Chevrolet Camaro reviews

1997 Chevrolet Camaro Walkaround

The base Camaro is known simply as the Coupe or Convertible. Moving up the price ladder from there is the RS trim level and above that the high-performance Z28. Trim levels for the Pontiac variant are the standard Firebird, the Formula and the hot rod Trans Am, all starting substantially higher than their Chevy counterparts.

The base engine for both cars is GM's excellent Series II 3800 V6. Available with either a four-speed automatic or (our preference) the standard five-speed manual, it's rated at a robust 200 horsepower and an even more robust 225 lb.-ft. of torque. That's equivalent to many V8s, especially those of the not-too-distant past, without the cost, fuel economy penalty or extra insurance premium often associated with a V8. It's also available--in either the Camaro or Firebird--with an optional performance package that includes four-wheel disc brakes, a limited-slip differential, dual outlet exhaust, P235/55R-16 tires on alloy wheels, quicker steering ratio and, if equipped with the automatic transmission, a lower rear axle ratio, which enhances acceleration.

Those wanting more and whose budgets will absorb not only the extra cost of the car but also the extra cost of insurance, will opt for the LT1 V8-powered Z28 (Formula or Trans Am if it's a Firebird). With 285 horsepower and a standard six-speed manual transmission, it makes the Camaro or Firebird a genuine high-performance car that's capable of 150 mph-plus.

If that's not enough, order the Camaro SS with forced air induction or Firebird WS6 with Ram Air and the horsepower goes to 305, accompanied by further suspension upgrades. When you get to this level, you'll be straddling the $30,000 frontier, but you'll also be buying performance that would cost about $20,000 more almost everywhere else.

For this review we looked at a base Camaro Coupe, which includes air conditioning and the 3800 V6 with five-speed manual transmission. Base price was $16,215, plus destination of $525. In addition, it had the $1231 Preferred Equipment Group 2, (option code 1SC), which includes cruise control, remote hatch release, fog lamps, power doors, windows and mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry and theft deterrent. The option code Y87 performance package was another $400, 16-inch alloy wheels added $275, the P235/55R16 tires were $132, the AM/FM cassette uplevel sound system was $215, a rear window defogger added $170, power driver's seat was $270 and carpeted rear mats were $15. This brought it to $19,448, and gave us a car with a remarkable combination of performance and price.

For some alternatives, base price plus destination on an RS coupe is $18,495; on an unadorned Z28 coupe it's $20,640, which would give you a lot of go for the money but you'd have to crank the windows and listen to a basic radio. Or, load up a Z28 convertible until your pencil wore out and the bottom line could eke over $31,000.