History

• The 2002 Camaro was the end of a lineup that started in the 1967 model year as an answer to the Ford Mustang. By 1971, the Camaro's 396- and 454-cubic-inch V-8 engines made it one of the top high-performance cars to come out of Detroit. Chevrolet always gave long life to its body styles. The second generation was produced from 1970 to 1981, and the third generation from 1982 to 1992. By the time the fourth-generation 1993 to 2002 models arrived, car buyers expected quicker cars and more bold styling updates. Camaro's competitors delivered; the Camaro didn't.
  
  

Types

• The 2002 Camaro was offered as a standard coupe and convertible and the Z28 coupe and Z28 convertible. Special options included the Super Sport (SS) performance and the Rally Sport (RS) appearance packages. The Z28 was a factory performance model equipped with a 310-horsepower V-8. The Super Sport package boosted that horsepower to 320 and added SS badging and interior accents. The RS option was offered on the V-6-powered coupe, and included Rally Sport graphics and other exterior touches, including a rear spoiler extension and front and rear fascias, according to Edmunds.com and Conceptcarz.com.
  
  

Features

• The 2002 model featured as standard equipment high-back bucket seats, driver's center console/armrest, a tilt steering column, air conditioning, power-assisted antilock disc brakes and power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. The V-6 coupes were equipped with a CD/AM/FM stereo system, while the Z28 received a Monsoon CD/AM/FM premium audio system and in-dash CD.
  
  

Size

• The fourth-generation Camaros were placed on a compact 101.1-inch wheelbase and measured 193.2 inches long, 74.1 inches wide and 52 inches tall. Curbside weight was 3,440 lbs. depending on model and options ordered.
  
  

Under the Hood

• Although it was clear that the 2002 model would be Camaro's last, a healthy range of engine choices were still available. Standard engines included the 160-horsepower, 3.4-liter and the 200-hp, 3.8-liter V-6s. The V-8 lineup featured the 275-, 310- and 320-hp, 5.7-liter powerplants. These engines were identical to those offered in the 2000 model year.
  
  

Performance

• The 2002 Camaro could be equipped with the 3.8-liter V-6, but few customers opted for it. Rather, the Z28's 310-hp and the Super Sports 320-hp V-8s ruled the performance roster. The Z28 could achieve 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and the quarter-mile in 14 seconds. The SS coupe performed slightly better, hitting 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.7 seconds.