2011 Chevrolet Camaro ReviewSee all 2011 Chevrolet Camaro's for sale |
7.5 out of 10 |
The Basics:
The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro returns for its second model year with only a few minor changes. The high-shouldered, cartoonish exterior, scorching performance, and muscle-car attitude carry over with all the force of before.
Just as the muscle-car feeding frenzy (first stoked a few years ago by concept cars, then the introduction of the Dodge Challenger) might have subsided, Ford turned up the heat this year with new V-6 and V-8 engines, truly resurrecting a decades-old rivalry. And what better indication than after Ford revealed the 305-hp Mustang V-6, Chevrolet announced a new 312-hp rating for its base 3.6-liter V-6 in the Camaro.
The 2011 Camaro makes some extreme sacrifices inside in order to achieve an aggressive look. Space inside is tight, without much headroom for taller drivers, while shorter ones might feel claustrophobic from the high beltline; for just about everyone, visibility is severely compromised. There's a small backseat, but it's good for only two small children, and the trunk is quite tiny. On the other hand, ride quality is excellent, with a surprising lack of road noise.
The Camaro performs so well that you're likely to forgive some, or perhaps all, of the Camaro's functionality letdowns. The base V-6 provides brisk performance whether with the six-speed automatic or the six-speed manual, and it's good for a highway rating of 29 mpg. The 6.2-liter V-8 makes 426 hp with the six-speed manual (400 hp with the automatic), and in either case, the SS is a performance icon with tire-shredding power (and 0-60 in the 4.5-second range). Steering is crisp and direct, with a level of communication, and brakes across the line are good for triple-digit speeds.
Safety and convenience features aren't forgotten in the Camaro—even for the high-value base V-6 model. Six airbags are standard (four in front with side-curtain airbags that extend to the second row), as are anti-lock brakes, traction control, and dynamic stability control, and crash-test ratings have been good, if not segment-leading. Although a screen-based navigation system isn't available, an OnStar navigation feature is offered; Bluetooth, a USB plug, and an iPod adapter are also available. Newly optional for 2011 is a Head-Up display, like the one that's been available in the Corvette.
Likes:
- Contemporary-but-classic muscle-car look
- Punchy, economical standard V-6
- Tenacious yet balanced handling
- Ride quality
Dislikes:
- Impossible visibility
- Lack of headroom
- Driving position
- Dull interior materials
Other Choices:
Reason Why:
The competition heats up for the Camaro for 2011, as Ford has extensively refreshed its Mustang and installed two much more powerful (yet also very fuel-efficient) engines in the pony car. The 2011 Ford Mustang steps up with a standard 305-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 and 31-mpg highway fuel economy rating, or the rorty new 412-hp, 5.0-liter V-8, plus body and suspension improvements to match the interior upgrades that carry over from 2010. What it means is that the 2011 Mustang is a much worthier rival. Muscle-car enthusiasts will want to study up on the spec differences, but weighed back-to-back, the Mustang is a remarkably more spacious, livable package, and a blast to drive in GT form with the new 5.0. The Mustang also stands out for its superior technology, namely the SYNC connectivity system. The Challenger, in comparison, feels considerably larger, while the 370Z is an edgy traditional sports car with a tight interior, and the Genesis Coupe isn't that much larger.
The Bottom Line:
The 2011 Chevy Camaro is a head-turner with scorching performance, especially in SS form. But the trade-off is a big drop in practicality and comfort.
This 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Review originally appeared at TheCarConnection.com where you can see more photos and news on the Chevrolet Camaro
All of our reviews come from experts at TheCarConnection.com.
