Used 1996 Chevrolet Camaro Consumer Reviews
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Z-28 will kill any Mustang
Bought it 7 months ago, love it to death, fast, looks good, handles great. I hat all these kids who get these Mustangs for a dime a dozen and think they are so cool and fast. Well, i raced at least 10 of them so far since i have had my car and blew everyone of them out. It's funny you pull up to a light and they start reving that sick Ford 4.6L V8. I don't even rev my engine...i just look at them, laugh, and step on the gas leaving them in the dust.
150 MPH for $5K
Bought used with 140,000 miles for $5K. Have replaced fuel pump, purge solenoid, and both catalytic converters and complete fluid change and maintenance. Car runs great and is fun to drive. Strong mechanical knowledge is recommended for ownership of this car or you will spend $$$ on labor for maintenance. If you spend a couple hours a month on it for maintenance it will give you years of trouble free service. If you neglect it it will neglect you. Replacement parts and maintenance parts are inexpensive and available everywhere. I had a "84 Z28 that had 360,00 miles on it when I sold it and it ran great.
- Z28 CoupeMSRP: $19,995170 mi away
- 1996 Chevrolet CamaroMSRP: $8,850211 mi away
- Z28 ConvertibleMSRP: $17,999273 mi away
old reliable
I bought the car new and still drive it everyday. The car has had no major mechanical repairs to it in all these years. I had to change an alternator once, and fixed the electric windows twice. That is it! It now has 158,000 miles on it. I will never sell my baby and will drive it for many years to come. If you are going to buy one, get one from an adult owner like myself who maintained the car. Kids just beat on them.
Awesome Car!
I love my Camaro RS, its so much fun to drive for a V6!
Can't say goodbye yet!
Bought this beautiful dark green/beige interior Camaro new in 1996. Yes, that was 12 years ago! Only 116,000 miles on it and engine/transmission still going strong with never a breakdown. Since it was garaged at home, the paint looks brand new. Original plug wires were recalled about 2002 in the same week it acted up. No mechanical repairs-only tow different leaks and normal wear and tear parts. Only thing I am unhappy with is an oil leak that started by the 3rd year and was never fixed. (Got tired of going to the dealership-not where I bought this car). Even though I am now car shopping--I still have no plans to sell it. Plan to have it worked on /updated etc and just be my "play car".
My baby
I love my camaro ! 220,000 mile and its in hirrble conditions. Tell you the truth? dont buy this car if you want to spen money. Parts are expencive and gas sucks. Why do i still own it? because i love my camaro and i will own it and put more money then its worth because to me its worth so much more then any thing else.
Camaro Z28 1996
Excellent car. GM did not realize how good this car is when they stopped its production. I will keep it for a very long time. We have two more cars, This one is the star.
Still my girl
My mother bought this 1996 used white 3800 V6 model w/4-speed auto and ABS in 1998, and then gave it to me when I graduated high school in 2000. Since then, I've been taking it all over the NY-NJ region, customizing it with high performance exhaust, lighting, and intake mods. It now has "only" 76,000 miles, and with a little TLC and regular maintenance still runs with the best of them, and definitely gets looks from guys and girls of all ages. Also my girl's favorite of the 3 cars I owned concurrently over the past 3 yrs, so that counts for something.
My First Muscle Car
This is my first V-8... I've owned a Honda Accord, Acura Integra, and Infinti I30t... I was ready to try something radically different. The Camaro has been very fun.. I love the Power and the T-Tops. Doesn't have the build quality of the other cars I've owned, but my other cars a lot more $$$ to buy. This car makes lots of odd noises... but if you push the gas pedal the cool sound of the V-8 drowns out all the other noises. I've had one consistent problem with the car, which the dealer and other mechanics have been unable to resolve... the power is uneven on light engine load conditions... If It weren't for this problem I'd probably be in love with this car.
Who needs a V8?
Since buying the V6 3800 Camaro I must say my personal opinion has changed about six cylinder secondary models. This car delivers! Its got great styling, outstanding performance, and fair quality. This car is simply an amazing machine and for the price you can't beat that. If you are in the market for an affordable sportscar without paying the price give a 3800 Camaro a chance you'll be suprized with what they can do.
camaro v6
All and all i must say it was another low quality GM product. I bought the car at 80,000 miles, and had it untill it tanked out around 96,000 miles. During that time, it was broken down more than it ran. Always something, id fix one thing and something else would go wrong. When it did run performance was not what it should have been. My scion and integra are much more fun to drive. The v6 was quick enough for daily driving, but dont expect to win any races. The car was a decent looking car minus the ugly stock rims. The t-tops were cool, and i LOVED the interior. By far the best interior of any car i ever owned. It came stock 2 tone black and red inside.
