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Discussion

Day-by-day review: 2010 Camaro 1LT

17 Replies | Filed under General, Chevrolet, Camaro

Flag
Herman on September 30, 2009

The vLane crew is driving the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT for the week. Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions/comments/requests for the car and we'll try our best to address them. Thanks!

2010 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT blue

Replies for this topic

Displaying 1-17 of 17 replies
  • Reply to Kevin | Flag
    Kevin on September 30, 2009

    Wow, that looks aggressive. How well is the suspension set up for cornering vs straight line driving?

    • Flag
      Stergios on October 2, 2009

      I think it tracks really well. The suspension has a nice compromise between stiffness and comfort. I was driving it in Los Altos Hills this morning, and it was sticking the corners pretty well - both up and down hills, even the off camber, decreasing radius corners it worked great. The brakes can really grab too. I'm very pleasantly surprised by the 300hp V6 coupled to the 6 speed automatic. GM really makes some great engines, and even this little 6 banger delivers a knock out.

  • Reply to Anonymous | Flag
    Fred Cox on October 1, 2009

    So far, I've had a passenger that gets sick in the twisties, but it seems to have a much firmer suspension than most cars, without being as harsh as my '05 MINI Cooper S. The steering wheel has a solid feel, without the vague over-assistance you sometimes see. More when I get a chance to drive solo.

    Styling and side impact protection was evidently more important than visibility. The side mirror and A pillar block a bit of vision in sharp corners. Raising the seat for visibility above the side mirror is not an option due to low headroom as well as needing to see below the rear view mirror.

  • Reply to Herman | Flag
    Herman on October 1, 2009

    What are the specs and pricing for this model? I drove the Camaro SS while up in Toronto and thought it was a pretty good value for the performance it delivers. Wonder how it compares to the 1LT.

  • Reply to Anonymous | Flag
    Fred Cox on October 1, 2009

    Options are:

    Convenience and Connectivity Package -- $655

    • Bluetooth for phone
    • Wireless PDIM
    • USB Port
    • Steering wheel mounted audio controls
    • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
    • Leather-wrapped shift knob
    • Cargo convenience net

    RS Package -- 1,750

    • 20" x 8" front and 20" x 9" rear flangeless, painted aluminum wheels with midnight silver finish
    • Body-color roof ditch molding
    • Headlamps high intensity discharge with halo ring
    • Rear spoiler
    • RS unique tail lamps

    Transmission, 6-speed automatic -- $995

    Wheels 20" polished aluminum -- $470

    Total Options -- $4,770

    Total Vehicle and Options -- $28,650

    Destination Charge -- $750

    Total Vehicle Price -- $29,400

  • Reply to Herman | Flag
    Herman on October 2, 2009

    I just took the Camaro for a quick spin to get a haircut. Definitely a different feel than the manual transmission Camaro SS with the V8 that I drove a few weeks ago. I miss the V8 growl, but the V6 Camaro 1LT has more than enough power to get you around town.

    • Flag
      Herman on October 2, 2009

      Also, the blue paint on the 1LT draws a lot less attention from people passing by, compared to the bumblebee colored SS I was driving (bright yellow with black racing stripes).

  • Reply to Anonymous | Flag
    Fred Cox on October 2, 2009

    Update

    Valets seem to like the car. They like the layout of the controls. Nothing is hidden in a strange location.

    I got a thumbs up from a passing car today

    For the RS package, the driving/fog lights are replaced by the DRL (Daylight Running Lights) which are on when the HID lights are off, and off when the HID lights are on. With other trim levels, there is a switch for the fog/driving lights. For me, this was a bit confusing, since I could see a pair of green symbols on the dash, but no switch to control them.

    The automatic headlights (they detect bright conditions to switch to DRLs) are on by default when the car is started. To switch off the HID lights, you turn the knob to OFF, but it won't stay in that position.

    Remote engine start is part of the RS package with automatic transmission, which is convenient for people in colder climes. To activate it, push the lock symbol twice, then hold down the start symbol for about 15 seconds. The start symbol is the circular arrow. When you get in, you have to remember to turn the key to be able to shift. An odd feeling to be sure to hear the engine, but you can't shift out of park.

    • Flag
      Herman on October 2, 2009

      We should get the valet at the Ritz Carlton to write car reviews...he must get to drive some really interesting vehicles...though only for a few hundred feet.

  • Reply to DrBoost | Flag
    DrBoost on October 2, 2009

    I like it but there are two things that rub me the wrong way. The instrument package looks like it was designed with an ugly lego kit and the trunk opening was modeled after the mail slot in my front door.

    • Flag
      Fred Cox on October 3, 2009

      My feeling when I saw the instruments was that they must be throwbacks to the '68 model. The thickness of the needle on the speedo makes it hard to tell within about 3mph what your speed is. That's a nervous feeling when there's a sheriff following you.

      There are structural beams that keep the trunk opening that small. The weird thing is that they made the trunk lid much bigger than the opening. Especially considering that the hood is smaller than it could be.

      The nice thing about the cargo net with the RS package is that it keeps small items where you can reach them.

  • Reply to RideWithWes1111 | Flag
    RideWithWes1111 on October 2, 2009

    Michael Banovsky says that the Challenger "drives like a cartoon." I'm not sure what that means, but does the Camaro also drive like a cartoon?

    • Flag
      Stergios on October 5, 2009

      The Camaro drives great for it's class - let's not confuse it with a 105 hp, 2100 lb import. The rear independent suspension and 20 inch wheel with Z rated tire option really lets you point the Camaro in any direction you are brave enough to try! For normal driving the LT1 option is anything but a joke, it's very comfortable, and requires little effort to pilot. And when you want to get serious about getting somewhere, the Camaro is ready to respond; take off the traction control, put the auto transmission into manual mode, and get your paddle shifting fingers ready to push the envelope.

  • Reply to HPX | Flag
    HPX on October 5, 2009

    Just went for a ride in the back seat of the Camaro...I'm 5'10" and the headroom was pretty tight back there.

  • Reply to Anonymous | Flag
    Fred Cox on October 5, 2009

    After my drive in the Marin hills on Saturday night, I've gotta say that the car has plenty of power, and the transmission easily handled the steep climbs. The tap shift is nice for sporty driving, but it in tight curves where you have to move your hands, a steering wheel mounted shifter becomes ungainly. Leaving it in sport mode and letting it shift itself was all that's needed for spirited driving. Keep up the good work, GM!

  • Reply to Alice | Flag
    Alice on October 5, 2009

    I took this car for a spin a week ago, and it's pretty sweet! The car has a ton of power and is very responsive, and best of all, I got a lot of attention from guys. I wish the car had a license plate that said "How U Doing", hahaha. The only thing I didn't like was that it was hard to see the curb when you're turning, but I'm sure it just takes some getting use to.

  • Reply to Milt | Flag
    Milt on October 6, 2009

    I test drove a similar model at a dealer this past weekend. I have to say I was very impressed with the ride handling and power of the V6. I think I'd still go for the V8 but the V6 1LT is a lot of car for the money. I am a big guy and was initially worried about the low roof line would be problematic. After adjusting the seat I found I had ample head room. All round great car and great value.

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