There's a lot to appreciate about the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro. Sure, the Camaro ZL1 gets all the (deserved) views on YouTube for its gonzo 650-hp V8, but it's not the only Camaro you can buy. If you're just interested in stylish motoring, you can go with the base turbocharged four-cylinder engine or the capable V6. Then there's the available 6.2-liter V8, which has more than enough performance for most driving enthusiasts.

We also like the 2018 Camaro's precise handling, smooth ride on the highway and plenty of standard equipment for the money. If you haven't been around a Camaro in a long time, you'll likely be shocked how refined the latest version is. The Camaro still has its drawbacks, and key rivals are happy to pick up where it leaves off. The Ford Mustang, for example, is a bit more livable and practical when driven on a daily basis. And the Dodge Challenger has them both beat when it comes to retro muscle-car looks and usable backseat space. Overall, we're impressed by the Camaro's combination of power, precision and head-turning looks.

trim levels & features

The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro is available as a four-seat coupe and convertible, with 1LS, 1LT, 2LT, 1SS, 2SS and ZL1 trim levels. The LS and LT models come standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder, and a V6 is also available. The SS has a V8 and the ZL1 has a supercharged V8. The 1s and 2s represent levels of equipment, but there are several optional packages and stand-alone items to help you customize your ideal Camaro.

The LS and LT models come standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (275 hp 295 lb-ft), but they can be equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 (335 hp, 284 lb-ft). The 1LS and 2LT come standard with the six-speed manual transmission while the 1LT has an eight-speed automatic. Like all Camaros, the LS and LT models are rear-wheel-drive.

Standard equipment on the base 1LS includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights, a limited-slip differential (with the manual transmission), a rearview camera, keyless ignition and entry, power-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and adjustable driving modes. Technology equipment includes Bluetooth, OnStar emergency communications, 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity, a 7-inch touchscreen (Chevy's MyLink interface), Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.

Additional gear on the 1LT includes remote start, the aforementioned automatic transmission and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The available Technology package adds a nine-speaker Bose audio system and an 8-inch MyLink touchscreen to the 1LS and 1LT.

The 2LT includes the Technology package's contents and adds dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. If you add the Convenience and Lighting package to the 2LT, you'll get heated and auto-dimming mirrors, rear parking sensors, driver memory functions, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The RS package (available on 1LS, 1LT and 2LT) includes 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, LED taillights, a special grille and a rear decklid spoiler. For the 1LS and 2LT, the 1LE Track Performance package (coupe only) adds the V6, the FE3 sport-tuned suspension from the SS, 20-inch forged alloy wheels, four-piston Brembo brakes, a mechanical limited-slip differential, a short-throw shifter, a track-cooling package, a dual-mode exhaust, special aerodynamic spoilers and a satin black hood. Recaro sport front seats can also be added to the 1LE package.

The 1SS basically gets the 1LT's equipment plus a 6.2-liter V8 (455 hp, 455 lb-ft), a six-speed manual transmission with rev-match downshift (an eight-speed automatic is optional), 20-inch wheels, the four-piston Brembo brakes, the FE3 sport-tuned suspension, a mechanical limited-slip differential, a Track driving mode, a rear spoiler, xenon headlights and upgraded gauges. The 2SS includes the 6.2-liter V8 and all the features from the 2LT trim, along with unique interior accents and the Convenience and Lighting package.

For the 1SS and 2SS, the SS 1LE Track Performance package adds six-piston Brembo brakes, the FE4 suspension with adaptive dampers, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, different forged alloy wheels, upgraded performance tires, the Recaro sport seats and everything else included with the LT's 1LE package.

Finally, the Camaro ZL1 has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 (650 hp, 650 lb-ft), a six-speed manual transmission (a 10-speed automatic is optional) and launch control. All of the 2SS and SS 1LE extras, minus the cosmetic differences, are also included. The ZL1 1LE Extreme Track Performance package adds 19-inch forged aluminum wheels with wider tires, special race-oriented suspension dampers, a carbon-fiber hood and rear spoiler, and tinted taillights. With the ZL1 1LE package, a fixed rear seat is also available.

