2017 Chevrolet Camaro Review: Reliable Sports Coupe With Reasonable Ownership Costs As It Ages

The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro lasts around 200,000 miles with some transmission vibration and stereo system issues reported. At $25,590 to $59,500, it’s a great value for a muscle car with some more technology than the competition.

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 8/10 – 2017 is a good year for the Chevy Camaro since it offers a lot of performance and entertainment technology for the money. Owner reviews praise the sporty steering, exhaust noise, along with the stereo system.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are a little basic on the entry-level models, seats are supportive, cargo space is also less than many competitors.
• Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread problems found on the 2017 Camaro. Avoid models from 2010–2012 which have engine issues, while 2013–2022 are more reliable.
• Performance 9/10 – Performance is okay from the standard engine choices, while the most powerful V8 is one of the quickest coupes on the market.
• Safety 7/10 – The 2017 Camaro is reasonably safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, along with a head-up display.
• Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 23 MPG, giving 437 miles of range from the 19 gallon tank. Gas costs are $32 higher than average, at $246 per month.
• Value 8/10 – The 2017 Chevy Camaro is cheaper than many other sports cars on the market, making it a good value for shoppers looking for performance on a budget.

What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Camaro?

• Consumer Reports says the 2017 Chevy Camaro is a delight to drive with strong power, and reasonable owner satisfaction scores.
• Edmunds rates the Camaro at 4.4/5, enjoying the strong acceleration from the V8 engines, but doesn’t like the poor visibility with the small windows.
• Kelley Blue Book users give the Camaro a 4/5, praising the responsive handling and braking, but owners don’t like the hard plastics on the dash.

What Common Problems Does the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro Have?

Common problems found on the 2017 Chevy Camaro include the transmission vibrating, issues with the stereo system, along with excessive oil consumption. Overall, these problems are similar to other sports cars from the same year, leading to average repair bills as the Camaro ages.

The transmission vibrating is the most widespread complaint on the 2017 Camaro, showing up at roughly 25,000 miles. Usually, the problem is just caused by old transmission fluid. Flushing and refilling the transmission fixes the issue usually, and costs around $300, depending on local labor rates.

Issues with the stereo system have also been reported by some 2017 Camaro owners at around 15,000 miles. There are some software updates available which improve the stability of the system, and help prevent it from freezing. Most dealers will update the software for free, while some charge around $50.

Excessive oil consumption is another problem mentioned by some Camaro owners at around 15,000 miles. In most cases, excessive oil consumption is just part of the normal operation of the engine. We recommend checking your oil regularly, and topping it off as needed. There are some rare reports of valve issues leaking oil, which have usually been covered under warranty.

There are two recalls on the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro, which is similar to other sports coupes. The first recall covers a loss of power steering assist, and Chevy will replace the steering gear assembly on affected models for free. The second recall is for the steering wheel emblem, which Chevy will also replace.

How Long Will the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro Last?

A well-maintained 2017 Chevy Camaro can last around 200,000 miles, which is a bit shorter than the longer-lasting Toyota 86. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to some other sports cars, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $758 per year.

As a used 2017 Camaro reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the windshield washer fluid reservoir for $150, the brake master cylinder costing $300, along with the intake manifold gasket which costs $700.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is great with a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system, along with a larger 8-inch touchscreen.

Standard safety technology is decent, offering a rearview camera and a teen driver system.

Optional driver assistance features include:

• Rear parking sensors
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Head-up display

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro a Good Value?

Yes, the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro is a good value since it offers a good amount of performance for a reasonable price. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $25,590 to $59,500, making it less than a Chevy Corvette or Ford Mustang. When new, the price range was $25,905 to $67,140. Depreciation is similar to other sports coupes, losing about 6% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Chevy Camaro?

There are five main models of the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro offered, from the entry-level 1LT to the very high-performance ZL1. All Camaro models come standard with rear-wheel drive.

1LT is the entry-level model with:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED running lights
• Limited-slip differential (with the manual transmission)
• Backup camera
• Keyless ignition and entry
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Adjustable driving modes
• Bluetooth, OnStar, 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity
• 7-inch touchscreen (Chevy’s MyLink interface), Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
• Six-speaker sound system with satellite radio
• Optional Technology package: nine-speaker Bose audio system and an 8-inch MyLink touchscreen

2LT is a step up, adding:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Leather seats
• Includes features of the Technology package
• Optional Convenience and Lighting package: heated and auto-dimming mirrors, rear parking sensors, driver-seat memory functions, head-up display, heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, warning systems for blind spots, rear cross-traffic and lane departure
• Available RS package and 1LE package

1SS offers more performance with:

• 2-liter V8 engine (455 hp, 455 lb-ft)
• Six-speed manual with automatic rev-match downshift function (eight-speed automatic is optional)
• 20-inch wheels, four-piston Brembo brakes, FE3 sport-tuned suspension
• Mechanical limited-slip differential
• Track driving mode, rear spoiler, xenon headlights, upgraded gauges
• Standard 1LT features plus additional content

2SS is a more luxurious version adding:

• Includes all the features from the 2LT trim
• Unique interior accents
• Includes the Convenience and Lighting package
• Available navigation system
• Optional FE4 suspension with magnetically controlled adaptive dampers

ZL1 is the flagship high-performance model which has:

• 2-liter supercharged V8 engine (640 hp, 640 lb-ft)
• Six-speed manual (10-speed automatic is optional)
• Optional Heavy Duty Cooling and Brake package for 1LT and 2LT
• Includes all the 2SS and 1LE extras, minus the cosmetic differences
• Available sunroof
• Optional performance exhaust for V6- and V8-powered models
• Optional FE4 suspension with magnetically controlled adaptive dampers for V8 models

What Engines Come In the Chevy Camaro?

