The 2012 Camaro lasts up to 200,000 miles with only minor engine and A/C issues. At $13,747 – 21,145, it’s a bargain offering a lot of performance for the money.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro a Good Used Car?
- Yes, 2012 is a good year. Owners have praised the performance, reliability, and comfortable seats.
- Reliability ratings are good. Shoppers should avoid the 2010 model with a lot of mechanical issues, and models from 2013 and newer have more interior complaints.
- Performance is excellent from all three engines including a V6 and two powerful V8s.
- The 2012 Camaro is a safe car getting a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is great for a sports car at up to 22 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Camaro?
- Consumer Reports finds the Camaro to be a great modern muscle car, with high owner satisfaction ratings.
- Edmunds rates the Camaro 4.5/5 and likes the powerful acceleration and good looks, but finds the cabin very cramped.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Camaro a 4.7/5, finding it to be a great dollar-to-horsepower car, but the interior has a lot of cheap materials.
What Common Problems Does the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Have?
Problems with the 2012 Camaro are relatively minor including engine shuddering, air conditioning issues, and sensor failures.
Engine shudder and loss of power is the most common complaint from owners showing up at around 55,000 miles. There is an update for the torque converter which usually solves the problem. Out of warranty, the replacement costs about $1,200.
A loss of hot and cold air is mentioned at around 110,000 miles. The temperature blend door is the source of the problem, costing $1,100 to replace.
Mass air flow-sensor failures are also brought up by owners in the first 10,000 miles. Replacing the sensor solves the problem, costing around $200.
There are 5 recalls with the most serious being for the ignition switch which can cause the car to turn off while driving. Most of the other recalls are for airbags which are not a concern once they’ve been replaced.
How Long Will the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Last?
A properly maintained 2012 Camaro can last up to 200,000 miles, which is similar to top rated sports cars including the Mustang. Repair Pal estimates regular annual maintenance costs to be affordable at $563 per year.
As a Camaro reaches 100,000 miles owners should prepare to replace shocks for $800, a window regulator motor costing $300, and an ABS control module which costs $600.
I have never had any problems with the vehicle. No engine issues and no cosmetic issues. All I had to do with the car was basic maintenance.
Yes it is. Unless you live with snow then you have issues. But other than that it's perfect. I haven't had any problems minus the snow.
The 2012 Chevrolet camaro 1ss is definitely reliable! I would say it struggles in any extreme weather conditions, but otherwise it is perfect.
It is very reliable not many problems. There was a recall on the key. It had to be changed to a normal key rather than the stick that would pop out from the key holder
It doesn't have any problems so far, it was a second hand purchased vehicle but it definitely works like new!
My Camaro has a lot of issues. I bought it used and did not do enough due diligence. Overall it is pretty reliable.
Very reliable and only problem I has is I had to replace the rack and pinion. It started to leak power steering fluid and I didn't have the money to fix it so I just kept adding fluid to it until I could pay to have it fixed
It is very reliable. The only problem I had was with a leak in my soft top. The dealership repaired it for me. It took a month, so they also made a car payment for me! I love Chevrolet!
How Much Is the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Worth?
Blue book values range from $13,747 – 21,145 making the Camaro around $4,000 cheaper than a Challenger or 370z. When new, the price range was $23,280 to $41,030. Depreciation is similar to rivals losing 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Camaro?
There are six versions of the Camaro available. Technology is okay with a rearview camera added for 2012, and the next redesign with all new navigation technology is in 2015.
1LS is the entry-level model with:
- 18-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Manual Seats
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System With Bluetooth And AUX Connectivity
1LT adds some good features including:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- 8-Way Power Seats
- Remote Ignition
- USB Connectivity
2LT is a step up adding:
- 19-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Heads-Up Display
- Rearview Camera Integrated Into The Mirror
- 9-Speaker Boston Acoustics Stereo System
1SS is a sportier model with:
- 20-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Sport-Tuned Suspension
- V8 Engine
2SS has some small upgrades such as:
- Leather Seating
- Heated Exterior Mirrors
- Additional Gauges In The Dash
ZL1 is the flagship high-performance version and adds:
- Unique 20-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Supercharged V8 Engine
- High-Performance Brembo Brakes
- Magnetic Ride Control Suspension
- Carbon Fiber Hood Scoop
What Engines Come In the Camaro?
- An efficient 3.6L V6 is standard with 323 horsepower.
- The SS models come with a more powerful 6.2L V8 with 426 horsepower, which takes 5 seconds to go from 0-60.
- The ZL1 comes with a very powerful supercharged 6.2L V8 which makes 580 horsepower and only takes 4.2 seconds to do the sprint from 0-60.
What Colors Does the Camaro Come In?
How Big Is the Camaro?
The Camaro is similar in size to other 2-door sports cars including the Mustang and Challenger. Passenger room is good in the front seats, but the back seats are very cramped for adults.
Cargo space is smaller than rivals with only 11.3 cubic feet of room in the trunk.
How Does the Camaro Compare to the Competition?
The Ford Mustang is the closest competitor in the same price range. Entry-level Mustangs offer more exciting performance, but technology is better in the Camaro. Overall, we prefer the Mustang since it’s slightly more reliable long-term.
The Nissan 370Z is another rival costing about $5,000 more. Handling is significantly better in the Nissan, but the Camaro is more powerful. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference, but the 370z holds its value better.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevrolet Camaro?
Yes. The most comfortable car I have ever driven. It is a drivers car. Has the speed and power. I do plan on purchasing another in the future. I hope they do not discontinue the model.
Yes it's an incredible vehicle. I am more a fan of old muscle cars. But this sports car is pretty great.
The 2012 Chevrolet camaro is a well usable car! It is been through a lot and is surprisingly durable.
Yes, haven't had many problems, still looks new. I love the color orange. The trunk is very spacious
It’s an extremely great vehicle! It has a very luxurious look. Although it’ has an a V6 engine it runs super fast and saves gas!
It is definitely fun to drive a Camaro. For people that like sports cars it can be a good choice. Camaro is rear wheel drive so it is difficult to drive on snow.
Yes I love my car! Great car fast and easy to maintain!style is awesome and great gas mileage!although I did have to put it in the shop for a rack and pinion replacement
Yes. It’s is built like a brick house. Two cars have hit me, both were SUVs. My car had minimal damage, and it totaled both vehicles.