CHEVROLET CAMARO

We'll call the Chevrolet Camaro of the '90s the Corvette for car lovers on a budget. Especially Camaros built from '93 onward.

That was the year Chevy last reinvented the Camaro and its sibling, the Pontiac Firebird. The new styling was more curvy, but the styling cues remained familiar with the previous generation car. Many of the body panels were and still are made of dent- and rust-resistant plastic.(Note that there was no convertible for '93; it arrived in '94 and was a major step up from older Camaros. It had a lined top, glass back window, and was power-operated.)

Now, while Chevy has sold a base Camaro with a pretty powerful (200 hp.-225 hp.) V6, it's the V8-powered Z28 (up to 320 hp.) that really gets your heart rate up. After all, it shares its engine with the 
Chevy Corvette.

Key point to remember about older Camaros: in '93 the LT1 V8 added sequential fuel injection to deliver just the right squirt of gas to one cylinder at a time when the intake valve opens. Better for fuel economy, emissions and performance. 

Transmission choices since '93 have included a six-speed manual programmed to shift from first to fourth unless the driver really pushes the throttle. And a new electronic four-speed automatic offered that year delivered smoother upshifts and better-timed downshifts.

On the safety front, the Camaro in '93 got dual airbags and anti-lock braking, standard. The optional traction control (arriving mid-'95) is a reassuring feature in such a powerful car. It cuts back the throttle, retards the engine and applies the brakes when sensors detect wheel slip. If you sneer at such high-tech stuff, it can be disabled with the push of a button. It's a feature to look for in used models.
In late '95 Chevy introduced an optional 3.8-litre V6 engine that became standard in the base by '96. That was the same year the 5.7-litre V8 also got a 10 hp. boost. By '97, Chevy had redesigned the dashboard to make it more user-friendly and enhance console storage space. In '98 the nose was re-styled. Most importantly, in '98 the Camaro got a version of the aluminum V8 introduced with the re-made Corvette.

No question the newer Camaros meaning '93 and newer--are a major step up from previous generations. The ride was made more compliant without any real loss of handling. Still, this is a serious performance car, thus on the road it feels stiff and noise levels are relatively high.

Also, the seating position is low and the roof pillars are wide. The latter adds to body rigidity, but also limits outward visibility. Forget about the back seat for holding adult passengers (at least comfortably) and the trunk is and has always been fairly small.

Prices on the used market have held at average levels of depreciation, so there are not likely many fantastic bargains out there. After all, buyers in the first place were likely performance car enthusiasts. Also note that quality levels have generally rated below average. So be cautious and follow through with a mechanical inspection before making any nearly-new purchase.

CURRENT RED BOOK PRICING (avg. retail): Chevrolet Camaro Z28 coupe

1999 $23,475 ($28,670 original MSRP)
1998 $20,925 ($27,840) 
1997-$18,625 ($27,270)
1996-$16,700 ($25,530)
1995-$14,825 ($23,650)
1994-$11,750 ($22,598)
1993-$9,025 ($19,898) 

BUYER'S ALERTS: Be alert to a possible exhaust gas leak between the spark plug(s) and cylinder head (TSB 980601-98022, Aug. '98), as well as possible failures of the exhaust gas recirculation valve that may be an issue with emissions and driveability (98047, Oct. '98). Also check the full operation of power door locks/windows (73-81-33, June '97); delayed engagement of the automatic transmission that may be traced to the pump cover assembly (9674L60E-15, June '96); an intermittent steering column snap or click noise when turning that may be traced to a loose upper bearing mount in the steering column (56-32-02A, April '96); a water leak on convertible tops at lower side of the rear glass (63-15-14, June '96); alarm systems that activate in very wet weather or during a thunderstorm (VOL5NO7/1, July '96); a notchy feel shifting from 1st to 4th in six-speed manual transmissions that might be addressed by replacing the lever, computer-aided gear select (67-72-05, Nov. '96); a leak of transmission fluid from the pump body that might be addressed by replacing the bushing (57-71-26A, Feb. '97); a door glass rattle in the full down position (43-10-57, December, '94); starter motors that continue to run or crank after the engine is running that could be traced to an issue with the solenoid ground wire (57-64-03, May '95); slightly different front spindle pilots that might cause a front suspension vibration (VOL5NO4/3, April '96); excessive oil consumption and/or rough idle that might be traced to engine gaskets (476111, May '94); poor heater performance that might be traced to a seal on the heater core base that has gotten loose, allowing cold air to enter the cabin (431102, June '94); delayed up-shifts with the automatic transmission that might be traced to a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission (477120, Aug. '94; 477129, Aug. '94); an oil leak at the oil pan to pan rail surface that might be traced to an inadequate oil pan gasket (476126, Aug. '94); insufficient A/C performance or a noise compressor due to premature wear of the compressor shaft seals (63-12-16, Dec. '96); inoperative cruise control that may be traced to the cruise control module which is oversensitive and won't reset unless the key is turned (93-283-8A, Aug. '93; 57-90-01, Aug. '95).

For recalls:
1998: No. 1998170 relates to vehicles with the 5.7-litre engine that might have EGR valve failure due to internal corrosion. 
1997: No. 1996176 refers to convertible models that have non-compliant seat belt assemblies.
1992: No. 1992140 refers to some vehicles with automatic transmissions in which the shift control cable conduit may separate, interfering with shifting.
1992, '91: No. 1994078 refers to vehicles that could exhibit cracks or pin holes at the fuel filler neck.
1991: No. 1991069 refers to seatbelts that may not be in compliance.

THE VERDICT: Serious and affordable performance car, but quality issues are worth noting.

CHECK THE SPECS

1994 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z28 convertible
Engine: (front engine/rear-wheel drive) 5.7-litre V8 with sequential port fuel injection; 275 hp at 5,000 rpm; torque rated at 325 lbs-ft at 4,000 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed manual (four-speed electronic automatic is optional).
Steering: rack-and-pinion, power-assisted.
Brakes: power-assisted disc front/disc rear with standard anti-lock (ABS).
Tires: P235/55R16.
Fuel economy: (litres/100 km) 14.0 city/8.2 hwy.
Wheelbase: 2,566 mm (101.1 in.).
Curb weight: 1,591 kg. (3,500 lbs.).
Pros
* Very rigid platform for a convertible makes for better ride and handling
* Top is notable for ease of operation and glass rear window
* Abundant features, including powerful engine, ABS and dual airbags
Cons
* Tiny trunk 
* Limited outward visibility
* Quality concerns 

OVERALL SCORE: 6.5 (out of 10)

ROAD TEST REPORT CARD for 
Access: C-
Driving position: C
Instruments/Controls: C+ 
Visibility: D+ 
Climate Control: B-
Steering: B+
Brakes: B+
Handling: A- 
Acceleration: A
Engine: A
Transmission: B- 
Interior space: C
Trunk/Cargo: D
Noise/Vibration/Harshness: C-

DURABILITY/RELIABILITY REPORT CARD 
Overall: C-
Mechanical: C- 
Hardware/Body/Paint/Trim: C-

SAFETY REPORT CARD
Anti-lock braking: Yes 
Airbags (driver/passenger): yes/yes 
Traction control: yes
Driver/Passenger Front Crash Protection (0-5 stars with five stars the best): five stars/five stars

INSURANCE HISTORY
Collision cost rating: NA
Comprehensive cost rating: NA
Theft claim cost rating: NA