1996 Chevy Camaro Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar 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 $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$199/mo  for Camaro Z28

　　Camaro Z28

　　Z28 2dr Convertible (Most Popular) - N/A MSRPZ28 2dr Coupe - N/A MSRPRS 2dr Coupe - N/A MSRPRS 2dr Convertible - N/A MSRPZ28 SS 2dr Convertible - N/A MSRPZ28 SS 2dr Coupe - N/A MSRP2dr Convertible - N/A MSRP2dr Coupe - N/A MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/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.

　　

1996 Camaro Highlights

Type: CoupeConvertibleZ28 SSConvertible

　　Trim: BaseRSZ28Z28 SSBase

　　

Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$173/month
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	7.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive