2002 Chevrolet Camaro Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro help you decide if a 2002 Chevrolet Camaro is right for you.

2002 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.	SS hatch, man.	Class Average
5	8	8	5.7

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

Fuel Economy

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	SS hatch, man.	Class Average
5	4	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. Test SS/manual coupe averaged 16.4 mpg. GM says all Camaro/Firebird engines will run on regular-grade fuel, but V8s produce peak horsepower on 93-octane premium.

Ride Quality

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	SS hatch, man.	Class Average
3	2	2	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.	SS hatch, man.	Class Average
7	9	9	7.4

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.	SS hatch, man.	Class Average
2	3	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.	SS hatch, man.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.5

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

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	SS hatch, man.	Class Average
4	4	4	4.5

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

Room/Comfort (rear)

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

Fit only for kids.

Cargo Room

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	SS hatch, man.	Class Average
1	3	3	2.9

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.	SS hatch, man.	Class Average
4	6	5	5.2

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