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2012 Chevrolet Camaro

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Overview

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2012 Chevrolet Camaro Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.9

Given these tough economic times, the Camaro is a car that shouldn't exist. Economic crises have a way of killing off muscle cars (think of the 1970s oil embargo or the recession of the late 1980s), so maybe the fact that the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro is flourishing is a sign that better times are not far off. Of course, when it comes to things like safety and fuel economy, today's Camaro is light years ahead of it ancestors, yet it is equally as powerful as the most legendary Camaros of yore. Heck, the base Camaro V6 car has more horsepower than some of the late 70s and early 80s V8 Camaros! Yet for all its improvements, the Camaro continues to annoy environmentalists and government regulators alike, which is probably why so many people love this car. Also appealing is the long-held friendly rivalry with fellow domestics the 2012 Ford Mustang and 2012 Dodge Challenger. It's a flashback moment to a time when names like Toyota and Honda were barely known, and cruising the boulevard in a big, loud American muscle car was a Saturday night ritual. Be it the 323-horsepower LS, the 426-horsepower SS or the 550-horsepower ZL1 (reviewed separately), in Coupe or Convertible, there is a Camaro to fit just about every need and budget.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a high-performance machine that offers the best dollar-to-horsepower ratio in the business, check out the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. In SS form, it outmuscles most exotics costing twice as much.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If there is a sacrifice to be made for the Camaro's modest sticker price, it resides in the car's cockpit. If hard surfaces and cheap plastics are a deal breaker, you might want to check out the Ford Mustang instead. Those hoping to find the light, agile handling of a BMW at a Chevy price will be sorely disappointed.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.9
Driving Dynamics

7.4
Comfort & Convenience

5.8
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.4
Value

7.2
Safety

10.0

How It Ranks

#11

out of 11

MPG

#2

out of 11

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.2 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2012 Chevrolet Camaro Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

For 2012, the V6 Camaro gains an additional 11 horsepower, bringing its total output to 323. Also new this year is a 45th Anniversary package that adds specific hood and deck stripes, 20-inch wheels and special interior trim. Other changes include a new steering wheel design, a power lift feature for the passenger seat, and the addition of a rearview camera to the Rear Vision Package. The high-performance ZL1 is set to debut early in 2012 with a 550-horsepower supercharged V8 engine.

Driving the Camaro

2012 Chevrolet Camaro Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions We were given the opportunity to spend equal time in every Camaro trim, from the V6-powered LS to the 426-horsepower SS with the 6-speed manual transmission (our preferred choice as,...

due to the Active Fuel Management system, the automatic SS has 26 less horsepower). Admittedly, we enjoyed all the cars, but spent the lion's share of our time testing the SS. With its ever-present torque and seemingly endless horsepower reserves it's easy to make the SS go fast. Aided by GM's electronic launch control our Camaro SS was able to tackle the 0-60-mph run in 4.4 seconds, and thanks to the Camaro's multi-link rear suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and substantial tires our Camaro SS was able to perform as well in the curves as at the track. You still have to use plenty of finesse to get this car around turns, but the enhanced traction provided by the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system (incorporates anti-lock braking, traction control and an active braking system to control wheel slip) is a great ally. 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.

Favorite Features

Great Exterior Styling
Certainly beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but we are of the opinion that the 2012 Chevrolet 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.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro Details

2012 Chevrolet Camaro Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Standing in sharp contrast to the brilliant execution of the Camaro's exterior is its rather lackluster interior. Large expanses of hard plastics on the doors and center console look and feel cheap, and will likely scratch easily over time. But, what the Camaro's interior lacks in execution it more than makes up for in design, with two large hooded binnacles housing the speedometer and tachometer, and an available gauge package for oil temp, oil pressure, volts and transmission fluid temp placed at the end of the center console. The thick-grip steering wheel feels welcome, but its position relative to the driver seems a bit high. Thankfully, the positioning and action of the manual transmission shifter is just right, as are the Camaro's supportive front seats. Some drivers did complain, however, about the absence of any form of adjustable lumbar support and everyone agreed the ridiculously tiny sun visors were all but useless when positioned to block the sun at the driver's side window. As for the Camaro's backseat, let's just say it is as small and confining as you would expect.

Exterior

Some cars attempt a retro feel that just looks odd or over the top, but the Camaro's design team nailed the spirit of the original without insulting it. A stunning looker at every angle, the 2012 Camaro's visual appeal is striking. Nowhere is this more evident than the intersection between the massive rear fenders and the crisp-edged roof pillar, a joining that makes a bold statement as well as a massive blind spot for the driver. Of course, the aggressive recessed grille and headlamp treatment add an air of wickedness, as does the SS model's massive five-spoke wheel and tire package. Rounding out the look are classic hooded Camaro taillights and a subtle rear deck spoiler.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Perhaps the most notable standard item is the Camaro's good looks, accompanied by a supple and responsive suspension that makes this the best handling, most comfortable Camaro of all time. Cloth-upholstered, 6-way manually-adjusted driver and 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 6-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. Specific to 2012 is the 45th Anniversary Package which can be ordered on Camaro 2LT and Camaro SS. The package includes Carbon Flash Metallic black paint with red and silver striping, unique 20-inch wheels, HID headlamps, unique interior trim and 45th Anniversary badges.

Under the Hood

The Camaro offers three engine choices - 323-horsepower 3.6-liter direct-injected LFX 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 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The L99 is accompanied by a 6-speed automatic with paddle-activated driver shift control, while the LS3 has a 6-speed manual.

3.6-liter V6
323 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
278 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/29 (automatic), 19/30 (automatic 2LS), 17/28 (manual)

6.2-liter V8 (L99)
400 horsepower @ 5,900 rpm
410 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/24

6.2-liter V8 (LS3)
426 horsepower @ 5,900 rpm
420 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24

Pricing Notes

Deciding whether you want a V6- or V8-equipped version is the biggest question you must answer concerning the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. The LS with V6 has a base price of right around $24,000, with the LT Convertible starting close to $31,000. The V8-equipped SS trim rings the register at just under $33,000 and its convertible counterpart just under $39,000. Options can easily push the SS cars close to or over the $40,000 mark. Unfortunately, the Camaro's popularity means customers will have to bargain hard to make a good deal. Thankfully, our Fair Purchase Price tool, which shows the typical transaction price for the Camaro in your area, can help you make your best deal. In comparison to its American brand competitors, the Camaro is expected to retain a better-than-average residual value than the Dodge Challenger, and a few points higher than the Ford Mustang.

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2012 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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