Best Chevrolet Camaro Generations (Ranked) in 2027
By Kory White · Updated Oct 2026 · 5 min read
Direct answer
The 4th gen Camaro is the 1993-2002 model years, and the 6th gen is 2016-2024, with the SS offered from 2016 through 2024. Ranked on top factory horsepower, the 2017-2018 ZL1 (650 hp) is first, ahead of the 2010-2013 5th gen (580 hp) and the 6th-gen SS (455 hp) in its 2019-2024 and 2016-2018 forms.
1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 and SS (4th gen LS1)
Best classic
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 (1st gen)
1980s icon
1985-1990 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z (3rd gen)
The ranking
1
2017-2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (6th gen)
Photo: Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe peak of the nameplate.
Top engine: 6.2 L LT4 supercharged V8 with 650 hp and 650 lb-ft; the ZL1 was introduced in 2017 at the top of the sixth-generation lineupPerformance: 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and a quarter mile in 11.4 seconds at 127 mph, with an official top speed of 198 mphTrack record: A ZL1 1LE set a Nurburgring Nordschleife lap of 7 minutes 16.04 seconds in 2017, 13.6 seconds faster than the standard ZL1EPA fuel economy: 2019 ZL1 with the 10-speed automatic: 16 mpg combined (13 city / 21 hwy)NHTSA: 2017 model year: 3 recalls (including electric power steering and frontal air bags) and 190 complaintsPrice: Not published in the sources used
The ZL1 sat at the top of the sixth generation from 2017, with a supercharged 6.2 L LT4 V8 making 650 hp. It reaches 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, and a ZL1 1LE lapped the Nurburgring in 7 minutes 16.04 seconds in 2017. The 2017 model year has 3 recalls and 190 complaints.
Go ifThe quickest, most powerful Camaro Chevrolet ever sold
Skip ifYou want a cheap used one or a daily commuter
Why #1 over #2: Its 650 hp beats the 580 hp fifth-generation ZL1.
2
2010-2013 Chevrolet Camaro (5th gen)
Photo: GPS 56 from New Zealand / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictStrong, though the 2010 year has 295 complaints.
Top engine: ZL1 (2012-2015): supercharged 6.2 L LSA V8 with 580 hp and 556 lb-ft, six-speed manual or 6L90 automaticYears: Production began March 16, 2009 for the 2010 model year; the fifth generation ran through the 2015 model year, with a redesigned front and rear end for 2014 (not shown in the photo)Production: 1,971 ZL1s were built for the 2012 model yearEPA fuel economy: 2010 SS with the 6.2 L V8 and six-speed manual: 19 mpg combined (16 city / 24 hwy)NHTSA: 2010 model year: 3 recalls (including ignition and battery cables) and 295 complaintsPrice: Not published in the sources used
The fifth generation began production on March 16, 2009 for the 2010 model year. Its ZL1 made 580 hp, and 1,971 were built for 2012. The 2010 model year has 3 recalls and 295 complaints, and an SS with the manual returns 19 mpg combined.
Go ifRetro styling and a 580 hp ZL1 at used prices
Skip ifYou want the 2014-2015 facelift or a recall-light model year
Why #2 over #3: Its 580 hp ZL1 beats the 455 hp SS cars of the sixth generation.
3
2019-2024 Chevrolet Camaro SS (6th gen facelift)
Photo: HJUdall / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe newest SS, with only 1 recall for 2019.
Years: The 2019 model year brought a mid-cycle redesign in fall 2018; production of the sixth generation ended on December 14, 2023Engine: 6.2 L LT1 V8 with 455 hp and 455 lb-ft, 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds; a 10-speed automatic joined the SS from 20191LE package: Adds Magnetic Ride Control suspension, Brembo six-piston front brakes and an electronic limited-slip differential with a 3.73:1 ratioEPA fuel economy: 2019 SS with the 10-speed automatic: 20 mpg combined (16 city / 27 hwy)NHTSA: 2019 model year: 1 recall (frontal air bags) and 53 complaintsFinal year: A 2024 Collector's Edition was offered on all trims of the Camaro, including the SS
The facelifted sixth-generation SS keeps the 6.2 L LT1 V8 at 455 hp and 455 lb-ft and gained a 10-speed automatic for 2019, returning 20 mpg combined. The 2019 model year has 1 recall and 53 complaints, and production ended on December 14, 2023.
Go ifThe best-equipped Camaro SS, with the 10-speed automatic
Skip ifYou dislike the facelifted front end, which many critics did
Why #3 over #4: It has the same 455 hp as the 2016-2018 SS but the newer transmission and a shorter recall record.
