#1

in Muscle Cars

Based on analysis of 13 Camaro reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $22,245 - $26,580
Invoice: $21,244 - $25,384
MPG: 17 City / 29 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.6
Performance:8.8
Exterior:9.5
Interior:5.8
Safety:NA
Reliability:NA
  • Powerful, well-mated powertrain options
  • Competitive muscle car handling dynamics
  • Eye-catching retro exterior design
  • Cabin features sub par materials
  • Uncomfortable seats
  • Obstructed visibility from the driver's seat

Chevrolet Camaro - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro ranks 1 out of 5 Muscle Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 13 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Camaro, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The long awaited 2010 Chevy Camaro is a homerun, according to our analysis. Auto critics find that it not only looks the part of an old school muscle car, but also has the performance chops to match its bad-boy looks. Where it suffers, however, is on the inside.

When Chevy introduced the Camaro concept at the 2007 Detroit auto show, it immediately set the automotive world abuzz. Hailed as the return of the muscle car, the Camaro was considered a success by many even before a single car had rolled off the line. Cutting-edge styling, nostalgic appeal and a starring role in the Hollywood blockbuster "Transformers" have made the Chevrolet Camaro one of the most anticipated cars of 2009. And now that the Camaro is finally ready for reviewers to test drive, we learn that it wasn't all hype. In fact, Automobile Magazine writes, "After forty years of compromises and letdowns, it's nice to see a pony car that behaves the way that we've always thought one should."

In addition to its highly praised retro exterior design, the 2010 Camaro features a powerful 304 horsepower V6 engine and very competitive sports handling dynamics. Where it suffers, however, is in its cabin - as it's plagued by cramped rear-seat accommodations, sub par material quality, and limited visibility. Still, taken as a whole, reviewers are happy with the return of the much-loved Camaro.

If you're in the market for an old school muscle car, test drive the Ford Mustang, which receives a significant refresh for 2010 and boasts an improved fit and finish, in addition to newly sculpted sheet metal. However, drivers will need to splurge for the Mustang GT to keep pace with the base-trim Camaro. For even more power, the Dodge Challenger R/T provides 372 horses. However, test drivers note that the Camaro is more fun to drive. The Pontiac G8 is also a worthwhile competitor to check out -- especially if you need a backseat that's roomy enough to fit passengers.

Though General Motors has filed for bankruptcy and is undergoing massive restructuring to cope with a record downturn in sales, it has no plans to discontinue the all-new Camaro. Given today's economic climate, it's important to note that the Camaro is eligible for GM's Total Confidence Program -- which provides Payment Protection in the event of job loss. Be sure to check for current Chevy deals that may be available on a new Camaro.

The 2010 Camaro is available in three trims, LS, 1LT, and 2LT. A high-performance Camaro SS trim is also available, but covered in a separate review.

  • "OK, we're going to get straight to the point here. The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro rocks. After years of anticipation, Chevy's new Camaro not only lives up to the hype but also redefines what a muscle car can be." -- Edmunds
  • "In an era when 'mega-ultra-hyped blockbuster' often means 'I wasted my money on that?' the new Chevy Camaro pushes back against unfulfilled expectations. It delivers. The look is there. The performance is there. The value is there." -- Motor Trend
  • "It's a great combination of performance, economy and affordability. All of which means buyers of the base-level Camaro won't have to take a back seat to anyone." -- Road and Track
  • "[T]his car should make quite a splash with its affordable price and classic muscle car feel because the 2010 Camaro really is the perfect blend of old and new." -- Carseek 
  • "Look at the value-for-money and the performance numbers of the Camaro combined with its Dragon-tastic looks and you can't help but feel GM has a winner on its hands. It'll beat its competitors hands down, not only in a numbers-based pissing contest, but also in the public's imaginations: an advantage presented by its futuristic-yet-retro styling." -- Jalopnik
  • "After three years anticipating and two hours driving the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, there's not much to be disappointed about." -- AutoWeek

Camaro Performance - 8.8 (Very Good)

Test drivers report that the Camaro offers a lot of muscle and road prowess for the money. "The 2010 Chevy Camaro is the no-brainer choice among muscle cars for those who enjoy spirited driving, thanks to its unbeatable combination of big power, ample grip and refined suspension tuning," writes Edmunds. "It's even got enough finesse to give luxury performance coupes like the BMW 135i and Infiniti G37 some competition." Its fuel economy is good too. continue

Camaro Exterior - 9.5 (Excellent)

Auto writers love the Camaro's old school exterior design, which looks as modern as it does retro and poses a challenge to other 60's inspired muscle cars. "Where Ford and especially Dodge photocopied their old models and called it a day, the Camaro addresses the past more obliquely," writes the New York Times. "The result is unmistakably a Camaro, yet it's also a bold, 21st-century design that may age better than its more literal rivals." continue

Camaro Interior - 5.8 (Mediocre)

Auto writers like the Camaro's retro interior design. In fact, New Car Test Drive reports, "While the exterior has a modern edge and attitude, the interior has more retro styling cues with two large main gauges and with other gauges located at the front of the center console." Reviewers, however, complain of sub par materials, ergonomic quirks and uncomfortable seating. continue

Camaro Safety - NA

The '10 Camaro hasn't been crash tested, but comes with loads of assuring safety features. Still, reviewers complain of visibility issues. "While appealingly styled, the car's retro-themed exterior and high beltline leave little room for glass, and the resulting gun-slit-like windshield and windows compromise outward visibility to the point that it can be difficult to place the car in tight corners (and parking spots)," writes Edmunds. continue

Camaro Reliability - NA

Warranty information is unknown, but most Chevrolet vehicles carry a three-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and five-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. continue

Review Last Updated: 6/12/09