Vehicle Detail

A V6 engine is standard in the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, and test drivers wrote that while the base Camaro doesn’t feel exceptionally powerful, it still accelerates quickly enough in most driving situations. A more powerful V8 engine is available in the Camaro SS, while the Camaro ZL1 features a supercharged V8 engine that is among the most powerful in the class. A six-speed manual transmission is standard in the 2012 Camaro, and a six-speed automatic is available. Some reviewers wrote that the automatic transmission can be slow to downshift when more power is needed for highway passing and merging. The EPA reports that the Camaro gets up to 19/30 mpg city/highway, which is typical for a V6-powered 2012 sports car. Auto writers agreed that the Chevy Camaro offers impressive handling, with good cornering ability and great steering feel. Some critics also noted that the Camaro has a more comfortable ride than competitors like the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang.

The Camaro is available in coupe and convertible body styles, which both received some interior styling tweaks for 2012. While critics appreciated design cues like retro-styled gauges that pay homage to the Camaros of the ‘60s, many also felt that hard plastics covered too many interior surfaces. Some test drivers also noted that the Camaro coupe lacks adequate headroom for taller drivers, and that rearward visibility is limited from the driver’s seat. The Camaro coupe and convertible both offer trunk space that’s typical for the class, at 11.3 and 10.2 cubic feet, respectively. The 2012 Camaro comes standard with automatic headlights, Bluetooth, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, an auxiliary input jack and a CD player. Available features include a USB port, a head-up display, parking sensors, a rearview mirror with an integrated rearview camera, a sunroof, leather seats, heated front seats and a Boston Acoustics stereo system.

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro’s safety scores are among the best in its class.