Kane Dan
Back in the day, when you thought of pony cars the first company you would think of would be Ford and their Mustang series.
Chevrolet changed that in 1967 with the release of the Chevrolet Camaro. The lineup would become so popular that it would spawn four generations of cars which are still going to this day.
While it ended up going on a hiatus for about years, from 2003 to 2009, the Chevy Camaro produced many great models over the years.
At the same time, some models have been more problematic than others.
If you are on the search for a great year for the lineup, I have the answer, as I will be talking about the best and worst years for Chevy Camaro.
I have compiled a list here that you can check out first:
Worst Years for Chevy Camaro:
- 2010
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
- 2011
Best Years for Chevy Camaro:
- 2017
- 2020
- 2001
- 1967
- 1971
This list should give you a good idea of what model to buy and what to avoid. If you want to understand these models in depth, you will have to read this article.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What Are The Worst Years For The Chevy Camaro? Which Years To Avoid
No one likes to deal with problems, and sadly, these models of the Chevy Camaro were full of them.
I will discuss each model individually and explain why you should pass on it.
1. 2010 Chevy Camaro
After the 2002 model, Chevrolet did not launch a Camaro until 2010. The model they would release would be one of the most complained about models of the entire lineup.
Whether the manufacturing process was botched or the manufacturers were just rusty, the fact is that the 2010 Chevy Camaro is regarded as the worst model by a considerable margin.
This is mostly due to the model’s engine, which was full of faults and problems.
The engine of any car is supposed to be the most well-built and vital part of the car, which is why you cannot allow any issues with it.
Unfortunately, the 2010 Chevy Camaro had many problems with the engine.
The major of these was premature timing chain wear. Its engine would stall and die while the car was being driven and burn up oil excessively.
Apart from this, there were minor issues related to the airbags and the transmissions, but the various engine problems were enough to get this model first place.
2. 2013 Chevy Camaro
Chevrolet got its affairs in order in the next two years after the 2010 model but fell back into a slew of problems with the 2013 Chevy Camaro.
While the engine problems were mostly gone, there were a ton of electrical issues and interior problems, which made this particular year stand out.
It was also enough for me to place this in the second position on this list.
The electrical and interior problems were both closely linked together, as the electrical problems caused the radio and the AC systems to short out, preventing them from doing their job.
Moreover, the car would go into limp mode and suffer from multiple faults related to the electronics.
Finally, the majority of them would just end up hurting the infotainment system.
While very rare, others would lead to rattling in the engine, eventually leading to engine failure.
3. 2014 Chevy Camaro
The next year was not so kind to the company either, as the 2014 Chevy Camaro retained the issues of the previous model, although not to the same extent.
While the number of complaints was slightly less, they were still enough to warrant me placing this year at the 3rd spot on this list.
Interior problems aren’t that big of a deal, but when caused by electrical issues, the entire car system can go haywire.
Starting with the smaller issues, the gauges and the HUD would stop working and the Remote Start would soon follow.
The radio issues were still not fixed, and this time around, the Bluetooth audio also suffered from it. Eventually, interior audio would stop working entirely.
Along with all this, the door panels would keep popping off, and the key would get stuck in the ignition switch.
4. 2015 Chevy Camaro
The 2013 Chevy Camaro spawned major electrical faults, affecting this model.
Being the 3rd consecutive year that the lineup faced the same type of issues, they were quite tame and less in number.
The fact remains that you do not expect issues like this from a pony car this famous.
This, along with a slight increase in engine problems, is why I placed the 2014 Chevy Camaro in 4th place.
This time around, even the NHTSA had a lot of complaints against the electrical system, which was still causing the radio display many problems.
In this model, the electrical problems would be so severe that sometimes the car would not start.
Add that to the engine problems where the key would get stuck in the ignition and the intake valve failure.
5. 2011 Chevy Camaro
I had mentioned previously that the company had significantly reduced the issues after the 2010 Chevy Camaro, at least for the next two years.
Despite this improvement, the 2011 Chevy Camaro is still one of the worst models you can get, the 5th worst, to be exact, according to my observations and community reception.
This is mostly because of the issues the NHTSA and the people had against the engine and the airbags.
The main issue with this model was the airbags and how the light would come on randomly.
Moreover, the only viable fix for this would be to replace the airbags, but this would cost a lot. Speaking of lights, the engine light would also turn on.
Finally, excessive oil consumption was still a thing, and the engine would function with a loud tick, often with the check engine light on.
What Are The Best Years For The Chevy Camaro? Which Years To Buy
Why settle for anything less than the best? Here are the best years for the Chevy Camaro I came up with in my research, browsing all of the models since the car’s debut.
1. 2017 Chevy Camaro
This year’s Chevy Camaro outclassed the competition, being twice beautiful and considerably faster than its competitors.
When you think of fast sports cars, you usually think of a German car, but the 2017 Chevy Camaro has the capabilities of a German car made on American soil.
Being part of the 6th generation of the Chevy Camaro, the car has many great features as standard and massive performance boosts. You can see this clearly if you look into the car’s acceleration.
The SS’ 1LE specifically has a powerful acceleration speed that can make it go from 0 to 60 in less than 4.2 seconds.
Outputting 455hp, this V8 engine is just outstanding. Combine this with the crisp handling and the amazing comfort the interior provides, and you have a car that can go fast and provide a lot of luxury.
If you are looking for something more exotic, you can also look into the new supercharged ZL1 trim.
Note that it will cost you much more than the standard trim.
2. 2020 Chevy Camaro
2020 was a good one for people who could get their hands on the 2020 Chevy Camaro.
Coming in with eight different trims, this year’s Chevy Camaro tops the chart due to its significant safety and standard features advancements but falls short in the visibility department.
