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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Chevrolet Camaro

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Overview

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2011 Chevrolet Camaro Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 5.6

There were some working in the halls of General Motors' rescue partner, the federal government, who felt that a V8-powered sports model like the Chevrolet Camaro was the wrong car at the wrong time; clearly the American consumer felt differently and has proven so by voting with their hard-earned dollars. The Camaro is a hit and whether in V8 trim or powered by the also-available V6, the 2011 Camaro is not just a car to be respected; it's a car to be celebrated. Not only does the newest model evoke all the good emotions of an earlier time, it also provides those same emotions for new generations who may remember the Camaro only as the noisy relic owned by the old guy at the end of the cul-de-sac. The 426-horsepower SS model certainly grabs the headlines, but the 312-horsepower V6-equipped LT offers significantly more performance than you might expect, while turning in laudable fuel efficiency.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want a great-looking car that expresses your personality without forcing you to take out a second mortgage on the declining value of your home, you have to like the Camaro. In SS form its performance-per-dollar ratio is outstanding as well.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're seeking BMW-like handling or a sophisticated interior brimming with quality plastics and trim, the Camaro may prove disappointing. Those who have kids who are older than toddlers may find the Camaro's minimalistic rear seat area too tight for anything other than short trips.

What's New for 2011

For 2011, the V6 Camaro gains an additional eight horsepower, bringing its total output to 312. Also new this year is the limited availability of Synergy Green Metallic paint on all trims, while a Head-Up Display is made standard on Camaro 2LT and 2SS trims.

Driving the Camaro

Driving Impressions While we had a chance to sample every level of the Camaro from the V6-powered LS to the 426-horsepower LS3 V8-equipped SS with its six-speed manual transmission, we have to...

admit that we spent most of our time in the SS. Power and torque are effortless and ever-present, making it an easy car to drive fast, and its 0-60-mph acceleration, aided by electronic launch control, is a more-than-respectable 4.4 seconds. But while you might expect excellent straight-line acceleration, you might not expect the sophisticated handling offered by its multi-link rear suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and substantial tires. Further, the handling is enhanced by the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system that incorporates anti-lock braking, traction control and an active braking system to control wheel slip. Old-school drivers might object, but electronic launch control reduces the level of skill required to get off the line quickly, while "Competitive/Sport" modes for the stability system allow turning off many of the electronic aids, for doing your own thing. And, you would not be wrong to opt for either the less-expensive 304-horsepower V6 version or the 400-horsepower L99 V8 with active fuel management and its six-speed automatic with paddle-activated shifting.

Favorite Features

Great Exterior Styling
Certainly beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but we are of the opinion that the new Camaro looks like a car that could command a much higher price tag. The details like the grille, rear roof pillars and taillights are simply gorgeous.

All-Around Performance
Camaros of old were great in a straight line, but a lot less great around corners, especially if the road surface was uneven. With its multi-link rear suspension instead of a live axle, the new Camaro is much more at home in those challenging situations.

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Details

Interior

Frankly, the interior of the Camaro doesn't win as much applause as the truly striking exterior. Several of our colleagues complained about the large expanses of hard plastic, and we have to agree that we wish the dash were a bit more inviting. On the positive side, the key gauges are very readable; the steering wheel, although placed a bit high for many drivers, has a nice heft and feel and the action of the manual shifter is excellent. We're not fans of the placement of the optional gauges for oil pressure, oil temperature, volts and transmission fluid temperature low in the center console, because it is difficult to scan them quickly, but we do like that old-school touch. We also like the supportive and adjustable front seats, but feel adjustable lumbar support would make them even better. As for the Camaro's backseat, let's just say it is as small and confining as you would expect.

Exterior

From where we sit the 2011 Camaro is a design tour de force. It is great looking from every angle, and it is definitely identifiable as a Camaro without drawing too heavily on designs from previous generations. While the front end with its bold grille immediately grabs your attention, our favorite portion of the design is the interface between the roof and the ultra-wide rear fenders. GM designers told us it was hard to accomplish this using factory stamping techniques, but in the end GM production engineers were able to make it happen. We also like the tail with its hooded classic Camaro taillamps.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Perhaps the most notable standard item is the Camaro's good looks, and they are accompanied by a supple and responsive suspension that makes this the best handling, most comfortable Camaro of all time. Cloth-upholstered, four-way manually-adjusted driver seat and two-way-adjusted front passenger seat are standard. The 11.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity can be increased with the standard fold-down rear seat. All models include a three-spoke steering wheel with manual tilt/telescope adjustment, plus cruise control and rear defogger. The Camaro's standard entertainment system is a single-CD radio with six speakers, and it offers XM Satellite Radio. All models also include power door locks and express up-and-down windows. Standard safety technologies include front dual-stage airbags, front seat-mounted thorax side-impact airbags, head-curtain side-impact airbags for front- and rear-seat occupants, front-seat safety-belt load limiters and pretensioners and a front-passenger detection system that senses children and small-stature adults and suppresses airbag deployment when appropriate.

Optional Equipment

While the base Camaro with V6 engine is reasonably well-equipped, some judicious checking of option boxes can add up to a more comfortable while still reasonably priced car. We liked the optional heated, leather-trimmed seats with driver six-way power adjustment. On SS models, the seats feature a distinctive SS logo on the headrests with contrasting stitching, and an "Inferno Orange" interior trim package is also available with leather interiors. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; redundant steering-wheel controls; Bluetooth and USB port are part of the available "Driver Convenience and Connectivity" package, which also includes remote start on automatic transmission-equipped vehicles, as well as an interface module for iPods and the like. The available premium audio system is by Boston Acoustics, with nine speakers and 245 booming watts. An optional short-throw Hurst shifter provides quick, concise shifting, and there are a variety of available wheel-tire packages, including 21-inch machined aluminum wheels.

Under the Hood

The Camaro offers three engine choices – 312-horsepower 3.6-liter direct-injected V6, 400-horsepower 6.2-liter L99 V8 with active fuel management or 426-horsepower 6.2-liter LS3 V8. The V6 can be backed by either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The L99 is accompanied by a six-speed automatic with paddle-activated driver shift control, while the LS3 has a six-speed manual.

3.6-liter V6
312 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
278 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/29 (automatic) 17/28 (manual)

6.2-liter V8 (L99)
400 horsepower @ 5900 rpm
410 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25

6.2-liter V8 (LS3)
426 horsepower @ 5900 rpm
420 horsepower @ 4600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24

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2011 Chevrolet Camaro Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 431 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.5/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.4/10

Great Car - Bumblebee Package

By Boleswav (FL) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 21,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Handling, power/performance, comfort,"

Cons: "BAD Blindspots, depreciation seems excelerated"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"When I bought my first Camaro, in 2010, I fell in love with the car instantly. When the Trasnformers 3 came, I traded in my 2010LS and bought the 2SS Bumblebee package, and have loved driving my car every day. The car handles great, awesome power, and turns heads constantly. I wouldn't want to give it up anytime soon and hope it stays running the same way from here on out. Downsides: Side mirrors and tiny rear passengar windows creates a HUGE blind spot...so pay attention and look over your shoulder when driving. Sun Visors are more for decoration than functional, but with the right tinting strip across the top, it's all good. Gas mileage isn't bad. I run with my on performance mode quite a bit, so i'm averaging over the last 30 days about 19mpg with all my driving. So with my lead foot, it's still awesome Drove it to Key West (7 hour drive or so) and was comfortable, no numbness like I get in my charger on long drives. It's been my most favorite car to own yet!"

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Absolutely love this car...

By tonymac (TX) on Sunday, May 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Looks-Performance-Comfort-Fun..."

Cons: "Blind Spots"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought the 2012 LT/RS V6 Camaro and couldn't be happier with the decision. I bought it used with about 11000 miles. It had some options like Red & Black leather seats, 22" wheels & new tires, and a few other cosmetic enhancements. I was comparing this car with a 2013 V6 Mustang that the dealer had as well. Very happy I went the Camaro route. The car is fun to drive and even better it is very comfortable. Took it for a road trip (7 hour drive), & I was impressed with the comfort level. Rear seats are comfortable as well, but space is very limited. I didn't buy this for rear seat capacity, so this is of no concern to me, just an FYI. With 22" wheels, my MPG is not quite 28, more like 25 MPG on the highway. This was probably rated with stock wheels and tires @ 60mph. The car is beautiful, comfortable, fun and reliable. Only had it a short time but have not had a single issue. Some mention blind spots, but I had a Honda CR-Z before this and it had similar issues as well as other cars with small rear windows. It is easy to get used to and even easier to use side mirrors."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Fun to Drive, Short on Features, Sloppy Workmanshi

By Urs3477 (AZ) on Sunday, May 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Hugs the road; fun to drive; looks great"

Cons: "Cheesy interior, sloppy factory workmanship"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I do really like my Camaro RS - love driving it and the way it looks. But I think the interior could use some enhancements - like a place for sunglasses or lights by the mirror and in the glove box. These are not fancy things - they are features that are in almost all cars -- but not this one. On the sloppy workmanship - I've owned this car for less than 2 months and have had to take it back twice. First, the clear edging around the door was not installed properly in the factory, so I had to have it redone. Then, the spoiler came loose. There are 4 screws and nuts. One was there and tight, one had no nut at all, one had a loose nut and one had such a loose nut that it came off in 6 weeks of ownership. Had to get that fixed. And something totally unimportant is that some kind of small pieces of paper - looked like part UPC codes or something were still attached under the car and I had to get down there and remove them. That's probably a dealership problem. Anyway, I am sorry that these things are happening because they show a lack of attention to detail."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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This is a head turner car

By snydley49 (MI) on Saturday, May 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,700

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "This car is a blast to drive"

Cons: "A little hard to get in and out of."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I absolutely love this car but I am forced to sell it. It is a superb driver, a little rough on uneven roads but it is a performance car. Beautiful Inferno Orange with black stripes. It has a moon roof which I feel is better than a sun roof cause it slides inside the roof not outside. Great response when you step on the accelerator. It gets 21 mpg on the highway if you drive it at a steady 70 in cruise control. This car has been stored during the winter."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Worst Car Ever

By Nick (NJ) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,500

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "None"

Cons: "Repaired 4 times in 2 months"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"This car had to be taken in for repairs 4 times in 2 months and is still not fixed, breaks down constantly, and has terrible visibility."

1 person out of 5 found this review helpful

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Best vehicle I've had - LOVE IT!

By Guy (KS) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fun, very quick, great mpg (had up to 30)."

Cons: "It's a sports car, so visors don't cover much."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Thought I'd have to buy the SS to have any power. Was so thrilled at what the V6 could provide, I opted for that to save $ on larger motor, fuel, insurance - just for bragging rights. Instead I bought a nearly complete options package - premium paint job, RS package, instrument package, premium sound & wheels, leather, remote start, etc. I love this car!! If easy on pedal, can get 30 mpg. Very quick around traffic. Fun vehicle."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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