Vehicle Overview
The Camaro has been around for a long time. By Chevy's math, it's been 50 years. And any car with a history that long is bound to have some successes and some failures. From the muscle-car legends of the 1960s to Chevrolet declaring the Camaro nameplate dead in the early 2000s and then its resurrection and iconic movie stardom just a few years later, this Camaro has been through a lot. Over that time, though, what was once an effective -- but arguably crude -- instrument of American muscle has transformed into a more mature, sophisticated and comfortable sport coupe and convertible.
Chevrolet fully redesigned the Camaro just last year, and during that process, the Camaro got faster, more fuel-efficient and better equipped. All these changes certainly help place the Camaro at the front of the pack when it comes to American muscle cars, and even puts it right in step with supposedly more refined European sports-car competitors.
What makes this Camaro so good? For starters, the available powertrains offer a wide range of power and fuel economy. The standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offers an EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway, but it still puts down 275 hp, certainly enough to take it out of fuel-sipper territory. The available V6 is much more than a stopgap on the way to the V8. It, too, offers impressive power and all kinds of fun exhaust sounds. But as with any muscle car, most purists will stick to the V8, and with the Camaro that won't be a mistake. The boffo 6.2-liter engine that powers the Camaro SS is the same one that propels the Corvette. And in the Camaro, that means a 0-60-mph time of just 4.2 seconds, beating both the Mustang and the Challenger, its chief rivals.
On top of its well-sorted power plants, the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro is significantly lighter than the previous-generation car, with very capable standard and optional suspensions and lots of available tech. Previously available only on the high-performance ZL1, you can now get the magnetic suspension dampers on the SS, which makes it a truly confident car in corners and an even more comfortable car on the highway. And for the tech-savvy, features like blind-spot monitoring and Chevy's MyLink system help the interior feel a bit more grown up while bringing it firmly into modernity. The system is now compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which alleviates some of the stress previously associated with finicky performance.
Despite all the Camaro's improvements, there are still rivals that keep pace with it. The usual suspects are the Dodge Challengerand the 2017 Ford Mustang. Both are a bit slower than the Camaro in a straight line, but both have more cargo space and several livable amenities. The Mustang has a larger (yet still tiny) rear seat and the Challenger is by far the best highway cruiser of the bunch. If you're going for a track-dedicated machine, definitely consider the hyped-up 2017 Ford Shelby GT350 as well, but know that Chevy has announced a 640-hp Camaro ZL1 that's bound to make your eyes water. There are a few luxury rivals to consider as well, like the Audi TT and the BMW 2 Series, but neither possesses the Camaro's bravado and heritage.
Whatever brand you go with, choosing a muscle car no longer means that you have to give up comfort and state-of-the-art technology. And thankfully, with the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro, you don't have to give up thrilling performance or personality either.
Performance and MPG
A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque is standard on 1LT and 2LT Camaros. A 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 335 hp and 284 lb-ft is optional on these trims. The 1SS and 2SS models come with a 6.2-liter V8 that produces 455 hp and 455 lb-ft. All Camaros come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, and an eight-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters is optional. On the SS manual, automatic rev-matching on downshifts is included.
EPA estimated fuel economy for 2017 was not available as of this writing, so the following figures are all from the 2016 Camaro. The turbocharged four-cylinder with the automatic is rated at 25 mpg combined (22 city/31 highway), and 24 mpg combined (21 city/30 highway) with the manual. The V6 paired with the automatic transmission is rated at 23 mpg combined (19 city/28 highway), while the V6 with the manual is rated at 21 mpg combined (18 city/27 highway). Automatic-equipped V8s are estimated to achieve 20 mpg combined (17/28), while the manual transmission V8 comes in at 19 mpg combined (16/25).
In our testing, a Camaro with the V6 and an automatic transmission accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, which is quicker than the V6-equipped Mustang and Challenger. We've also tested an automatic-equipped V8 Camaro SS. Here, it rocketed to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. A Mustang GT automatic with the optional Performance pack did it in 4.7 seconds and a 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T manual did it in 5.8.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2017 Chevy Camaro include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat knee and side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Also standard is the OnStar telematics system, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance and turn-by-turn navigation.
A rearview camera is standard on all Camaros. The Convenience and Lighting package (optional on 2LT, standard on 2SS) adds several safety features, including a blind spot monitor, lane departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert. 1SS and 2SS models as well as Camaros equipped with the 50th Anniversary package get larger, Brembo disc brakes.
During Edmunds brake testing, a V6 Camaro with all-season tires came to a stop from 60 mph in 111 feet, which is a good performance for the segment. The V8 SS however, stopped from 60 mph in a staggeringly short 102 feet. The SS, naturally, was equipped with summer performance tires, so those with all-seasons may require some extra distance.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested the Camaro for crashworthiness and gave it the top rating of "Good" in the small-overlap frontal offset, moderate-overlap frontal offset and side impact tests. The Camaro's seat and head restraint design was also rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts, and it received the second highest score of "Acceptable" in the IIHS' roof strength test.
