2012 Chevrolet Camaro

header-image
Rating7.5

Ranked #4 in 

Compact Coupe
Write Review
$23,280 - $41,030
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Aggressive acceleration

Space in the rear is tight

Revival of the ZL1 trim

V6 engine returns good fuel economy figures

Small trunk

Sportier steering wheel, standard spoiler

Balanced handling

Less visibility

Special 45th Anniversary optional package

Refined ride quality

Subpar interior materials

Standard V6 engine sees a bump in power

Specs & Features

$23,280

price

323 hp @ 6800 rpm

horsepower

278 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

torque

6-Speed Manual

transmission

3.6L 6cyl RWD 6M

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Chevrolet Camaro name was discontinued in the year 2003 and saw a revival for the 2010 model year. Since it came back in the muscle car segment, the old rivalries have been revived. For the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro coupe, the looks have been kept similar to the retro Camaro design. The car promises a capable engine and great handling as well.

Buying Advice

1LT trim is the one to go for as it comes with better interior materials, more features as standard which increases not only the upscale feel of the car inside but also makes it more safe and modern thanks to the added tech. The Convenience and Connectivity package is optional on the lower trims as standard from this trim level onwards.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

It entered the third year of production after its revival and once the Chevrolet Camaro name was re-introduced, its sales shot up and have remained since. The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro is a good-looking, powerful, and fun-to-drive muscle car that is loved by many across the States. It rivals the likes of the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, and Nissan 370Z.

Features
8.0/10

The standard lineup of Camaro comes in four trims. Starting from the base 1LS trim which comes at a sticker price of $23,280. The top trim is 2LT which comes with a lot of modern techs, features, and gadgets fitted in the car, and although the 2LT trim is well equipped, it still does not see a major bump in price, and the 2LT comes at a sticker price of $28,430. The SS and ZL1 trim levels are reviewed separately.

Trim

1LS

2LS

1LT

2LT

MSRP

$23,280

$24,480

$25,280

$28,430

Key Features

V6 engine

Adds or Replaces the features of 1LS trim: 

Adds or Replaces the features of 2LS: 

Adds or Replaces the features of 1LT:

 

Post-collision safety system

18-inch steel wheels

8-way power-adjustable front seats

Rearview camera with parking sensors

 

Rear limited-slip differential

Dusk sensing auto delay headlamps

Premium Cloth Upholstery

9-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system

 

Cloth upholstery

Front and rear head airbags

Leather Steering wheel

19-inch alloy wheels

 

6-speaker audio system

 

18-inch Alloy wheels

Multi-level heated front seats

 

Tilt and telescoping steering wheel

 

Front Fog lights

12-months paid satellite radio service

       

Leather Upholstery

We Recommend

1LT trim is the one to go for as it comes with better interior materials, more features as standard which increases not only the upscale feel of the car inside but also makes it more safe and modern thanks to the added tech. The Convenience and Connectivity package is optional on the lower trims as standard from this trim level onwards.

Engine and Performance
8.2/10

As standard, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro comes with a 3.6 L V6 engine, which has been improved slightly for this year as it sees an increase in power from the previous year’s engine. The new 3.6-liter V6 produces 323 horsepower, 11hp more than what the last year's model produced. The torque figure stands at 278 pound-feet. The more powerful engine comes in the SS and ZL1 trim levels. 

All the engines come paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission, however, there is an optional six-speed automatic transmission available. All the power is sent to the rear wheels as standard. 0-60 MPH with the V6 engine comes up in just under 7 seconds whereas covering a quarter-mile takes 15.3 seconds. This is itself a great performance.

Models

2012 Chevrolet Camaro

2012 Ford Mustang

2012 Dodge Challenger

2012 Nissan 370Z

MSRP

$23,280

$22,310

$25,195

$32,280

Engine 

3.6L naturally aspirated V6

3.7L naturally aspirated V6

3.6L naturally aspirated V6

3.7L naturally aspirated V6

Drivetrain

RWD

RWD

RWD

RWD

Transmission

6-speed manual 

6-speed manual

5-speed automatic

6-speed manual

Power 

323 HP @ 6,800 RPM

305 HP @ 6,500 RPM

305 HP @ 6,350 RPM

332 HP @ 7,000 RPM

Torque

278 lb-ft @ 4,800 RPM

280 lb-ft @ 4,250 RPM

268 lb-ft @ 4,800 RPM

270 lb-ft @ 5,200 RPM

0-60 MPH (sec)

6.9

6.7

6.8

6.8

Quarter mile (sec)

15.3

15.1

15.4

15.4

Top Speed (MPH)

132

130

130

130

The Camaro is the most powerful among all the cars on road with the only odd one out being the Nissan 370Z. The Mustang also offers the most amount of torque. In practicality, the main rivals of the Camaro are the two true muscle cars, Mustang and Challenger which have a long legacy of rivalry. 0-60 and quarter-mile times, with top speed, remain almost identical for every car in the segment which explains how tough a choice is to select one between them. 

