2000 Chevrolet Camaro Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Sales keep slip-slidin' away, but Chevrolet's "ponycar" hangs on for 2000 with little change. Camaro continues as a convertible or hatchback coupe in base V6 and V8 Z28 form. All come with 4-wheel antilock disc brakes and offer optional traction control. Convertibles have a standard power top with glass rear window; a T-top is optional for coupes. Base models use a 5-speed manual transmission or optional automatic; the Z28 offers automatic or a 6-speed manual at no price difference. Returning is the SS package that is produced by SLP Engineering, an independent manufacturer of performance parts. It's fully covered by the General Motors warranty and includes a higher-output version of the V8, functional hood scoop, larger tires, different rear spoiler, and upgraded suspension.
All convertibles have standard steering-wheel audio controls, and engines meet Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) standards for states requiring it. For 2000, Z28 coupes went from black to body-color door mirrors, and wheels were redesigned for both the SS option and the Performance and Handling package available on other Camaros. The Pontiac Firebird shares Camaro's mechanical components but has different styling.

Competition

This class features an interesting mix of hard-core performance models and more luxurious touring convertibles. Our Best Buys give you a little of both worlds. The Chevrolet Corvette is fast, comfortable, and reasonably affordable. Unlike previous models it doesn't beat you up with a hard ride, and it will cruise quietly at highway speeds. Our other Best Buy, the Mazda Miata, is a bare-bones roadster with few frills and average acceleration, but for weekend fun on a twisty back road it's hard to beat.
If you don't mind spending a few more bucks, we recommend you take a look at the BMW Z3 and Mercedes-Benz SLK. Both are two-seat convertibles. The BMW is more sporty and the Mercedes is more luxurious.
If you are interested in bang-for-the-buck our Budget Buys include the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. At any given price or equipment level the Camaro is a faster car, but the Mustang might be a little more user-friendly as a daily driver.

News

Camaro's death has been rumored for some time, but Chevy's ponycar now seems certain to disappear after an abbreviated 2002 model run, thus ending several years of being outsold by the rival Ford Mustang. (Pontiac's Firebird will reportedly meet the same fate.) However, one well placed source says this is only an exile, not an execution, which suggests the Camaro name will return sometime later, perhaps on a very different vehicle. Unfortunately, no one outside GM seems to know more at this point. Meanwhile, look for a limited-edition farewell package, perhaps with full-bore Corvette power, before the axe falls on the current 2+2 coupe and convertible and their vintage-1993 design.

2000 Chevrolet Camaro Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (Z28)	Fuel economy (Z28)

Handling	Ride (Z28)

	Rear-seat room

	Wet weather traction (without traction control)

	Rear visibility

	Entry/exit

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	Class Average
5	8	7.4

V8 versions deliver fierce acceleration yet are relatively docile in traffic. Base Camaros and Firebirds have spirited acceleration and are cheaper to insure than V8 models.

Fuel Economy

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	Class Average
5	4	4.7

V6 models use regular fuel; V8s require premium. In our tests, we averaged 18.6 mpg with a V6/5-speed Camaro, 15.1 in an automatic Z28, and 16.2 with a 6-speed ram-air Formula Firebird.

Ride Quality

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	Class Average
4	3	3.4

V8 models, with their lower-profile tires, ride more stiffly over bumps than the firm but relatively compliant V6 versions.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	Class Average
6	8	7.6

All have sporty, responsive steering and handling, though their stiffly sprung tail can skip around on rough pavement. Traction control is an essential safety feature on slippery surfaces.

Quietness

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	Class Average
2	3	3.6

We expect lots of mechanical ruckus in "muscle" cars, but V8 Camaros and Firebirds have a tiresome exhaust rumble, plus noisy high-performance tires.

Controls

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	Class Average
6	6	5.1

Instruments and controls are easy to locate and decipher, though Firebird's dashboard is unnecessarily over-styled.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4.7

Okay for two adults but low roof, high beltline, and "bathtub" seating negate feels of spaciousness. Long, heavy doors aggravate entry/exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	Class Average
2	2	.7

As in most such cars, the back seat is fit only for kids.

Cargo Room

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	Class Average
1	3	2.2

Concentrated in a rectangular rear well big enough to swallow two golf bags, and the rear seatback in coupes folds for extra versatility, but both body styles suffer high rear liftover.

Value within Class

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	Class Average
3	4	2.5

V8 models are among the world's best high-performance values, but Camaro and Firebird's '60s-think Detroit design is out of step with today's tastes. Relatively speaking, Camaro gets our nod as the more sensible buy of the two, but Mustang outsells Camaro and Firebird combined, so if you take the GM plunge, demand a sizable discount from your Chevy or Pontiac dealer.

Total Score

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	Class Average
38	45	41.9

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		32
Average Score		41
High Score		52

2000 Chevrolet Camaro Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/31/2000

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 2-door hatchback	$17,040	$15,592	$575

Base 2-door convertible	$24,340	$22,271	$575

Z28 2-door hatchback	$21,615	$19,778	$575

Z28 2-door convertible	$28,715	$26,274	$575

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base hatchback

Powertrain

3.8-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center storage console, cupholders, folding rear seat, intermittent wipers, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, map lights, tachometer, low-oil-level indicator, visor mirrors, automatic headlights, front floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Left remote and right sport mirrors, theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, 215/60R16 tires, wheel covers.