Amazing!
I just bought this car from a private owner. It has the tune-port eninge making it somewhat rare since in '96 they started using the Vor-tec engine. I love this car. It is the best car to ever be built! Keep it up Chevy!
Camaros Rule
I have had a 3.8 V6 Camaro since june when I graduated. It's t-topped and the best ride I have ever owned. I have cold air intake, loud dual exhaust, and high performance tires. It is also chipped out to 255 hp. This car is fast. I would definitely recomend this car to anybody wanting a nice ride to cruise town with.
Good with the bad
Last year my wife and I found a used 1996 base model with a V-6. Often we take it down to our parents home in south Florida. In the past three months repairs have started popping up like crazy. Voltage regulator 350 Low beams went out 60 Serpintine belt and the waterpump quit 250 Two weeks ago the fuelpump's check valve failed. The fuel module which includes the pump, sending unit, and check valve. Translated-Chevy charges 406 for the part alone, and by the way the new Camaro has the fuel pump INSIDE the fuel tank. That was 4.9 hours in labor. 847 Done by Chevy with a lifetime warranty.
Great fun car
After owning a Corvette coupe this was a big change. It is definitily a must have car. There is power everywhere on the tach. Basically a 4 seat Corvette.
my z28
I bought my z28 four years ago after selling my 1988 iroc-z. The performance gains from the z28 and the iroc is unbelievable. Low 13 teens in 1/4 mile with mods (borla catback,K&n intake,3.73 gears). I love my car but now i want a SS.
Good Bye-Old Friend
This week, I must get rid of my baby. I've put 175K miles on her. I lived thru her recall for the front spoiler and many repairs that were covered b/c I was smart enough to have bought the extended warranty. But, I'll NEVER buy another GM car b/c I had to spend so much time arguing about coverage. The girls loved my baby. She still gets a "Hey man, nice car" even after 8+ yrs. I'll miss her. She was a blast to drive. She needs a new rear end, brakes, windows motors, interior stitching and other cosmetics that I can't justify the investment. I'm gonna miss her.
Sad to see the ol' girl go
I bought my car right after college and it has seen me through the years. It has been the best! No problems other than usual wear and tear...water pump, alternator, plugs, window motor, front spoiler. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves an affordable, fun sporty car. I have decided to buy an SUV because of the nature of my job- having to transport bulky computers, etc... I would keep her til' she fell apart if not. No one can believe the car is a '96...it still looks that good!
Honest review
I've owned this Camaro 2 years. It's the 6cyl. Pro and only pro is the engine is very strong Cons I have the convertible the roof leaks every where Rearview mirror create a blind spot. The stock seats are horrible. I have a bad back I can't drive the car long distance. Again engine be strong.
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5 LITRE EATER
I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH 117,000 MILES ON IT, HAVE REPLACED OPTISPARK, COIL, AND OTHER IGNITION COMPONENTS. IT EXPENSIVE TO MAINTIAN, HOWEVER WHEN RUNNING 100%, SMOKES NEW 02 GT MUSTANGS LIKE ITS GOING OUT OF STYLE.13.87 AT 102.3 TRAP, STOCK WITH BRAND NEW STICKY TIRES. THE LT-1 HAS A AWESOME POWERBAND, WITH 123,000 MILES HAD A COMPESSION TEST DONE RUNS 122-137 PSI PER CYLINDER, ANYTHING OVER 100PSI IS GOOD COMPRESSION. THE MOTORS ARE BULLITPROOF AND WILL LAST OVE 200K IF TAKEN CARE OF. JUST BE READY FOR SOME ELETRICAL PROBLEMS.
Simply amazing!
I'm 19 and ever since I was little i aslways wanted a Camaro and I finally got one. It's a real fun car to drive in the summer. I even drove it through one winter and it still never gave me a problem. The serpentine belt went on it at 60k and a headlight. But that's all so far. Great head turner, very fast for a V6. It is really as 2 seater and I dont see a reason for the backseats. But overall it is the most reliable car I've ever owned
love my car
I saw this car at a chev dealer just before I sold my 83 camaro z28 . it was love at first sight ! right after selling my 83 , i rushed to the dealership and did a test drive , the rest is history . who could resist a 96 camaro z28 convert. ( red of course ) with only 50.000 miles on it. I get looks and compliments all the time . I will keep this car as long as I can and I am now 77 years of age !
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Sorry Bro
don't get me wrong, i think the car is pretty fast. the exterior is ok but the interior is horrible. not too many mechanical flaws but it shakes a bit during cold weather start ups.
