Used 1997 Chevrolet Camaro Consumer Reviews
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1997 Camaro Z28 30th anniversary (z4c)
i was searching on craigslist for a t-top z28, 93-97 body style since imo looks the meanest of all the camaros. when i ran into a white with hugger orange stripes z28 coupe. i checked it out in person and i was stunned at how cool it looked! ....tho its an old car, i have had plenty of people old and young tell me how cool my car is. tho the best complement was indirect by a kid, "cool mom look i want a car like that". .. performance wise car deff puts me back in my seat the auto is very responsive and car is just a head turner even with the imperfect paint and stripes. bought for 5400 and has been an awsome purchase so far only problems besides cosmetics are a bad radiator cap, later radi
These 5.7's are monsters.
Simply an awesome car. The 5.7's are torque monsters and are very fast for a 1997 muscle car. LT1's have more torque as compared to the LS1's higher top end, but if you ask me, I'de take torque over top end any day. Replaced water pump, optispark, and starter which is completely understandable. Put on aftermarket cold air intake, throttle body, headers and exhaust which unleashed the true beast under the hood. After putting on bolt on's I began using Castrol EDGE and it went from 288 HP to 318 HP on the dyno. If you want to help the 5.7 breath better and reach it's full potential than it is a must to put on a top of the line cold air and exhaust. Find one that is well maintained and buy it!
- Z28 SS CoupeMSRP: $29,95016 mi away
- 1997 Chevrolet CamaroMSRP: $37,99516 mi away
- Z28 SS ConvertibleMSRP: $20,900123 mi away
Very Fun Car
This car is a blast to drive. The acceleration is tremendous, and I love the beefy exhaust note. The stock brakes were a little wanting so I upgraded to a Baer 6 piston system with bigger rotors. The engine is totally bullet proof, but just about everything else on the car has had to be fixed after 141,000 miles (Radiator, water pump, Rear axle, clutch, brakes, master cylinder) But despite all of that, I still love this car
Over 20 years old and still cannot let go !
I purchased this car new (loaded Z28 / T-Tops / Sebring Silver) and have pretty much treated it like a garage queen (20,000 miles currently), but when I take it out for a summer drive I realize it is still one of the most fun cars to drive I could ever own. It has just the right modifications to make the look and "feel good" while still giving great gas mileage (25+ on trips). It has a Flowmaster exhaust, SLP cold air intake and 17" (2002'OEM /10 spoke) SS wheels. The dark gray leather seats and interior still look and smell like new, with the leather actually looking like a better quality material than my newer daily drivers. All components still work as brand new (only had to replace a fuel pump since new). I also really like the looks and size of this Camaro better than the newer ones. The newer ones have gotten bigger over all in height, width and weight to the point where every one knows they are just a "platform" vehicle from the GM rear wheel drive mid body bin. All of these pluses combined with the legendary rumble and performance of the LT-1 V8 engine prevent me from letting go of this last of the true American sports cars. Update -- 12/19/17 ---- Still not letting go of it, but just don't have a lot of time for a "play car" any more. It's now in for winter storage but I hope to use it more next year. It still starts and runs great. I think keeping an LT-1 cast iron block engine will serve well in the long run. Update -- 6/27/18 ---- Still not letting go of it, but still don't have a lot of time for it (this year at least). I did clean the mass air flow sensor, throttle body and replaced the fuel filter for normal upkeep purposes. Still at 20,000 miles, and just had a Chevy dealer offer $10,000 00 for our Camaro. Interesting but NO DEAL ---This tells us the value of good ones from this vintage are increasing in value. If you are in the market for one of these cars, don't mess around buy a loaded Z28 or SS model only ! --- Update ---12/27/18---- Just came in from garage after looking the car over. It really does have a great (now classic) muscle car look, especially when comparing it to the new Camaros. The new ones are still getting bigger, with even bigger front spoiler and grill systems. I just can't help but think the engineers have lost sight of the historical size and purpose of the American muscle/sports car. I guess until that happens I better hang on to my "awesome" Camaro. Update --- 6/26/18 --- Right now cleaning the dust off my Camaro to take it out for a few summer drives. I still haven't had too much time for my "toy" but the new Camaros just seem to be getting bigger looking with a more encroaching cockpit to the point where they seem to be loosing their identity to the Corvette. I'm not sure who is trying to steal who's market with these new offerings but it makes me glad that I'm keeping my old Camaro. It sure does have it's great now "classic" look that sets it apart (in a good way) from all other vehicles. I must also admit that I still do enjoy firing up that LT-1 V-8 engine (the last of the cast iron block vintage) to hear that distinctive rumble of Chevy Power. To me this engine is still the best advantage the 4th. generation Camaros have over all of the competitors. 