2019 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe Review

The word Camaro is biblical to those who love cars, especially American muscle. Those not in the know, however, might look up the word and find some interesting translations: in French, it can be loosely translated as "friend" or "comrade", and in Spanish, you'll end up with a less flattering description that has something to do with a small shrimp-like creature. To those who know the Camaro, now in its sixth generation, it is a small but vicious critter that hunts Mustangs. The 2019 Coupe stays true to that image, offering accessible performance for not a lot of money, just the way it was done back in 1967 when it first launched. The latest range of cars is stretched out over six trim levels, excluding the ZL1,which means you can choose between low-displacement turbos to fire breathing supercharged V8s. Not only is the spectrum of performance capability impressive, but Chevrolet has done an excellent job at keeping up in the tech department too. Now in its 52nd year of production, is the Camaro Coupe still a muscle car for the people?

What's the Price of the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe?

The 2019 Camaro offers great value for money, especially at the extremes of the price spectrum. The base model, called the 1LS starts at a low MSRP of only $25,000. For that money, you get a gem of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and one of the best handling chassis in its class. The 1LT is the next model in the lineup and will set you back $25,500. The 2LT is slightly dearer at $27,500 thanks to the addition of a bunch of comfort and infotainment tech. The 3LT gets even more, but you'll end up paying $31,000 for the privilege. The classic SS starts off at $37,000, but for that extra $6,000 you get a stonking V8 that gives the Camaro the authentic muscle car feel. The top-of-the-line 2SS comes with the entire basket of features and costs $42,000. Ford's Mustang starts off higher at $26,395, and the Dodge Challenger SXT starts from $28,095. These prices don't include tax, title, license, dealer fees, optional equipment, and a $995 destination charge.

2019 Camaro Coupe Exterior

Dimensions

2019 Camaro Coupe Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

The Camaro has almost single-handedly debunked the myth that American muscle cars are not supposed to perform in a corner. The best way to appreciate the Camaro's handling capabilities is to step inside one of its competitors. The Camaro simply feels tighter all-round, and the lower curb weight is clearly felt in the way the car transfers weight through the bends. It should be noted that the Camaro is inherently still a pony car, and can't be compared with German staples such as the M3, but it again puts up an impressive performance. For those seeking even more, Chevrolet offers a track-focused handling package that consists of a choice selection of braking, grip steering and handling upgrades that really brings the Camaro to life on a track or fast backroad.

2019 Camaro Coupe Interior

2019 Camaro Coupe Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe A Good car?

For what the Camaro was designed to do, and in the current market, it offers terrific value for money. The exterior design is in your face and has great presence, just as any proper American pony car should have. The interior is not exactly premium but is well put together and should last a long time, and while passengers in the front will enjoy functional leg space and headroom, passengers in the back will struggle for space. The same goes for the Camaro's limited cargo space. Interior tech is up to industry standards, and the infotainment works well. The Camaro's biggest drawcard should be the way it drives; it feels more nimble and accomplished than any of its American competitors, and with the optional track package ticked, the Camaro turns into a serious track day weapon. The wide range of engine options means that there is a Camaro for every want and need. The SS model provides amazing back-for-your-buck performance, and the small turbocharged power plant is more potent than you would think. Overall, the Camaro's value proposition is so strong that it's hard to ignore.

What Chevrolet Camaro Coupe Model Should I Buy?

Chevrolet has made their cult classic available to a broad spectrum of people. The small turbocharged engines will appeal to those who care more about style and fuel economy, while the mid-range V6 gives a taste of both worlds. The SS is a proper muscle car and will be the reserve of more hardcore fans. In other words, it is difficult to suggest only one model. Looking at the best proposition in terms of value for money and in terms of comfort, features, and performance, the 1SS should be at the top of the list. Performance from the 6.2-liter V8 is unrivaled in this price bracket, and supporting parts such as larger Brembo brakes, performance-tuned suspension, and a limited-slip differential make the 1SS one of the best handling modern muscle cars on the market. What it lacks in space and safety tech, it more than makes up for in terms of price, capability, and pure attitude.

2019 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe vs Ford Mustang Coupe

The battle between Ford's Mustang and the Chevy Camaro is as old as the pony car itself, and not much has changed since both vehicles were introduced over 50 years ago. Both offer a turbocharged four-cylinder engine option; however, the Mustang foregoes the V6 option offered in the Camaro and jumps straight to a V8. The Mustang's turbocharged engine is more powerful, but the Camaro's V8 is in a different league compared to the 5.0-liter effort from Ford. Fuel efficiency in the ford ranges from 21/31/25 mpg city/highway/combined for the EcoBoost powered car to 16/25/19 mpg for the 5.0-liter V8. The Mustang offers more standard safety tech and interior space. It also has more cargo space and should prove to be more comfortable to live with, but the Camaro offers better bang for your buck performance, especially in SS guise, and offers a more intuitive driving experience, making it our pick.