Additional Information
Fresh off a redesign for the 2016 model year, the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro is a significantly lighter, more sophisticated Camaro than the prior generation car it replaced.
The Camaro is offered with four very different engines.The base LT model comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and there's an available 3.6-liter V6. The SS Camaro shares the potent 6.2-liter, 455-horsepower V8 with the base Corvette, and the ultra-high-performance ZL1 has an even more muscular supercharged version of the 6.2 with a monstrous 650 hp. The LT offers a choice of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The SS has a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, while the ZL1 comes with a six-speed manual or a busy 10-speed automatic.
As you'd imagine, highest-to-lowest fuel economy ratings vary considerably, from a best of 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city/31 mpg highway) from the four-cylinder engine with the automatic transmission, to a low of 16 mpg combined (14 mpg city/20 mpg highway) for the ZL1 with the manual transmission. But with a claimed zero-to-60 mph time of an incredible 3.5 seconds, ZL1 customers likely aren't picky about fuel mileage.
Handling on all Camaro models is competent and the steering feel is light and precise. The SS model is now available with magnetic ride suspension, a worthy option.
Inside, the front seats are comfortable, but the same can't be said for the rear. The Camaro has a high waistline, resulting in relatively small side and rear windows, and subpar outward visibility. Chevrolet's improved MyLink infotainment system is worthwhile, as the system is now compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. More electronic safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, are offered. Trunk space, at barely nine cubic feet, is just adequate. On convertible Camaros, the top stows under a hard tonneau, and can be raised or lowered at speeds up to 30 mph.
The Camaro is stylish and performance-oriented, but it isn't the most practical car available, especially if you plan to make regular use of the Munchkin-sized rear seat. As far as sophistication goes, though, the Camaro is more sophisticated than most of its rivals, even at the base level.
Let Edmunds help find the ideal 2017 Chevrolet Camaro for you.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Camaro featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
How do people like the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Camaro 4.8 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Camaro.
Vehicle
2LT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Review
First let me explain - I have a 2017 Camaro RS 2LT V6 with Automatic - 50th Anniversary Edition. I was not given this choice by Edmunds! It is a great car. This is the third and so far the best Camaro I have owned. The ride is smooth and acceleration is wonderful. It is extremely comfortable and fun to drive (fast). FYI - I got the V6 engine because it takes regular gas not premium like the 4 Cylinder Turbo and the V8.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro
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Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro safe?
The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, IIHS Small Overlap Front Test Results, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 2.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
What options are available on the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro?
Available Chevrolet Camaro 2017 Submodel Types: Coupe, Convertible, ZL1, 2SS, Hatchback, 1SS, Z/28
Available Trims: 2SS, 1LT, LT, 2LT, SS, LS, 1SS, ZL1, 1LS, LT w/1LT, SS w/2SS, Base, LT w/2LT, Z28, SS w/1SS, Z/28
Exterior Colors: Black, Summit White, Silver Ice Metallic, Hyper Blue Metallic, Red Hot, Nightfall Gray Metallic, Garnet Red Tintcoat, Mosaic Black Metallic, Victory Red, Ashen Gray Metallic, Blue Ray Metallic, Crystal Red Tintcoat , Inferno Orange Metallic, Bright Yellow, Red Rock Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Arctic Blue Metallic, Cyber Gray Metallic, Rally Yellow, Blue Velvet Metallic, Red Jewel Tintcoat, Synergy Green Metallic, Aqua Blue Metallic, Carbon Flash Metallic, Navy Blue Metallic, Sebring Silver Metallic, Bright Red, Bright Rally Red, Deep Magenta Metallic, Kinetic Blue Metallic, Light Pewter Metallic, Monterey Maroon Metallic, Mystic Teal Metallic, Polo Green Metallic, Torch Red
Interior Colors: Jet Black cloth, Black leather, Jet Black leather, Black premium cloth, Black cloth, Jet Black w/Red Accents leather, Adrenaline Red leather, Kalahari leather, Gray leather, Gray premium cloth, Medium Ash Gray cloth, Ceramic While leather, Black leather/sueded microfiber, Inferno Orange leather, Medium Ash Gray leather, Beige leather, Beige premium cloth, Gray cloth, Blue leather, Ebony, Black w/Synergy Green Accent Panels leather, Mojave leather, Neutral, Black (Hot Wheels Edition) leather, Medium Gray
Popular Features: Rear Bench Seats, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Power Driver Seat, Aux Audio Inputs, Post-collision safety system, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, Bluetooth, Alarm, USB Inputs, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Back-up camera, Upgraded Headlights, Remote Start, Auto Climate Control, Keyless Entry/Start, Mobile Internet, Parking sensors, Heated seats, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Leather Seats, Heads up display, Sunroof/Moonroof, Navigation, Upgraded Engine, Cooled Seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Soft Top, Upgraded Stereo, Lane Departure Warning, 2nd Row Bucket Seats
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 8, 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, premium unleaded (recommended), premium unleaded (required)
Drivetrains: rear wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
