​2012 CAMARO SS COUPE

45th Anniversary Edition

 Chevy Camaro SS Coupe

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Combining design effects from the 1969 model, the 2012 Camaro successfully merges the muscle car attributes with modern car technology and features.​

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Most buyers of this car will undoubtedly tell you it is the most high performance and powerful car they have ever owned.  The suspension has a way of cloaking how fast the Camaro accelerates. This car gets up and goes leaving all other vehicles around you eating the dust off your tires.

 

The SS's 6.2-liter V8 generates 426 horsepower, 420 lb ft of torque, making it one of the best engines out there for under $40,000. It is an eye stopping cruiser that drives well around town and even on the interstate.  The handling for the 2012 model is more refined; a bit light, but the response is good.  Braking was a bit touchy and the clutch a little stiff, however the shifts were extremely easy to make. 



A Rear Vision Package is available which adds a rear view camera as well as an auto-dimming mirror.  I found this feature particularly helpful in driving large SUV’s, but not so much for the Camaro.  The car is  small enough, in my opinion, it is unnecessary.  Bottom line, the car is too heavy at roughly 4,100 pounds.  That translates into the car feeling bogged down at times. A typical sports car should shoot for around 3,000 pounds, which would also improve the safety of the car. 

The Camaro is too expensive as well. Though the 45th Anniversary Edition might appeal to some, I really didn’t see the point.  The 45th seems like an odd anniversary to be celebrating. And with the extra cost for the 45th Anniversary Edition at $1,375, it is not an investment really worth the money.  Fuel consumption for the Camaro are poor in comparison to most compact cars.  Estimates sit around 17 combined mpg.  Eating up gas can be common for sports cars, especially if driven harder.  Just be prepared to shell out that gas money.  With gas looking to go up to potentially $6.00/gallon this summer, one might not be driving this car nearly as much as they’d like.



Interior design in the Camaro earns big points with its illuminated trim lights and comfortable, leather appointed bucket seats.  The dashboard layout and controls were stepped up a touch to look classier.  Stitching throughout the interior was simply beautiful down to the leather wrapped steering wheel.  However, there is little if no leg room in the back seat, and the trunk isn’t large enough to even fit a grocery trip. 



Many safety ratings from the government have not been rated yet, with the exception of the rollover test which received 5 out of 5 stars.  The Camaro comes with many common safety features – front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and Onstar. 



Overall, the Camaro was one hell of a fun ride.  It’s hard, even with the cons not to fall in love with this car.  That fun factor goes a long way! I will say it’s worth it for most sports car shoppers, especially you dedicated Camaro owners.