Finally checked out the new Camaro in person- some doubts - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

bonehead · 06-20-2009, 01:47 PM

Guys, I finally got to see a new camaro in person and sit in it to check out for size and features. After checking it out for 15-20 minutes, I might be having some doubts about my future purchase. Try not to flame me too much as I have been jonesing for the new Camaro like the rest of you, but I have some concerns.

The car in question was a 2SS/RS, yellow (no stripes) black gut, with auto (ugh), I'm a stick guy. I like the outside look of the overall body design, with the rear of the car loosing a few points for it's shear fatness. It could be a little more sleek in the haunches for me. The yellow paint for me would be my first choice, very bright and musclely-looking.

Next to the interior, I am 6'3" 220 and I fit into the car well. Plenty of head and elbow room. A telescoping wheel would of been nice but the overall fit was great. Now to some negative observations. The plastic inserts on the doors were a little cheesy looking for me (too plastic-y looking), I think the console is about 3 inches too high. That emergency brake (dog leg) sticking up above the console looked like a design afterthought as well. So far none of these things were show stoppers but...

The view out of the car is horrible for me. It might be my body shape and height, but the view looking out the windshield is totally blocked by that huge rear view mirror and that big black blob that is painted on the windshield around the mirror. I don't think that I could drive the car with any level of confidence. The visibility is lousy at best for me out of the front. The visibility out of the sides and rear of the car was marginal at best, with the quarter windows ending up totally useless. Note: I drive a big truck daily and know how to use mirrors!

I am now questioning my continuing desire to order a new Camaro for myself. Can anyone out there help me rationalize the visibility issues I am having with this car? I am very distraught, help.

novajess1972 · 06-20-2009, 01:57 PM

You'll look cool driving it. Screw the rest. LOL.

patriotpa · 06-20-2009, 02:01 PM

The steering wheel is telescopic.

Sure, there's a big difference in visibility between a truck and a sports car. If you want performance and truck visibility, then the Silverado SS may be the way for you to go.

Lucky SOB · 06-20-2009, 02:09 PM

The wheel does telescope btw...

You get used to the shorter windows. I used to daily a truck also and after the first few drives in my camaro i am totally used to the visibility. no problems anymore!

jimhowie2000 · 06-20-2009, 02:11 PM

You'd have to spend some time behind the wheel to really know if it will work for you. I have found that the longer you drive something, the better you acclimate to it. The rearward visibility in my '07 Cobalt SS was pretty lousy and the rear side windows were barely larger in actual glass area than the new Camaro's, but, I adjusted and never had a problem. I will say though that after driving the Cobalt with the crappy visibility, getting into my old 95 Beretta was like being out in the open. The windows were big, the beltline low, I could see perfectly out in all directions and the car just felt easier to maneuver because of this. I did notice I felt the Camaro somewhat like being in a cocoon when I sat in one at the Auto Show but, overall, nothing I can't adjust to. Maybe sit in one for a longer period of time or see if a dealer will let you drive one to adjust to it?

Number 3 · 06-20-2009, 02:13 PM

I have zero problems with what you think is a big mirror ( it isn't ) and the blackout is hardly bigger than the mirror. I have driven other cars back to back with the Camaro and it's only slightly different.

You are focussing too much on it in the show room. You need to drive it.

If these items cause you any problems driving, you should be driving SUVs.

SirBrad · 06-20-2009, 02:14 PM

The only thing I don't like about the car is the Emergency Brake. Interesting that you pointed that out, because I don't recall reading any negative feedback on that so far.

The only problem I have with visibility is backing up...sometimes it's a little hard to see, but nothing too crazy.

CGM2SSRS · 06-20-2009, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonehead

Guys, I finally got to see a new camaro in person and sit in it to check out for size and features. After checking it out for 15-20 minutes, I might be having some doubts about my future purchase. Try not to flame me too much as I have been jonesing for the new Camaro like the rest of you, but I have some concerns.

The car in question was a 2SS/RS, yellow (no stripes) black gut, with auto (ugh), I'm a stick guy. I like the outside look of the overall body design, with the rear of the car loosing a few points for it's shear fatness. It could be a little more sleek in the haunches for me. The yellow paint for me would be my first choice, very bright and musclely-looking.