1996 CAMERO
Camero is a great muscle car.I find it fast,dependable and fun o drive.Sad to see it go!!!!
years and years of fun
I bought my purple z28 in 2002 with 41,000 miles. I still own it today with 317,000 on the original engine. It is now time to replace but I am having a hard time finding just the right one to replace it with. I absolutely love my car. It has been garage kept and has been my daily driver. I didn't do any modifications but gave it a lot of love! This has been a solid dependable car.
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Fun but not reliable
I bought this car used with 40000 miles. Had problems with head lights , power windows and rear gasket seal after first 3 months. Needless to say I am not happy. Driving this car is a blast. Fast and handles great, a real head turner in black especially. Youll have to decide which outweighs the other, headaches or headturner.
It's worth it
I just purchased a used 96 RS model, I am a young guy, I am 20.I look young also,hence, the cops here are all over me.I've been pulled over in my RED camaro about 5 times in the last 3 months.Most of the times for no reason at all, or they would give some lame excuse.This car gets attention !! I believe its worth it though, it handles great,it is fast,and i get a lot of compliments on it
Restored projct
Well I bought this car broken... i mean everything needed replaced. 1996 Camaro Base. Restored RS upgrade project. Even with the head gasket blown (and may others out there with the same problem) wheel bearings and brakes shot and stock exhaust old suspension, the car was still handling and driving really well. I always wanted a camaro... spend more time working on it then driving it tho. I've rebuilt the entire car inside and out. without getting into detail the car is not what was bought.. a full restore and upgrade intoa racing package. This camaro is really nice. the longevity of the interior is horrid. after an abusive first 100k family owned car and a couple dogs it wore out fast.. same issue with a hot roding driver, driving a v6 like its a tuned drift machine destroyed he running gear and blew the motor. V6 is a poor mans version of the v8 buying the car more for the looks then the power. i only bought casue it had 99k on it for 1000 bucks and still ran.... Anyway I always wanted a camaro and although i spend more time working on it then driving it. I can't say much for the gas milage as i have a new motor and its going to be crap and fluctuate for a while until it breaks in i been ranging from 15-40 mpg, also i think its definitely not the best camaro body style out there but i love the drive and feel of the car.
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Bang for the Buck
A car you can drive everyday to work and still run a 13.8 with just an intake and exhaust with an A4 transmission. It looks mean and still turns heads, its 6years old now.
Camaro Z28 1996
The Z28 Camaro is an outstanding high performance car --- as American cars go it's second only to the Corvette. In addition to ballistic acceleration, tight handling, and great looks, the Z28 has outstanding brakes. The 350 ci-in iron V8 (with alluminum heads) pumps out 300 HP and has never left me waiting for a tow. The 4 speed automatic transmission, however, did break down at about 125000 miles and cost a small fortune to be rebuilt. With slightly bigger than factory wheels and tires it handles great. Visibility could be better. It's got it all --- great looks, high performance, and better than average reliability. I expect the 2010 Camaro Z28 to be just as great to own and drive.
Best Factory Exhaust
The factory exhaust in the Z-28 (LT- 1)has the most distinctive throaty exhaust note of all the muscle cars. In 1996 Motor trend wrote" When the Z-28 comes rumbling thru the neighborhood, fathers shout slow down! even though you're only going 30, Mothers grab their daughters and run inside! cool ad👍
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Excellent Car
It's been great.
My Baby!!!
I bought her almost 5 years ago and she has been nothing but a blessing. I purchased my Camaro, after having a mechanic look at it, just to be sure, with 43,000 miles on the odometer. I changed the tires recently after my purchase, and bought a new battery. My Camaro is a Florida car so it had no rust underneath. My only major replacement on this car was a wheel sensor mod that went bad after 51,000 miles. I have no other problems to list, minor or major. I have really enjoyed my Camaro. It is by far one of the best cars ever built. It was genius that GM finally decided to put the 3.8 engines in the Camaro, which was in '96. The 3800 series engine is GM's best engine ever built.
Sporty
Nice ride not bad car at all fun to drive just replaced tranny got a good deal on one at $300.00 first convertible that I have ever had yeah Gm could have put a better dash on other than that lousy plastic one that cracks over the years.
BLACK 28
34,000 super sharp 3 way black.....bow tie sharp
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Near Flawless
I read the other reviews about buy a Mustang, Viper, etc. Who want 70hp less for more money in the Mustang, and want to pay 7 time more for a Viper? My Z28 has been great to me. I have had it for 2 years and 25k miles. Replaced waterpump and power steering pump, and thats all. My other problems were related to instlling of my headers, ie. burnt plug wires. Fun to drive, eventhough its an auto, leather interior is very comfortable. I don't know what the other reviewers were talking about bad interior and uncomfortable, they must of had cloth. T-tops do not leak and aftermarket exhaust is a must.
