1996 Chevy Camaro Review
1996 Chevy Camaro Review
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Used Camaro for sale
Appraise This CarChevrolet Camaro model years
Chevrolet Camaro types
- Coupe
- Convertible
- Z28 SS
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
A new 200-hp base V6 is available. Z28's 285-hp LT1 V8 (gets 10 more horsepower this year). SLP Engineering provides a 305-horse Z28 SS. The RS trim level returns, and chrome-aluminum wheels are optional.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 2dr Convertible 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 $3.73 per gallon for regular unleaded in New York.
Monthly estimates based on costs in New York
$245/mo for Camaro Z28
Camaro Z28
vs
$194/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
"From the country that invented rock n' roll," claim the advertisements for this Quebec, Canada-built sport coupe. A small technicality, we suppose, but there are no technicalities when it comes to the Camaro's performance abilities, particularly in Z28 guise. The Z is blazingly quick, holds the road tenaciously, costs less than the average price of a new car in this country, and gets decent gas mileage when it's not being hammered along a twisty two-lane road.
For 1996, Camaro buyers will note few visual changes to their favorite pony car. Cayenne Red Metallic paint is new this year, and chrome aluminum wheels are available to the gold chain set. A new RS trim level is available, sporting lower front and rear fascia extensions, rocker panel moldings and a three-part spoiler.
Engine enhancements are the big news this year. The base engine is the 3800 Series II V6, which makes 200 horsepower. That's 40 horsepower more than last year's base engine, and 45 more ponies than Ford's Mustang can produce. Phased in during the 1995 model year, the new V6 can be mated to a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. With a manual, the Series II V6 gets the Camaro to 60 mph nearly as quickly as a Ford Mustang GT. In fact, the existence of this powerplant 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, four-wheel disc brakes and a limited slip differential on the V6 Camaro.
From a bang-for-the-buck standpoint, the Z28 is unbeatable. A Corvette-derived 5.7-liter V8 gets 285 horsepower to the pavement through the rear wheels, 10 more horses than last year. Also new is an SS version of the Z28, and it makes 300 horsepower, thanks to a big air scoop on the hood that forces cool air into the engine. SLP Engineering, known for working magic with GM's F-bodies since the late 80s, does the conversion work on the Z28 SS. See your dealer for details.
The interior of the Camaro is functional, if not slightly garish. New trim cloth graces the cabin, and you can order your Camaro with a new interior color called Neutral. The Camaro holds a respectable amount of gear in the cargo hold, 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 1996 Chevrolet Camaro.
5 star(57%)
4 star(30%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(4%)
54 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Z-28 will kill any Mustang
gilldawg, 04/10/2002
1996 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 2dr Coupe
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.
4.25 out of 5 stars
150 MPH for $5K
Kris, 05/18/2010
1996 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 2dr Coupe
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.
1 out of 5 stars
old reliable
al's camaro, 12/03/2010
1996 Chevrolet Camaro RS 2dr Coupe
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.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Awesome Car!
Red Storm, 04/17/2003
1996 Chevrolet Camaro RS 2dr Coupe
I love my Camaro RS, its so much fun to
drive for a V6!
1996 Camaro Highlights
Coupe
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $212/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
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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