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

Muscle cars are not the most eco-friendly or fuel-efficient cars. The standard V6 engine in the 2012 Chevy Camaro performs decently when it comes to fuel economy and returns quite respectable figures. EPA estimates state that the standard engine will return 17 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on the highway, and 20 MPG in combined driving conditions. It comes fitted with a 19-gallon fuel tank which results in 532 highway miles of driving range on a full tank.

Models

2012 Chevrolet Camaro

2012 Ford Mustang

2012 Dodge Challenger

2012 Nissan 370Z

MPG (City)

17

19

18

18

MPG (Highway)

28

29

27

26

MPG (Combined)

20

22

21

21

Fuel Capacity (gallons)

19

16

19.5

19

Range (City/ Highway) (miles)

323/532

304/464

351/527

342/494

All the cars have almost identical engines, but the Mustang is the most fuel-efficient of them all. Yet a smaller fuel tank reduces the overall range which is a plus in the Dodge. Chevy as well as the Nissan come with large 19-gallon fuel tanks allowing for a better overall driving range. Overall, there’s nothing to complain about in any car. 

Interior
6.3/10

Stepping into the 2012 Camaro you will notice that it is not the most luxurious car you have been in. The materials used inside are not all hard plastics, but they are more prominent and can be seen in several places. Bright-color interior inserts are also present which help liven up the look of the interior. Upfront, the seats are comfortable, and they do not cause fatigue on long trips. The 2LT trim gets you heated front seats and leather upholstery. However, tall passengers will suffer from headroom issues. 

Rear seats are better suited for children and the materials inside the cabin of the base 1LS trim might not be as good or premium. There are no squeaks, rattles, or loose panels inside the Camaro. Road and wind noises remain minimal while engine noise is heard nicely, just like you would want in a muscle car like the Camaro.

Models

2012 Chevrolet Camaro

2012 Ford Mustang

2012 Dodge Challenger

2012 Nissan 370Z

Seating Capacity

4

4

5

2

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

37.4/56.9/42.4

38.5/55.3/42.4

39.3/58.2/42

38.2/54.4/42.9

Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

35.3/50.4/29.9

34.7/51.6/29.8

37.4/53.9/32.6

N/A

Cargo Capacity (cu-ft)

11.3

13.4

16.2

6.9

The Dodge Challenger is the most spacious and practical car of the muscle car segment as it comes with better legroom and headroom, both, upfront and at the rear, while Ford and Chevrolet suffer from less headroom and cramped rear seating, and smaller trunks. Nissan remains a two-seater car with the smallest boot. Standout interior features:

  • Air-conditioning
  • 8-way power seats
  • Heated front seats
  • Leather upholstery

How intuitive is the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro’s infotainment unit?

The standard infotainment unit in the 2012 Camaro comes with Chevy’s OnStar system, which includes Bluetooth connectivity, a standard six-speaker sound system, a CD player, and so on, all in a graphic display screen. The Convenience and Connectivity package adds remote ignition, an iPod interface, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. The 2LT trim gets you a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system. Standout infotainment features:

  • iPod interface
  • MP3 Player
  • OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation
  • SiriusXM satellite radio w/3-month trial ‘XM Select’ package
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • 9-Speaker 245 watts Boston Acoustics premium audio system. 

Exterior
8.0/10

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro is styled in a way that is a perfect blend of retro and modern style. It upholds the old iconic Camaro style with modern touches and styling cues that give it a bold and aggressive stance. Whether the Camaro in question is the standard one or the ZL1 model, it comes with strongly flared fenders, bold faces, and tall, buff overhangs upfront. The rear fascia helps to give the car quite a heavy and muscular look. As standard, you get black 18-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights while the 2LT trim gets you 19-inch alloy wheels and heated mirrors

Models

2012 Chevrolet Camaro

2012 Ford Mustang

2012 Dodge Challenger

2012 Nissan 370Z

Curb Weight (lbs.)

3,780

3,453

3,834

3,245

Length (in.)

190.4

188.1

197.7

167.2

Width (in.)

75.5

73.9

75.7

72.6

Height (in.)

54.2

55.6

57.1

51.8

Ground Clearance (in.)

4

5.7

5.7

4.8

Wheelbase (in.)

112.3

107.1

116

100.4

Muscle cars have a wider and longer stance to give them their bold look. The Camaro is based on GM’s Zeta rear-wheel-drive platform which is wider, almost equal to the Dodge Challenger and is also longer and heavier than the Mustang. The Challenger is the heaviest car of the bunch. Standout exterior features:

  • 18-inch steel wheels
  • Automatic headlights
  • 19-inch alloy wheels
  • Fog Lamps
  • Heated front seats

Safety
9.0/10

The 2012 Camaro Coupe has been tested by the NHTSA for its crash test safety ratings, and it passed with flying colors gaining a total of five out of five stars. The IIHS has not yet tested the Chevrolet Camaro so there are no safety ratings available. The standard list of safety features include airbags, traction and stability control, and ABS. Standout safety features:

  • OnStar automatic crash response
  • Heads-up display
  • Post-collision safety system
  • Rearview camera with parking sensors.

Final Verdict

Muscle cars are the kind of vehicles that not everyone prefers, but something that everyone desires to own. The Chevrolet Camaro is a combination of retro and modern styling which grabs the attention of an old enthusiast or a new high school teen alike. The price also remains quite less and the engine inside is a perfect combination of power and efficiency. If you love Muscle cars and you know the compromises that come with them, then the Camaro is the best choice to go for. 

Trims

    1LS
    $23,280 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl RWD 6M
    • Horsepower: 323 hp @ 6800 rpm hp
    • Torque: 278 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.5 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg
    2LS
    $24,480 onwards
    • Engine: 3.6L 6cyl RWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 323 hp @ 6800 rpm hp
    • Torque: 278 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 22 mpg
    1LT
    $25,280 onwards
    • Auxiliary audio jack
    • Steering wheel mounted audio controls
    • Tilt & telescoping steering wheel
    2LT
    $28,430 onwards
    • 19-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • Auto dimming rearview mirrors
    • Head-Up display
    1SS
    $32,280 onwards
    • Engine: 6.2L 8cyl RWD 6M
    • Horsepower: 400 hp @ 5900 rpm hp
    • Torque: 410 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 4.6 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    SS 1SS
    $32,280 onwards
    • Engine: 6.2L 8cyl RWD 6M
    • Horsepower: 426 hp @ 5900 rpm hp
    • Torque: 420 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 4.37 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg
    2SS
    $35,880 onwards
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Leather upholstery
    • Premium 9 speaker premium audio system
    • Rearview camera
    SS 2SS
    $35,880 onwards
    • Engine: 6.2L 8cyl RWD 6M
    • Horsepower: 426 hp @ 5900 rpm hp
    • Torque: 420 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 4.37 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 19 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$54,095

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.55

Horsepower

580 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

556 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

Capacity

4

Read Review

$23,280- $41,030

Gasoline

7.45

426 hp @ 5900 rpm

420 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm

4

Read Review

$22,310- $40,310

Gasoline

7.99

305 hp @ 6500 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm

4

Read Review

$25,195- $44,125

Gasoline

7.7

305 hp @ 6350 rpm

268 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

5

Read Review

$32,280- $44,500

Gasoline

7.52

332 hp @ 7000 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm

2

Read Review

2012 Chevrolet Camaro vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    5.5 sec14.1 sec-
    3.9 sec12.1 sec196 mph
    4.7 sec13.2 sec-
    5.7 sec14.1 sec135 mph
    6.5 sec14.8 sec145 mph

    2012 Chevrolet Camaro vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      17 mpg28 mpg20 mpg19 gal.323/532 mi.
      19 mpg29 mpg22 mpg16 gal.304/464 mi.
      18 mpg27 mpg21 mpg19.5 gal.351/526.50 mi.
      19 mpg26 mpg21 mpg19 gal.342/494 mi.
      12 mpg19 mpg16 mpg19 gal.266/361 mi.

      2012 Chevrolet Camaro vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        190.4 in.75.5 in.54.2 in.4 in.112.3 in.
        197.7 in.75.7 in.57.1 in.5.7 in.116 in.
        190.4 in.75.5 in.54.2 in.4 in.112.3 in.

        2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

        Ranked #3

        188.2 in.73.9 in.55.4 in.5.7 in.107.1 in.
        188.1 in.73.9 in.55.6 in.5 in.107.1 in.
        167.2 in.72.6 in.51.8 in.4.84 in.100.4 in.

