1998 Chevrolet Camaro review from North America

I had new brakes and rotors installed around 6,500 miles. This was covered by the warranty. I always drive carefully in a all break in periods. The next set of brakes lasted around 24,000 miles and the rotors lasted around 74,000 miles.

Oil pan seal went bad around 10,000 miles. Dealer replaced it.

Starter went bad around 57,000 miles without warning. Out of pocket expense (Plus towing).

58,000 miles: Driver's side electric window switch stopped working. Out of pocket expense.

Alternator went bad around 59,000 miles. Died without notice on highway. Out of pocket expense (plus towing).

60,000 miles: Drivers side rubber window trim pulled off. Out of pocket expense.

Battery stopped holding a good charge around 62,000 miles. Out of pocket expense.

63,000 Main belt had to be replaced. Out of pocket expense.

81,000 miles: Engine starting problem - some type of rubber diaphragm that regulates fuel intake had to replaced. Out of pocket expense.

Main belt gears/assembly replaced at 82,000 miles. Out of pocket expense. Expensive!

86,000 miles: 1 Rear shock went bad. Out of pocket expense.

89,900: Car is inoperable due to some sort of mechanical failure under the hood. My serpentine belt got chewed up and two sensors have been yanked off (from the shredding belt) due to a belt path device that is stuck (Have not towed it in for service yet)

I have always taken good care of this vehicle; ALL (and I mean all) fluids changed before GM's recommendations and an oil change was never missed. I drive gently, and primarily on the highway. Car also has been garaged it's entire life.

It has been my favorite car that I have owned, however I believe that it falls into the GM standard 'replace everything by 80,000 miles' category. I have nothing against GM, but all my GM cars have had numerous problems before 80,000 miles. Does not matter if you take care of the car or not, whether you buy it new or used, or if you think that luck is on your side.

I love the car as it is comfortable, stylish, and easy to drive. The trade-off of expensive repairs outside the warranty period has prompted me to think about buying something foreign next time.

Things to note for future 98 Camaro buyers: Seats, cosmetic parts, body, and interior have held up well. Engine purrs like a cat (I had a full tuneup and fuel-injection cleanup done at 55,000 miles) Transmission shifts very smooth, electric windows and mirrors work great.