2009 Chevrolet Camaro: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

What was originally the 2009 Chevrolet Camaro will now debut in the first quarter of calendar 2009 as a 2010 model. Camaro marks the return of this General Motors division's iconic "pony car." It bows as a 2-door coupe with a 2-door convertible model slated to arrive later in the the same model year. Many of the styling cues are derived from the 1969 Camaro. The 2010 version shares some of its basic design with the Pontiac G8. Camaro comes in three trim levels: LS, LT, and high-performance SS. Two engines are available--a V6 and a V8. The V6 is a 3.6-liter unit that produces 300 hp. It's available on LS and LT. SS versions with a manual transmission get a 422-hp 6.2-liter V8. Automatic-equipped SS models also get a 6.2-liter V8, but it makes 400 hp and features GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. V6 versions also offer a manual or automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Other available features include a wireless cell phone link, USB port, satellite radio, remote engine start, and later in the model year, rear-obstacle detection. We have not yet tested a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. For more information, check out our 2010 and 2011 Camaro articles in our Future Cars section.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cylinder hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.

Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5, Mini Cooper, and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang, and Volkswagen GTI. New this year is a coupe version of the Pontiac Solstice, and the Nissan 350Z is scheduled for a makeover.