Base convertible adds to Base hatchback:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, rear defogger, Monsoon sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, rear floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, power folding top, 3-piece hard boot with storage bag.

Z28 hatchback adds to Base hatchback:

Powertrain

5.7-liter V8 305-horsepower engine, 6-speed manual, or 4-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Monsoon sound system, low-coolant indicator system.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Performance ride and handling suspension, 235/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.

Z28 convertible adds to Z28 hatchback:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, rear defogger, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, 6-way power driver seat, rear floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, power folding top, 3-piece hard boot with storage bag.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Preferred Equipment Group 1SB
Base hatchback	$1,170	$1,041
Cruise control, remote hatch release, power mirrors and windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, theft-deterrent system w/alarm, fog lights.

Preferred Equipment Group 1SD
Z28 hatchback	$1,715	$1,526
Pkg. 1SB plus 6-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, rear floormats, bodyside moldings.

SS Performance/Appearance Pkg.
Z28	$3,950	$3,516
Includes 320-horsepower engine, composite hood w/functional air scoop, forced-air induction system, low-restriction dual exhaust, power steering fluid cooler, special rear spoiler, Special High Performance Ride and Handling Pkg., 275/40ZR17 tires, special alloy wheels.

Sport Appearance Pkg.
Base	$1,755	$1,562
Z28	$1,348	$1,200
Front and rear body moldings, 235/55R16 tires (Base), alloy wheels (Base).

Performance Handling Pkg.
Base	$275	$245
Limited-slip differential, performance axle ratio (w/automatic transmission), dual exhaust, sport steering ratio. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SB, 235/55R16 tires, and alloy wheels.

Performance Pkg.
Z28 hatchback	$1,200	$1,068
Larger stabilizer bars, stiffer springs and bushings, dual adjustable shock absorbers, power steering fluid cooler. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SD, 245/50ZR16 performance tires, performance axle ratio w/automatic transmission. NA w/removable roof panels.

Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission
Base	$815	$725


Hurst shifter
Z28	$325	$289
Requires 6-speed manual transmission.

Traction control
Z28	$450	$401
Base	$250	$223
Requires Preferred Equipment Group. Base requires Performance Handling Pkg.

Performance axle ratio
Z28	$300	$267
Requires automatic transmission and 245/50ZR16 tires.

Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM/cassette w/Monsoon sound system
Base hatchback	$350	$312


AM/FM/CD player w/Monsoon sound system
Base hatchback	$450	$401
Base convertible, Z28	$100	$89


12-disc CD changer
Base convertible, Base hatchback, Z28 convertible, Z28 hatchback	$595	$530
Requires AM/FM/cassette with Monsoon sound system.

Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Base hatchback	$170	$151
Includes radio controls. Requires Preferred Group 1SB, optional radio.

6-way power driver seat
Base	$270	$240


Leather bucket seats
Base convertible, Base hatchback, Z28 convertible, Z28 hatchback	$500	$445
Z28 hatchback requires preferred equipment group.

Rear defogger
hatchback	$170	$151


Removable roof panels
hatchback	$995	$886
Includes locks, storage provisions, and sun shade. NA Performance Pkg.

Rear floormats
Base hatchback	$15	$13


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
Base convertible, Base hatchback, Z28 convertible, Z28 hatchback	$20	$18


Color-keyed bodyside moldings
Base hatchback	$60	$53


Power steering cooler
Z28	$100	$89


235/55R16 tires
Base	$132	$120
Requires alloy wheels.

245/50ZR16 performance tires
Z28	$225	$200


245/50ZR16 all-season performance tires
Z28	$225	$200


Alloy wheels
Base	$275	$245
Requires 235/55R16 tires.

Polished alloy wheels
Base	$750	$668
Base w/Sport Appearance Pkg. or Performance Handling, Z28	$500	$445
Base requires 235/55R16 tires.

2000 Chevrolet Camaro Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Chevrolet Camaro 2-door hatchback	Chevrolet Camaro 2-door convertible

Wheelbase, in.	101.1	101.1

Overall Length, in.	193.5	193.5

Overall Width, in.	74.1	74.1

Overall Height, in.	51.2	51.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	3306	3500

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	12.9	7.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.8	16.8

Seating Capacity	4	4

Front Head Room, in.	37.2	38.0

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43.0	43.0

Rear Head Room, in.	35.3	39.0

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	26.8	26.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	ohv V6	ohv V8	ohv V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.8 /231	5.7 /346	5.7 /346

Horsepower @ rpm.	200 @ 5200	305 @ 5200	320 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	225 @ 4000	335 @ 4000	345 @ 4400

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	19/30	--/--	--/--

6-speed manual	--/--	19/28	18/27

4-speed automatic	19/29	17/24	17/25

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Chevrolet Camaro 2-door hatchback	Chevrolet Camaro 2-door convertible

Collision	1	1

Collision (HLDI)	155	160

Front Impact, Driver	4	NA

Front Impact, Passenger	5	NA

Injury	3	3

Injury (HLDI)	99	110

Side Impact, Driver	3	NA

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4	NA

Theft	NA	3

Theft (HLDI)	NA	124

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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Canada

Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

< 2000 Chevrolet Camaro Photos

Also in the 2000 Chevrolet Camaro Review:

Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet Camaro Road Test

Chevrolet Camaro Prices & Equipment

Chevrolet Camaro Specs & Safety

Chevrolet Camaro Photos

Chevrolet Camaro Full Review

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