2002 Chevy Camaro - The Final Year of Generation Four

The Chevy Camaro is without a doubt a storied car. It dates back 1967.  The 2002 model is part of the fourth generation of Camaro models.  It is the last year of that generation, and at the time there were no other plans to revive the name.  As we all know, though, a brand new Camaro has come out for 2010. Camaro sales had been on a downhill slide since 1994. Rumors of its extinction had been circulating for several years, and they ended up coming true after 2002. Chevrolet has referred to the Camaro's heritage as "Performance, American style," blending traditional RWD with a pushrod V-8 engine.

The 2002 Camaro comes in base V-6 and Z28 (V-8) forms and as a hatchback coupe or convertible.. During the Camaro's final season, a limited-edition 35th Anniversary Package is available for the SS coupe and convertible, which get final assembly by SLP Engineering. The high-performance Z28 has power-steering fluid cooler. A Monsoon premium sound system with an in-dash CD player is now standard for V-6 convertibles and all Z28 models.

Camaro Power

 The '02 Camaro is powered by a choice of three engines and three transmissions.  Base coupes have a 200-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 engine and either a standard five-speed-manual or optional four-speed-automatic transmission. For 1996 the Z28 had 285 hp and the SS trim was reincarnated, complete with a 305-hp version of the 5.7-liter V8. A midcycle refresh took place for 1998 with a new front-end look and powerful new LS1 5.7 V8s for the Z28 (305 hp) and SS (320 hp). Apart from minor trim differences and a bump in power for the Z28 in 2001 to 310 hp, the Camaro soldiered through 2002 mostly unchanged. Ironically, that last year also marked the Camaro's 35th birthday, which was celebrated with a 35th-anniversary SS. Base convertibles are equipped with the automatic only. In the Z28 coupe and convertible, a Corvette-inspired 5.7-liter V-8 develops 310 hp and teams with either a six-speed manual or an identically priced four-speed-automatic transmission. The SS package gets a 345-hp version of the V-8 that drives either a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission. A four-speed-automatic transmission is standard on convertibles with the V-6 engine. As before, the V8-powered Z28 can have either a four-speed-automatic or a six-speed-manual gearbox, while V-6 coupe engines team with a five-speed manual or the automatic.

Driving the 2002 Camaro

 A stiff ride is part of the penalty paid for performance in the hottest Camaros, but it definitely could be worse. Engine noise is certainly noticeable, but not to the point of annoyance. The ride is a bit shaky, but the vibration is a lot less bothersome than in past models. In truth, the 2002 Camaro could almost be called civilized compared to those of the past. Over-the-shoulder visibility is a serious problem due to big blind spots on each side. With the SS model, its powerful, but easy to overpower. Tap the throttle a little too hard while rounding a curve, and the SS's back end is likely to skitter to the side; it takes some effort to turn. On straighter pavement, the thick tires cling as if they have claws. Acceleration is vigorous from a standstill and automatic-transmission shifts are crisp and positive.

Chevrolet Camaro Design

 In 2002, the Camaro, along with it Pontiac Firebirds cousin, was the last remaining remnants of the muscle-car era. Running from 1993-2002, the last Camaro generation continued the age-old tradition of performance and style above all else. Camaro models ride 16-inch, painted cast-aluminum wheels. Convertibles have a power top with a three-piece hard boot cover, as well as a glass rear window with a defogger. Coupes can be equipped with an optional T-roof. Painted aluminum wheels hold P235/55R16 tires on base Camaros. In addition to V-8 power, the Z28 has a performance ride and handling suspension and P245/50ZR16 tires. Developed by SLP Engineering, the SS option package for the Z28 brings a higher-powered V-8 engine plus a functional hood scoop, distinctive rear spoiler, tauter suspension and larger Goodyear 17-inch tires on special aluminum wheels. The SS coupe and convertible also have a forced-air composite hood, special SS badging and a low-restriction exhaust system.

Camaro Cabin Features

The Chevy Camaro, with its front bucket seats, has room for two adults.   There is a fold-down rear seat, but even children are likely to feel cramped in the rear. The 2002 Camaro models comes standard with air conditioning, cloth upholstery, intermittent wipers, a cassette stereo, tilt steering wheel, tachometer, map lights, visor mirrors, automatic headlights and a theft-deterrent system. Camaros sit low to the ground, but with the wide heavy doors fully opened it is manageable. Exiting may actually be more of a challenge for the non-agile.  Base convertibles have standard power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry and cruise control. All models except the base coupe have a 500-watt Monsoon sound system. Cargo volume in the coupe is 32.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, but the convertible has only 7.6 cubic feet of storage space. Although fast, stylish and affordable, this Chevy Camaro was lacking in terms of refinement, particularly in regards to the interior. The clunky steering wheel design was about as sporty as a taxicab's and there was an abundance of low-grade plastic trim. Furthermore, the seats were rather plain and short on lumbar and lateral support.

 Conclusions

For safety features daytime running lights and all-disc antilock brakes are standard. Starting out in the late 1960s as an answer to the Ford Mustang, the early Chevrolet Camaro came originally in coupe or convertible form and with six-cylinder or V8 power. As the Camaro went through the '70s, it, like other sporty cars of the era, lost performance and gained more stripes and spoilers. The popular pony car regained its performance reputation with its fourth generation version, which lasted until the Camaro's demise after 2002. However, though an outstanding performance bargain, this Camaro became increasingly aged as the years went by. For many consumers, it came across as unrefined and even crude, especially when compared to other sport coupes and convertibles. Because of weak sales, the Camaro was not in production again until this year, with a brand new 2010 model. For a closer look, view a Camaro picture gallery.