Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS demands to be loved
by Jonathon Ramsey on Oct 1st 2009 at 11:57AM 
2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS – Click above for high-res image gallery
The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has taken so long to get to here we wouldn't be surprised if Caravaggio did the original sketches. We wanted the car when we first saw it back in 6 B.C. We drove prototypes sometime around the Norman Conquest. And now it's finally on the streets. It seems like a mighty long time, but a Camaro SS finally found its way into our hands and it was like being delivered a mail-order bride we'd been corresponding with for ages, begging, "Please, just get here." But how long would our honeymoon last? Or would there be one at all? We hit the road to find out.
Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Photos copyright ©2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
The largest potential impediment to a successful honeymoon for us and our Camaro bride was the memory of our first date. See, we had met once, in a distant land – well, San Diego – for the car's launch. And we have to admit we couldn't get the hang of it. The Camaro felt awesome in a straight line, perfect for devouring long, Midwestern B-roads where its true base will use it to make the leaves and homecoming queens tremble. But then we'd get to a kink in the road and things would fall apart. Numbness seemed to be the order du jour and the next thing we knew we were veering off into the oncoming lane. After experiencing the same sensation time and time again, it was obvious there was a disconnect between what we were doing and what the car was doing, but were weren't sure if it was us or the Camaro. By the end of the day, we crawled through any sharp, high-speed turn in a haze of reluctant frustration.
But you can't give up on a three-year love affair after one lackluster afternoon. We had to get one at home, spend some time with it, "get to know it" and then we could see if we just shared an off day together.
The Camaro has done the show circuit so long that belaboring its looks would be treading through old oatmeal, so we'll just make a couple of points. When our man Nunez drove the V6 RS, he commented on how close the six-pot was to the SS in appearance, with the front chin spoiler and rear diffuser insert being the major differences. He's right. It's really the wheels that make or break the Camaro, and if you get the RS package on the V6 you'll get the big spinners. But those minor aesthetic tweaks – the chin spoiler and (yes) fake hood scoop – make all the difference. It's subtle. Big and angry, but subtle.
On the inside, however, it's a mixed bag, with a big lump of coal at the bottom being the center console – embodied by the kind of display we haven't seen since our sixth grade alarm clock. It's novel and it isn't ugly, but every time we look at the gauges they scream, "This is where your money didn't go." And while we dig the combination of large buttons and dials for the radio and fan, the eight tiny buttons inside the knobs for specific vent and A/C settings required us to decipher each hieroglyph before we could pull away. Granted, if you've had your deposit in since the Ice Age and have finally taken delivery, you'll adapt. But getting acclimated takes a few tries and an occasional blast in the face from the A/C when you meant to deploy the defroster. Otherwise, the interior is fine – as long as you don't mind a lot of plastic.
The seats are large and relatively wide, though plenty comfy and still supportive when you need a hug. While the back seats are fine places to sit for short periods, if you're taller than 5' 9" you'll have to cock your head to the side, and if someone in front is over six foot tall, leg room gets decidedly spartan in quick order.
Although one of the Camaro's defining design elements is its high shoulder line and low greenhouse, you'll have to endure a few functional trade-offs. The low roof frame caused an occasional (and painful) head-to-headliner encounter when we leaned forward to look left, something we've only experienced when manning the helm of the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.
The lower deck brings up another issue in the form of visibility, or better yet, opacity. At the four compass points, everything's fine. The rear window is smallish and the rearview mirror is... quaint, but everything you need to see is present and accounted for. However, we'd advise staying back when you get to intersections equipped with high-mounted traffic lights, otherwise they're out of sight and the horn orchestra is all too happy to let you know when things have changed from red to green.
If given enough fluting and capital, the A-pillar could do double-duty as an Ionic column. It's positively huge, and on curvy bits it always seems to be perfectly angled to stay between us and easy sight of the road, causing us to juke and jive for a clear view during mountain runs. By the same token, the blind spots are tremendous due to the massive width of the C-pillars. You can still get a bead on everything at your 5 and 7, but this isn't a quick flick over the shoulder and lane swap; it's look, check the mirror, look again, then ease over and listen for a crunch. It's the same experience the first time you pull out of an angled parking spot when you realize all you can do is say a prayer, roll down the windows and listen up. Thankfully, many of these shortcomings fall by the wayside once pointed straight and underway.
Our SS tester was fitted with the six-speed Tremec 6060, and it is a sweet-shifting transmission. Combined with gearing that's neither too short nor too long and 426 hp, you've got long, deep pulls through every ratio up to redline. Sadly, when you really get on it, the exhaust and sound deadening muffles the noise so thoroughly you can't hear the forces at your disposal.
The suspension veers toward sportiness, yet there's a healthy range in terms of comfort. The car can swallow all manner of bumps without saying, "All right, that hurt," unless they are exceptionally pointed or the sheer frequency gets ahead of the suspension's ability to keep things smooth. Freeways and long macadam roads are a breeze, but the real test comes in the canyons.
The Camaro's final exam was conducted on one of our favorite mountainous roads, and after a handful of corners we realized: Yes, we can make this relationship work. The steering is a tad numb on center, but turn it just a couple of degrees and it weights up quickly and smoothly; you know exactly where the wheels are and exactly where they're going to be.
Normally, our hands are planted at the 9 and 3 o'clock position, but the Camaro's tiller is so big we dropped them down to about 4:30 and 7:30 and simply fed the wheel through. For switchbacks we could throw a hand up and pull down, but the rack was quick enough to allow almost every turn to be handled by merely feeding line.
The gearing encouraged us to keep the car in second or third if the straights really opened up between corners. You could do a lot of shifting if you were trying to take home a trophy, but we found it much easier and just as satisfying to let the 426 horses do a little extra work when the revs got down below 2,500 RPM.
The Pirelli P Zeros (245/45 up front, 275/40 in back) ate it all up and didn't so much as grunt during the meal. By the time we were able to get some "We're really working now" noises out of the rubber, we'd approached the upper reaches of the Camaro's mechancial grip and understeer would come on in a smooth progression. At that point, you're a few clicks away from folly, but even then, the six-pot brakes up front and four-pots in the rears haul things down stupendously, and never faded on our runs up and over.
It was a glorious morning, and we basked in the afterglow when we got back. Until we got to the pump...
Gas gauges are, to be sure, imprecise things, but we've run the same stretch of canyon in numerous cars and we have never run out of gas as quickly as we did in the Camaro. On our first run we had an indicated quarter of a tank, but we had to stop before we even reached the top of the hill because the low fuel light came on. That's never happened before, but we're simultaneously unsurprised that it did.
She'll take you where you want to go and even do it just like you like... but you better make sure she's got a full tank.
When Alex drove the V6 RS, he said that model was the one to have if you were going to drive a Camaro every day. While we can understand his points, all of them valid... we say, "No way, Nunez." The SS is the one to get. The V6 might be almost as good for less money, but you just can't fake a V8; and at $35K for the kitted out version and that syrupy smooth six-speed, why should you? It isn't almost the thing, it is the thing... until the Z28 comes out.
Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Photos copyright ©2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
HotRodzNKustoms 12:08PM (10/01/2009)
A proper car that will win our hearts 30 or 40 years from now is one that you can have a bit of a love hate relationship with and I think the Camaro has that to the point that it... dare I say it... has a soul. And in the end as far as I am concerned a car having a soul is more important than having a low 0-60.
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akboss302 12:50PM (10/01/2009)
Couldn't have said it better myself...agree 100%, and that's what we need - more car's with 'soul'.
Danimal 1:05PM (10/01/2009)
Agreed. I would say this segment is one of the most emotionally driven choices. They are all good cars (Camaro, Mustang, Challenger, 370z, Genesis Coupe) but for me the Camaro has that intangible something that makes it special.
Joe 2:13PM (10/01/2009)
I think completely differently. I drove a V6 RS, and a 1SS, and was not impressed with either of them. What I thought was lacking was a soul. The cars felt totally numb to everything I did...my Mustang feels like it knows what I'm about to do, and is always ready to go. The Camaro just felt like it was there, and going through the motions...
Randy 3:06PM (10/01/2009)
This car does have soul! Plenty of it! It looks fantastic on the outside too and it's got serious power! But I test drove one last weekend and I wasn't impressed! The outside looks stunning, the power is awesome, but that's where it ends!
The interior looked like it was missing something. There's a big "left to right" piece that make it look wide open. Not much of a sporty feel. Actually, I felt like I was in a pickup truck. I'm not bashing the car here. I'm just sharing my experience...
There's also a sticker behind the rear view mirror that obstructs your view. Of course not by much but it lends itself to make you feel awkward while sitting inside. Almost like you're in a pickup truck with short windshield. Don't take my word for it, go sit in one you'll see what I'm referring to!
Also, multiple components in the interior are in odd places. For instance, the radio is low and the shifter is almost blocking it. This would be fine for button access but then it leaves the upper portion of the dash blank with exception of two oversized AC / Heat vents that actually are the focal point when sitting inside. It also make it so when you're driving you have to look so far down that you can't see the road.
One excellent feature was that the door lock buttons are in the middle near the radio. I thought that was neat! Of course tons of cars have door lock buttons in the middle, but it was actually on the dash in the middle. I like that part. The gauges for oil and others were hidden behind the shifter as well!
One major drawback was that there is no navigation system available. You can make a phonecall via OnStar if you need directions and get Turn-by-Turn dictated directions. No visual though! Of course after a while you pay for OnStar. Ugh!
The cup holders were made out of the crappiest plastic I've seen in a car since a friend of mine had one of those store bought cup holder / cassette tape organizers. It was really sad actually! The center arm rest and storage area was rather tiny too! Not that you need to fit groceries in there but fitting more than your CDs (if you still use those) would be troublesome! For me, I have CDs and an MP3 player! To connect your MP3 player, you'd have to take out your CDs or anything in there to get to the spot to plug in. And what if you want to store your MP3 player in the car to get it out of site while you're in a store? I guess the glove compartment would work but meh...
Of course I actually drove it! About 5 miles! Side roads and highway! It's got power but that's where it ends! The car is way to floaty! More so than my Charger R/T which to me is a boat on wheels! The steering lack response as well! The gas and brakes weren't anywhere near as touchy as I'd expect them. I felt like I was driving a base model midsize car (of your choice) with a big engine.
I'm sorry, but to me, this car is not all it's cracked up to be! Yes, it looks incredible! Only a blind, mentally ill, alien from Pluto would say otherwise! Otherwise, driving it, interior design, interior appointments, lack of navigation, lack of a spot to actually put navigation with such big air vents make it fail.
Would I be seen dead in one? HELL YEAH!
But to me, after the exterior wears off (maybe never happen its so damn good looking) but after that, it's like saying to your friends, "yeah, my girlfriend is a sloppy slob with all kinds of horrendous qualities but she's got a great "soul" / personality and is WAY hot after she walks out the door of Glamour Shots!
And just so everyone knows! I was dead set on BUYING the Camaro when I went into the dealership! I am a HUGE fan of the design! I'm simply not spending the money it! It broke my heart!
The Challenger is nicely appointed and looks cool, but the Mustang is perfect to drive and sit in. There's simply no competition! As for outside though, I like the Camaro best and the current Mustang and Challenger tie! I've had 3 Mustangs in my life so I may get the Challenger R/T. It's so hard because I know the Mustang is so well made and my Charger is falling apart so I'm at a crossroads! Ugh!....
In the end, I love that all three companies have pony cars! It's rocks!
I hope this was insightful!
akboss302 3:59PM (10/01/2009)
Randy, lack of navigation, seriously? This is a 426hp, V8, 6-speed muscle car for $35K. This is a grass-roots muscle car, not an Accord Coupe with RWD.
Braden 4:02PM (10/01/2009)
Seems like Randy! Is really freaking excited! To be posting on the comments section! Of a blog!
Rev 4:22AM (10/02/2009)
"Soul" = cheap, mass-produced lump of overweight plastic? Emphasis on cheap. Just can't tell what's worse: the interior or exterior... Makes the Cobalt look like an exotic car...
Seen several of these on the road. Classic reminder of how out-of-touch Chevy is. An absolute embarrassment...
Randy 1:10PM (10/02/2009)
@akboss302
Lack of navigation! Yeah bud! In a time when you can connect your MP3 Player, Cell Phone, PDA, Computer, DVD player, LCD TV to your car dashboard in a C or B segment car. I'd expect, no, actually I require that I at least have those options in an A Segment car!
It's like saying "Yeah you can have an A segment car with tons of power but we're giving you the options of a D segment car" and "you're still paying for A Segment!
Retro should stop at the design of the car. Not the technology in it!
Dave 12:18PM (10/01/2009)
They need to turbocharge the V6. The extra MPG wouldn't hurt performance.
I like the RS better for looks. I think the SS is a bit too blunt looking with the extra air dam.
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Martman 12:18PM (10/01/2009)
Gm had plenty of time to perfect this car and as usuall they did not! I have been in may of them.
-The e-brake lever is on the passanger side of the console and it is 3 feet long.
-It arrives at the destimation with mis placed interior parts and parts that are ill fitting.
-The steel door inserts went out of style with the 1973 F100 Ford.
-The console dash area it too busy and too confusing.
-Several TSB, and recalls already.
Just my opinion, and of coarse my money.
The challanger and the mustang just seem to be a more composed, and balanced car.
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hatteras75 12:33PM (10/01/2009)
Just go to your favorite Honda dealer and buy yourself another Civic...You'll like that.
Mr.K 12:45PM (10/01/2009)
Mustang: Maybe
Challenger: Not a chance
akboss302 12:53PM (10/01/2009)
Ya but those cars don't have the attitude of the Camaro, this thing just looks mean. I saw a black SS the other day and honestly had to stop and stare (and listen), man, that's a sweet car. And that's what its all about - muscle cars aren't practical, the interior isn't from a Honda or an Audi, but it has more character before the front tires than those cars have in their entirety.
PiCASSO 12:56PM (10/01/2009)
Seems like someone failed grade 9 english class in high school:
usuall
passanger
destimation
of coarse
Learn to spell, earn credibility.
Martman 1:38PM (10/01/2009)
Picasso
Don't be a jurk(intended) more people will like you.
Martman 1:38PM (10/01/2009)
Hatteras75
I already own two imports: A pontiac bonneville, and a dodge caravan. As I live in Canada these are both imports. Your flag waving american camaro is an import to you as it is made in Canada.
2010 caddy srx made in mexico,GM 1500 4 door pickup, made in mexico, chev hhr, made in mexico, chev avalanche, made in mexico. pontiac G3, made in mexico, Chev camaro, and impalla, made in canada.
What was your point. Not everybody who drives a car or owns a computer, or has an opinion in north america lives in the USA.
michaelbetts03 1:09PM (10/02/2009)
Once again we have someone speaking about something he truly doesn't know anything about.
The e-brake isn't that long. Yes I know 3 feet is an exaggeration but it is no longer than any other car.
I have never had an interior part become misplaced while driving my Camaro.
They are not "Steel" door inserts, they're a poly-euruthane plastic painted silver from the backside as to let the ambient lighting on the tope shine through the unpainted section. If you've ever been in a Camaro as you claim you would know this.
To your point about the dash/concole area being busy and confusing, If you are able to read books with pictures then you can read the dash buttons. Looks like you failed pre-school.
There hasn't been a single recall on this car yet, and TSB's are very common. The TSB's that have been announced for this car are negligible to say the least.
I doubt you've ever driven a 2010 Mustang OR Challenger. They all have something to offer that the other doesn't, the Mustang being light, the Challenger having true heritage looks executed perfectly, the Camaro SS lands right in the middle. A little on the heavy side, but lighter than the Challenger, all the power of the Cahllenger which is quite a bit more than the Mustang, and a handling/ride tradeoff that is nearly perfect. I would say the Camaro SS is more rounded than the other two. Do me one favor, don't hate on GM because you think it's cool, or you're just joining the bandwagon. Try and do your research first.
MoonRover 3:26PM (10/01/2009)
.....and you're nuttier than a Collins Street fruitcake. I drove one and almost peed my pants it felt so good. This car has soul by the bushels, but those that live with their panties in a wad won't notice or appreciate it.
jv2k 3:28PM (10/01/2009)
Who said anything about imports?
Are you slow in the head or something?