Chevrolet’s Camaro history spans six generations: 1967–1969, 1970–1981, 1982–1992, 1993–2002, 2010–2015, and 2016–2024. The generations differ in body styles, engines, and trim names, so specifications and badges should be read in their model-year context. Chevrolet ended Camaro production after the 2024 model year; the sources cited here do not establish current used-car prices across generations.
Camaro generations at a glance
| Generation | Model years | Notable milestones |
|---|---|---|
| First | 1967–1969 | Launched in the pony-car segment; RS hidden headlights, SS, and the 1969 COPO drag-racing cars. |
| Second | 1970–1981 | Sleeker redesign; split-bumper RS styling in 1970–1973, with major styling revisions in 1974 and 1978. |
| Third | 1982–1992 | Hatchback design and electronic fuel injection arrived in 1982; IROC-Z followed in 1985 and the convertible returned in 1987. |
| Fourth | 1993–2002 | Redesigned for 1993; the 1998 update brought the 5.7-liter LS1 V8. |
| Fifth | 2010–2015 | Returned after an eight-year hiatus with heritage-inspired styling; the 2012 ZL1 was the first supercharged Camaro. |
| Sixth | 2016–2024 | Lighter, more refined redesign; introduced a 2.0-liter turbo option and a 650-hp ZL1. |
Generation dates and milestones are from Chevrolet’s Camaro legacy history. Availability and specifications vary by model year and market.
First-generation Camaro (1967–1969)
Chevrolet introduced the Camaro for 1967 as its entry in the pony-car segment. Chevrolet’s legacy history records 15 exterior colors and eight engine choices at launch. The range included six-cylinder and V8 choices; GM Heritage says the 1967 SS came standard with a 350-cubic-inch V8 and that the optional L78 big-block could provide up to 375 hp.
The RS was primarily an appearance package, notable for hidden headlights. In 1969, COPO special-order cars brought Camaro into factory-supported drag-racing territory. These details are useful reference points, but engine availability and output depend on the exact year and configuration. GM Heritage’s 1967 Camaro information provides historical specifications.
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Second-generation Camaro (1970–1981)
The 1970 redesign gave Camaro a sleeker shape and, in Chevrolet’s description, greater handling capability. The 1970–1973 RS is recognized by its split-bumper styling; Chevrolet notes significant styling changes in 1974 and 1978. Chevrolet’s legacy history reports production peaked at 282,571 Camaros in 1979.
Engine offerings and output changed through this long generation, so a single power figure cannot describe every second-generation car. Check the model year, engine, and trim rather than treating the generation as one specification.
Third-generation Camaro (1982–1992)
The third generation introduced a hatchback body design, and electronic fuel injection debuted in 1982. Chevrolet’s history places the IROC-Z’s arrival in 1985 and the convertible’s return in 1987. These are selected milestones, not a complete list of engines or equipment for every year.
Trim names such as Z28 and IROC-Z identify period-specific versions. Verify the original model-year equipment when evaluating an individual car.
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Fourth-generation Camaro (1993–2002)
A redesign began the fourth generation in 1993. The 1998 update introduced the 5.7-liter LS1 V8, a major performance milestone in Chevrolet’s history of the model. Chevrolet also notes that the 1996 SS exceeded 300 hp for the first time since 1971.
Engine, output, and equipment varied by year and trim. Do not apply one horsepower figure to every fourth-generation Camaro; consult specifications for the specific model year and configuration.
Fifth-generation Camaro (2010–2015)
Camaro returned for 2010 after an eight-year production hiatus, wearing heritage-inspired styling. Chevrolet identifies the 2012 ZL1 as the nameplate’s first supercharged model. The generation also included specialty COPO race cars in 2012 and refreshed styling for 2014.
These milestones distinguish the era, but do not substitute for checking a particular car’s engine, transmission, options, and condition.