Other available extras include a sunroof, a performance exhaust (all V6- and V8-powered models), a navigation system (2LT, 2SS and ZL1 trims), and a Heavy Duty Cooling and Brake package (1LS, 1LT and 2LT).

trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our Full Tests of the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT (3.6L V6 | 8-speed automatic | RWD) and 2016 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS (6.2L V8 | 8-speed automatic | RWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Camaro has received only minor revisions. Our findings are applicable to the 2018 model.

driving

A strong performer that blends speed with precision and enjoyment in a way previous Camaros never did. The SS V8 is stout, but even the LT's V6 is punchy. Handling feels more precise in the V6, but the V8 with its stickier tires exhibits higher limits. Impressive eight-speed automatic transmission.

acceleration

Both engines pull strong from low revs and feel stout throughout the rev range. With zero-to-60-mph times of 5.1 and 3.9 seconds (335-hp V6 and 455-hp V8, respectively), each one is quicker than the corresponding Mustang it competes with.

braking

4.5

Strong and consistent brakes have a firm pedal and smooth initial response, and they are easy to modulate. The 2LT V6 stopped from 60 mph in 111 feet on its all-season tires, and the SS V8 stopped in 102 feet on its stickier summer tires.

steering

4.5

Very sharp, precise steering with good buildup of effort. It doesn't give a whole lot of feedback or sense of road grip, but the V6 has less weight over the nose, so it generally feels more accurate and agile. The small-diameter steering wheel feels great in your hands.

handling

A standout in its class. More precise than you'd expect a big, heavy coupe to be. The V6 model turns in brightly and feels light on its feet. The heavier V8 seems more inert yet also feels very capable and planted with high limits.

drivability

Eight-speed automatic works smartly during commuting and shifts quickly at full speed, but it isn't as adept between those two extremes. It's sluggish in manual mode. Both the V6 and V8 switch imperceptibly to four cylinders to save fuel. Manual transmission in SS includes automatic rev-matching.

comfort

3.5

The Camaro's ride quality is pretty comfy considering the Camaro's mission, and it gets better with the optional adaptive dampers. Most drivers will find comfort in the front seats, but some may find the the lower cushion odd. Don't bother with the back seat.

seat comfort

3.5

The well-shaped front seatback offers good lateral support without being confining, but the bottom cushion feels tight to some. The effectively padded door and center armrests are a nice touch. But the back seat is so cramped that comfort seems impossible.

ride comfort

4.5

The base suspension delivers a supple ride with good damping. The optional adaptive suspension is even more capable over a wider range of surfaces, particularly when dealing with larger impacts. Astonishing given its commensurate handling benefits.

noise & vibration

Both engines are quiet cruisers, but the V6's sound is generally unpleasant in other circumstances. The fatter SS tires make more road noise, but either version is acceptably quiet. The optional active exhaust is intentionally vocal at full throttle.

interior

It's improved over the outgoing car in layout and materials quality. But it still suffers from poor outward visibility and trades function and space for style. There are also some ergonomic foibles.

ease of use

Most primary controls are within easy reach. But the buttons in a row across the dash are hard to differentiate. The unusual infotainment screen angle is odd to use and picks up shiny center console reflections. The window controls are awkward.

getting in/getting out

2.5

The front-seat access is straightforward, and 6-footers need not duck much. The small, flat-bottom steering wheel gives you a bit more clearance, too. But the back seat is difficult to enter and exit, and the power front seats move slowly.

driving position

The driver seat can be adjusted pretty low, which can be good for tall-person comfort, but it does make it even harder to see out of the car. The steering wheel telescopes sufficiently, and the shifter is well placed for shifting in hard-driving scenarios.

