More than 40 years after it made its debut
as a muscle car competitor to the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro
re-emerged in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model after a several-year
hiatus from manufacturer’s lineup. The Camaro is available with V6 or
V8 engines and in five trims, all of which attract immediate attention.
The rejuvenated, fifth-generation Camaro resembles the Mustang in
design. But it simultaneously brings the long-standing coupe a new,
modern identity and retaining the good and bad traits from its now
middle-aged history and reputation.
The Weekly Driver Test Drive
East Coast folks laugh at us when we say “winter weather’s arrived.”
In Sacramento, that usually means mid-30s, rain and sometimes fog. But
there was snow and temperature into the high 20s with during my week
the 2010 Camaro. It’s nice to have a heavy muscle car during inclement
weather. In the instance of the Camaro, that only meant it furthered
controlled the road.
When it was clear and crisp and visibility was good, the Camaro was
even more of a star. People gave a “thumb’s up” to the guy who
delivered the car. A guy in a grocery story parking lot was all over
the car . . . in a good sort of way. The young woman in the
coffee-to-go kiosk I frequent might have left her husband for me — as
long as she could drive the car. (Just kidding here). The car turned
heads everywhere I drove it.
Chevrolet Camaro Interior
The retro squared gauge dials on the instrumental panel and lower
console are masculine and perfectly fit the car’s image. At night, the
combination read and teal-blue colors are complementary.
Seats aren’t particularly comfortable and the car’s not easy to enter or exit.
Side panels and other interior materials are plastic and iridescent. I like the look.
Headroom is tight for anyone taller than 5-foot-10.
The Camaro coupe may be the longest car I’ve ever driven that has
four-person seating but in reality only room for two passengers since
there’s little leg room behind the front seats.
Chevrolet Camaro Exterior
Look at that styling. From the back, the Camaro now resembles the
Ford Mustang and from side views, the car looks sleek. The long hood
looks like a handsome roman nose. The angles, curves all blend in what
a muscle car should look like.
Chevrolet Camaro Performance
More than one onlooker said, “How come you didn’t get the V8? For
me, the V6 is plenty. The standard 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds. The V8 is
one second faster. I’ll take the V6 with better gas mileage, 18/29 mpg,
respectively, for city and freeway driving.
Steering and handling are tight and the Camaro is arguably among the
most responsive cars I’ve driven, which it should be considering its
3.6-liter, 304-horsepower engine.
Likes:
Cool interior lighting, including illuminated (teal) side panel strips.
Retro, four-cluster gauge panel on lower center console.
Efficient, heated seats with keen push-button activation.
Great interior, exterior design
Dislikes:
Hand brake positioned too far away from driver’s seat.
Big rear window, but limited visibility with blind spots.
Difficult visibility over the hood, particularly for shorter drivers.
Tight head room when entering/exiting.
Small backseat.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT Coupe: Facts & Figures
Acceleration: 0-60 mph (6.0 seconds)
Airbags: Dual front and front and rear side-curtain
Antilock brakes: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Fuel economy (EPA estimates) 18 mpg (city), 29 mpg (highway)
Government Safety Ratings: Front driver/passenger (five stars); Side
crash frojt (five stars), rear seat (not rated); Rollover (five stars).
Horsepower: 304
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $26,875.00
Price As tested: $31,825.00
Warranty: Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5
years/100,000 miles (transferable), Corrosion, 6 years/100,000 miles;
Roadside Assistance, 5 years/100,000 miles; Courtesy Transportation, 5
years/100,000 miles.
Web site: www.chevrolet.com.
What Others Say:
“This car should make quite a splash with its affordable price and
classic muscle car feel because the 2010 Camaro really is the perfect
blend of old and new.”
—- Carseek
“OK, we’re going to get straight to the point here. The 2010
Chevrolet Camaro rocks. After years of anticipation, Chevy’s new Camaro
not only lives up to the hype but also redefines what a muscle car can
be.”
—- Edmunds.com
“In an era when ‘mega-ultra-hyped blockbuster’ often means ‘I wasted
my money on that?’ the new Chevy Camaro pushes back against unfulfilled
expectations. It delivers. The look is there. The performance is there.
The value is there.”
—- Motor Trend
The Weekly Driver’s Final Words:
“I may be among the few males who as a young guy never had an
interest in owning a muscle car. What was I thinking? The more I drive
the 2010 Camaro, the more I feel young again. It’s in the charge of the
road it’s nice to be a part of it at any age.”
James, a journalist since 1976, is co-author of Tour de France For
Dummies. He owns several websites, contributes to many print and online
publications and is also the editor of TheWeeklyDriver.com. A long-distance runner for nearly 30 years, Raia also rides his bike — to nearby coffeehouses. E-mail: james@byjamesraia.com.
