2001 Chevrolet Camaro Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Camaro and its Pontiac Firebird cousin come as hatchback coupes and convertibles with V6 or V8 power, manual transmission (5-speed on V6, 6-speed on V8) or optional automatic. Camaro SS and Firebird Trans Am have higher-power Ram-Air V8. All have ABS, 4-wheel disc brakes, available traction control. Convertibles have power top with glass rear window; T-top optional for coupes. Slow-selling duo will be canned after 2002 model year.

Competition

The current Honda Prelude has been around for a few years but it has plenty of power, excellent road manners, and gets reasonable fuel economy. If Prelude is a little too expensive, take a look at our other Best Buy the Volkswagen New Beetle. It offers interesting styling and a nice mix of comfort, performance, and economy.

If raw performance is what you are after we Recommend the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Pontiac Firebird. Not as pleasant to live with on a daily basis, these cars offer a lot of bang for your buck. New last year, the fun-to-drive Toyota Celica also earns the Recommended nod with its reputation for reliability.

News

It's true: Camaro dies after the 2002-model run, the victim of steady sales declines and years of being trumped by the rival Ford Mustang. The same fate awaits Pontiac's related Firebird. Before the axe falls, look for a limited-edition farewell Camaro, perhaps with full-bore Corvette power. Ironically, Camaro did slightly better business in calendar 2000 as sales inched up some 3 percent from '99. Still, the total was only some 42,000, too little for GM accountants to justify continuing the Chevy ponycar, let alone approving an overdue redesign.

Some insiders still talk of the Camaro name being brought back for a very different vehicle. The most oft-mentioned candidate is the sporty retro-cool coupe/pickup, inspired by the show-stopping SSR concept, that's being planned for 2003. A nice thought, but it doesn't make sense to us, given Camaro's history, though Chevy brand managers may think otherwise.

2001 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	5.7

V8 versions deliver fierce acceleration yet are docile in traffic. V6 Camaros and Firebirds have spirited pick up and are cheaper to insure than V8 models.

Fuel Economy

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	Class Average
5	4	6.1

In our tests, we averaged 18.6 mpg with V6/5-speed, 15.1 with V8/automatic, 14.7-16.2 with V8/6-speed. V6s use regular fuel; GM recommends 91-octane premium fuel for the V8s.

Ride Quality

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	Class Average
4	3	3.5

Not designed for comfort. 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	6.8

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	3.2

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	5.6

Easy to locate and decipher, though Firebird's dashboard is unnecessarily over-styled. Plastic and unpadded vinyl abound in old-school-think cabin.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4.3

OK for two adults, but low roof, high door sills, and "bathtub" seating result in cramped feeling, poor rear vision. Long, heavy doors aggravate entry/exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	Class Average
2	2	1.5

Fit only for kids.

Cargo Room

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

Concentrated in a rectangular rear well big enough to swallow two golf bags. Coupes' seatback folds for extra versatility. Both body styles suffer high rear liftover.

Value within Class

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	Class Average
4	6	4.6

V8 models are among the world's best high-performance values, but Camaro and Firebird are out of step with today's tastes and trends, hence their imminent demise.

Total Score

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	Class Average
39	47	44.3

Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		37
Average Score		44
High Score		60

2001 Chevrolet Camaro Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 07/14/2000

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 2-door hatchback	$17,305	$15,834	$575

Base 2-door convertible	$24,600	$22,509	$575

Z28 2-door hatchback	$21,875	$20,016	$575

Z28 2-door convertible	$28,980	$26,517	$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 console, cupholders, folding rear seat, intermittent wipers, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, visor mirrors, automatic headlights, front floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Dual outside 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 convertible top, 3-piece hard boot with storage bag.

Z28 hatchback adds to Base hatchback:

Powertrain

5.7-liter V8 310-horsepower engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Monsoon sound 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 convertible 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 325-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.

RS Pkg.
Base	$849	$
Body stripes, badging, Z28 exhaust system, silver painted exhaust outlets. NA w/Sport Appearance Pkg.

Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission
Base	$815	$725


6-speed manual transmission
Z28	$0	$0
Includes performance axle ratio.

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 upholstery
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
Color-keyed bodyside moldings
Base hatchback	$60	$53


Power steering cooler
Z28	$100	$89


235/55R16 tires
Base	$135	$120
Requires alloy wheels.

245/50ZR16 performance tires
Base convertible, Z28	$225	$200


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


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

Chrome alloy wheels
Base	$975	$868
Base w/Sport Appearance Pkg. or Performance Handling, Z28	$725	$645
Base requires 235/55R16 tires.

2001 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	38.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.9	42.9

Rear Head Room, in.	35.2	39.4

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	310 @ 5200	325 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	225 @ 4000	340 @ 4000	350 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	19/31	--/--	--/--

6-speed manual	--/--	19/28	19/28

4-speed automatic	19/31	18/26	18/26

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)	160	154

Front Impact, Driver	4	NA

Front Impact, Passenger	5	NA

Injury	3	3

Injury (HLDI)	103	86

Side Impact, Driver	3	NA

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4	NA

Theft	3	NA

Theft (HLDI)	137	NA

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

< 2001 Chevrolet Camaro Photos

Also in the 2001 Chevrolet Camaro Review:

Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet Camaro Road Test

Chevrolet Camaro Prices & Equipment

Chevrolet Camaro Specs & Safety

Chevrolet Camaro Photos

Chevrolet Camaro Full Review

All Chevrolet Camaros

All Chevrolets