2011 Chevrolet Camaro

There is no doubt that the Camaro is one of the best cars that Chevrolet has ever produced. A relatively affordable sports car, it is strong, attractive, and relatively practical. With expectations quite high on such a legendary name, people are intrigued if the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro is up to the hype. Let’s find that out for ourselves.

Of course, when you see the new generation Camaro, the first thing that should strike you real hard is the exterior. Obviously making a salute to the first generation Camaro from 1967 to 1969, people unanimously liked its retro modern style.

The retro boom is in full swing (check cars like the Mini Cooper (MSRP $19,400; 29 city / 37 hwy) and the Fiat 500 (MSRP $15,500; 30 city / 38 hwy) for instance), the re-entry of the Camaro is perfectly timed.

Exterior & Interior

While it salutes the past, it is distinctively modern, and has managed to carve for itself a true identity that distinguishes it from its forefathers. If for looks alone, it is safe to conclude that it is an absolute winner. There are 2 trims available for this car: a 2 door coupe and a convertible (which is expected to come out soon) are the options. However, when you get inside the car, there are mixed feelings about it. The first thing that you would observe is how nice the gauges are located: it is also an apparent salute to the past Camaro’s. And while it is advertised that it is capable of seating 4 people, the rear seats are apparently cramped in both headroom and legroom.

Standard equipment includes a radio with Bluetooth connectivity and an auxiliary jack, though perhaps more features should be integrated given its stature in Chevrolet as a legend. And while most of the functions such as the gauges and electronics are readable, its elements that combine modern and retro are executed quite confusingly. As expected in a sports car, it doesn’t have the largest trunk in the world. It is rated at 11.3 cubic feet in size, but this already small space becomes much more difficult to utilize due to the small trunk opening.

Performance

The base engine for the Chevrolet Camaro is its 3.6 liter V6 engine that produces 312 horsepower, which gives its competition a run for their money. This engine is then helped by a six speed manual transmission, which delivers smooth performance. However, a six speed automatic transmission complete with paddle shifters is optional equipment.

As for fuel economy, it is rated to go in between 17 to 29 miles per gallon, competitive numbers for a true sports car. But to gain maximum economy, it is better to drive it on highways and back roads than drive it on city streets where traffic is to be expected. As for the handling, a lot of people liked it, even calling this car the best in its class. With its independent rear suspension, handling is refined.

In addition, the suspension is dialed just right that it doesn’t drive roughly during ordinary driving. And the brakes, both the standard 4 wheel discs and the optional bigger ones produced by Brembo, provide sure footed stopping power. And for those that want more performance, the SS version, complete with its V8 engine and other modifications, is a vehicle of choice.

The Competition

The Camaro, along with the Ford Mustang (MSRP $32,845; 17 city / 26 hwy) and the Nissan 370Z (MSRP $40,870; 18 city / 25 hwy) have a lot of big shoes to fill from their predecessors. You want to drive something out of memory lane? Then these three are worth a look.

Pros & Cons

The strong points and weak points of the Camaro can be summed up to this. Its strongest points are that it is attractive, it is desirable, and its combination of good brakes, transmission, suspension, and engine provides incredible performance and reliability. The only things that hold it back is its lack of practicality, mainly because of its rear seating and its small trunk opening. In addition, rearward visibility is found to be an issue.

All in all, the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro has been able to live up to the legend. It is a car with true attitude and identity, and gives a lot of style and performance for the money. A true winner.

Overall Rating
66 out of 100

What others say:

“Provided you’re not too tall and you don’t have more than one passenger or big suitcases, the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro provides decent creature comforts.”Car Connection

“Any Camaro corners with good grip and minimal body lean.”Consumer Guide

“Braking performance is excellent on the V8 and the ride is taut and controlled ride. The styling impacts practicality, with severely hampered visibility, hard-to- decipher controls, and a cramped rear seat.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Strong acceleration with V8 or V6; head-turning looks; good V6 fuel economy; excellent value; capable handling.”Edmunds

“Certainly beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but we are of the opinion that the new Camaro looks like a car that could command a much higher price tag.”KBB

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Base Price: $22,805.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons (71 liters) MPG: 17 city / 28 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 190.4 in. (483 cm) Width: 75.5 in. (191 cm)
Height: 54.2 in. (137 cm) Wheel Base: 112.3 in. (285 cm)
Curb Weight: 3780 lbs (1714 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 11.3 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: 3.6L 24 valve DOHC V6 Displacement: 217 cu in
Horsepower: 312 HP Max RPM: 6500 RPM
Torque: 278 lb-ft @ 5100 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds Maximum Speed: NA
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Camaro 2LT MSRP: $27,350; MPG: 17 city / 28 hwy
Option:Camaro 1SS 6.2L V8 MSRP: $31,070; MPG: 16 city / 24 hwy
Option:Camaro 2SS 6.2L V8 MSRP: $34,420; MPG: 16 city / 24 hwy
Option:Camaro Convertible MSRP: $29,275; MPG: 17 city / 28 hwy
Option:Camaro Convertible 1SS V8 MSRP: $36,775; MPG: 16 city / 24 hwy

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