low seats. Wide rear roof pillars still obscure the view to sides and rear quarters. A hump in the right-front floorboard intrudes into passenger leg room. Rear head room is a tad better than before, but the cushion is narrow and knee space extremely limited. A deep cargo well doesn't hold much luggage. The low seating position hinders visibility. Though somewhat gruff and noisy under acceleration, the 3.4-liter V6 performs nicely--especially with 5-speed manual shift. Acceleration in a Z28 is strong with either transmission, but the V8 demands premium fuel. We averaged only 13.2 mpg in mostly urban driving. Adding the 3.8-liter V6 narrowed the performance gap between the two modes. The 200-horsepower engine matches the 4.6-liter V8 in Ford Mustangs when the gas pedal hits the floor. Poor wet-weather traction remains a problem. Traction control wasn't optional until 1995.
Value for the Money
This generation of Camaro is the best ever, but we feel that it forces too many compromises to be a daily driver for anyone but the performance enthusiast.
This generation of Camaro is the best ever, but we feel that it forces too many compromises to be a daily driver for anyone but the performance enthusiast.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Chevrolet Camaro base convertible Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 1 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |
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.
Check-engine light:
Engine knock and/or check-engine light could be cause by corrosion on the rear knock sensor. (1998-02)
Coolant leak:
Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (1995-02)
Coolant leak:
The 3.8-liter V6 may leak coolant into the engine from the intake manifold. A new gasket kit, revised throttle body nuts, and sealing compound is available. Redesigned manifolds are also available in the aftermarket. (1993-02)
Cruise control:
Because of oversensitivity, the cruise control cuts out and won't reset unless the key is turned off. GM will replace the cruise-control module. (1993-95)
Doors:
The power door locks fail because the actuator rod comes apart. (1994-97)
Doors:
Although the doors can be locked manually, the power door locks may not operate due to a rubber bumper falling off of the actuator arm. (1995-96)
Engine temperature:
Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999-2000)
Hard starting:
Hard starting and drivability problems on 5.7-liter V8 could be caused by coolant in distributor. (1993-02)
Heater core:
The seal on the heater core case gets loose and cold air enters, which reduces the heater performance. (1993-94)
Rear axle noise:
Under warranty, the company will replace the entire rear axle (excluding brake rotors on cars with rear disc brakes) on a complete exchange basis. (1995)
Steering noise:
The upper bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a snapping or clicking, requiring a new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam. (1994-96)
Vehicle shake:
Cars with the 5.7-liter engine may vibrate at highway speeds. Replacing the driveshaft fixes the problem, but usually results in axle noise becoming more apparent. (1993-96)
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 | $535 |
| Alternator | $290 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $775 |
| Brakes | $255 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $775 |
| Exhaust System | $470 |
| Radiator | $410 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $527 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $330 |
| Universal Joints | $200 |
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 |
|
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| 2002 | |||
| Camaro Coupe | $4,600-5,500 | $3,900-4,600 | $1,700-2,000 |
| Conv., Z28 Coupe | $5,500-7,500 | $4,700-6,500 | $2,300-3,100 |
| Z28 Convertible | $8,200-9,500 | $7,400-8,600 | $4,200-4,800 |
| 2001 | |||
| Camaro Coupe | $4,100-4,800 | $3,400-3,900 | $1,400-1,600 |
| Conv., Z28 Coupe | $5,000-6,800 | $4,300-5,800 | $2,000-2,700 |
| Z28 Convertible | $7,300-8,300 | $6,600-7,500 | $3,600-4,100 |
| 2000 | |||
| Camaro Coupe | $3,700-4,400 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| Conv., Z28 Coupe | $4,600-6,200 | $3,900-5,200 | $1,700-2,300 |
| Z28 Convertible | $6,600-7,500 | $5,800-6,600 | $3,000-3,500 |
| 1999 | |||
| Camaro Coupe | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| Conv., Z28 Coupe | $4,200-5,500 | $3,400-4,500 | $1,400-1,900 |
| Z28 Convertible | $5,900-6,800 | $5,100-5,900 | $2,500-2,900 |
| 1998 | |||
| Camaro Coupe | $3,000-3,600 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-800 |
