Pros: Surprisingly peppy base engines; strong performance of V8 models; decent ride quality for the class
Cons: Tight rear leg room; small trunk opening with high liftover; poor visibility
CG Says: After its redesign for 2016, the Chevrolet Camaro lineup sees the return of the super-performance ZL1 model and 1LE performance package for 2017. The new ZL1 has a 640-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 and the choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or GM’s new 10-speed automatic. The 1LE package is available for V6 and V8 coupes with manual transmission and includes performance suspension and uprated brakes. Other Camaros are little changed following their redesign last year. With its impressive roster of engine choices–a 275-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four, 335-hp 3.6-liter V6, 455-hp 6.2-liter V8, or 640-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8–the Camaro can be tailored to a range of sporty-car tastes and budgets. The new-generation Chevrolet Camaro is smaller, lighter, and more technologically advanced than its predecessor, and the addition of the ZL1 and 1LE bolster its already sterling performance credentials. Some testers grumble about the Camaro’s low, visibility-impeding roofline (a design characteristic carried over from the previous-gen Camaro) and stingy backseat/trunk space, but those quirks aren’t uncommon in this class. The 2017 Camaro offers a compelling blend of technology, performance, style, and refinement–in any of its forms, it’s a worthy competitor to the arch-rival Ford Mustang, and a must-see when shopping sporty two-doors.
Class | Sporty/Performance Car |
Body Style(s) | 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible |
Passenger Count | 4 |
Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive |
Manufacturer | Chevrolet |
Nation of Manufacture | Canada |
1LT coupe: $26,305 1LT convertible: $33,305 2LT coupe: $30,405 2LT convertible: $37,405 1SS coupe: $36,905 1SS convertible: $43,905 2SS coupe: $41,905 2SS convertible: $48,905 ZL1 coupe: $61,140 ZL1 convertible: $67,140 |
Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (1LT, 2LT) |
Horsepower 275 |
Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
Avail. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
EPA City Range (mpg) 20-22 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 30-31 |
Optional Engine 3.6-liter V6 |
Horsepower 335 |
Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
Avail. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
EPA City Range (mpg) 16-19 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 26-28 |
Optional Engine 6.2-liter V8 (1SS, 2SS) |
Horsepower 455 |
Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
Avail. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
EPA City Range (mpg) 16-17 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25-27 |
Optional Engine supercharged 6.2-liter V8 (ZL1) |
Horsepower 640 |
Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
Avail. Transmission 10-speed automatic |
EPA City Range (mpg) 12-14 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 20 |
ROAD TESTS AND ADDITIONAL INFO
Test Drive: 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE V6
First Spin: 2016 Chevrolet Camaro
Morning Glories: A Quick Look at Chevy’s Newest
2017 Chicago Auto Show: Chevrolet Redline Special-Edition Series
2016 New York Auto Show: 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
2016 Chicago Auto Show: 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE
Future Collectibles: 2017-2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Shifting Rivalry: Camaro and Mustang to Share 10-Speed Transmission