Next to the interior, I am 6'3" 220 and I fit into the car well. Plenty of head and elbow room. A telescoping wheel would of been nice but the overall fit was great. Now to some negative observations. The plastic inserts on the doors were a little cheesy looking for me (too plastic-y looking), I think the console is about 3 inches too high. That emergency brake (dog leg) sticking up above the console looked like a design afterthought as well. So far none of these things were show stoppers but...

The view out of the car is horrible for me. It might be my body shape and height, but the view looking out the windshield is totally blocked by that huge rear view mirror and that big black blob that is painted on the windshield around the mirror. I don't think that I could drive the car with any level of confidence. The visibility is lousy at best for me out of the front. The visibility out of the sides and rear of the car was marginal at best, with the quarter windows ending up totally useless. Note: I drive a big truck daily and know how to use mirrors!

I am now questioning my continuing desire to order a new Camaro for myself. Can anyone out there help me rationalize the visibility issues I am having with this car? I am very distraught, help.

You gotta live with it. If ya don't like it don't do it. Would you try to throw mayo on a dog biscuit because it smelled good so you could eat it?

DarricSS · 06-20-2009, 02:22 PM

Get a MiniVan...too Nit Picky for such a bad@ss car...

PQ · 06-20-2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonehead

I'm a stick guy.

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CWI · 06-20-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CGM2SSRS

You gotta live with it. If ya don't like it don't do it. Would you try to throw mayo on a dog biscuit because it smelled good so you could eat it?

I prefer mustard on my dog biscuits, thank you.

The first time I sat in a 2010 Camaro, the visibility seemed limited. As soon as I had driven less than a block that all went away and everything seemed normal. It never entered my mind after that.

PsyDoc · 06-20-2009, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarricSS

Get a MiniVan...too Nit Picky for such a bad@ss car...

Nice. Why is it that when people have concerns that they are being "nit picky"? Someone having a visibility issue is not a "nit picker." The panels being too "plasticky" is something he does not like...so what? He does not care for them. He could replace those panels with aftermarket ones that are currently in development (or perhaps already available as we've seen prototypes), but perhaps he does not want to do this on top of the expense of the car. The emergency brake thing...still just a preference and would take some getting used to just like when we rent a car we have not driven before.

CGM2SSRS · 06-20-2009, 02:41 PM

My apologies to all the musturd advocates. lol....Mr.ace welder I will say about your signature on lifes journey's was my calling card. At 40 I started to understand what my father harped about for so long. (you'll probably live to regret that Greg) At 47 I FULLY understand AND no longer think I knew more then him at the time. I only wish he was still around to tell him that. Although up to the day he died he thought I did steroids to get where I did. And that shit NEVER even entered my mind or body. I guess he didn't think I took his word of," if your going to do something, do it right or don't do it at all"
serious. I only lived my life by it.

Blownhotrodder · 06-20-2009, 02:44 PM

Youre use to driving a truck with optimal outside vision.

06-20-2009, 01:47 PM	#1
bonehead Drives: xxx Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: xxx Posts: 29	Finally checked out the new Camaro in person- some doubts Guys, I finally got to see a new camaro in person and sit in it to check out for size and features. After checking it out for 15-20 minutes, I might be having some doubts about my future purchase. Try not to flame me too much as I have been jonesing for the new Camaro like the rest of you, but I have some concerns. The car in question was a 2SS/RS, yellow (no stripes) black gut, with auto (ugh), I'm a stick guy. I like the outside look of the overall body design, with the rear of the car loosing a few points for it's shear fatness. It could be a little more sleek in the haunches for me. The yellow paint for me would be my first choice, very bright and musclely-looking. Next to the interior, I am 6'3" 220 and I fit into the car well. Plenty of head and elbow room. A telescoping wheel would of been nice but the overall fit was great. Now to some negative observations. The plastic inserts on the doors were a little cheesy looking for me (too plastic-y looking), I think the console is about 3 inches too high. That emergency brake (dog leg) sticking up above the console looked like a design afterthought as well. So far none of these things were show stoppers but... The view out of the car is horrible for me. It might be my body shape and height, but the view looking out the windshield is totally blocked by that huge rear view mirror and that big black blob that is painted on the windshield around the mirror. I don't think that I could drive the car with any level of confidence. The visibility is lousy at best for me out of the front. The visibility out of the sides and rear of the car was marginal at best, with the quarter windows ending up totally useless. Note: I drive a big truck daily and know how to use mirrors! I am now questioning my continuing desire to order a new Camaro for myself. Can anyone out there help me rationalize the visibility issues I am having with this car? I am very distraught, help.

