1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 5.7 V8

Summary:

By far the best bang for your buck

Faults:

The motors for the power windows are fragile and have broken once. I see them breaking again in the near future. General Motor's differentials are made of glass. Mine was broken one year after I bought it. The leather is cheap and wears down easily.

General Comments:

There is a lot of work that goes into owning a muscle car. That's why the typical muscle car owner is usually pictured working on their car. I absolutely love this car.

It is a 30th anniversary Z28 and it was my dream car as a kid. Now that I have it, I'm happy as can be.

Like I said, the differential broke in 2004, but it was a great excuse for me to get 4.10 gears. I highly recommend doing this to your car. It's only 1,000 bucks and it adds some serious pull.

It rattles, it squeaks, it's not Mercedes, but I didn't buy it to be a smooth, cab forward ride. I bought it to go fast and do burnouts. Mine was only 11 grand when I bought it in 2003 with 32,000 miles. That's a fantastic deal for a car that looks great and drives like a car should. I've taken this car all the way up to 155mph.

If you want one, buy one, or just wait until 2007 when the new one comes out and puts us all to shame.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th April, 2005

26th Jul 2005, 23:11

I was just wandering if anybody knew why the 96 was the only year Z to take regular gasoline, because all the other years up to and thru 97 all used the premium?

4th Oct 2005, 16:05

I have a 96 Z28 and it takes the minimum 91 octane, the owners manual even says that, so not too sure what you are talking about. Our "regular" gasoline is 87 octane, I have never put that low of octane in the car, its either 91 or above. Just my 2 cents worth.

1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 5.7

Summary:

It's a import killer and a sexy one at that

Faults:

Well the car had no real problems. I had the brakes changed when I bought it. Its had the transmission gasket re-sealed. (55000) A headlight went out too. That's about it.

General Comments:

Well the car is just sexy to look at. I bought mine for $7500 and can't find a stock car that can take it for under $12000. It really is in a class of its own with the performance handling opt, better than a Cobra Mustang. Gas mileage isn't great, but I'm use to my cavalier so... I also have made the gas worse by installing SLP headers, exhaust, and cold-air. That dosn't help on gas. Its not a easy car to work on and a headlight will cost you around $50. So be prepared. Over all it's a great muscle car. I love the T-tops. Very fast and fun.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd February, 2005

2nd Mar 2005, 17:04

Naw, man, the sexy one is the '98 and up Camaro, much nicer looking front end..

12th Apr 2005, 22:39

I disagree. I have a 97 and I bought it because it had the new interior and the new rear end, but the old front end. I don't like how high the 98-02 rides. But hey, I'm being picky here, the car is the best deal on the road either way.

24th Oct 2005, 09:40

I own a 97 Camaro and I think it was worth every penny. I also like the 98 and up front ends also, but for the price I paid I love mine. I have owned it for 3 years starting at 52000 miles and now at 85000 no real big problems.

1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 5.7L

Summary:

Turn it on and hang on!

Faults:

Needed a pump kit for the auto transmission at about 80K. You will know this is happening when it shifts very hard and starts leaking: Cost is $1,200 including seals, filter change etc. It's at 105K now and no problems.

New ERG valve 90K.

The rest of the repairs have been really minimal; (goes through turn signal lights quickly, loose bolt in convertible roof...that's it!!)

General Comments:

This is the best car I have owned period! I put at least 100 miles a day on it driving to work (over 3 years now.) Gas mileage is great for the horse power it develops. Handling is first class, I have the performance package and the stiffer ride may bother others, to me it's the best! Quick ratio steering is also right on. I feel safer in this car than larger mushier rides. I am also 6' 7" and can easily fit into this rocket. Mods include Flow Master, airfoil, 255 x 50's and K&N. Otherwise this is a stock machine. You cannot find comparable performance for the money (except the Trans Am and the SS Camaro.) Sorry this line was dropped, do we see a re-birth in the future? Lets hope so!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th June, 2004