12/27/19 Update ----- Still no problems with and don't see anything that would cause me to let go of my old Z28, including the new 2020 mid-engine Corvette. The front grills of the new Camaros are getting even bigger. GM -- Please stop following Toyota's front end styling -- it just looks stupid on an "American Muscle Car". SNM 6/27/20 -- Being held up by corona virus concerns in public places, but will get my Z28 out later this year. It still starts and operates fine (up on blocks), but I can't wait to get it on the road. The road feel of this vehicle is still better than most of the new sports/muscle cars. Applying power while in a turn is a terrific test of a good handling car, and these old Z28's were among the best in this area. When you combine these abilities with the looks of this car, it's still a keeper ! SM Update 12/29/20 ===Cleaned up, installed new fuel pressure regulator and drove my "Z" in October for a little drive for a few dealer appraisals. Still an awesome vehicle, and the new fuel pressure regulator solved a little warm restart emerging issue. These good shape vehicles are still going up in value. If you want one you better find it soon ! SM Update 6/30/21 -- Prices of these 4th. Gen. F bodies are going up, especially if you have the Z28 T-Top premium package with leather interior and a good color, like sebring silver. These are awesome head turner vehicles. SNM Update 12/30/21 --Serviced/renewed all fluids this fall before final drive and put into winter storage. This car still runs and drives like new, and It still stands out even from the newer sports cars driving around. --- SNM Update 7/4/22 -- Still starts up and thermo cycles without any issues each month. Still a beautiful example of a (now classic) American Muscle Car. I just purchased a Historical license plate for our "Z" and plan on showing it later this year. SNM Update 1/6/23 -- Still starts and runs great. I did take it for a nice drive in November. This fall clean up and drive always results in keeping the car for another year. It is still too good looking, nice and responsive to let go. Those of you who have one, you are lucky ! SNM Update 7/9/23 --- Just looked at a new 2023 Camaro at the dealer lot. I think they are having trouble getting rid of these late year models because of their awkward looks and terrible seating and visibility issues. They sure don't have the unique Camaro styling any longer. I was looking to see if their last year collector Camaro might be of interest. NO WAY ! I'm keeping my "97 Z" -- still among the best on the road.
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97 30th anniversary 2d coupe.
This car is amazing. The 3.8 combined with the 5spd tranny is awesome. I had a lot of doubts b4 I bought the car about the power but let me tell you, that v6 will put you back in the chair. I'm very satisfied. Definitely a great buy.
Impressed!
Not the most comfortable car. Definitely not for long road trips. Overall it's great car. We bought it from a college student who didn't know what he had. We took her in and have begun restoration. With an all new cooling system in place this car drives like an all american muscle car should. It has a growl all it's own. Clutch is a little far for someone in short stature (I'm 5'8") but it is worth the thrill.
The Great Z
Bought my Z-28 with 80,000 miles on it and it still runs strong at 131,059 miles. Hands down one of the most realiable cars out there if you can take care of it. The most bang for your buck sports car out there. Beatiful styling, amazing torque, and good handling. Camaro will always have a spotlight in a world where performance it now a demand.
Great performance per dollar
The six speed manual makes this car a balst to drive, and for the money nothing out performs the Z28. This is my third Camaro, and the first 4th generation F-body. This model year handles better, accelerates faster, and still manages about 28mpg on interstate cruises. 4 wheel disc gives excellent predictable braking. Electronic traction control provides better driveability in poor weather than previous models, but still not a great car for inclement weather.
Beware the T-Tops!
