Chevrolet Camaro reviews

2001 Chevrolet Camaro Driving Impressions

Raise the hood on a Camaro Z28 or SS and you find Chevy's 5.7-liter V8. It's tucked so far back in the engine compartment that it looks like you'd need to open the glove box to change a spark plug. Though it appears to be hiding, the 5.7 is hardly a shrinking violet.

Rated at 325 horsepower and 350 pounds-feet of torque in the SS (310/340 in Z28), the aluminum-block, pushrod motor shines brightly. The SS has a broad, smooth power band that launches the Camaro effortlessly, whether from a standing start or a highway speed pass. A slight nudge of the throttle yields added oomph in any gear. Dig your spurs in its side, and the SS responds with sufficient thrust to shove you back in your seat. Top speed is governed at 160 mph in SS models, 108 in Z28s (unless you opt for speed-rated tires).

Both Z28 and SS models serenade the driver with a vintage V8 soundtrack. The dual exhaust system provides a classic, throaty rumble that is music to the ears of muscle car buffs.

The SS motor is virtually unstressed at speed. At 80 mph, the engine is turning just 2,400 rpm, a step above slumber. Thanks to this intelligent gearing, the SS is able to offer respectable highway fuel economy. EPA ratings are 18 city/26 highway: impressive, considering the engine's power output.

The engine in base Camaro models is GM's popular 3.8-liter V6. Tuned in this application to produce 200 horsepower and 225 pounds-feet of torque, the 3800 V6 is found under the hood of countless GM products and seems to perform well no matter where it turns up.

A four-speed automatic is standard on Z28 and SS, though buyers can opt for a six-speed manual at no additional cost. The automatic on my test car matched well with the 5.7, with smooth shifts up and down. In base Camaro models, the 3800 V6 is coupled to a five-speed manual, with the four speed automatic ($815) is available as an added cost option.

In previous-generation Camaros, handling was a one-way street. It seemed that flat cornering was always gained at the expense of a smooth ride. So, judged by the buckboard ride of Camaros past, the new models are a pleasant surprise. The SS model's high-performance handling package makes these cars the stiffest and best handling of all Camaros. Yet the ride does not unduly punish you for the privilege. Z28 cars are tuned for a more compliant ride while still offering very capable cornering.

The convertibles were designed as such; they are not simply hardtops with the roof chopped off. Cowl shake on our convertible was unnoticeable on smooth pavement, and never rose above moderate levels.

All-speed traction control is offered as an option on all Camaro models. Even so-equipped, I wouldn't relish driving the Camaro in snow or sleet, given its rear-wheel drive, light tail, wide tires and (in V8 cars) high power. For those who live in parts of the country where winter weather means bad driving conditions, the standard solution for Camaro is as with other performance cars: hibernation. Tucking the car away for the winter months is a time honored (if inelegant) solution forced upon sports car owners by Mother Nature.