In love
I’m 17 so as you can guess I don’t exactly maintain the car as adults would, but this car is absolutely amazing. Everything, the look, the sound, the feel, EVERYTHING. Only glaring negative is paying for premium at the gas station, but my ss gets a combined 21 mpg with it so I can’t complain too much. Oh, don’t buy if you’re over 6’2 your head will touch the t tops you will be crammed, just like the old camaros there’s not much room.
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Camaro, Ya gotta get one
This is the best car ive ever owned. Everywhere i go i turn heads, and the car is already 5 years old. the ttops are awsome to take off in the summer, and the car will get the ladies;)trust me. By far the best car in the world for the money
Still Crusin'
I bought the car used in 2000. The BOSE was blown but a new custom sound system has me rockin'. I like to put on my reflector sunglasses and drive around slowly. It still gets looks and comments. It corners like it's on rails and the 3.8 has plenty of power for the light body. I love the car. My girlfriend thinks it's too low. Mechanically it's been good but interior quality is kind of iffy. Overall, I love the car. At 118,000 I expect to drive her for a while longer.
EXCELLENT CAR, GREAT PERFORMANCE
I love my 96 Z28, no problems at all. Extremely fun to drive, very fast!! Mustangs don't stand a chance. Great performance for the price. Comfortable interior/leather bucket seats.
its the best of Chevy cars!
i had a camaro 1983, love it, and after got a thunderbird, and a chevy lumina, great cars chevy, other not that much, and then i want another camaro again, and its the best, great driving experience, power on v-6, fuel economy, t-tops, great design, great for my two kids, they are comfortable in the small back space.
Awesome sports car...fun in Florida
this is just a superb car!
1996 chevy camaro V6
Good overall car. I have owned it for about 2 and 1/2 years, and only had one major problem. The slave cylinder in the transmission and clutch went out at out 90,000 miles.
Z28 is a great car!!!
I don't have enough good to say about my 1996 Z28. The LT1 engine provides effortless acceleration, the ride isn't bad for a sports car, and reliability has been great! Mustang has a long way to go to provide the same kind of driving experience of the Camaro/Firebird. Please GM, bring back the F-body......GTO isn't going to cut it!
Really nice car, but has problems...
I got my camaro as my first car about and a half years ago... The previous owner didn't take care of the car, which caused problems for me. There was a lot of things that needed to be replaced, AC, Transmission, 02 sensors, water pump, and the egr valve. I was able to drive the car for a year without problems. However, when I started college, I was driving 30 miles to and from school everyday. That's when the car started to give me problems. The car overheated 4 times within 2 months, and each time it was something different that caused it. Replaced the thermostat, hose and radiator. Other minuscule things like leaky t-tops and broken console henge. The car has some design flaws.
Been great for me!
I bought this car new in 1996, V6-3.8L. Have logged 156K miles on it so far. Its been a great car. Typcial wear and tear on it (water pump, power steering pump, a/c compressor so far). Rear axle had to be replaced at 70K as it had some bad bearings. Something other buyers may want to look at. Solid car though, and I've been happy to own it.
Love the car!
A 1996 Z28 Hatchback Camaro is a great car! The car hugs the curves so your back end doesn't drift. It just really makes you feel like you're in control.
V6 5spd
This is truly a great car. It's fun to drive, looks great, gets great mileage, and never breaks. My wife and I have put 35k on it without ever having to repair anything other than a pulley. We need a four-door, and I hope whatever I get is as reliable as this has been.
I bought a lemon!!
I bought this car for $5k and have put nearly that much into it. I do not recommend this car. I replace headlights like you wouldn't believe and at $25 a pop.... Replaced fuel pump, alternator twice, battery etc etc. Ever repair is ten times as expensive as other cars... It stinks!
think about it
fun to drop the foot but all around this car is making me tiresome. pretty slick sitting inside but its not comfortable. you sit on the ground and the seats tire you on long rides. one stupid place to put a cat on the floor. becoming a boring body style. new style looks better. after only 78K miles i have dealt with a water pump break opti- spark and starter problem. don't forget how ingenius it was to put the opti- spark under the water pump. car is on sale and i'm looking to see how comfortable the newer z's might be. also looking towards ford to see the mustangs, can be fast too. i hear they are a better fit. camaros are fast but nothing else