By KBB.com Editors
KBB Expert Rating: 7.7
Ever since it burst into showrooms four years ago, Chevrolet's latest generation Camaro has helped spark a revival among muscle cars. Like its rivals the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger, the Camaro boasts retro-inspired looks, loads of power, and decent everyday livability. And thankfully, today's buyers don't necessarily have to choose performance over fuel economy, with a base V6 Camaro good for 323 horsepower and up to 30 mpg. For drivers who can't envision anything but a V8 under the hood, several iterations are available, from the 580-horsepower supercharged monster in the ZL1 to the Corvette-derived LS7 in the new, track-ready Z/28. With its exterior freshening, the 2014 Camaro coupe and convertible still drip with attitude, but interior visibility and materials leave much to be desired.
Whether you're a 20-something performance enthusiast seeking a car that boasts loads of power and aggressive looks, or a mid-lifer ready to get your crisis on/relive your youth, the 2014 Camaro offers serious thrills for the money.
While the Camaro's outward appeal stuns, its interior is cramped and its materials feel bargain-basement. Rear-seat room is woeful, and rearward visibility is even worse. Regarding those latter aspects, the larger Dodge Challenger is more livable.
7.7
7.2
5.6
8.2
7.0
9.8
The Camaro receives an exterior design freshening for 2014 with highlights that include redesigned front fascia and rear diffuser and taillights. The long-awaited Camaro Z/28 is returning with a 7.0-liter LS7 engine, minimal frills and a big sticker price. It claims to be the most track-capable factory-built Camaro ever made.
Driving Impressions No Camaro is slow. With over 320 horsepower, even the basest of Camaro models has enough power to produce grin-inducing straight-line blasts. Then there's the ZL1 with a supercharged V8...
that manifests 580 horsepower and boasts a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds. That's supercar-quick, and thanks to its built-in launch control, that model can accelerate thus so even by novices. Our vote for the most well-rounded Camaro is the 426-horsepower SS model with the 6-speed manual (our gearbox of choice, as automatic transmissions feature an Active Fuel Management system that reduces horsepower count by 26). With a girth of power channeled to the rear wheels, it's easy to point and shoot the Camaro. But attempting to toss nearly two tons of American muscle around a track is more about finesse than fun. Severely limited rear visibility remains a big tradeoff for the Camaro's aggressive exterior design.EXTERIOR STYLING
The latest-gen Camaro has been out a few years now, but its outward looks still turn heads, young and old. Subtle but smart updates for 2014 keep the Camaro looking fresh.
BANG FOR BUCK
Along with that style common to all Camaros, V6 models continue to offer tremendous performance for the price. Base LS models offer a bucket of fun for around $25,000.
Standing in sharp contrast to the Camaro's excellent exterior design is its lackluster interior. Expectations are quickly deflated at the sight and feel of hard plastics on the doors and center console. The available cluster of four gauges for oil pressure, battery voltage, and oil and transmission temperature help to bring retro charm to the cockpit. The Camaro's low-slung roof robs headspace for taller drivers, the small sun visors are nearly useless, and the back seats can feel like purgatory for adults. The Camaro's trunk opening is also rather awkward, but the seats do fold to expand cargo space.
ExteriorA portrait of attitude and aggressiveness, one of the biggest draws of the Camaro is its scintillating skin. From its menacing front grille and narrow headlights to its muscular rear haunches and twin tailpipes, this Chevy is an image of machismo. For 2014, the Camaro gets a sleeker yet more aggressive front fascia and an impressively redone tail that offers a sporty diffuser and wide LED taillights. Camaro SS and 1LE models now have a functional hood vent to reduce heat. Z/28 models include a full aerodynamics package that functions to provide extra downforce at high speeds on the track.
The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro is available as a coupe and convertible, and in over half a dozen trim levels. Base LS models, available as a coupe only, come with a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/satellite audio system with Bluetooth and an auxiliary jack, cruise control, 18-inch steel wheels and a limited-slip differential. LT models add features like a 7-inch touch screen, power front seats and Chevy's MyLink telematics system with a USB input but no CD player. SS models gain the 6.2-liter V8 engine, Brembo brakes, and 20-inch wheels. Safety features on all models include six airbags, stability and traction control, and GM's OnStar communications system with features like automatic crash response and other emergency and concierge services.
Options for the 2014 Camaro include a 6-speed automatic transmission in place of the 6-speed manual, navigation, a rear-view camera, a power sunroof, and that retro-cool 4-gauge instrumentation cluster. With this car's emphasis on performance, it's no surprise that options abound to make it look and handle better. The RS package, for example, includes 20-inch aluminum wheels and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. Audio enthusiasts will be interested in the 9-speaker, 245-watt Boston Acoustics premium sound system. A 2-tone interior package gives Camaro cabins a more upscale feel.
The Camaro now offers five engine choices for 2014: LS and LT models use a 323-horsepower 3.6-liter direct-injected LFX V6. SS versions have a 400-horsepower 6.2-liter L99 V8 with Active Fuel Management (for automatic transmission models) or a 426-horsepower 6.2-liter LS3 V8. ZL1 models use a 580-horsepower supercharged LSA V8. New to the lineup for 2014 is a 7.0-liter LS7 naturally aspirated V8 for the Camaro Z/28, which is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission.
