2002 Chevrolet Camaro Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Camaro will be retired after the 2002 model year. For its final season, Chevrolet's rear-wheel-drive sports coupe offers a 35th Anniversary Package for the SS version. Camaro comes as a hatchback coupe and a convertible in base V6 or Z28 V8 form. Manual transmission (5-speed on V6, 6-speed on V8) and automatic are available. The Z28 SS package adds a higher-power V8 with functional ram-air hood. All Camaros have antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. Traction control is optional. Convertibles have a power top with glass rear window; V6 versions now have standard automatic transmission. A T-top is optional for coupes. For '02, a CD player is standard. The anniversary package includes red paint, dual silver stripes, and special wheels and trim. Pontiac's Firebird shares Camaro's design and also retires after the 2002 model year.

Competition

Our only Best Buy in this class, the Volkswagen New Beetle, offers interesting styling and a nice mix of comfort, performance, and economy. The New Beetle is the most practical and affordable in this class.

If raw performance is what you are after, we Recommend the fun-to-drive Acura RSX and Toyota Celica. These cars offer a lot of bang for your buck.

News

Camaro sales have been sliding for years--down another 24 percent year-to-year for the first nine months of 2001--and cost-conscious General Motors has finally decided to quit fighting Ford's Mustang, whose popularity has held up chiefly at Camaro's expense. It will be interesting to see whether Camaro sales get a boost in 2002 from collectors, who typically rush to buy iconic "last of the line" cars like this.

The Camaro "brand" is one of Chevy's strongest in terms of image, heritage and recognition, leading some insiders to think the name will be attached to a very different vehicle at some future point. Right now, however, that seems only wishful thinking.

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

Base conv, man.	Z28 hatch, auto.	SS hatch, man.	Class Average
39	47	46	45.5

Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		34
Average Score		45
High Score		59

2002 Chevrolet Camaro Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/15/2002

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 2-door hatchback	$18,415	$16,850	$600

Base 2-door convertible	$26,410	$24,165	$600

Z28 2-door hatchback	$22,830	$20,889	$600

Z28 2-door convertible	$29,925	$27,381	$600

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, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, map lights, visor mirrors, automatic headlights, floormats, 235/55R16 tires.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, alloy wheels.

Base convertible adds to Base hatchback:

Powertrain

4-speed automatic transmission.

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, power convertible top.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights.

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, 245/50R16 tires.

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, power convertible top.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights.

Optional Equipment

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

1SD Preferred Equipment Group 1
Z28 hatchback	$1,700	$1,513
1SB Pkg. plus 6-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, bodyside moldings.

SS Performance/Appearance Pkg.
Z28	$3,625	$3,226
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. Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1.

Camaro SS 35th Anniversary Edition
Z28	$2,500	$2,225
Ebony/Pewter leather upholstery w/embroidered emblems, owner's portfolio, badging, anodized brake calipers, special black-painted alloy wheels. Requires SS Performance/Appearance Pkg. Hatchback requires Preferred Equipment Group 1, removable roof panels.

Sport Appearance Pkg.
Base convertible, Base hatchback, Z28 convertible, Z28 hatchback	$1,345	$1,197
Front and rear body moldings, rocker panels.

Performance Handling Pkg.
Base	$275	$245
Limited-slip differential, performance axle ratio (w/automatic transmission), dual exhaust, sport steering ratio. Hatchback requires Preferred Equipment Group 1.

Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission
Base hatchback	$815	$725


6-speed manual transmission
Z28	$0	$0


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.

Comfort and Convenience Features
12-disc CD changer
Base convertible, Base hatchback, Z28 convertible, Z28 hatchback	$595	$530
Base hatchback requires Monsoon sound system.

Monsoon sound system
Base hatchback	$350	$311


Leather-wrapped steering wheel
hatchback	$170	$151
Includes radio controls. Base requires Monsoon sound system.

6-way power driver seat
Base hatchback	$270	$240


Leather upholstery
Base convertible, Base hatchback, Z28 convertible, Z28 hatchback	$500	$445


Rear defogger
hatchback	$170	$151


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Removable roof panels
hatchback	$995	$886
Includes locks, storage provisions, sun shades.

Bodyside moldings
Base hatchback	$60	$53
Std. convertibles.

245/50ZR16 performance tires
Z28	$225	$200


Chrome alloy wheels
Base w/Sport Appearance Pkg, Z28	$725	$645

2002 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.	3323	3524

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	32.8	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.	43.0	43.0

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	19/30	18/25	18/25

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

Front Impact, Driver	NA	4

Front Impact, Passenger	NA	5

Side Impact, Driver	NA	3

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	NA	4

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

< 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Photos

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