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Sixth-generation Camaro (2016–2024)
Chevrolet describes the 2016 Camaro as a lighter, more refined redesign. This generation introduced a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, and Chevrolet identifies the 650-hp ZL1 as the most powerful Camaro. Production concluded with the 2024 model year.
The final North American lineup included LT, LT1, SS, and ZL1 trims in coupe and convertible forms, with 1LE available on SS and ZL1. Chevrolet listed a 3.6-liter V6, 6.2-liter LT1 V8, and supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8. For the 2024 LT specifically, Chevrolet’s specification sheet gives the 3.6-liter V6 335 hp, with a standard six-speed manual and an available 10-speed automatic. Those LT details should not be generalized to other trims.
Chevrolet announced 2024 LT starting MSRPs of $32,495 for the coupe and $38,495 for the convertible in June 2023. These are historical launch prices before applicable taxes, fees, and options—not current used-car values. Chevrolet also described a 2024 ZL1 Collector’s Edition of 350 vehicles, with Panther Matte Black paint and serialized steering-wheel badges.
What Camaro trim names mean
Camaro badges are period-specific rather than a single, unchanged trim ladder. Chevrolet’s archived histories document names including RS, SS, Z28, Berlinetta, IROC-Z, ZL1, LT, and LT1 across different eras. The same badge can represent different equipment depending on model year, and some names refer to a package or engine as well as a trim.
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| Name | How to interpret it |
|---|---|
| RS | Historically associated with appearance features, including hidden headlights on first-generation cars. Later equipment varied by year. |
| SS | A performance-oriented designation. For example, GM Heritage documents the 1967 SS with a standard 350 CID V8. |
| Z28 | A performance name used in particular eras; the details and role changed over time. |
| IROC-Z | A third-generation Camaro introduced in 1985. |
| ZL1 | A name used for special high-performance Camaros, including the first supercharged Camaro in 2012 and the 650-hp sixth-generation model. |
| 1LE | An option package; for the 2024 North American lineup, Chevrolet listed it for SS and ZL1. |
For a used car, confirm the trim and options against its model-year records or documentation; badges alone do not establish factory specification.
How to assess Camaro value
There is no single useful Camaro price for all generations. The available research supports historical launch MSRP details for the 2024 LT and a specialist compilation of early option and pricing data, but it does not establish current comparable sale prices across years, trims, conditions, and locations. Treat historical MSRP as a new-car reference, not today’s used-car value.
To compare cars responsibly, match the model year and generation, trim and engine, transmission, body style, condition, originality or modifications, provenance, and location. Use dated listings or transaction data for the relevant market, and distinguish asking prices from completed sales. For older cars, the Camaro Research Group’s 1967–1969 option reference is a specialist resource; its stated production-data scope is US plants and its version is dated June 13, 2025.
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What are the years for each Camaro generation?
Chevrolet lists six spans: 1967–1969, 1970–1981, 1982–1992, 1993–2002, 2010–2015, and 2016–2024. There was an eight-year gap between the fourth- and fifth-generation eras.
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Did Chevrolet discontinue the Camaro?
Yes. Chevrolet and GM announced the end of Camaro production after the 2024 model year. GM said at the time of its March 2023 announcement that it was not announcing an immediate successor; that dated statement does not establish later plans.
What was the final Camaro lineup?
For the 2024 North American model year, Chevrolet listed LT, LT1, SS, and ZL1 trims in coupe and convertible forms. The 1LE option was available on SS and ZL1.
How much is a Camaro worth today?
The research used for this overview does not verify current used-car value ranges across Camaro generations. Compare dated local listings or transaction records for cars with similar year, trim, engine, condition, originality, and location; do not use a historical MSRP as a current value.
Which Camaro generation has the best engine?
There is no objective single best engine across six generations. The answer depends on whether you value historical significance, a particular performance era, daily use, or another priority. Compare year-specific engine specifications and the condition of the individual car.
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