2018 Chevrolet Camaro

Overview

Few cars can capture the joy of driving as well as the iconic Chevrolet Camaro, which is a multiple 10Best Cars winner. Its energetic powerplants and exceptional chassis create an experience that only more expensive sports cars can match. The Camaro is motivated by one of three engines, most notably a 335-hp V-6 and a powerful 455-hp V-8. These two make the Chevy even more formidable when matched with the 1LE package, which adds track-focused equipment and a distinct appearance. The base four-cylinder is less inspiring. With the pony-car wars at full tilt, the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger are vying for sales supremacy. Yet those in the market for a capable and accomplished pony should take a close look at the Camaro.

What's New for 2018?

The Camaro has just a couple of changes for 2018: Krypton Green is no longer an available exterior color, and the track-focused 1LE package can now be paired with the 2SS trim, which has more standard interior features than the 1SS. Almost all of the Camaro lineup will get updated for 2019, featuring new front and rear styling and a 10-speed automatic for the SS.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Camaro is available with three engines—two of which are outstanding. Chevy’s iconic small-block V-8 makes magnificent power and pulse-pounding sounds. The gutsy V-6 has its own distinctly searing soundtrack and redeems generations of ho-hum sixes. The standard six-speed manual transmission maintains the enthusiast spirit, and the eight-speed automatic snaps off quick shifts. Unfortunately, the Camaro’s entry-level turbocharged inline-four is less exhilarating than its two other engines. The 275-hp mill isn’t horribly slow; we tested a manual model that made it to 60 mph in a respectable 5.4 seconds. But uneven throttle response and unpleasant, unsporting sounds accompanied its dull demeanor. On the other hand, upgrading to the 335-hp naturally aspirated V-6 completely improves the car’s character. However, both engines are overshadowed by the illustrious 6.2-liter V-8 that’s standard in SS Camaros. Stat line: 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. The Camaro has an astonishing chassis, providing a car-driver connection that’s unparalleled among pony cars. It’s taut on the track yet relaxed on regular roads. Paired with the 1LE , the V-6 and V-8 versions transcend their class—competing with cars costing much more. The Camaro's well-balanced ride is firm enough to be agile on curvy roads yet still compliant on rough surfaces. The Camaro SS has beefier chassis components and is available exclusively with adaptive dampers (known as Magnetic Ride Control). Its selectable drive modes—Touring, Sport, Track, and Weather—alter settings such as transmission tuning, suspension stiffness, stability-control limits, and steering effort. The lower trims have a similar drive-mode selector without the Track setting and adjustable suspension.

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Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Camaro's interior is an improvement on the previous generation, with better materials and a more modern look. Its comfortable front seats and straightforward layout are high points, but its torturously small back seat and compromised visibility inhibit livability. The Camaro cradles front passengers with nicely bolstered seats; the available Recaro front buckets improve support for hard cornering without being too restrictive. The Camaro’s dashboard design is clean, and the driver has a gauge cluster with an available 8.0-inch configurable display. While the screen and analog gauges are easy to read, the large housing looks bulky. An optional head-up display is useful, and it's not offered on the Challenger or Mustang. The Camaro outshines its rivals on the track and in the fun-to-drive department but is outmatched in terms of cargo space and storage. It holds the least amount of carry-on luggage, and it has even less interior storage than its already stingy competitors. As with cargo volume, the Camaro has less space than its rivals to store small items in its cabin.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Every Camaro has a version of the wonderful MyLink touchscreen infotainment system, unlike some rivals that feature outdated non-touch systems. Chevy’s setup has it all standard—intuitive controls, attractive menus, responsive feedback, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The standard 7.0-inch touchscreen is full of features and includes a 12-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio. A three-month OnStar Guidance plan for emergencies is standard, too. An 8.0-inch unit is available, as are navigation, a premium Bose stereo system, and wireless charging. While the large touchscreen fills the space better, the plastic bezel looks chintzy, and its downward angle is awkward. Otherwise, its mix of controls and organized menus is appreciated. The Chevrolet MyLink system is effortless in operation, and its response times are consistently quicker than popular smartphones.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Chevrolet Camaro's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.