roominess

2.5

The interior's forward half is spacious enough, but it feels confining relative to rivals. It gets worse if the Camaro has the optional sunroof. The back seat offers little space even for those of average height, but especially if the driver is tall. It's a kids-only back seat.

visibility

The rear view is poor, but that's actually typical and rectified by blind-spot monitoring and the rearview camera. It's the view forward and to the side that's the problem. It's very hard to place the Camaro on tight roads (watch that rock wall!) or in tight spots (watch that shopping cart!).

quality

3.5

A big improvement in materials quality is readily apparent, but some buttons and toggles feel cheap, including the shift paddles. The shifter and steering wheel are nicely leather-wrapped, but stitches on the the steering wheel are coarse.

utility

The Camaro has a compromised trunk and minimal interior storage, and that limits its desirability as a daily driver. The Ford Mustang and especially Dodge Challenger are much easier to live with and use by comparison.

small-item storage

2.5

Interior storage is minimal. The door pockets and under-armrest bin are tiny. At least the cupholders are of a fair size and mostly out of the way during shifting. And although the back seat may be useless for people, it does allow for extra interior storage.

cargo space

At 9.1 cubic feet, the Camaro's trunk has not only the smallest volume in the segment, but it also has a tiny opening and high liftover height, too. If you ever wondered why tourists who rent Camaro convertibles put their suitcases in the back seat, this is why.

technology

The Camaro comes standard with a considerable amount of infotainment tech and can be outfitted with a variety of optional accident avoidance and visibility-aiding devices. Easy-to-use touchscreen interfaces as well. All told, best in segment.

audio & navigation

The Chevy MyLink touchscreen system is much quicker than earlier iterations, and we appreciate its large virtual buttons and general system layout. We think most users will find it easy to use. There are 7- and 8-inch MyLink screens available, but both are oddly tilted downward.

smartphone integration

Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and two USB ports are standard on every Camaro. They all work as expected.

driver aids

A rearview camera is standard, which is good given the Camaro's limited visibility. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning are part of the Convenience and Lighting package and come standard on the 2SS and ZL1. Forward collision warning/mitigation is not available.

voice control

Standard voice controls are a bit stilted and require the use of specific phrases, but if you are using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you can push and hold the same button to get to Siri or Google Voice, both of which are much better at responding to natural-language requests.

Features & Specs

	1LT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)	1SS 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl 6M)	2SS 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl 6M)	ZL1 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M)	1LS 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)	2LT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Starting MSRP	$26,700	$37,000	$42,000	$61,500	$25,905	$30,500
MPG	25	19	19	16	23	23
Seating	4	4	4	4	4	4
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual	6-speed manual	6-speed manual	6-speed manual	6-speed manual
Fuel	gas	gas	gas	gas	gas	gas
Horsepower	275 hp @ 5600 rpm	455 hp @ 6000 rpm	455 hp @ 6000 rpm	650 hp @ 6400 rpm	275 hp @ 5600 rpm	275 hp @ 5600 rpm

See all 2018 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Camaro safety features:

Side Blind Zone Alert: Notifies the driver if vehicles are in a blind spot or if cars are approaching in parking-lot situations.
OnStar: Includes services such as automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote unlocking and stolen vehicle assistance.
Front Knee Airbags: Provides extra airbag coverage beyond the typical front and side airbags. The Camaro has earned high crash test safety scores.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4/5
Driver4/5
Passenger4/5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5/5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5/5
Driver5/5
Passenger5/5

Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5/5
Back Seat5/5
Rollover
Rollover5/5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover8.3%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
G
Good
Roof Strength Test
A
Acceptable
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
G
Good
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
G
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test
G
Good

Top Consumer Reviews

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sefrapa010@icloud.com, 11/15/2017

50 Years of History

It is a sports car. You definitely need the rear, side safety adder given the limited sight lines for the driver. It is low to the ground so getting in and out is tough for the senior crowd (me) but to drive it is to love it.

anne, 6/1/2018

My favorite car ever

I just love my new Camaro. The performance and handling is terrific. I really appreciate the differences in it depending on the mode selected. The engine also sounds great. It is a classic American muscle car but now handles as a performance sports car. I'm very glad I selected it.