• The base engine is a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder that delivers 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine offers a combined fuel economy of about 23 miles per gallon (MPG). It’s paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic. The 0-60 mph time with this engine is around 5.4 seconds.
• The next option is a 3.6L V6, producing 335 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. It has a combined fuel economy of around 22 MPG. This engine also pairs with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. When equipped with the V6, the Camaro can sprint from 0-60 mph in around 5.1 seconds.
• Stepping up the performance ladder, there’s the 6.2L V8 found in the SS variant. It churns out 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine sees a combined fuel economy of around 20 MPG with cylinder deactivation. This V8 pairs with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic. With this engine, the Camaro’s 0-60 mph time drops to about 4 seconds.
• At the pinnacle of performance is the supercharged 6.2L V8 that comes with the ZL1 model. It pumps out an impressive 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The combined fuel economy for this powertrain is around 16 MPG. The ZL1 comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission, but for the first time, it was also available with a ten-speed automatic transmission in 2017. The 0-60 mph time with this engine is a blistering 3.5 seconds

What Colors Does the Chevy Camaro Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Chevy Camaro?

The 2017 Chevy Camaro provides a balance of sportiness and comfort that is well-regarded in its class. The car features well-bolstered, supportive front seats designed to keep you comfortable and secure even when navigating through fast corners. The available power-adjustable seating with optional heating and ventilation further enhances the comfort, making it suitable for different climates and driving conditions.

Regarding ride quality, the Camaro does an admirable job for a sports car. Its performance-oriented suspension provides firm handling, but it doesn’t sacrifice comfort on the road. It absorbs road imperfections decently well, providing a fairly smooth ride for the daily commute. However, it’s worth mentioning that the Camaro’s sporty nature might make it feel a bit stiffer than a traditional family sedan.

The interior of the Camaro is not only comfortable but also stylish. The cockpit-inspired design places controls within easy reach of the driver, adding to the overall driving experience. Noise levels inside the cabin are reasonably subdued for a sports car, although you can still enjoy the satisfying growl of the engine when you put your foot down.

However, potential buyers should keep in mind that as a two-door coupe or convertible, the Camaro’s rear seats are quite tight, particularly for taller passengers. The car is best suited to two people with occasional extra passengers. Similarly, visibility can be challenging due to the car’s design, but available driver-assistance technologies can help mitigate this issue.

How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Camaro Have?

The 2017 Chevy Camaro combines style and performance with functionality. One of the key considerations for any car owner is storage space, and the Camaro has been designed with this in mind. The trunk offers a modest 9.1 cubic feet of cargo space for the coupe version. Though the space is compact compared to larger cars, it is enough for the essentials.

For example, it can comfortably fit a small suitcase or a few grocery bags, perfect for a quick trip to the store or a weekend getaway. The convertible version of the Camaro, on the other hand, offers slightly less space with 7.3 cubic feet due to the space required for the folding top mechanism. In either version, it’s crucial to plan and pack wisely to make the most out of the available space. Additionally, the rear seatback can be folded down to accommodate longer items, though the access opening remains somewhat narrow.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The sixth generation of the Chevy Camaro was introduced for the 2016 model year.

2015: No major changes from earlier years.

2016: Fully redesigned for the sixth generation with new engines, styling, and technology.

2017: 1LE package introduced, new ZL1 trim level, and 50^th Anniversary Edition.

2018: ZL1 offers new 1LE Extreme Track Performance package, new entry-level 1LS trim.

2019: Minor exterior styling changes, new infotainment system and 1LE performance offered on four-cylinder models.

2020: New Midrange LT1 model introduced, 10-speed automatic offered on V6 models.

2021: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now offered, minor changes to standard features.

How Does the Chevy Camaro Compare to the Competition?

The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro is a good sports car if you’re in the market for something powerful while also looking for something that offers decent reliability ratings as it ages.

The Dodge Challenger is another sports coupe available for about $2,000 less. Passenger room is better in the Dodge Challenger, while the steering is more precise in the Chevy Camaro. We recommend the Chevy Camaro, although both are great muscle cars worth testing to see which you prefer.

The Ford Mustang is another coupe which can be found for about $2,500 more. Handling is better in the Ford Mustang, while the Chevy Camaro offers more powerful engine choices. We recommend the Ford Mustang since it’s slightly more affordable to own long-term, but both are nice cars.

Do Owners Recommend the Chevrolet Camaro?