3.6-liter V6
323 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
278 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 mpg (automatic), 19/30 mpg (automatic 2LS), 17/28 mpg (manual)
6.2-liter V8
400 horsepower @ 5,900 rpm
410 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/24 mpg
6.2-liter V8
426 horsepower @ 5,900 rpm
420 lb-ft of torque @ 4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24 mpg
6.2-liter supercharged V8
580 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
556 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 mpg (manual), 12/18 mpg (automatic)
7.0-liter V8
500 horsepower (estimated)
470 lb-ft of torque (estimated)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA
The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $24,450 for the base coupe model. Convertible models start just under $32,000. V8-powered SS coupes start a little under $34,000, while the supercharged ZL1 enters Corvette territory with a starting price of nearly $56,000 for a coupe and over $60,000 for the convertible version. The track-oriented Z/28 model, meanwhile, is expected to have a starting price even higher than that of the ZL1 coupe. The Camaro's wide range of prices is similar to those of the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger, though the Challenger's starting price is higher by over $2,000 and a base Mustang's is roughly $1,450 less. Before buying, be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for their Camaro. Resale value is a bright spot, with the Camaro predicted to retain the highest residual values in the segment.
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Chevrolet Camaro vehicles for sale near you.
Based on 438 Ratings for the 2010 - 2014 models.
Review this carBy CamaroFan2013 (SC) on Wednesday, July 31, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 23,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Fast and furious. comfortable for two people"
Cons: "none, gas economy is around 21 city 30 highway"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"This car screams I am a camaro, loved it from the monet i saw it, it drives like a dream. 323 horses are there and no hesitation ever."
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By urs3477 (AZ) on Tuesday, July 23, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000
overall rating 4 of 10rating detailsPros: "Fun to drive; nice looking"
Cons: "One problem after another and only 4 months old"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2
"I submitted a review on this car recently after having had two problems with it - both sloppy workmanship. I bought it in March. It's July and there are a total of four problems now. After the steering wheel began to squeak I learned that it was coming from the steering gear pinion seal and the noise traveled up from there. So the car was in the dealership all day and had to have the steering gear replaced. That was last week. Today I noticed that some kind of weather seal at the bottom of the inside window has come loose and is laying on the dashboard. This car is 4 months old. So while it's still fun to drive and beautiful looking, I'm spending too much time getting it repaired. I'm not paying money, but a new car should be put together better than this. So I have decided that I am not going to recommend this car to anyone. I've even told someone at work who was thinking about buying it that they should reconsider. Maybe this is just a lemon. But I will not keep this car one day longer than the warranty period. Maybe less. I am sorry about this because I've owned many cars and have only had these kinds of problems with one other car a long time ago."
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By Sherry on Friday, July 19, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Fun to drive, great get up and go!"
Cons: "no cup holders in back, not much leg room in back"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I love the convertible feature. I don't usually drive top down on the freeway, but on city streets, it's great. I plan to buy the rear wind break, though. It's supposed to cut wind noise down so you can hear the radio/iPod without turning up the volume so loud, plus carry on conversations with people in the car with you. I haven't found anything to complain about. I love my Camaro R/S! I chose it over the S/S because I didn't want to have to buy premium grade gasoline and I wanted better mpg average. The R/S has plenty of power since I don't do track driving/racing. I dust every car around so far!"
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By Karla (IA) on Wednesday, July 10, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,000
overall rating 8 of 10rating detailsPros: "great price value, powerful"
Cons: "comfort"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8
"Love this car, for base model, looks great and runs wonderful. Have enjoyed the power of the V6 and this Grandmas even has room for child car seat in the back. Long trips uncomfortable and dash looks cheap."
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By Steve (FL) on Sunday, July 07, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "A blast to drive!!!"
Cons: "Backing up is a little difficult at first."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Great American car that drives, looks and is very comfortable at a terrific price. The handling and power are way over the top. Just starting up the car and listening to the 580 HP engine is enough to make anyone smile!"
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By thatmarineguy87 (CO) on Sunday, June 30, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,275
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Comfortable, fun to drive, head turner"
Cons: "Tiny back seats, blind spot, confusing infotainmen"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I recently bought the Camaro LS (the base model), and am totally blown away by it. I was in a Nissan Altima, and while I loved it, I wanted something more. A friend of mine works for Chevy and got me a great deal! I absolutely love my car! I got the Inferno Orange Metallic with the black hockey stripes, and the high end rear spoiler and I turn heads anywhere that I go. The driver and passenger seats are extremely comfortable, and i was quite surprised that I fit inside of it (I am 6'4"). One of the very few "complaints" that I have is that the back seat is not going to be able to have adults in it. It is basically restricted to kids/car seats. But on that note, the safety ratings of this car are outrageous. It is one of the highest rated safety vehicles! 5 stars across the board! The other complaint is that there is a large blind spot because of the body shape; however, this can be reduced by properly setting your mirrors. Initially, the "infotainment" center can be slightly confusing, but as long as you play with it for a few minutes, you quickly learn it. Overall, this car is great and I am absolutely loving it. I plan on keeping this car for a long time. :D"
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
advertisement
why ads?advertisement
why ads?