1996 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe 3.8L

Summary:

Good value-for-money sports car

Faults:

@50,000 kms:

Check engine light came up, and car started mis-firing at speeds above 80 km/hr. The problem was traced to the spark plug cables, which got short-circuited, and was then replaced.

@60,000 kms:

Car started heating up more than usual. I ignored, and the problem got worse. I finally had to change the water-pump.

From last 20,000 kms:

Vibrations felt above 100 km/hr. My mechanic suggested change in tyres, as they are more than 60K kms old. I have yet to do that, to confirm if it solves the problem.

Apart from the above, it has been only wear & tear parts viz. battery, brake pads etc.

General Comments:

Pros:

Very good performance. crisp acceleration & can easily beat Mustangs

Excellent handling

Head turning looks

Very rugged and tough.

I suffered 2 accidents with virtually no damage to my car

Low maintenance costs. Just fuel up and change oil/filter every 5K kms.

Decent fuel economy (about 9.5 kms/ litre)

Excellent sound system (factory-fitted Delco Bose)

Cons:

High road noise.. maybe due to low profile of the car. Wind-noise also high beyond 120 km/hr

Some rattling sounds from the dashboard console

Vibrations above 120 km/hr (maybe due to tyres)

High insurance premiums (even for 3rd party insurance)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th June, 2005

3rd Jan 2006, 04:29

I absolutely agree that my Camaro V6 is good enough to beat only V6 Mustangs. But then there are always V8 Camaros to beat the Mustang GTs :)