1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 5.7L from North America

Summary:

It's alright..

Faults:

Alternator blew.

Passenger side window came off the track.

Bad gas mileage now.

General Comments:

I really like my car, however I don't love it. The speed is great, especially since I have put a lot of wrench work in it. Dual exhaust and headers, K&N air filter, shift kit, power chip.

I can't seem to get much useable traction off the line, I slam the pedal down and all I hear is my tires being smoked off. The shift kit makes the car a little scary to drive on old winding gravel roads.

As far as acceleration goes, my old Regal could beat it. It was a machine with a custom turbo charged 5.0 HO motor in it. The trunk on this car isn't exactly good with lots of bass.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th February, 2002

1997 Chevrolet Camaro RS 30th Anniversary from North America

Summary:

A beautiful, powerful, high-performance machine!

Faults:

I cannot recall anything major going wrong mechanically (knock on wood).

I suppose my biggest peeve can't actually be considered major, because it is purely cosmetic. The trim package around the bottom of the vehicle continually comes loose from the body of the vehicle, which detracts from the aesthetics.

Also, the front end trim - which I had replaced once under warranty - continually bottoms out leaving an ugly scrape right at the 'nose' of the vehicle. The new trim was redesigned (I guess they had to replace a lot of them), but even the new one hits the pavement a lot. Oh well. What do you expect? You want a sleek sporty look... you pay the price.

Finally, my leather interior is becoming worn - especially the driver's seat (again aesthetics).

General Comments:

I've heard some complaints from fellow Camaro owners about T-roof leaks, but thus far I've had no problems.

In fact, the only problem that I have with water penetration is the rear hatch. I can't park facing down on a hill when it's raining. There are channels that were designed to allow the water to run off, but they only work if gravity allows them to. If the car is facing downhill, the water in the channels doesn't run off, it spills over the side... into the vehicle. I suppose I should have listed this in the faults above, but the solution is easy - just don't park facing downhill!

Overall, I'm quite pleased with the vehicle. Even five years down the road, it still turns heads! I consider this an early sign that this vehicle is destined to be a classic - especially since the Camaro is being discontinued.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th January, 2002

27th Jan 2002, 15:38

I agree, The 97' Anniversary Edition was one of the sweetest looking Camaros ever made. I think it looks much better than the new '02 edition. I had the chance to buy a hard top version back in 97... still kicking myself for not buying it.

10th May 2002, 13:09

Haahaa! I picked up a white hard-top with tan leather, cd and a 5-speed that's FLAWLESS! Paid $6,700 cash the day after it was traded in w/64,000 miles. And yes it turns heads... everyone wants to race. As for the front spoiler, you just have to be aware that it's there and not go where it will bottom out. Mine has a small scratch that my wife put there, but it's hard to see. Love the car overall!

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1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 5.7 V8 from North America

Summary:

A beautiful performer

Faults:

The only problem I have had is the leaking of the T-Tops.

General Comments:

I have wanted a Camaro since I was little, and now I can say I am finally happy. Even the cramped back seat and poor fuel economy do not bother me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th September, 2001

1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 LT1 5.7 V8 from North America

Summary:

Stomps stangz!!!

Faults:

Check engine light came on, but it's just an oxygen fuel sensor, the car pulls slightly.

General Comments:

The car is fast as hell. Will eat up Mustangs all day.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th June, 2001

24th Jul 2001, 23:04

Your comments reflect how all Mustang owners feel, but I know for a fact that Chevy engines gain more horsepower from the same type of modification when done to a ford engine. You Mustang guys just have to accept that the Mustang is a car for women to drive, who don't care about power, and want it for looks, yet we still find men (or boys mostly) driving these heaps.

25th Jul 2001, 10:08

I have also heard this story from Mustang owners before- because I was one. But there is just no comparing the possibilities, capabilities, and overall superiority of product. The Z28 is a completely different breed of car. And I did get plenty of compliments from women with the old 5.0, because they loved to drive it, but the true gearheads never treated it like they do the Z28.

26th Jul 2005, 20:04

The dreaded last year of the great LT1 in the Z28's, and while it's not as fast as the LS1's, it's still stronger from 1st to 2nd, and also sounds meaner. I'm not taking sides, because I love all GM products, but when riding thru town the LT1 feels stronger with it's extremely loud tone. I think that both are great, it just depends on what you prefer. I will take the sound of the LT1 over the speed of the LS1, because I don't plan on driving over 110 mph. I love the LT1's, because they are so "old school" without being to "old school". I just wanna point out the main difference to me, which is the sound over the speed. The LT1's are classic rumbler's, and even the LS1 guys know this to be a fact.

12th Jan 2006, 12:24

I agree the LT-1 is the best over all, I have a 97 Z. I haven't had to do much to it very minor modifications. Cold air induction, 3"cat back exhaust (really brings out the the sound of the nads the engine really has) and added the the power chip and changed the shift speeds in the computer. I have reached speeds of 175. Better to own a Chevy than a Ford.