Chevrolet Camaro SS · Fifth generation
Fifth-generation Camaro SS: big V8 value with real road manners
The 2010–2015 Camaro SS is fast, dramatic and often priced below newer muscle cars. The trick is understanding the LS3-versus-L99 split and shopping around its visibility compromises.
7 min read · Updated September 2026
- Layout
- Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
- Engine
- 6.2-liter V8
- Manual output
- 426 hp / 420 lb-ft
- Automatic output
- 400 hp / 410 lb-ft
The fifth-gen Camaro looks and feels substantial. You sit low, the beltline is high and the V8 seems to fill the entire personality of the car. It is less airy than a Mustang and harder to see out of, but its independent rear suspension gives it a planted, mature feel on the highway.
Transmission choice changes more than the shifter. Manual SS models use the LS3 V8, while automatics use the L99 with cylinder deactivation. The automatic is still quick and relaxed in traffic, but buyers should know which engine they are getting.
Which years stand out?
The 2012 model brought meaningful suspension revisions and a nicer steering wheel. The 2013 is a favorite because it keeps the original four-tail-lamp design while benefiting from the later chassis updates. The 2014 facelift adds a vented hood on the SS and a narrower tail-lamp design that some shoppers prefer.
The RS package is mostly visual on an SS, adding details such as HID headlamps with halo rings and model-dependent wheel and trim changes. A 2SS adds the more useful comfort and interior equipment.
What should you inspect?
Visibility is a personal issue, so drive the car in a parking lot before deciding. A backup camera is especially valuable here. On the mechanical side, a quiet cold start, stable oil pressure and a smooth transmission matter more than glossy paint.
- Listen for valvetrain noise and ask about oil-change intervals.
- On automatics, verify smooth shifts and watch for signs of aggressive tuning.
- Inspect the differential, axles and rear tires for evidence of repeated hard launches.
- Check the dashboard, door panels and seat bolsters for the wear common to heavily used cars.
Who is it for?
The Camaro fits someone who wants a more planted chassis and a cabin that feels like an occasion. If rear visibility or a small trunk opening will frustrate you every day, learn that before purchase—not after the first grocery run.
RevFinder verdict
RevFinder pick: a 2012–2013 2SS with the RS package, a clean history and minimal modifications. For an automatic buyer, service records and a sensible prior owner matter more than the LS3 bragging rights.
This guide is educational, not a substitute for a vehicle-history report or an independent pre-purchase inspection. Specifications can vary by year, trim and market.