Jorge, 7/9/2018

Finally bought my dream car.

I am loving every minute of this car. I was really surprised it was a 4-cylinder, but with the turbo it still has amazing acceleration, and it is great on gas. The handling and ride is great. The car is very comfortable (and I am a big guy). I definitely recommend this vehicle. Whether you want to cruise the highways or just drive to work everyday.

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The Camaro and Mustang are two of the closest rivals on the road, and they have very similar strengths and weaknesses. Both start out as inexpensive base models and range up to massively powerful racetrack-ready machines. Both have modern interiors with available high-tech infotainment systems as well. The Mustang is a little easier to see out of and live with every day, but the Camaro counters with an edge on overall performance. A choice between the two will almost certainly come down to personal preference.

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Chevrolet Camaro vs. Dodge Challenger

In the two-door muscle-car category, the Challenger is the choice for comfort. It has a more usable back seat than the Camaro, a larger trunk and a more comfortable ride. The Challenger is larger than the Camaro, allowing for that extra space, but it's also heavier, by several hundred pounds in some cases. The Camaro is vastly superior in terms of handling. But the Challenger does offer its drag-strip-focused Hellcat and Demon models.

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Chevrolet Camaro vs. Dodge Charger

The Charger, with its four doors, is a bit of an outlier in this class, but it still has all the modern muscle-car cred. Much like the Camaro, the Charger offers a handful of powerful engines, lots of high-tech amenities, and nostalgia from the moment you start it up. But it also has a usable back seat and a big trunk. Essentially, the Charger is a Dodge Challenger with the added practicality of a sedan body style.

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2018 Chevrolet Camaro videos

CARLOS LAGO: I'm Edmunds Senior Writer Carlos Lago, and here's a features rundown of the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro. From any angle, the Chevy Camaro is distinctive, blending retro personality with sharp modern styling. CARLOS LAGO: Unfortunately, the exterior styling comes at the expense of outward visibility. Thick roof pillars and narrow windows make it one of the most difficult vehicles to see out of. Like its chief rival, the Ford Mustang, the Camaro is available with either a turbocharged 4-cylinder, a V-6, or a beefy V8. There's also a 650-horsepower supercharged V8 in the top dog ZL1. All of that power is well-balanced with very capable handling, and with the available adaptive suspension, ride quality remains relatively smooth. The Camaro gets particularly low scores for its limited trunk space. On top of that, the opening is narrow and liftover height is quite high. Muscle cars have never been very accommodating the rear passengers, but the Camaro is even more restrictive than usual. Even kids will feel cramped back there. The Camaro's interior features some higher quality materials, but suffers from oddly placed switches and climate control vents. The Chevy MyLink system is quick to respond and easy to use, but the screen's placement and angle are awkward. The front seat cushions may be a little too narrow for some, but are otherwise comfortable and supportive. As far as space for your personal items, the Camaro offers the bare minimum. So you may want to travel light. Chevy Camaro's top competitors include Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, and BMW 2 series. The bottom line, if you haven't been around the Camaro in a long time, you'll likely be shocked at how refined the latest version is. It still has its drawbacks, and key rivals are happy to pick up where it leaves off, but overall, we're impressed by the Camaro's combination of power, precision, and head turning looks. [MUSIC PLAYING]

2018 Chevrolet Camaro Features Rundown

With the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro's wide range of engine offerings, there's plenty of power to be had, from the base four-cylinder all the way up to the ZL1's 650-horsepower supercharged V8. But the 2018 Camaro also boasts precision handling and an appealing set of features, making it an impressive all-around performance car. In this video, we highlight the key features that matter most. From mpg, interior space and technology to design and comfort - these pros and cons will help steer you toward a perfect car.