5
0
Sporty/performance car; Built in Canada
  • 2-door convertible
  • 2-door hatchback
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $1,000 – $3,400*


1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 2-door hatchback


1991 Chevrolet Camaro RS 2-door hatchback


1991 Chevrolet Camaro RS 2-door convertible


1992 Chevrolet Camaro RS interior


1992 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 V-8 engine

Pros:
  • Acceleration (V8)
  • Handling
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Wet-weather traction
  • Passenger room
  • Ride

Neither Camaro nor the similar Pontiac Firebird is cheap, even today. But provocative styling of this generation–coupled with brawny V8 engines–still lures younger fans, in particular.

Overview

Introduced in this form way back in 1982, the popular Camaro came in both hatchback coupe and convertible form–the latter added during ’87. Base and performance-oriented IROC-Z editions were on sale in 1990. By 1990, all Camaros had a driver-side airbag. New standard equipment included a tilt steering wheel, tinted glass, intermittent wipers, and halogen headlamps. The high-performance IROC-Z convertible gained a standard limited-slip differential and new 16-inch alloy wheels, but those items were optional on the IROC-Z coupe. The ’90 dashboard flaunted new yellow-gauge graphics, further enhancing the car’s assertive nature.

Yearly Updates

1991 Camaro
After disappearing since 1988, the Z28 Camaro returned for 1991, while the IROC-Z edition faded away. All 1991 Camaros debuted early–in spring of 1990. The revived Z28 had a standard 5.0-liter V8 and optional 5.7-liter. Both engines gained horsepower this season, and all Camaros got new fascias and aero rocker moldings. The Z28 had a unique rear spoiler, cosmetic hood bulges, and red bow-tie grille emblem, plus newly patterned 16-inch alloy wheels instead of the usual 15-inchers.
1992 Camaro
A “Heritage Appearance” option group commemorated Camaro’s 25th anniversary on the market, but otherwise change was minimal. A totally redesigned Camaro with dual airbags was waiting to debut as a ’93 model.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

A new 3.1-liter V6 replaced the former 2.8-liter as base engine for 1990. Three V8 choices were available that year: a 5.0-liter V8 with throttle-body fuel injection, making 170 horsepower; another 5.0-liter with port injection, rated 220 horsepower; and a 5.7-liter V8 that cranked out 230 horses (available only in the IROC-Z). Only a 4-speed automatic transmission was available for use with the 5.7-liter V8, but other engines could have either 5-speed manual shift or the optional automatic. For 1991, the Z28 took over the role of the deleted IROC Z, carrying either a 230-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 or the optional 5.7-liter, upped to 245 horsepower.

ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.1/191
Engine HP 140
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 180
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		17/26
18/27 		17.8
ohv V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.0/305
Engine HP 170
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 255
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		17/26
17/26
ohv V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.0/305
Engine HP 220-230
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 290-300
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		16/26
17/24 		14.4
ohv V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.7/350
Engine HP 230-245
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 330-345
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 16/24

Road Test

Camaros are tight in back even for children, with only modest room for parcels and luggage, though a lift-up hatch and fold-down rear seatback add some cargo space. Owners face a snug driving position, with tight head room.

Mated to 5-speed manual shift, the V6 RS models offer the best performance/economy balance. With judicious use of the gearshift, a V6 Camaro doesn’t feel particularly underpowered. Those with V8 engines perform as promised, delivering quick acceleration but dismal gas mileage. Poor wet-weather traction is another major drawback. Camaros are notorious for twitchy behavior on wet or icy roads.

The all-coil-spring suspension gives Camaro some agility. Ride comfort is acceptable on V6 models, but punishing on the stiffly sprung Z28. Expect squeaks and rattles on many Z28s, and on convertibles of either rank. Even when nearly new, ragtops tended to suffer from numerous rattles, clanks, and similar auditory misbehavior.

Ratings

Model Tested: 1992 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 5.7-liter

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 9
90%
Fuel Economy - 2
20%
Ride Quality - 3
30%
Steering/Handling - 8
80%
Quietness - 3
30%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 3
30%
Room/Comfort Front - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Rear - 2
20%
Cargo Room - 3
30%

Other

Value - 4
40%

Total: 42

Specifications

2-door convertible
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
101.1 192.6 72.4 50.3
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
6.6 15.5 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
37.2 36.8 43.0 28.3
2-door hatchback
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
101.1 192.6 72.4 50.4
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
12.3 15.5 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
37.0 34.7 43.0 28.9
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 1992 Camaro 2-door hatchback

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Automatic transmission
Description: TH-200 or 700-R4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-92)
Accessory belt
Description: The dust shield for the serpentine belt bends easily. If bent it could cause belt squeal. (1998-99)

Recall History

1990
Description: Fuel return hoses on 5.0- or 5.7-liter V8 engine may break at either crimped coupling.
1990
Description: Plastic components of seatbelt-buckle assemblies could be weakened by exposure to direct sunlight and high interior temperatures.
1991
Description: Poor adhesion between windshield glass and mounting on small number of cars could allow windshield to separate during a collision.
1991
Description: Metal latchplates of seatbelts may not engage buckle assemblies, which could cause release from buckle.
1991
Description: Front-seat upper-hinge-cover screws are too long on small number of cars and interfere with seatback inertia lock.
1991-92
Description: Fuel-filler neck’s solder joint can develop cracks or pinhole leaks, allowing fuel vapor and leakage.
1992
Description: Automatic-transmission shift-control cable can separate, preventing shifting into proper position.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on June 19, 2014.
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