The GM purists claim the brand died out because of this new body style. This may be true, but as an owner of a 1986 and a 1997, this new design is a classic look nowadays. I get tons of looks in my screaming red ride. I am constantly asked what year it is...how big's the motr and such. The car is a blast to drive, but is not intended for comfort if you are over 5 foot 9. The only glaring problems is that the T-tops leak and the front side markers and fog lamps go bad quickly and are a pain to trouble shoot by the owner. My interior is ruined by the constant leaking of the T-tops, but I take the good with the bad. As a bonus, nothing rattles when you put a powerful system with 800w subs in it!
Racing machine
This car has it all. Looks and HP's Fun to drive with a few modifications to the engine and it runs like a devil not to mention that it turns heads.
Fun Car to Drive
I have an RS 6 cylinder model Camaro. The car is very fun to drive and has plenty of power for a V6. I would recomend this car to many people, except for people who might have a tough time gettin into and out of a regular car. Camaro's, and it's sister car the Firebird, are not real easy to get into or out of. I would say that is its only real draw back. The only other real draw back would be the fuel economy from the V6 model. My Camaro gets around 18 mpg in a combination of street and highway driving. That is any where from 5 to 10 mpg less than I thought I would get. Other than those two liitle items, I really love my convertible camaro.
Great Car
My first car, 1997 Camaro Z28 V8 convertible, could not have asked for a better first car! It's been very reliable, head-turner, steering is smooth, handles great in rain and ice, only problems I ever had were with the windows but a simple motor problem, was easy to fix. The alternator needed to be replaced at 135,000 miles, but that was simple as well. And the black ragtop started to fade from the sun but treating it with oils brought back the black. Very fun to drive, was quick to get out of the way of bad drivers, roughly 18-22 city, 29 highway. Manufacturers sound system was excellent.
Rare Z28 Covertible
This is a rare and somewhat hard to find with this low mileage. Car is all original including the tires. Manual 6 speed trans with 8,360 miles. It handles very well and really preforms outstanding. If it is a true 97 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Z28 it will only be Artic White with Hugger Orange strips. If you are looking at a SS and are told it is a LT4 be sure to confirm that it is real they are very expensive ( 106 built )
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182,000 miles and going strong
This car was my wife's daily commuter for 8 years at over 100 miles a day freeway miles. Then it was my daughter's for three years, now it's mine to restore. Other than a new tranny at 150,000 miles it has been unbeatable for reliability. This car still moves when you put the pedal down, recommended to anyone who still relishes driving!
Love my Camaro
Both my friend and I bought 1997 Camaros and we both had the same problem. The windsheild wipers do not park at certain temperatures. This is the only problem and one that I chose to ignore.
My son's first car -- I'm not crazy
I bought it for my 17 year old, he loves it, his friends think I rock. They all drive foreign econoboxes or mom's hand-me-down. He now loves classic American sports cars. V6/auto, 29mpg, and insurance only went up $31/month. I had to replace water pump ($47) and front turn signal lens after shopping cart hit it -- parts easy and cheap online. What other 10-year old car can you buy for a teenager that he wouldn't trade for anything except a Vette?
The Camaro SS is a modern classic!!
I have had my Camaro SS for almsot 8 years and it still puts a smile on my face! The SS makes a statement whereever it goes. I have spent a small fortune modifying my car but that has always been the beauity of GM performance cars, ample aftermarket parts available. The SS gives the exotic car looks without carrying the exotic car price tag or hefty repair bills!
I like it A LOT!
I am 17 years old. I Have always liked the 3rd Generation bady style, I think the 98's and above are not really very appealing at all that is why i went with the 30th anniversary 1977 edition. It is Metallic silve. A V6 3.8 i love it. 5 speed manuel
Looking for another one
I traded my one year old 1996 Z28 for the spectacular white with Huggar orange striped 1997 Anniversary SS 6 speed coupe. It had all SLP options sans the extra set of racing wheels that had slicks. With only 3k miles on the car, I decided to install the GMPP LT4 Hot Cam Kit with a set pf ported heads and JBA headers. Got a custom tune for the cam. WOW. That was one hot, quick and beautiful SS. I sold this car only a couple years after buying it to get the new SVT F150 Lightning. I am now waxing nostalgic for another 97 LT1 SS. I've already got my eyes on one that is low mileage. If you want the ultimate 97 SS, look for the limited 100 produced SS with the LT4 engine. Those were $40 grand.
love my camaro
Great car for 1 person family. Even my dog is cramped in the back seat. Its fun to drive and with the bad drivers around here, makes me feel a lot safer.
