By Josh RosenbergDue to extremely high new and used car prices, as well as high interest rate loans, many carbuyers have turned to "older" models that have aged well as a way to save significant dollars. And one of their "go to" Muscle Cars has been the 2011 Camaro due to its solid reputation for reliability and dependability.
In fact, a properly cared for 2011 Camaro is expected to drive over 200,000 miles with only limited engine and airbag issues. And based on owner feedback, J.D. Power gives it a Quality & Reliability score of 84/100, which is "Great".
So here, ...
- We'll review its features and characteristics along with it's overall pros and cons.
- Next, we'll take a look at the established reliability of the 2011 Camaro.
- And finally, we'll list areas of some reported mechanical problems that should be checked before buying one today.
But first, and very importantly ...
Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Vehicle
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the Dealer or private seller, it's usually best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
And My #1 Price Tip: Please, always get online price quotes at auto sites such as CarsDirect.com and Edmunds.com (both, actually), whether looking for a new or used car. Competition among dealers for your business does amazing things to prices, and it's so easy. It really does make a difference.
Also, Always Know The Value Of Your Trade-In
Whether you are trading or selling on your own, it's just a good idea ... even whether you are in the market or not at the moment. You can then use this important information for a number of purposes ... to negotiate with a dealer, or to know how to price your car in the retail market, or simply to know the value of one of your assets, which is always a good idea.
Getting trade-in values online tend to vary a lot from site to site. But I've found the one at Edmunds Trade-In Quotes is particularly comprehensive and accurate.
It's free and just takes a couple of minutes. I think what helps its accuracy is the inputs will include either your plate# or VIN# followed by many simple, but specific, yes/no questions. It really focuses in on the detail of the specific vehicle.
2011 Chevy Camaro Overview
The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro sports its iconic, muscle-car good looks, fast acceleration with either V6 and V8 engines, lots of bang for the performance buck, capable handling and even decent gas mileage with the V6.
That said, there's also some drawbacks, including driver visibility issues, a very small backseat and a small trunk. While these qualities detract from the usefulness of the Camaro as daily transportation, judging from the healthy sales volumes, devotees don't seem to mind these sacrifices in exchange for the thrilling acceleration and head-turning looks.
Shoppers in this segment should note that the Camaro's top rival, the Ford Mustang, was given new engines the previous year, resulting in both vehicles having pretty much the same straight-line acceleration, although the Mustang is still considered to have the upper hand when driving around corners.
Another reborn blast-from-the-past perhaps worthy of a look is the Dodge Challenger, which combines impressive performance with a useable backseat and a good-sized trunk.
And new for the 2011 model year, the V6 Camaro got a horsepower boost to 312-ponies from 304. Also new was standard OnStar on all models while a head-up display became standard on the 2LT and 2SS models.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2011 Camaro is a four-seat coupe offered in V6 LS, 1LT and 2LT trims, as well as V8 1SS and 2SS trims.
Standard features on the Camaro LS include power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, air conditioning, black 18-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, cruise control, OnStar, automatic headlights, 4-way manual front seats with power recline, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a 6-speaker audio system with a CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.
The 1LT model then adds 8-way power seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and foglamps. There's also a Convenience and Connectivity package for the 1LT that adds remote ignition on the automatic, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors and an iPod interface.
The 2LT includes all of the above plus leather upholstery, 19-inch alloy wheels, a head-up display, heated front seats, additional gauges, heated mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a 9-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system (optional on the 1LT).
The Camaro SS comes in two versions. The 1SS is equipped like the 1LT but adds a V8 engine, a sport-tuned suspension, a rear spoiler, 20-inch wheels and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the 2SS comes with the 1SS's performance equipment and the 2LT's features.
The optional RS package is offered on all models except the LS and includes 20-inch wheels, a special taillight design and xenon headlights. Other options include a sunroof (not on the LS) and a wide choice of exterior striping and accent items.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the 2011 Chevy Camaro LS and LT models is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces a healthy 312-horsepower and 278-pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a standard 6-speed manual transmission while a 6-speed automatic is optional. Last year's slightly less powerful V6 could go from a standstill to 60 mph in a very quick 6.1 seconds.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for this engine is 17 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway with the manual and 18 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with the automatic.
Under the hood of the 2011 Camaro SS is a 6.2-liter V8 that's good for a robust 426-horsepower and 420-lb-ft of torque with the manual and 400-horsepower and 410-lb-ft with the automatic (again, both 6-speeds). The automatic SS also features cylinder deactivation. The manual SS can blaze from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds.
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The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the SS stands at 16 mpg city and 24 highway with the manual, and 17 and 25, respectively, with the automatic.