06-20-2009, 01:57 PM	#2
novajess1972 I Done Caught Diabeetus. Drives: 1972 Chevelle SS/2010 Tundra Join Date: May 2009 Location: Houston/Humble Posts: 591	You'll look cool driving it. Screw the rest. LOL. __________________ CANCELLED ORDER: 1SS/CGM/MN6/BLACK RALLY STRIPES

06-20-2009, 02:09 PM	#4
Lucky SOB Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 756	The wheel does telescope btw... You get used to the shorter windows. I used to daily a truck also and after the first few drives in my camaro i am totally used to the visibility. no problems anymore! __________________

06-20-2009, 02:13 PM	#6
Number 3 Hail to the King baby! Drives: '19 XT4 2.0T & '22 VW Atlas 2.0T Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 12,170 View My Garage	I have zero problems with what you think is a big mirror ( it isn't ) and the blackout is hardly bigger than the mirror. I have driven other cars back to back with the Camaro and it's only slightly different. You are focussing too much on it in the show room. You need to drive it. If these items cause you any problems driving, you should be driving SUVs. __________________ "Speed, it seems to me, provides the one genuinely modern pleasure." - Aldous Huxley

06-20-2009, 02:22 PM	#9
DarricSS Drives: '10 Camaro SS Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Gilbert, Arizona Posts: 1,047	Get a MiniVan...too Nit Picky for such a bad@ss car... __________________ 2010, SIM, 2SS/RS, LS3, CGM Stripes

06-20-2009, 02:01 PM	#3
patriotpa Account Suspended Drives: 02 Silverado, 09 Vue, 10 1SS Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Tired of apologizing when we should be kickin' butt! Posts: 1,966 View My Garage	The steering wheel is telescopic. Sure, there's a big difference in visibility between a truck and a sports car. If you want performance and truck visibility, then the Silverado SS may be the way for you to go.

06-20-2009, 02:11 PM	#5
jimhowie2000 Drives: '10 Camaro 2LT/RS & 6 older Chevy's Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mount Vernon, Ohio Posts: 75	You'd have to spend some time behind the wheel to really know if it will work for you. I have found that the longer you drive something, the better you acclimate to it. The rearward visibility in my '07 Cobalt SS was pretty lousy and the rear side windows were barely larger in actual glass area than the new Camaro's, but, I adjusted and never had a problem. I will say though that after driving the Cobalt with the crappy visibility, getting into my old 95 Beretta was like being out in the open. The windows were big, the beltline low, I could see perfectly out in all directions and the car just felt easier to maneuver because of this. I did notice I felt the Camaro somewhat like being in a cocoon when I sat in one at the Auto Show but, overall, nothing I can't adjust to. Maybe sit in one for a longer period of time or see if a dealer will let you drive one to adjust to it?

06-20-2009, 02:14 PM	#7
SirBrad The Captain Drives: 2010 2LT/RS SIM Join Date: May 2009 Location: Freehold, NJ Posts: 1,499	The only thing I don't like about the car is the Emergency Brake. Interesting that you pointed that out, because I don't recall reading any negative feedback on that so far. The only problem I have with visibility is backing up...sometimes it's a little hard to see, but nothing too crazy.

06-20-2009, 02:41 PM	#13
CGM2SSRS susp.ban4life! Drives: Raptor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Notinsuspensionthread Posts: 943	My apologies to all the musturd advocates. lol....Mr.ace welder I will say about your signature on lifes journey's was my calling card. At 40 I started to understand what my father harped about for so long. (you'll probably live to regret that Greg) At 47 I FULLY understand AND no longer think I knew more then him at the time. I only wish he was still around to tell him that. Although up to the day he died he thought I did steroids to get where I did. And that shit NEVER even entered my mind or body. I guess he didn't think I took his word of," if your going to do something, do it right or don't do it at all" serious. I only lived my life by it.

06-20-2009, 02:44 PM	#14
Blownhotrodder Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Clarkesville , GEORGIA Posts: 1,859	Youre use to driving a truck with optimal outside vision.

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