Awesome
I haven't had any problems out of my camaro at all. It has been an excellent vehicle. It is very sporty and fun to drive. It's pretty good on gas too. It's been a reliable car. I wouldn't own anything but a Chevy after owning this particular vehicle. I am totally satisfied with my purchase. Thanks
MAD CAR OF THE YEAR
This car is cheap and super strong and has guts.
97 z28 camaro
Nice car for 285 horsepower 0-60 5.7 sec 1/4 mile 14.0 sec
clean
the car runs great
This car is great
This is my third and greatest Camaro I have owned. It has a shark-like aerodynamic body and torquey motor underthe hood. It is a superior car as a daily driver and it does me good at the track every once in awhile.
Camaro Z-28
by far the best car on the road. hands down, no questions, period
Never get tired of driving it
If you don't like a sports car, don't get this car. You will hate it due to the low ride and poor visibility compared to a commuter car. I ordered my car from dealer new because I wanted all options except for T-tops (no truck room due to holders), chrome wheels (trows weights with hard driving) and upgraded stereo (put in aftermarket unit). Almost all dealer ordered cars have T-tops. My roomate bought the exact same car but he went with the V8. So I can also rate his as well. Mine now has 35,000 miles, his has 145,000. I drive this car real hard on occasion. Roomate babies his ride. Both cars are driven in NH winters with no traction problems thanks to the limited slip differential.
97 SS
Its garage mate is a 2003 Quick Silver Z06. The SS is probably the more fun to drive. It is pure seat of the pants driving where the Z06 is power and technology. It is as much fun today as it was driving it off the showroom floor. Additions/changes include Goodyear F1 GSD3s, shock tower brace, subframe connectors, underdrive pulley, K&N air filter, etc.
There are better cars out there
well this car is pretty suprising in the power department w/ 200 hp/tq. Terrible handling car in every situation but the sun. very light backend so its easy to slip on just about everything. i got car w/ 20000 miles on it and had lots of problems and replacement parts. decent gas mileage. actually can carry alot of cargo (very suprising). dont try to take road trip in this car. very uncomfortable for long periods of time. backseats are pretty much useless and uncomfortable. read on
Do not recommend a GM V6!
The car has no mechanical problems (thank god), but the comfort on the car is real bad. I can feel every small bump on the road and really hard to get off most of the times. The stereo system is nothing to talk about. The car is not a good driver on rain, the brakes lock up all the time. The interior is really not very good quality. The clutch pedal is far to reach, and I am 5foot7. I do not recommend this car to anybody, an automatic would be much better.
Great Car
The 1997 Camaro RS is a very reliable car. I've had no problems mechanically or cosmetically. All it takes is some great care to keep any car in great shape. Definitely recommend this Camaro.
Wow
This was my first car and I have to say that it was an excellent choice. I picked my slightly used 1997 Camaro RS for $10,000 with low mileage. And I have to say it has been amazing. I have never had it break down, it is very fast, and very eye catching. I have people telling me how beautiful my car is and they love the color, and the way it looks. The interior is not that bad, when you do some work to it its amazing. The AC control knobs happen to be clear underneath so you can take off the grey housing and the knobs will be clear, also just about all the accents can be taken off and painted to match the color of the car. Leather is a must for this car though.
Hell of a first car
This is my first car and I'm lovin it. Not only does it look good but it goes good too. Theres nothin like cruising with T-tops
The Best
Exceptional handling due to limited slip differential and performance handling pkg. Effortless to drive and shift. Power was always there when I needed it. The absolute best driving experience I have ever had. Couldn't help but smile every time she took a curve; the control you could always count on. Love the look of the 97. Problems - leaky transmission seal-GM Fixed. Spark plug wires - I fixed before the notice from GM regarding the problem. Transmission noise at around 50,000+ miles which the warranty should have covered but Wyler's warranty would not due to dispute between dealer that fixed problem and Wyler's warranty - I had to pay. Still, I adore that car! Hands down - the best!
