The Chevrolet Camaro originally debuted to counter the Ford Mustang. By 1998, the model has proven a capable competitor, even surpassing the Mustang in some areas. The 1998 Chevrolet Camaro pushes itself even further past the current Ford Mustang in the performance department while undergoing exterior changes. With the 3.8-liter V-6 and the manual transmission, the Camaro’s acceleration rivals the Ford Mustang GT. The Z28 and Z28 SS versions prove more than capable of out-powering and out-handling the Mustang GT.
More power provides the key to this year’s model changes, with a new engine in the Z28 and Z28 SS. The exterior has been redesigned with a great deal of attention paid to the front end.
The Range
Body Styles: convertible, coupe
Engines: 3.8-liter V-6, 5.7-liter V-8
Transmissions: four-speed automatic, five-speed manual, six-speed manual
What's New
For the 1998 Chevrolet Camaro, the biggest new feature is more power. The base model has not received any changes under the hood, but the Z28 and Z28 SS receive major horsepower upgrades. With a retuned version of the Corvette LS1 engine replacing the previous LT1, the output in the Z28 and Z28 SS increase by 20 horsepower, to 305 and 320 horsepower, respectively. The base model has finally received standard four-wheel disc brakes. All models now come equipped with the Pass-Key II theft deterrent system. On the exterior, the front end has been slimmed down and smoothed out, door handles now come in body color, and two new exterior colors join the lineup.
Exterior
The rear half of the 1998 Camaro looks the same as the previous year, but the front half sees noticeable changes. The two pairs of square inset headlights have been replaced with two one-piece units that look flush with the body. The front fascia seems less pointed in the center and appears to take some cues from the Dodge Viper, with the headlight units sitting higher than the center of the grille. This gives the front end of the 1998 Chevrolet Camaro a more mature look that moves a step away from the styling of the third generation of Camaros.
Interior
While the exterior and performance seem to make the 1998 Chevrolet Camaro a bargain, the interior shows where the savings comes from. While the Camaro technically seats four, the rear seats do not suit grown adults. Folded down, they do allow for cargo space that is massive for a performance coupe. A long, low windshield and overall low cabin create some visibility problems. Interior materials seem quite inferior. Overall, the interior proves functional, but not attractive.
Performance & Handling
The 1998 Camaro provides an extremely powerful ride. Even the base model can reach 60 mph in less than six seconds. The Z28 and Z28 SS use the same engine as the Corvette, albeit not tuned to the point of the Corvette. The handling feels typical for an American muscle car, lacking in the turns and with a suspension built more for ride comfort than performance. Chevrolet offers a Performance Handling Package that can be used to give the base 1998 Chevrolet Camaro bigger tires and tighter steering.
Safety
All models of the 1998 Chevrolet Camaro now come with standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes as well as daytime running lights. Driver and passenger front airbags also come standard in all models. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration gives the Camaro slightly above average ratings.
EPA Fuel Economy
Chevrolet Camaro, 3.8-liter V-6, four-speed automatic: 17/26 mpg city/highway
Chevrolet Camaro, 3.8-liter V-6, five-speed manual: 17/28 mpg city/highway
Chevrolet Camaro, 5.7-liter V-8, four-speed automatic: 15/23 mpg city/highway
Chevrolet Camaro, 5.7-liter V-8, six-speed manual: 16/25 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Great performance at a low cost
- Pleasant exterior styling
- Plenty of performance upgrades
You Won't Like
- Cheap interior
- Extremely high insurance rates on the Z28 and Z28 SS
- Terrible fuel economy
Sum Up
Classic muscle car gets more power.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Ford Mustang
- Pontiac Firebird
- Toyota Supra