The Chevy Camaro was one of the most recognizable muscle cars in the American automotive industry. Coming around when muscle cars were highly competitive, the Camaro withstood much of the competition, but as the market changed over the years, it was time to retire the Camaro. If you're in the market for a used one, then this article is for you. We'll be taking a look at the different generations to see how the Chevy Camaro has changed over the years.
Key Takeaways:
- The Camaro comes in a few special and anniversary trims, making it perfect for car enthusiasts.
- If you're not a car enthusiast, don't worry. The Camaro comes with a few trims that can produce tons of power, and hit blazing fast speeds, making it great for adrenaline seekers.
- If collecting, or track racing isn't your thing, don't worry. Chevy aimed at making the 5th gen more fuel efficient starting in 2011, making it a decent daily driver that looks good.
First Generation (1967-1969)
While it may be hard to find this generation, it wouldn't feel right to not cover where it all started. Chevy saw the success of some other competitors, and thought they could do something better. Debuting in 1966, and hitting the roads in 67’, Chevy had a hit on their hands.
This generation was available in 3 trims this generation, the Super Sport, Rally Sport, and Z/28. Coming with stripes on the hood and trunk, rally road wheels, and an engine designed for racing.
Fifth Generation (2010-2015)
Jumping ahead to a generation that most modern drivers will be familiar with, this gen is hot off the heels of a brief hiatus.
Going back to its roots, the 5th gen model took some styling cues from the first generation. These were with the grille, roof styling, quarter windows, and side trims. Much like the 1st gen, this one came with three trims, but they don't share the same name. The trims you can find are LS, LT, and SS trims.
The LS, and LT trims came with a 3.6L V6 engine that can produce up to 312 hp. The SS trim came with an even larger engine. This engine was the 6.2L V8 that could push 400 hp.
If you are wanting people to know what you have, you can look for a model that has the RS appearance package. This was available on the LT, and SS. This came with 20-inch wheels that had a darker tone than other Camaro models, halo headlights, a unique spoiler, and red RS or SS badging.
When 2011 came around, the convertibles started production, as well as hitting the market in the same year. For 2012, the LS trim and new 2LS trim came with a 2.92 rear axle ratio that gave the trims even better fuel economy.
2012 also saw the 45th anniversary of the Camaro. This saw a new special edition, as well as a new engine addition. The new updated engine was for the V6, now capable of producing 323 hp. The SS trim received an upgraded suspension system, helping give a smoother ride.
All trim levels came with a RS spoiler, and taillight details, steering wheel-mounted volume and radio controls, and Bluetooth connectivity as standard.
The ZL1 was the new edition, and this one was powerful. This came with a 6.2L supercharged V8 engine. This engine could produce 580 hp, making it the most powerful one seen yet. Some other features that you can find on the ZL1 are a 2-stage exhaust, suede seats, steering wheel, and shift knobs. This edition also came with ZL1-exclusive 20-inch aluminum wheels.
2014 saw a taste of what was in store for the next generation. This saw the Camaro come with a refreshed body style, as well as the return of the Z/28 trim. The new body came with a slimmer grille, a larger lower fascia, and new fog lights, as well as tail lights that took styling notes from the ones on the 1st gen.
Being that the Z/28 is a high-performance model, it comes with a 7.0L V8 engine that can produce 505 horsepower.
Sixth Generation (2016-2024)
When this generation hit the market it marked the 50th anniversary for the Camaro name. This generation was 200 lbs lighter than the previous one. For 2016, this vehicle was Motor Trend's Car of the Year. This is because “the sixth-generation Camaro is based on General Motor's awesome Alpha platform architecture, the same structure that underpins the Cadillac ATS and CTS, the latter being our 2014 Car of the Year.” When you have the best car makers in the world, it almost feels like every vehicle should be car of the year.
Early 6th gen models came with one of three engines. These are the 2.0L turbocharged I4 producing 275 horsepower, a new 3.6L V6 making 335 horsepower, and a 6.2L V8 with 455 horsepower. The ZL1 will come with a supercharged engine that can produce 650 horsepower.
When the 2017 model came around, it had something to prove, not to us, but itself. Hitting top speeds of 198 mph, this model could almost go as fast as some supercars that were on the market.
This year also saw the 50th edition that came with unique features inside and out. Some of the features you can find are a Nightfall Gray paint that has a metallic finish, and 20-inch 50th anniversary wheels.
This edition also came with 50th Anniversary stripes, badges, a unique grille with satin chrome accents, and a body-colored front splitter. For some interior features, you could find black leather interior with suede inserts, orange accent stitching, and special treatments on the instrument panel, seatbacks, steering wheel, and illuminated sill plates.
2018 saw the 1LE package for the ZL1. This came with improved aerodynamics, a new racing-inspired adjustable suspension, and new lightweight forged aluminum wheels.
2019 saw the last large changes for the Camaro name, and was the start of the decline for the Camaro. This year changed the front fascia, and gave the car a new set of LED headlights. The SS saw a new polished black grille, but that wasn't as well received as Chevy was hoping. The rear fascia came with new split taillights that are colored red on the LS and LT trims, while the SS and ZL1 had clear ones.
In 2020, they did remedy the grille to make it more appealing to the wider audience, but that would've been the last change the Carmaro saw.
Should You Purchase a Used Chevy Camaro?
With the Camaro having its chapter in the American history books, the only way you can get one now is used, and we'd be happy to help. Come on by to Jarrett today to see what we have in stock of these muscle cars!