Camaro V6
Have owned my Camaro for just over 6 years, and never had any noteworthy problems. Among favorite features: sporty looks and affordable price. On the downside, car feels very heavy, and is not much fun to drive. Still arguably one of the best bangs for the money and if I had to do it again (with my finances six years ago, and my ownership experience six years after), I would buy it no questions asked.
Closet thing to a Corvette
This is my second Camaro. My first was a 1996 V6. Always wanted a Z28 every since I drove my friends '94. Don't let the age of these cars fool you, because the Z28's are still one of the meanest cars on the road. I still get the adrenaline rush everytime I floor it. If you're looking for an everyday driver, then you might want to buy an Accord or Camry. If you're looking for horsepower and speed, then this is the car for you. Glad to hear that GM will be bringing the Camaro back in 2009. Wish it was sooner.
Great First Car
I got this brand new in Oct. '96 and it was my first car. I could not have asked for a better one. I just traded it in for an Explorer because I wanted more room and a higher view, but I miss the great speed and fun of driving it. Mine Camaro was red and I got compliments up to the day I traded it in. It got nice fuel milage for a sports car, was very dependable, the driver's seat was compfortable, and it was one of the best looking cars on the road. I would recommend this car b/c I wish that I still had mine. Thanks for the great memories Chevrolet. I would not have bought a Ford, except the prices were too good.
I will never sell my Camaro SS
This car is a beast. I swear I have never gotten tired in 7 years driving this car. Pure power car with great handling. I get nothing but compliments on my car. I you are looking for a sporty powerful ride get a 97 SS! Even the factory options are great. Only thing I added was new Flowmaster to make it sound a little meaner and a performance chip to give it a little kick.
Best Car in Town
This is the second of two Camaros I have had the pleasure of owning. The first was a Z28 (with the LT1), this a standard coupe (with the L36 V6). Both are a pleasure to drive. The L36 is surprisingly powerful even at the factory rated 200hp at the flywheel and 3.08 rear. Both cars have the 4L60E 4 speed automatic trannine, that has near perfect shift, especially at WOT. The L36 car has the increased benefit of bieng more inexpensive to maintain and insure, and still is a head turner at the car show and at the track. Both cars have plenty of aftermarket and custom performace products that they can share with the obvious exception being the motor.
3 camaros no complaints
A 97 SS is my third Camaro. I used to be a mustang man, but know I am a bow tie guy till the day I die. I have logged 130,000miles on Camaros and have only had to replace an electric window switch. The reason I am on my third is horse power. I started with a V-6. then traded to an LT1 and finally to an LT1 SS. I like to work on cars, even computer controled fuel injected models. The Camaros have been a dissapointment as they have loads of power and have been totally reliable. I have never had the need to crack open a motor or mess with a chasis. I'll have to keep my current Camaro forever because I certainly can't afford a Vette.
97 Z/28
I'm a Ford Mustang GT guy and after my 03 blew spark plugs on 3 occasions I bought my 97 Z/28. The LT1 was rebuilt and installed but uncompleted. In my opinion the Camaro is a better built car in every aspect. It is a more comfortable car and better built than it's Ford counterpart. I am a Chevy fan now and I will be keeping my Z for a long time!!!
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Last of the Beasts
Beatiful sleek styling....immense torque, good handling. A true high-tech muscle car..comfortable, reliable...alot of bang for the buck. Long live the F-body !
1996 Camaro Z28/LT1/6 Speed
Though i find the vehicle very fun to drive...the fuel economy is bad, it might have been a better car if the dealership had told me it was in 5 accidents before with over $30,000 dammage plus it was once stolen. And I paid $15,045 Canadian for it and it still goes like hell the only time I see a 5.0L is in the mirror. Although I am trying to bring this car back to the dealer (myself and my lawyer) I will deffinetly buy another.P.S. DON'T EVER BUY A CAR FORM REG MIDGLEY MOTORS IN COLVILLE BRITISH COLUMBIA.