That being said, you won’t notice much since you will be too busy falling in love with the crisp and smooth acceleration of the V8 engine.
This year also brought a slight design update to the model and extra features, such as forward collision warning and dual exhaust options.
All of this being paired up with comfortable front seats is a recipe for success.
Adding to the options of the eight trims, you also have the choice between coupe or convertible body styles.
3. 2001 Chevy Camaro
While not as technically advanced as the previous two models on this list, the 2001 Chevy Camaro is still a car you should not write off.
This year was almost two decades old, so it is not old enough to be called a vintage car, but if you are into older models, this might be right up your alley.
This one brought four different trims to the public, all pure muscle.
Sales of the Chevy Camaro lineup were slowly slipping, and while the 2001 Chevy Camaro did help rack in the numbers, the only downside the year had was the car’s overpriced nature, which made things a tough sale.
With that being said, for the power and luxury you are asking for, some might think it is a pretty good price for what the car offers.
The car is pretty long-lasting as well, with people having been reported driving it for more than 18 years.
4. 1967 Chevy Camaro
Most lineups have a very rough launch. The first model of the car is always the least recommended, and you are often told to steer clear of it.
In the case of the 1967 Chevy Camaro, things are the opposite, with many considering this to be the best model of the entire lineup.
While I have given that honor to the 2017 Chevy Camaro, it would be a shame not to include the model that started it all.
The best model of 1967 you can get your hands on is the 1967 Camaro Yenko. This car was named after the well-known dealership that sold it.
The dealership, in general, was known for selling quality muscle cars, and this model was no exception.
Boasting a V8 engine that could push out 450 hp like it was nothing and rigged with a four-speed manual transmission, you would have a blast riding this vehicle.
5. 1971 Chevy Camaro
As the years went on and the lineup transitioned to its second generation, the cars and models the company would put out would only improve.
While it still cannot rival the technical and performance aspects of today’s Camaros, the 1971 Chevy Camaro was able to make vast improvements over every model before it, being a solid entry into the lineup and a great car overall.
Many would argue that there are better models of the Chevy Camaro that could have taken the last spot on this list, but the fact is that the 1971 Chevy Camaro brought a lot of innovation with it.
Slight improvements brought in during the second generation, and its powerful engine made this model an easy choice for 5th place.
The unique design and feel of this car is something you cannot get anywhere else and sets this model apart from the rest.
How Reliable Is A Chevy Camaro?
Depending on your model, you will find your Chevy Camaro to be a very reliable car.
While I will go in-depth into it later, the Chevy Camaro will last you a very long time. It has a slightly above-average repair cost, which is expected from a pony car.
How Long Does Chevy Camaros Last?
You can expect your Chevy Camaro to last a minimum of 15 years, corresponding to around 225,000 miles.
If you take good care of your Chevy Camaro, you can bump this up to 20 years. This means that you will ride it for around 300,000 miles.
What To Do To Lengthen The Life Of Your Chevy Camaro
Here are some good habits that you should develop to give your Chevy Camaro a long life:
- Regular cleaning.
- Frequent Maintenance.
- Maintaining optimal tire pressure.
- Driving the car frequently.
- Maintaining the car’s fluid levels.
Doing all this should help you get your Chevy Camaro those extra few years of service.
Things That Shorten The Lifespan Of Your Chevy Camaro
Here are a few activities that you should avoid when driving a Chevy Camaro:
- Overloading the car’s weight capacity.
- Off-road driving.
- Using bad replacement parts.
- Not changing the oil of the car.
- Overheating the engine.
Get rid of these habits to get the most out of your Chevy Camaro.
3 Most Chevy Camaro Common Problems You Should Know
Now, it’s time to discuss some of the common problems you can face if you are planning to buy Chevy Camaro.
Let’s find them below:
1. Electrical Issues
I have talked extensively about the electrical issues in the Chevy Camaro lineup.
These issues could range from annoying, such as issues with the interior, to serious problems preventing the car from starting.
2. Interior Issues
The AC, radio, Bluetooth, and door have had various issues over the years with the Chevy Camaro, which is closely linked with the electrical issues the car is also known to face.
3. Engine Issues
While engine issues have been less common in the Chevy Camaro, many of these problems are not that severe.
However, excessive oil consumption and, in some cases, engine failure are issues that should not be present in a high-quality lineup like this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Chevy Camaro A Good Car?
The Chevy Camaro can be a very good car if you make sure to carry out proper maintenance. It can last a very long time and generally does not have a lot of issues.
Q2: Do Chevy Camaros Hold Their Value?
If you want a car that can hold its value, look no further than the Chevy Camaro. This vehicle has a low depreciation rate of 17% over a 5-year period, which is insane.
Q3: How Many Chevy Camaros Have Been Sold?
Between 2009 and 2022, well over 880,000 Chevy Camaro were sold. It is difficult to get statistics as far back as 1967, which is why this range will have to do.
Q4: Which Chevy Camaro Engine Is The Most Reliable?
The base V8 engine of the 2017 Chevy Camaro is simply outstanding and one of the best engines in the entire lineup. It has little issues and pushes a lot of power.
Q5: Is Chevy Camaro Expensive To Maintain?
The average annual maintenance cost for vehicles like the Chevy Camaro is $526. The Chevy Camaro is slightly more expensive to maintain at $585 per year.
Conclusion
For many people, owning a Chevy Camaro is a dream; unfortunately, it is one that few can make come true.
If you have a Chevy Camaro, you should be happy with your vehicle regardless of the model.
For people who want to make their dream come true and get their hands on a Chevy Camaro, this article will help you a lot.
Not only will you now be able to tell between the best and worst years for Chevy Camaro, but you should also be able to decide whether a certain model is to your liking and get the perfect model.
