drove the new camaro for a week...

Eric 951 · 07-29-2009, 10:31 AM

Just got back from my honeymoon in the Florida Keys and had flown into and rented a car from Miami. I had reserved a Caddy CTS, which they of course didn't have on the lot--this is Avis. They offered me a DTS(no thanks, I'm not that old) or a 2010 Camaro. So, I took the Camaro, unfortunately it was not an SS, just the V6 automatic.
My impression of the car is that it really isn't that bad. I really disliked the styling of the car when I first saw it in pictures, but in person it looks much better. The proportions don't seem all that crazy. Sitting in the car was a bit strange at first--as the roofline is really low, giving an almost clausterphobic feel--which isn't helped by the fact that rear-quarter visibility is nil--just two large blind spots, and it is impossible to see the very rear of the car from the mirrors--which made parallel parking a bit tough.
Once I got the seat adjusted, the driver position was comfortable enough--except the high waistline of the car almost forced you to rest your free arm on the door rest, and not on the window opening.
The car was peppy enough to rip tire with or without the traction control enabled, and was good in passing on the highway and overtaking towed boats/RVs on US 1. One really nagging issue was that you can't see the light switch control as it is completely hidden by the steering wheel--which forced you to take your eyes off the road to find and activate it(dial control).
The automatic paddle shifters worked fine--much better than Audi tiptronics that I have driven, Fit and finish were good, no rattles or squeaks--doors opened wide--typical of the older F-bodies. It got a lot of looks and thumbs-up and was an overall decent car.
I would have to try a V8 before making a decision if I would ever lay out the cash for one, but I can see GM selling alot of these--especially once they become more common and the dealers drop their crazy mark-ups.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Eric,
I saw one in bright yellow a few months ago and it looked as big as a school bus! Nice car, but too large for me. It will take some time to get used to it, I guess

strupgolf · 07-29-2009, 01:05 PM

I'm a big camaro fan from 1967, had a bunch, but the new ones do nothing for me. I'll wait until the power versions come out. To me, the Dodge challanger has it all over the camaro.

Les Paul · Les Paul's Garage

Peppy since it has over 300hp. One of the major mags said the v-6 offers everything the v-8 does at a lower price and better mileage. What's not to like.

pwd72s · 07-29-2009, 01:53 PM

So, do you believe the line in C&D tht suggested only people 5'10" or under should buy one? Never drove one, never sat in one...but did look one over...the roof really has been slammed, hasn't it? I do agree...it looked better to me than I thought it would, having seen only pics.

911boost · 911boost's Garage

I had the same thing happen and Avis gave me one as well.

You are 100% spot on with regard to the blind spots. I don't think there is enough power that would make me own one, they fact you can't see out is just dangerous.

Bill

911boost · 911boost's Garage

Oh and Paul, i am 6-4, and I fit ok, it wasn't the most comfortable.

pwd72s · 07-29-2009, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BSiple

I had the same thing happen and Avis gave me one as well.

You are 100% spot on with regard to the blind spots. I don't think there is enough power that would make me own one, they fact you can't see out is just dangerous.

Bill

Interesting observation. After having checked out the new 370Z, I gotta admit that I was pleasantly surprised at how good the visibility is in the Mustang...

Of course, car guy that I am, I'm already thinking of a few mods for after warranty...Brembo brakes, beefed up suspension, a drivetrain to handle this, etc.

herr_oberst · 07-29-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azasadny

Eric,
I saw one in bright yellow a few months ago and it looked as big as a school bus!

Exactly my perception. Very awkward shapes from most angles. Looked better in pix.

strupgolf · 07-29-2009, 04:36 PM

I just got rid of my Crossfire. The roofline is the same kind of style. I felt so much like a person in a sardine can that I did'nt like it at all. When the roofline is so low, you feel pinched in, and the rear vision is nill.

BlueSkyJaunte · 07-29-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strupgolf

To me, the Dodge challanger has it all over the camaro.

+1, I've seen them side-by-side and it's no contest.

I'm surprised dealers can get away with marking up ANYTHING these days?

campbellcj · 07-29-2009, 07:54 PM

It is extreeeemely unlikely that I would ever buy either, but I am curious how everyone feels the Camaro compares to the Mustang? (I'm talking about the current versions not the classics.)

onewhippedpuppy · 07-30-2009, 09:27 AM

Having seen a number of Camaros around town, I think they're much more attractive in person. They still turn my head in traffic.