4
2016-2018 Chevrolet Camaro SS (6th gen)
Photo: Noah Wulf / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictA great-handling SS that is easy to find used.
Years: Introduced to the public on May 16, 2015, with sales starting in 2015 for the 2016 model year; the SS launched in 1SS and 2SS trimsEngine: 6.2 L LT1 V8 with 455 hp and 455 lb-ft, offered with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic1LE package: The V8 1LE returned for the 2017 model year with a 3.73:1 limited-slip differential and 20-inch forged wheelsEPA fuel economy: 2016 SS with the six-speed manual: 19 mpg combined (16 city / 25 hwy)NHTSA: 2016 model year: 1 recall (software) and 141 complaintsPrice: Not published in the sources used
The original sixth-generation SS went on sale for the 2016 model year with the same 455 hp V8 and a choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. The 2016 model year has 1 recall and 141 complaints, and the manual SS returns 19 mpg combined.
Go ifThe original 6th-gen SS with the pre-facelift face
Skip ifYou want the 10-speed automatic
Why #4 over #5: Its 455 hp beats the 430 hp rating of the first-generation ZL1.
5
1967-1969 Chevrolet Camaro (1st gen)
Photo: Alexander Migl / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictPure muscle-car heritage.
Years: Introduced in the fall of 1966 for the 1967 model year and built through the 1969 model yearBase engine: 230 cu in straight-6 rated at 140 hp; Chevrolet offered eight engines in 1967, 10 in 1968 and 12 in 1969Top engine: The 1969 COPO 9560 ZL1 had an all-aluminum 427 rated at 430 hp (SAE gross); 69 ZL1 Camaros were builtBig-block option: The 1969 COPO 9561 L72 427 was rated at 425 hp, with around 1,000 Camaros fitted with itPrice: Not published in the sources used
The first generation arrived for 1967 and ran through 1969. Its COPO ZL1 had an aluminum 427 rated at 430 hp, with only 69 built, while about 1,000 Camaros got the 425 hp L72 427.
Go ifThe classic that started the Camaro line
Skip ifYou need modern safety or daily usability
Why #5 over #6: Its 430 hp gross rating tops the 360 hp of the second generation.
6
1970-1981 Chevrolet Camaro (2nd gen)
Photo: MercurySable99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictBest in 1970; the rest is a story of detuning.
Years: Introduced in spring 1970 and produced through the 1981 model year, longer, lower and wider than the first generationTop engine: 1970 Z28: 350 cu in LT-1 V8 rated at 360 hp (SAE gross)Power decline: The 1971 LT-1 dropped to 330 hp gross (275 hp net), and by 1972 the same engine was rated at 255 hp netProduction: 218,853 coupes were built in 1977, a second-generation record, and the Camaro outsold the Mustang for the first timePrice: Not published in the sources used
The second generation arrived in spring 1970 and ran through 1981. The 1970 Z28 LT-1 made 360 hp, but ratings fell to 330 hp gross in 1971 and 255 hp net by 1972, and 218,853 coupes were built in 1977.
Go ifLong-hood 1970s style with a 360 hp 1970 Z28
Skip ifYou want power after 1971, when emissions rules cut output
Why #6 over #7: Its 360 hp tops the 330 hp LT4 SS of the early fourth generation.
7
1993-1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (4th gen)
Photo: Elise240SX / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictA good-value Z28 with a lot of recalls on record.
Years: The fourth generation ran for the 1993 through 2002 model years; the 1993-1997 cars have the original nose, introduced in January 1993Z28 engine: 5.7 L LT1 V8 rated at 275 hp and 325 lb-ft in the 1993 Z28Top engine: The 1997 30th Anniversary LT4 SS by SLP Engineering made 330 hp and 340 lb-ft; 108 were built and it cost $40,000Production: 645 Indianapolis 500 pace car editions were made in 1993EPA fuel economy: 1993 Z28 with the six-speed manual: 18 mpg combined (15 city / 23 hwy)NHTSA: 1993 model year: 6 recalls and 42 complaints
The original fourth-generation nose ran from the January 1993 launch through 1997. The Z28 had a 275 hp LT1, and the 1997 SLP LT4 SS made 330 hp, with 108 built at $40,000. The 1993 model year has 6 recalls and 42 complaints.
Go ifThe 1990s Camaro with the Corvette-based LT1
Skip ifYou want the later LS1 engine
Why #7 over #8: Its 330 hp edges the 325 hp of the LS1 SS.
8
1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 and SS (4th gen LS1)
Photo: MercurySable99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best-value performance Camaro.