| Conv., Z28 Coupe | $3,800-4,700 | $3,100-3,900 | $1,200-1,500 |
| Z28 Convertible | $5,200-6,000 | $4,400-5,100 | $2,100-2,400 |
| 1997 | |||
| Camaro Coupe | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| Conv., Z28 Coupe | $3,500-4,300 | $2,800-3,400 | $900-1,200 |
| Z28 Convertible | $4,700-5,400 | $3,900-4,500 | $1,800-2,100 |
| 1996 | |||
| Camaro Coupe | $2,400-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $500-600 |
| Conv., Z28 Coupe | $3,100-3,800 | $2,400-3,000 | $700-900 |
| Z28 Convertible | $4,200-4,900 | $3,400-4,000 | $1,400-1,700 |
| 1995 | |||
| Camaro Coupe | $2,200-2,700 | $1,600-1,900 | $400-500 |
| Conv., Z28 Coupe | $2,800-3,500 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-800 |
| Z28 Convertible | $3,700-4,400 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| 1994 | |||
| Camaro Coupe | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Conv., Z28 Coupe | $2,600-3,300 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| Z28 Convertible | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| 1993 | |||
| Camaro Coupe | $1,800-2,200 | $1,200-1,500 | $300 |
| Z28 Coupe | $2,500-3,100 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
|
|
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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. | 193.2 | 193.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.1 | 74.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 52.0 | 51.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3440 | 3306 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 7.6 | 12.9-33.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.5 | 15.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.0 | 37.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.0 | 43.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.0 | 35.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 26.8 | 26.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Base engine was a 3.4-liter V6 (an enlargement of the former 3.1-liter), delivering 160 horsepower. Either 5-speed manual shift or a 4-speed overdrive automatic might be installed. Under the Z28's hood lurks a Corvette-based 5.7-liter V8 rated at 275 horsepower (285 horses for '96) and hooked to a 6-speed manual gearbox or optional 4-speed automatic. Unlike the Corvette's drivetrain, the Z28's 6-speed box lacked a forced first-to-fourth gear shift under light throttle in its first season, but added that fuel-economy feature for '94, when the automatic shift gained electronic control. Six-speed cars also got a 3.42:1 rear-axle ratio in 1994, replacing the prior 2.73:1 or optional 3.23:1 ratio. A more powerful (200-horsepower) 3.8-liter V6 arrived in spring 1995 as an option, and was made standard for '96. Engines in specially built SS Camaros in 1996 developed 305 horsepower--20 more than usual. In 1998, Camaro got its own version of the Corvette V8. In Z28, the engine made 305 horsepower. With the SS package it made 320 horsepower. V8s gained 5 horsepower in 2001.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.4 / 207 | 160 | 200 | 4-speed automatic: 19/28 5-speed automatic: 19/28 |
4-speed automatic: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 3.8 / 231 | 200 | 225 | 4-speed automatic: 19/29 5-speed automatic: 19/30 |
4-speed automatic: 18.6 5-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.7 / 350 | 275-310 | 325-340 | 6-speed manual: 16/27 4-speed automatic: 17/25 |
6-speed manual: 13.2 4-speed automatic: 17.4 |
| ohv V8 | 5.7 / 346 | 305-325 | 335-350 | 6-speed manual: 17/25 4-speed automatic: 18/27 |
6-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 15.1 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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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 | 1999 Camaro |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | -- |
| Front Impact, Passenger | -- |
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 1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1994:
Misrouted V8 fuel line may contact "air" check valve; heat could damage line, which could leak fuel into engine compartment.
1995:
Lower coupling of steering intermediate shaft could loosen and rotate, resulting in loss of control.
1997:
Seatbelt retractors on some cars can lock-up on slopes.
1999 w/manual transmission:
Clutch master cylinder on a few cars may have incorrect retaining ring, preventing clutch from disengaging.
2002:
Welds near lower driver-side door hinge may not meet specifications, possibly causing severe injuries in a crash.
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