        2012 Chevrolet Camaro vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          11.3 cu.ft.81.4 cu.ft.7.1 cu.ft.
          11.3 cu.ft.165.9 cu.ft.104.2 cu.ft.
          13.4 cu.ft.83.3 cu.ft.9.6 cu.ft.
          6.9 cu.ft.51.6 cu.ft.6.9 cu.ft.
          16.2 cu.ft.91.5 cu.ft.-

          2012 Chevrolet Camaro vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            81.4 cu.ft.11.3 cu.ft.7.1 cu.ft.-
            -16.2 cu.ft.-79 ft.
            83.1 cu.ft.13.4 cu.ft.9.6 cu.ft.79 ft.
            104.2 cu.ft.11.3 cu.ft.104.2 cu.ft.-
            20.6 cu.ft.6.9 cu.ft.6.9 cu.ft.-

            2012 Chevrolet Camaro vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              --3780 lbs.
              1000 lbs.1116 lbs.3834 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3453 lbs.
              -723 lbs.3245 lbs.
              --4120 lbs.

              Top Chevrolet Cars

              2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

              Horsepower : 638 hp @ 6500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 17 mpg

              0-60 : 3.77 sec

              #1

              2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

              Horsepower : 580 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 16 mpg

              0-60 : 3.9 sec

              #2

              2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

              Horsepower : 505 hp @ 6300 rpm

              MPG Combined : 18 mpg

              0-60 : 3.77 sec

              #3

              2012 Chevrolet Corvette

              Horsepower : 430 hp @ 5900 rpm

              MPG Combined : 19 mpg

              0-60 : 4.1 sec

              #4

              2012 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

              Horsepower : 430 hp @ 5900 rpm

              MPG Combined : 19 mpg

              0-60 : 4.1 sec

              #5

              2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV

              Horsepower : 332 hp @ 5100 rpm

              MPG Combined : 21 mpg

              0-60 : 8.1 sec

              #6

              2012 Chevrolet Camaro

              Horsepower : 323 hp @ 6800 rpm

              MPG Combined : 20 mpg

              0-60 : 5.5 sec

              #7

              2012 Chevrolet Avalanche

              Horsepower : 320 hp @ 5400 rpm

              MPG Combined : 17 mpg

              0-60 : 8.4 sec

              #8

              2012 Chevrolet Suburban

              Horsepower : 320 hp @ 5400 rpm

              MPG Combined : 17 mpg

              0-60 : 8.5 sec

              #9

              2012 Chevrolet Tahoe

              Horsepower : 320 hp @ 5400 rpm

              MPG Combined : 17 mpg

              0-60 : 7.5 sec

              #10

              2012 Chevrolet Camaro User Reviews

              1.0

              [3 Reviews]

              1

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              2

              [33.0%] [1 Reviews]

              3

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              4

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              5

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              POPULAR TAGS

              KLJ

              Kevin Lowe Jr

              2013 Chevrolet Camaro

              1LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 26, 2024

              My 2013 Chevy Camaro

              Pros - ["Low maintenance and affordability of parts", "The gas mileage is great for these economical trying times", "The seats are comfortable sitting for long periods of time"]

              Cons - ["There are too many sensors in hard to reach places", "The check engine light pops on for the smallest sensor", "The vehicle sits too low, so bad roads do damage to lower chasse, even at a slow speed"]

              I bought my 2013 Chevy Camaro in 2014, and I have put a small amount of money into upgrades and do my own upkeep and detailing. I have taken it to many car shows, driven in many car cruises and it was even featured in a patriotic calendar amongst all trucks. The gas mileage is a lot better than my other vehicle, an SUV so we have taken the camaro on many road trips over the years, and other than ...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              JtA

              Jacob tyler Alvey

              2013 Chevrolet Camaro

              1LS 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 29, 2024

              the review on my car

              Pros - ["its look for a girl", "the speed when its hammered"]

              Cons - ["no power for the size of the motor", "the engine has no power"]

              i have a 2013 chevy camero with the v6 for many people they would say that it doesnt have the heart like the v8 but they are crazy, the v6 will smoke the tires off the car alone. its a 2 door coupe maroon in color black leather racing seats with two small back seats for passegers.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              RB

              Roshekia Butler

              2011 Chevrolet Camaro

              1LT 2dr Coupe (3.6L 6cyl 6M)

              3

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 23, 2024

              Low Flying Jet(LFJ)

              Pros - ["Speed is everything", "Appearance"]

              Cons - ["The car is a little small", "Blind spots"]

              I have a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS. The car it's self is excellent. With high performance parts installed this vehicle over exceeds the performance. The MPG is pretty decent as long as you don't put your foot in it. The interior quality is perfect. Featuring a heads up diplay(HUD) where i don't have to look down everything is displayed in the windshield, and also the faster u go the louder the mu...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review