2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 5.7L LS1 from North America

Summary:

I drive it like I stole it

Faults:

NOTHING!

General Comments:

I have always wanted a unique, clean, fast, one of a kind sports car under 15k that wasn't stomped around by teenager... I honestly went through 5 years till I found something I fell in love with.

Okay, I know it might not be a 911 or a EVO, OR STI, but honestly I see one too many of those cars cruising around Colorado... I wanted to stand out, not blend in.

The original owner who I purchased it from had it covered under a tarp in his back yard. Surprisingly the car was in amazing shape. I towed her home, changed out all the fluids and tuned her up... and she ran like champ.

After owning the car and "breaking it in" over the 15k mark, I was able to do some tasteful modifications... that not only changed the look, stance, and sound, but gave it some mean performance! I've stomped 911's, Evo's, STi's, Mustangs, several new Corvettes, and the list goes on... Feels good... did I mention it's a chick magnet!?

Overall this car is seriously quick, and with the right suspension modifications and tires, it handles like it's on rails! Definitely don't let this opportunity pass!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th February, 2014

2002 Chevrolet Camaro B4C 35th Anniversary LS1 from North America

Summary:

Attractive, fast, wonderful performance, & a true 35th Anniversary B4C Camaro - a pleasure to drive

Faults:

Driver's side power window motor (3 times); 2 with the Florida Highway Patrol & 1 with me.

General Comments:

The car was purchased at an auction in 2008. Was waxed so well that the black spray paint done to ID it as out-of-service cleaned off with clearcoat polish.

Have all the service records from the FHP (Florida Highway Patrol).

Has the original FHP paint in black/almond, which polished to a fine bright shine.

No seat damage during patrol use. Interior clean & well maintained.

Car does the 1/4 in 12.23 at 117mph.

Have restored the car with all appropriate police equipment including Whelen bar light on top (retired police administrator).

Still gets 26 MPG on the highway even with the bar light.

Normal wear resulted in the steering wheel not locking properly unless centered on parking.

Replaced headlight lens due to sun discoloration & sand blasted on interstate driving.

Replaced the battery in 2012, & it was the 3rd battery since '02.

Oil changes every 3000 with Mobil 1 5W20 (short interval by choice).

1 of 200 Camaros delivered to FHP in Sept 2001 (rem 9/11/01?).

Assigned to & driven by 1 trooper after intensive driver training on Camaro handling & operation. Well cared-for vehicle garages, washed, waxed & maintained by the trooper.

Car did service in MS after Hurricane Katrina.

Car is an Honor Guard unit dedicated to 9/11/01 & fallen LEOs in LA & MS.

VERY powerful car with modifications, & still looks impressive. Only complaint is that as I age & @ 6'1" & 225# I have to "roll" in & out of the car -- but I'm comfortable inside even on 4+ hour trips. Real head-turner, especially when behind slow drivers in the fast lane of highway LOL. Has won trophies @ shows. I LOVE MY CAMARO!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th June, 2013

2002 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Coupe 3.8 II from North America

Summary:

Should have bought a hardtop Firebird!

Faults:

Convertible top rattles. It bulges when driving with the windows down. Leaks in heavy rain or when washing.

It's had the usual power window motor problems; one was replaced, the other just had loose wiring.

The power steering growls during low speed maneuvering (parking).

The fuel pump hums loudly sometimes.

The Monsoon stereo amp doesn't like to play the tweeter speakers unless I blast the volume for a second, or operate a power window (weird).

Alternator and battery went bad around 65K miles. Easy repair, not too expensive.

Around 73K miles, the catalytic converter starting rattling and getting really hot; replaced that.

Last year, around 80K miles, the plastic intake manifold gasket cracked and started leaking coolant everywhere. It was replaced with a metal one. The water pump also was replaced at this point.

This year at 90k miles, the mass air flow sensor went bad. Easy fix, but an expensive part.

I'm in the process of ordering new springs, shocks and struts, since the originals are pretty spent; the car leans to one side and bounces around randomly.

Also just noticed the driver's side seat bolster cushioning is starting to split around the seat's frame rail. I suppose next the upholstery will start to tear soon. I hate the seats in this d@*n thing.

General Comments:

In spite of the items I wrote above, the car has been quite dependable and very good on gas. When the suspension was still good, it handled great and braked solidly. It's interesting to note that the 3.8 V6 engine outperforms many of the standard V8's from 1992-back. Also, with a few polishes each year, the paint has held up well.

What's unfortunate is that it's better looking than it is comfortable. I swear this thing has seats designed by people who hate motorists! Also, the interior roofline hangs lower than on a t-top or hardtop, and being 6'4", I whack my head on it frequently. Living in Florida, it's often too hot outside to put the top down, so my wife gets to drive this car much more than me.

I've always liked the F-body cars, but this one is the least favorite of the others I've owned in the past. I won't have another 'vert or Camaro again; the seats and interiors in my old Firebirds were way better than these.

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

Review Date: 19th October, 2012