Safety:
Standard safety features for all 2011 Camaros include stability control, antilock disc brakes (ABS), OnStar, an antiskid system, a tire-pressure monitor, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In performance testing, both the V6 and V8 Camaro models with 20-inch wheels stopped from 60 mph in an impressive 111 feet.
In government crash testing, the Camaro earned five out of five stars for front occupant side-impact protection and four stars for frontal-impact protection for both the driver and passenger.
Interior:
The 2011 Camaro's cabin is an attractive mix of retro design elements and modern esthetics. The overall effect is a welcome change from the typically somewhat bland look usually found in muscle cars.
In addition, the seating is comfortable and supportive. Those things said, there is an abundance of hard and inferior-quality plastics that detract from the look and feel of the interior.
Driver visibility is also an issue. The Camaro's low-profile windows make for significant blind spots and more challenging parking. The backseat is also quite small (smallest in its class), making for uncomfortable passenger accommodations.
The trunk's cargo capacity is smallish, but reasonable, at 11.3-cubic-feet. However, the opening is unfunctionally small, making longer items, such as golf clubs, sometimes impossible to load.
Drive:
The power and acceleration of the 2011 Camaro is impressive in either V6 or V8 form. And its refined suspension and responsive steering has made it the most capable handling Camaro ever. In daily around-town and highway driving, the new Camaro is also surprisingly well-behaved, comfortable and quiet.
The downside is its outward visibility, so extra caution needs to be used when changing lanes and parking. The bottom line though, is that it sure does look and drive great.
2011 Chevy Camaro Pros
Styling: It boasts a classic, muscular design that pays homage to the original Camaros, appealing to many enthusiasts.
Performance: Depending on the trim and engine, it can offer robust performance with powerful V6 and V8 engine options, providing impressive acceleration and power.
Handling: The Camaro has a well-tuned suspension, making it enjoyable to drive on both straight roads and winding curves.
Interior Features: The cabin design is modern and packed with features like Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and available upgraded sound systems.
Comfort: Despite its sporty nature, it can offer a comfortable ride for daily driving or longer trips, especially in models with adjustable suspension settings.
2011 Chevy Camaro Cons
Visibility: Its design can compromise visibility, especially with a small rear window and thick rear pillars.
Interior Space: The back seats are cramped, typical for a coupe, and the trunk space is somewhat limited compared to its competitors.
Fuel Economy: Generally, high-performance engines tend to have lower fuel efficiency, and the Camaro, especially with the V8, might not be as fuel-efficient as some other cars in its class.
Interior Quality: While the design might be attractive, some materials used in the interior could feel a bit cheap or less refined compared to rivals.
Handling and Maneuverability: Its size and weight can make it feel less nimble in tight spaces or city driving compared to smaller, lighter cars.
2011 Chevy Camaro Reliability
Despite some reported issues, the 2011 Chevy Camaro has positive reliability qualities that have been highlighted by many owners:
Engine Performance: The engines in the Camaro, especially the V6 and V8 options, have proven to be robust and reliable for many drivers. With regular maintenance, these engines can endure high mileage without major issues.
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Structural Integrity: The car's overall structure and build quality have received praise for their sturdiness. Many owners have noted that the Camaro feels solid and well-built.
Longevity: When properly cared for, many Camaro owners have reported that their vehicles have held up well over time. With regular maintenance and attention to service intervals, these cars can remain dependable for years.
Community and Support: The Camaro has a dedicated community of owners and enthusiasts, which often helps in sharing maintenance tips, DIY repairs, and resources for keeping the car in good condition.
2011 Chevy Camaro Mechanical Problem Watchlist:
Most owners have reported good experiences with their vehicles, citing solid performance and durability over time. However, like all cars, there have been a few issues reported with the 2011 model year which should be checked before buying:
Air Bag Warning: Air bag warning lights have been the most common complaint from owners involving a sensor for the passenger airbag. Replacing the parts costs approximately $200.
Check Engine Warning: Check engine warning messages are another issue reported by some due to different varied causes. These repairs have ranged generally between $100 to $1,000.
Air Conditioner: A/C heater core failures are a rare issue mentioned by some owners but can be costly.
Power Steering: Some drivers have experienced issues with the power steering system, including occasional failures or malfunctions.
Electrical Problems: Certain electrical components, such as the door lock actuators or window motors, have been reported to malfunction in some instances.
Transmission: A few owners have reported issues with the automatic transmission, including rough shifting or transmission failure.
Interior Build Quality: While the design might be attractive, some users have complained about interior materials feeling cheap or experiencing premature wear and tear.
As with any car, it should be noted that reliability can vary based on maintenance, driving habits and conditions, and timeliness of repairs.