1998 Chevy Camaro Review
1998 Chevy Camaro Review
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Used Camaro for sale
Appraise This CarChevrolet Camaro model years
Chevrolet Camaro types
- Coupe
- Convertible
- Z28 SS
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Great acceleration and looks for a low price.
Cons
- Cave-like interior with top up. Outward visibility with top up. Cheap interior plastics.
What’s new
Chevrolet dumps a 305-horsepower version of the Corvette's V8 engine under a new front end, adds standard four-wheel disc brakes on all models, adds a couple of new colors, makes second-generation airbags standard and revises trim levels. The midyear SS package makes 320 horsepower.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Chevrolet Camaro 2dr Coupe and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$199/mo for Camaro Base
Camaro Base
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
"From the country that invented rock n' roll," claimed the advertisements for this Quebec, Canada-built sport coupe when it was redesigned in 1993. A small technicality, we suppose, but there are no technicalities when it comes to the Camaro's performance abilities, particularly in Z28 or SS guise. These Camaros are blazingly quick, hold the road tenaciously, cost less than the average price of a new car in this country (Z28, at least), and get decent gas mileage when they're not being hammered along a twisty two-lane road.
For 1998, more power and speed are on tap. The Z28 gets a detuned Corvette LS1 engine that makes 305 horsepower and 335 foot-pounds of torque. Base Camaros aren't ignored this year either. Bottom rung models have standard four-wheel disc brakes for 1998. All Camaros get a standard Pass-Key II theft deterrent system, new front styling, body-colored door handles, and two new color possibilities (Sport Gold and Navy Blue).
Trim levels and styling detail have been revised for 1998. For some unknown reason, the RS model disappears, but all of its Batmobile aero trickery is available on base and Z28 models equipped with the Sport Appearance Package. The SS model continues, but with interim availability during the model year. All Z28 models get a black roof treatment; base models have a body-colored roof. White leather is available inside all Camaros, and last year's Flame Red interior is now red accent only.
Continuing from last year is the base Camaro engine, a 3800 Series II V6 which makes 200 horsepower. That's 45 more ponies than Ford's Mustang V6 can produce. Phased in during the 1995 model year, the 3800 V6 can be mated to a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. With a manual, this powerplant gets the Camaro to 60 mph nearly as quickly as a Ford Mustang GT. In fact, the existence of this motor makes a strong argument for avoiding the higher insurance rates and prices of the Z28. An optional Performance Handling Package puts bigger tires, alloy wheels, tighter steering, and a limited-slip differential on the V6 Camaro.
From a bang-for-the-buck standpoint, the Z28 is unbeatable. The SS version of the Z28 makes 320 horsepower (327 with the optional exhaust) thanks to a big air scoop on the hood that forces cool air into the engine, but we question the added cost of the SS package when the power gain is negligible. SLP Engineering, known for working magic with GM's F-bodies since the late '80s, does the conversion work for the Z28 SS. See your dealer for details.
The interior of the Camaro is functional, if not slightly garish. The Camaro holds a respectable amount of gear in the cargo hold (more than 33 cubic feet of space with the generally useless rear seats folded down), and airbags and antilock brakes are standard. More mature drivers can order traction control, but that option defeats some of the fun of Chevy's ponycar: smoky, adolescent burnouts that leave the drivers behind choking on charred Goodyears.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Chevrolet Camaro.
5 star(72%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
53 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Reliable, Fun, & Affordable Sports Car!
Jozzy, 11/22/2009
1998 Chevrolet Camaro 2dr Coupe
I wanted an affordable, fun sports car for the summer and I got all of that and more. I love driving my Camaro and the T-Tops are a unique feature that adds to the style. Although I have 180,000 miles on the car, it still runs great. The body is in mint condition and has held up better than any other '98 vehicle on the road today. I chose the base due to the great reputation of the 3.8L … V6 engine. It is still responsive, good fuel economy, and a champion of an engine. If you don't know, Ward's Autoworld (and other reliable sources) rate GM's 3.8L V6 as one of the best engines ever built. No doubt, a good car for the money and everyone stares when I drive by.
4.88 out of 5 stars
1998 Chevrolet Z28 Camaro
z28you, 04/28/2014
1998 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 2dr Convertible
I bought my 1998 Z28 in 2012, it had 120,000 miles on the clock, first impression was "I like the power!" Had to replace warped rotors/new pads/front wheel bearings/steering knuckle/tie-rods. The prior owner had taken relativity good care of her, average wear and tear for a 15 year old car @ the time. Leather seats are comfortable, even on trips/daily driver. Gas MPG very good for 2014 … (considering it's a V8) even 20+ hwy- 17+ city driving. One of the best Camaro Z28's GM Chevrolet has ever produced! IMO. My old Z28 was a -1986 Z28 IROC-Z- 305 T.P.I., this 1998 Z28 350 M.P.F.I would suck the windshield out of my old IROC-Z...very e-Zilly =) Find a maintained one, you'll thank me.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Underrated
PreZ, 01/28/2003
1998 Chevrolet Camaro 2dr Coupe
I've owned my Camaro for a four and a
half years. I think the car is
underrated. The engine is solid and has
been reliable for all 117,500 miles. It
also gets better mileage than many
cars. I've gotten nearly 35 miles to
the gallon on interstae trips. It does
have the five speed. Sure it has a few
quirks, but nothing major. Don't
forget, this is a Camaro. For the money …
it's hard to beat. I still get many
complements. Unfortunately I won't be
able to get a new one, so I'll be
looking for a 2001-2002 Z28 for my next
vehicle.
4.75 out of 5 stars
my first car
hockeystud99, 10/16/2012
1998 Chevrolet Camaro 2dr Coupe
Well i got my 1998 3.8l camaro for my 16th birthday, and have been driving it hard ever since.
While i really wish i had the money to afford the z28 model, or a pontiac trans am, i am extremely happy with the performance of this car.
For a v6, this car puts up numbers that you cant argue with.
This thing will leave comparable v6 mustangs in the dust, and will AT LEAST keep up with the … mustang gts from around this year.
While its no ls1, the 3.8 in this camaro pulls very hard, and has great acceleration, and is a thrill to drive every time you are behind the wheel.
With performance like this from the base model, i can barely imagine what it would be like to drive a v8 camaro.
1998 Camaro Highlights
Coupe
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $199/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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