2
0
Sporty/performance car; Built in Canada
  • 2-door convertible
  • 2-door hatchback
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $1,700 – $7,500*


1993 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 2-door hatchback


1993 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 2-door hatchback


1994 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 2-door convertible


1993 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 interior


1995 Chevrolet Camaro 3.8-liter V-6 engine


1996 Chevrolet Camaro 2-door convertible

Pros:
  • Acceleration (Z28)
  • Airbags
  • Antilock brakes
  • Control layout
  • Handling
Cons:
  • Fuel economy (Z28)
  • Wet-weather traction
  • Tire noise (Z28)
  • Noise
  • Rear-seat comfort
  • Ride (Z28)
  • Visibility

This generation of Camaro is the best ever, but we feel that it forces too many compromises to be a daily driver for anyone but the performance enthusiast.

Overview

Total restyling of Chevrolet’s sporty rear-drive hatchback coupe retained some familiar cues, in a more curvy body made largely of dent-resistant composite material. As before, the popular “pony car” came in base trim (with V6 power) and as a Z28 (propelled by a V8). Base and high-performance Z28 models again are similar to the Pontiac Firebird, riding the same basic platform as before. Dimensions grew only slightly, but this latest rendition gained some weight–and power. All Camaros now included dual airbags and antilock braking. A reworked dashboard put all gauges in a semicircular pod, easy to view. No convertible hit the market for the 1993 model year.

Yearly Updates

1994 Camaro
A convertible arrived late in ’94, with a glass back window and power top. The Z28’s 6-speed gearbox added Computer-Aided Gear Selection, which forces a first-to-fourth gear shift when accelerating from a stop under light throttle.
1995 Camaro
Traction control finally became optional at midseason, but only for Z28 Camaros. It can be switched off, if desired. Later in the model year, a 3.8-liter V6 became optional in base Camaros.
1996 Camaro
The 3.8-liter V6 engine, introduced as an option during 1995, became standard in base Camaros. The Z28’s 5.7-liter V8 gained 10 horsepower. A new RS package added lower-body aero trim and a 3-piece spoiler to base coupes and convertibles. Moving further into performance, an “SS” (Super Sport) option became available for the Z28. Produced by an outside firm, SLP Engineering, the SS package includes wider wheels and tires, styling and suspension modifications, and a functional hood scoop. Engine horsepower rose to 305 on the SS.
1997 Camaro
Redesigned dashboards, daytime running lights, and revised taillamps were added to all 1997 Camaros. Accompanying the new standard dash is a revised center console with more storage space.
1998 Camaro
Camaro gets a restyled nose courtesy of a fresh fascia, composite headlamps, and a restyled hood and fenders. Underhood, the Z28 gets a version of the Corvette’s aluminum V8 with 305 horsepower, 20 more than last year. SS models get a power boost to 320 horsepower.
1999 Camaro
Traction control was a new option on base models and the fuel tank grew from 15.5 gallons to 16.8.
2000 Camaro
Facing ever-declining sales, Chevrolet’s “ponycar” saw little change for 2000. All models now had steering-wheel audio controls. Engines were retuned to Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) standards, for states that required it. Z28 coupes switched from black to body-color door mirrors. Wheels were redesigned for both the SS option and the Performance and Handling package available on other Camaros.
2001 Camaro
The Z28-based SS package returned for 2001 with high-power V8, functional hood scoop, larger tires, new rear spoiler, and upgraded suspension. V8s gained 5 horsepower and all models got retuned shock absorbers.
2002 Camaro
For its final season, Chevrolet’s rear-wheel-drive sports coupe offered a 35th Anniversary Package for the SS version. The package included red paint, dual silver stripes, and special wheels and trim. Newly standard were a CD player and automatic transmission for V6 versions. Pontiac’s Firebird shared Camaro’s design and also retired after the 2002 model year.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

Base engine was a 3.4-liter V6 (an enlargement of the former 3.1-liter), delivering 160 horsepower. Either 5-speed manual shift or a 4-speed overdrive automatic might be installed. Under the Z28’s hood lurks a Corvette-based 5.7-liter V8 rated at 275 horsepower (285 horses for ’96) and hooked to a 6-speed manual gearbox or optional 4-speed automatic. Unlike the Corvette’s drivetrain, the Z28’s 6-speed box lacked a forced first-to-fourth gear shift under light throttle in its first season, but added that fuel-economy feature for ’94, when the automatic shift gained electronic control. Six-speed cars also got a 3.42:1 rear-axle ratio in 1994, replacing the prior 2.73:1 or optional 3.23:1 ratio. A more powerful (200-horsepower) 3.8-liter V6 arrived in spring 1995 as an option, and was made standard for ’96. Engines in specially built SS Camaros in 1996 developed 305 horsepower–20 more than usual. In 1998, Camaro got its own version of the Corvette V8. In Z28, the engine made 305 horsepower. With the SS package it made 320 horsepower. V8s gained 5 horsepower in 2001.

ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.4/207
Engine HP 160
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 200
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic
4-speed automatic 		19/28
19/28
ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.8/231
Engine HP 200
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 225
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic
4-speed automatic 		19/30
19/29 		18.6
ohv V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.7/350
Engine HP 275-310
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 325-340
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		16/27
17/25 		13.2
17.4
ohv V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.7/346
Engine HP 305-325
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 335-350
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		17/25
18/27 		15.1

Road Test

This last Camaro beats its predecessor in two notable ways: ride quality and dashboard layout. Both the base model and the Z28 have softer suspensions, which reduces the harsh impacts commonly endured in prior models. Z28s are still quite harsh over rough pavement, but more easygoing than before, though optional high-performance tires generate too much noise at highway speeds. Both models retain their well-known handling prowess.

Gauges are easily visible through the steering wheel. Radio and climate controls are high-mounted, easy to reach and see.

Climbing inside can be a chore because of low seats. Wide rear roof pillars still obscure the view to sides and rear quarters. A hump in the right-front floorboard intrudes into passenger leg room. Rear head room is a tad better than before, but the cushion is narrow and knee space extremely limited. A deep cargo well doesn’t hold much luggage. The low seating position hinders visibility.

Though somewhat gruff and noisy under acceleration, the 3.4-liter V6 performs nicely–especially with 5-speed manual shift. Acceleration in a Z28 is strong with either transmission, but the V8 demands premium fuel. We averaged only 13.2 mpg in mostly urban driving. Adding the 3.8-liter V6 narrowed the performance gap between the two modes. The 200-horsepower engine matches the 4.6-liter V8 in Ford Mustangs when the gas pedal hits the floor. Poor wet-weather traction remains a problem. Traction control wasn’t optional until 1995.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2002 Chevrolet Camaro base convertible

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 - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 4
40%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 2
20%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 4
40%
Room/Comfort Rear - 2
20%
Cargo Room - 1
10%

Other

Value - 3
30%

Total: 38

Specifications

2-door convertible
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
101.1 193.2 74.1 52.0
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
7.6 15.5 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
38.0 39.0 43.0 26.8
2-door hatchback
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
101.1 193.2 74.1 51.3
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
12.9-33.7 15.5 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
37.2 35.3 43.0 26.8
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 1999 Camaro 2-door convertible

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 3
60%
Rear Passenger Injury - 4
80%

HLDI

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

Collision 154
Injury 86
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Coolant leak
Description: The 3.8-liter V6 may leak coolant into the engine from the intake manifold. A new gasket kit, revised throttle body nuts, and sealing compound is available. Redesigned manifolds are also available in the aftermarket. (1993-02)
Coolant leak
Description: Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (1995-02)
Cruise control
Description: Because of oversensitivity, the cruise control cuts out and won’t reset unless the key is turned off. GM will replace the cruise-control module. (1993-95)
Doors
Description: Although the doors can be locked manually, the power door locks may not operate due to a rubber bumper falling off of the actuator arm. (1995-96)
Doors
Description: The power door locks fail because the actuator rod comes apart. (1994-97)
Engine temperature
Description: Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999-2000)
Hard starting
Description: Hard starting and drivability problems on 5.7-liter V8 could be caused by coolant in distributor. (1993-02)
Heater core
Description: The seal on the heater core case gets loose and cold air enters, which reduces the heater performance. (1993-94)
Rear axle noise
Description: Under warranty, the company will replace the entire rear axle (excluding brake rotors on cars with rear disc brakes) on a complete exchange basis. (1995)
Steering noise
Description: The upper bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a snapping or clicking, requiring a new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam. (1994-96)
Vehicle shake
Description: Cars with the 5.7-liter engine may vibrate at highway speeds. Replacing the driveshaft fixes the problem, but usually results in axle noise becoming more apparent. (1993-96)
Check-engine light
Description: Engine knock and/or check-engine light could be cause by corrosion on the rear knock sensor. (1998-02)

Recall History

1994
Description: Misrouted V8 fuel line may contact “air” check valve; heat could damage line, which could leak fuel into engine compartment.
1995
Description: Lower coupling of steering intermediate shaft could loosen and rotate, resulting in loss of control.
1997
Description: Seatbelt retractors on some cars can lock-up on slopes.
1999 w/manual transmission
Description: Clutch master cylinder on a few cars may have incorrect retaining ring, preventing clutch from disengaging.
2002
Description: Welds near lower driver-side door hinge may not meet specifications, possibly causing severe injuries in a crash.

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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