2010 Chevrolet Camaro: Road Test
2010 Chevrolet Camaro ▼
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- MSRP: $22,680 - $33,745
- Invoice: $21,773 - $32,395
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Our road test for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro help you decide if a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 1LT, manual | 2LT w/RS Pkg, automatic | 1SS, manual | 2SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 5.5 |
V6 Camaros don't pin you to your seat, but they have good scoot for pretty much any situation. The manual transmission shifts smoothly, though the shift action is not as precise as in some sporty-car rivals. The automatic transmission is occasionally slow to downshift in passing and merging maneuvers. The included steering-wheel paddles help, but we wish GM included a manual override on the console shift lever as well.
V8 versions with the manual transmission feel every bit as robust as their 426-hp rating would suggest. Plenty of power is on tap, and passing maneuvers are possible with the transmission in as high as 5th gear. Clutch engagement takes a bit of getting used to, and the shifter's throws are a bit on the long side. An optional factory-installed short-throw shifter should take care of the latter issue, though. V8s with automatic transmission are also muscular, with quick-yet-smooth shifts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 1LT, manual | 2LT w/RS Pkg, automatic | 1SS, manual | 2SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, V6 models with the automatic transmission averaged 20.9-23.0 mpg. V6 Camaros use regular-grade gas. Chevy recommends premium for the V8.
RIDE QUALITY
| 1LT, manual | 2LT w/RS Pkg, automatic | 1SS, manual | 2SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
LT models' ride is supple for the class, regardless of wheel size. A solid body structure and astute suspension tuning enhance the impression of overall comfort. Said body structure is what saves the SS, which has 20-inch wheels and a sport suspension, from being overly harsh. Potholes and pavement cracks that are generally well smothered in the LT register with a jolt in the SS.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 1LT, manual | 2LT w/RS Pkg, automatic | 1SS, manual | 2SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.3 |
Any Camaro corners with good grip and minimal body lean. It shows better composure than a Dodge Challenger, though it's a bit too big to be as agile as a Ford Mustang or Nissan 370Z. SS models have the sharpest moves, though the LT is no slouch. Braking control is very good on the LT, but the SS' performance brakes have the most bite and best pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| 1LT, manual | 2LT w/RS Pkg, automatic | 1SS, manual | 2SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 3.3 |
The V6 is quite refined with a rich, almost European-sounding engine note. It's a surprisingly quiet cruiser with minimal tire and wind noise. The V8 produces the expected muscle-car snort at open throttle. It mostly fades into the background on the highway. Its performance treads generate more ruckus on all types of pavement, though the noise is never loud enough to be intrusive.
CONTROLS
| 1LT, manual | 2LT w/RS Pkg, automatic | 1SS, manual | 2SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.2 |
Retro-flavored instrument and control layout pays homage to the 1967-69 Camaro, while retaining modern convenience. The gauges are clearly marked, but the upper rim of the steering wheel can partially block the view for some drivers. The 2LT and 2SS models' auxiliary four-gauge instrument cluster is located at the leading edge of the console and is more for nostalgic looks than function. Some of the climate-control buttons are small, but all functions are readily apparent. The unique audio deck also differs from the GM norm, but its functions take little time to master. The standard auxiliary audio-input jack and available USB port are inconveniently located far back inside the center console, requiring an awkward reach for either driver or passenger.
DETAILS
| 1LT, manual | 2LT w/RS Pkg, automatic | 1SS, manual | 2SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 4.8 |
Test Camaros showed good assembly quality and fit and finish. Materials are disappointing, with the dashboard constructed of an expanse of budget-grade plastic. The 2LT and 2SS models' leather upholstery and optional interior trim package bring a slightly richer ambiance.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 1LT, manual | 2LT w/RS Pkg, automatic | 1SS, manual | 2SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.6 |
The standard cloth seats feel a bit cheap and aren't quite as supportive as the leather buckets on the 2LT and 2SS. Legroom is fine, but headroom is in very short supply, particularly with the optional sunroof. A high beltline imparts even more of a closed-in feeling. Visibility directly aft is good, as the deck is not too tall. Over-the-left-shoulder view suffers from large blind spots that require multiple checks before attempting lane changes. We're glad to see GM has added rear-obstacle detection as a standard feature on the 2LT and 2SS and an option on the 1LT.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 1LT, manual | 2LT w/RS Pkg, automatic | 1SS, manual | 2SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.6 |
Room enough for jackets and small parcels, but that's about it. Small children might have OK legroom, but the shape and slope of the roofline severely restrict headroom.
CARGO ROOM
| 1LT, manual | 2LT w/RS Pkg, automatic | 1SS, manual | 2SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2.6 |
Chevy claims 11.3 cu ft of cargo room, but the space is tough to access due to a high liftover and small opening. Interior storage is limited to an average-size glovebox and fairly small center bin that's inconveniently located at the back of the console. All but the 2LT and 2SS models have a shallow tray at the leading edge of the console.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 1LT, manual | 2LT w/RS Pkg, automatic | 1SS, manual | 2SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Camaro suffers from the usual sporty car vices of poor visibility and a claustrophobic interior. It balances that with very good power and generally civilized road manners. The V6 version is surprisingly refined, while the V8 successfully draws upon the spirit of its late-1960s ancestor. Though not head-and-shoulders better than any of its rivals (retro-flavored or otherwise), it's still worth your consideration.
Total Score
| 1LT, manual | 2LT w/RS Pkg, automatic | 1SS, manual | 2SS, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | 61 | 57 | 59 | 47.4 |
Total Score: 59
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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