For me the Challenger is the exact opposite. When I saw it in person, I was struck by how BIG it was. It didn't look that large in pictures. Personally I'd take a Mustang or Camaro over a Challenger any day, they're nothing but a bloated cruiser.

pwd72s · 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by campbellcj

It is extreeeemely unlikely that I would ever buy either, but I am curious how everyone feels the Camaro compares to the Mustang? (I'm talking about the current versions not the classics.)

If you can find one, get a copy of the July Car & Driver issue. They did a comparison test. New SS Camaro, Challenger R/T, Mustang GT...2010 models. Easy issue to spot with it's big Red lettered cover blurb: MUSTANG WINS.

(edit) Then read the August R&T...Peter Egan writing glowingly about his 2009 Bullitt Mustang...

rouxroux · 07-30-2009, 09:32 AM

But damn, the Camaro's dash & interior looks like a reject from some kid's "Vac-U-Form".

rammstein · 07-30-2009, 10:17 AM

The largeness of all of them is off-putting to me.

I am also not a fan of form over function with anything. That cool exterior on the Camaro results in some serious functionality issues.

Maybe I'm alone, but I like simple gauges, simple dashboards, and good visibility. Its actually one of the things I really liked about the RX8 as compared to a lot of current sports cars- the instruments are immensely simple and clear, there were no visibility issues.

pwd72s · 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rammstein

The largeness of all of them is off-putting to me.

I am also not a fan of form over function with anything. That cool exterior on the Camaro results in some serious functionality issues.

Maybe I'm alone, but I like simple gauges, simple dashboards, and good visibility. Its actually one of the things I really liked about the RX8 as compared to a lot of current sports cars- the instruments are immensely simple and clear, there were no visibility issues.

So, ever checked out a Mustang dash? Big round tach & speedo..dead center.
4 gauges, temp, pressure, voltage, tank level in a cluster low between them.
Designed so these gauges all read vertical lines when all is okay. Easy to read at a glance. Inset, so no glare on the windshield at night. A big plus to this inset? Cindy can't see the speedo from the passenger seat.

(edit) If I have a complaint at all, no numbers on the small gauges like the P-car had...but then, Porsche eliminated numbers from the temp gauge on later models, and had no voltage gauge standard.

Curb weight? Mustang by far the lightest of the "pony" cars...roughly 3,500....what's a new 911 weigh?
Probably more than the 2440 of my old 911S...

Eric 951 · 07-30-2009, 11:03 AM

I think with the re-introduction of a pony car from each of the big three that a new race series is begging to be introduced in the vein of the old Trans-Am series. Challenger, Camaro, Mustang. I would love to watch them go all out on a road course.

tc-sacto · 07-30-2009, 11:21 AM

They will be in grand-am soon enough

Mustang already competes there

SpeedracerIndy · 07-30-2009, 11:37 AM

I actually have a Camaro as a rental car from Avis right now sitting in my driveway! The original poster's comments hit the nail on the head. Very capable car, surprisingly good handling from such a porker. The engine is peppy enough for most people, and the 6-speed auto tranny is very responsive in sport mode. I am very impressed, and have high hopes for GM. I wouldn't say that it offers everything the V8 has though. The engine, while peppy, has all of it's power in the high RPMs. You have to wring it out to get the power. (I've had the CTS with the 300hp V6 too, and it is very similar). The V8 I suspect would be much more relaxed because of the low end grunt. The blind spots are really bad. I find myself crossing my fingers every time I changed lanes on the highway hoping there wasn't a car there. The headlight switch is all but invisible because the steering wheel covers it up. The cloth seats appear to stain very easily. And you can really feel the weight when you try to stop. It is just HEAVY. It manages it pork very well though. Looks are subjective. I am tired of all the retro muscle cars, and still prefer european cars but it looks ok. But MAN DOES THIS THING DRAW ATTENTION! I spent the day driving through small midwest towns in IN and OH, and everyone stares, points, and asks questions. I probably got asked 10 times today "why didn't you get the V8?" I can see the draw of owning an iconic American car after driving this for a day. So much positive attention. I get a lot of looks and comments driving my 911 too, but I can't say they are all positive.

I might have to be buying an American car soon because of my job requirements, and this has my hopes high for the GM products. I just hope that if I do have to buy American, I can still get a hold of a G8-GT (or maybe GXP with 6 speed!).