1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Chevrolet Camaro. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Chevrolet Camaro.

1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro Review

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.

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.

1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro Road Test

Pros	Cons

Airbags	Fuel economy (Z28)

Antilock brakes	Ride (Z28)

Acceleration (Z28)	Tire noise (Z28)

Handling	Wet-weather traction

Control layout	Visibility

	Noise

	Rear-seat comfort

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.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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:	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.

1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro Reliability

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: 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)

Coolant leak: Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (1995-02)

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: 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)

Doors: The power door locks fail because the actuator rod comes apart. (1994-97)

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

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.

1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1993
Camaro Coupe	$2,200-2,700	$1,600-1,900	$400-500
Z28 Coupe	$3,000-3,600	$2,300-2,800	$700-800

1994
Camaro Coupe	$2,500-3,000	$1,800-2,200	$500-600
Conv., Z28 Coupe	$3,100-3,800	$2,400-3,000	$700-900
Z28 Convertible	$4,100-4,800	$3,400-3,900	$1,400-1,600

1995
Camaro Coupe	$2,800-3,300	$2,100-2,500	$600-700
Conv., Z28 Coupe	$3,500-4,200	$2,800-3,400	$900-1,100
Z28 Convertible	$4,700-5,400	$3,900-4,500	$1,800-2,100

1996
Camaro Coupe	$3,100-3,600	$2,400-2,800	$700-900
Conv., Z28 Coupe	$3,800-4,700	$3,100-3,900	$1,200-1,500
Z28 Convertible	$5,200-5,900	$4,400-5,000	$2,100-2,400

1997
Camaro Coupe	$3,500-4,100	$2,800-3,300	$900-1,100
Conv., Z28 Coupe	$4,200-5,200	$3,400-4,300	$1,400-1,800
Z28 Convertible	$5,800-6,600	$5,000-5,700	$2,400-2,800

1998
Camaro Coupe	$3,900-4,500	$3,200-3,700	$1,200-1,400
Conv., Z28 Coupe	$4,700-5,800	$3,900-4,900	$1,800-2,200
Z28 Convertible	$6,400-7,200	$5,600-6,300	$2,800-3,200

1999
Camaro Coupe	$4,400-5,000	$3,700-4,200	$1,500-1,800
Conv., Z28 Coupe	$5,300-6,500	$4,600-5,600	$2,200-2,700
Z28 Convertible	$7,200-8,000	$6,400-7,100	$3,500-3,900

2000
Camaro Coupe	$5,100-5,800	$4,300-4,900	$2,000-2,300
Conv., Z28 Coupe	$6,000-7,800	$5,200-6,800	$2,500-3,300
Z28 Convertible	$8,500-9,500	$7,700-8,600	$4,400-4,900

2001
Camaro Coupe	$6,200-7,000	$5,400-6,100	$2,700-3,000
Conv., Z28 Coupe	$7,400-9,500	$6,700-8,600	$3,700-4,800
Z28 Convertible	$10,000-11,200	$9,000-10,100	$5,200-5,800

2002
Camaro Coupe	$7,500-8,500	$6,800-7,700	$3,800-4,300
Conv., Z28 Coupe	$9,000-11,500	$8,100-10,400	$4,700-6,000
Z28 Convertible	$12,000-13,300	$10,800-12,000	$6,700-7,400

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.

1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro Specs & Safety

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, trip the engine made 305 horsepower. With the SS package it made 320 horsepower. V8s gained 5 horsepower in 2001.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	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.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Camaro	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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: Canada

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

< 1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro Photos

1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro Local Listings >

Also in the 1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro Review:

Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet Camaro Road Test

Chevrolet Camaro Reliability

Chevrolet Camaro Prices

Chevrolet Camaro Specs & Safety

Chevrolet Camaro Photos

Chevrolet Camaro Full Review