Years: The 1998 model year brought a facelift with a new front end, nicknamed the "Catfish Camaro"; the final fourth-generation car was built on 27 August 2002Engine: 5.67 L LS1 V8 rated at 310 hp from 1998; for 2001 the Z28 made 310 hp and the SS 325 hpProduction: 48,495 in 1998, 29,009 in 2001 (the lowest) and 42,098 in 2002EPA fuel economy: 2002 Camaro with the 5.7 L V8 and six-speed manual: 20 mpg combined (17 city / 26 hwy)NHTSA: 2002 model year: 5 recalls and 81 complaintsPrice: Not published in the sources used
The 1998 facelift brought the LS1 V8, 310 hp at launch and 325 hp in the 2001 SS. 48,495 were built in 1998, and the final car was built on 27 August 2002. The 2002 model year has 5 recalls and 81 complaints.
Go ifThe LS1 Camaro, and the cheapest quick V8 here
Skip ifYou want a factory car with more than 325 hp
Why #8 over #9: Its 325 hp beats the 290 hp of the 1969 Z/28.
9
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 (1st gen)
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictIconic, but the power on paper is modest.
Engine: 302 cu in small-block V8 rated at 290 hp at 5,800 rpm and 290 lb-ft, with 11:1 compression and a Holley carburetorDrivetrain: Muncie four-speed manual with a Hurst shifter, and a 12-bolt rear axle with 3.73 gearsProduction: Z/28 sales rose from 7,200 in 1968 to over 20,000 in 1969, and 602 were sold in 1967Origin: Built for SCCA Trans-Am racing; the Z/28 option was introduced in December 1966 for the 1967 model yearPrice: Not published in the sources used
The 1969 Z/28 used a 302 cu in V8 rated at 290 hp, a Muncie four-speed with a Hurst shifter and a 12-bolt rear axle. Sales rose from 7,200 in 1968 to over 20,000.
Go ifThe racing homologation special
Skip ifYou want big-block torque
Why #9 over #10: Its 290 hp beats the 245 hp of the IROC-Z.
10
1985-1990 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z (3rd gen)
Photo: Sicnag / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictStyle over speed.
Years: The IROC-Z was introduced for 1985, named after the International Race of Champions, and ended in 1990; the third generation ran 1982-1992Engine: 1985 305 cu in TPI LB9 rated at 215 hp; the 1990 IROC-Z with the 5.7 L TPI engine made 245 hp at 4,400 rpmProduction: The 1990 model year was the lowest to date at 35,048EPA fuel economy: 1990 Camaro 5.7 L automatic: 17 mpg combined (15 city / 22 hwy)NHTSA: 1990 model year: 5 recalls and 28 complaintsPrice: Not published in the sources used
The IROC-Z ran from 1985 to 1990, named after the International Race of Champions. The 1990 car with the 5.7 L TPI made 245 hp, and the 1990 model year has 5 recalls and 28 complaints.
Go ifThe 1980s poster car
Skip ifYou want modern power or handling
How we ranked these
We ranked each entry on the highest factory horsepower offered in its model years as rated by Chevrolet, using SAE gross figures before 1972 and net figures after, so older ratings overstate real power. NHTSA recall and complaint counts are for the single model year named, and EPA mpg is from fueleconomy.gov. The chart shows top factory horsepower. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What years is the 4th gen Camaro?
The fourth-generation Camaro was produced for the 1993 through 2002 model years. It was introduced in January 1993 and revised in 1998 with a new front end and the LS1 V8; the last one was built on 27 August 2002.
What years is the 6th gen Camaro?
The sixth-generation Camaro was introduced on May 16, 2015, with sales starting for the 2016 model year, and it ran through the 2024 model year. Production ended on December 14, 2023.
What years did the 6th gen Camaro SS run?
The SS was part of the sixth generation from the 2016 launch, in 1SS and 2SS trims with a 6.2 L LT1 V8 making 455 hp, through the final 2024 model year, when a Collector's Edition was offered on all trims.
What are the Camaro generations and years?
The first generation ran 1967-1969, the second 1970-1981, the third 1982-1992, the fourth 1993-2002, the fifth 2010-2015 and the sixth 2016-2024.
Top factory horsepower at a glance
1985-1990 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z (3rd gen)245 hp
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 (1st gen)290 hp
1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 and SS (4th gen LS1)325 hp
1993-1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (4th gen)330 hp
1970-1981 Chevrolet Camaro (2nd gen)360 hp
1967-1969 Chevrolet Camaro (1st gen)430 hp
2019-2024 Chevrolet Camaro SS (6th gen facelift)455 hp
2016-2018 Chevrolet Camaro SS (6th gen)455 hp
2010-2013 Chevrolet Camaro (5th gen)580 hp
2017-2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (6th gen)650 hp
Top factory horsepower, as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
