2001 Chevrolet Camaro Review

The 2001 Camaro Z28 is the closest Chevrolet you can get to the much costlier Chevy Corvette sports car.

That's the way it has been since the Z28 was introduced in 1967 as a low-volume model with a detuned V-8 race engine. Chevy barely promoted the Z28. But sales soared when performance fans learned about the special model, which got a regular--although still powerful--V-8 in 1970.

The Z-28 coupe and convertible still have a muscular V-8 and rear-wheel drive. They get even more horsepower and torque for 2001, and still are among the raciest-looking cars.

Every 2001 Camaro model gets retuned shock absorbers to improve ride and handling. The car is quieter, and several option packages are offered to make it go faster and look racier.

Even the base $17,075 Camaro V-6 is fairly well-equipped, with items such as air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette and anti-lock brakes.

The new Z28 coupe has a $21,645 base price, while the standard Corvette coupe costs $39,830. The Z28 convertible lists at $28,750, while the 'Vette soft top goes for $46,355.

Standard Camaros always have had six-cylinder engines. The base 2001 model is powered by a 3.8-liter 200-horsepower V-6 that provides lively acceleration. But the new Z-28's 5.7-liter V-8 adds five horsepower for a 310 rating.

Want more? The $3,950 SS Performance/Appearance package raises Z28 horsepower to 325, with forced air induction and a low-restriction exhaust system. The package also contains items such as a special suspension and extremely wide 40-series tires on 17-inch wheels.

If that isn't enough, Chevrolet works with SLP Engineering in Troy, Mich., to give the Camaro even more performance items, including racy wheel, suspension and cosmetic packages--and a $699 dual-outlet exhaust system that helps increase horsepower to 335.

Mercy!

The 350-385 horsepower Corvette is faster, but a Z28 streaks to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds with just the SS package and provides effortless merging into fast traffic and quick passing times on highways.

Moreover, fuel economy isn't bad for such a high-performance car; it's in the high teens in the city and 24-30 mpg on highways. It is easy to get good open-road fuel economy because the V-8 loafs at 1,700 rpm at 75 mph in sixth overdrive gear.

Chevrolet recommends 91-octane fuel for the V-8, but says 87-octane is acceptable.

The Z28 comes with a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic at no extra charge.

The zoomy Z28 SS is close to being a sports car, and thus is the most fun with the manual. The shifter is stiff, and the clutch calls for extra effort. But the same can be said for many high-performance autos. My test car had the $325 Hurst short-throw shifter that lets a driver easily zip from one gear to another despite shifter stiffness.

The power steering is rather heavy, but quick. Handling is superb, although the lack of an independent rear suspension causes the rear end to skip around a bit when, say, zipping through curves on rough pavement. The $450 traction control system is a definite asset, especially on slippery roads.

The ride is generally good, but the firm suspension and wide tires with their small sidewall areas can jolt occupants when nasty bumps are encountered.

Stopping power is impressive, with an easily modulated brake pedal and four-wheel-disc brakes with the anti-lock system.

The Camaro's back seat is very tight, so it's best to increase the marginal cargo area by flipping the rear seatback forward.

The basic nature of the Z28 never has changed. Even the first Z28s had a tight rear seat and small trunk--and were used by businessman/racer Roger Penske to dominate the Trans Am race series.

The latest Z28s are far more refined than earlier versions. They're quiet, except for exhaust rumble and noise from the high-performance tires.

The front bucket seats are comfortable, and the white-on-black gauges can be read quickly. Controls work smoothly, and even the radio controls are large enough for a driver to use safely. The low oil-level indicator is a thoughtful touch.

But the fairly large, heavy Camaro doesn't have enough interior room for its size. Low seats make it an athletic exercise to get in and out, and long, heavy doors can make it nearly impossible to enter or leave in tight parking spots. A large floorboard bulge needed to accommodate the exhaust system robs a front passenger of leg room. And wide rear roof pillars impede vision.

Also, the coupe's trunk has a big, heavy hatch and high opening. Without the seatback folded forward, the cargo area is concentrated in a deep rectangular well. And flipping the seatback forward calls for stretching to reach two widely spaced release levers.

However, the Camaro is solidly built. Even the optional, removable roof panels didn't squeak.

The Camaro disappears in its present form after the 2002 model year. The Z28 SS is an affordable gem in many ways, but can be a pain if you expect it to be much more than a basically impractical fun car. Like a Corvette.