Visibility is pretty bad

[bluecamaroguy]

Hey guys so I test drove a black 1LT yesterday at a dealership. First thing I was looking for was the infamous blind spots that I keep reading about. When I first got in they didn't look as bad as I thought they would be. But when I started driving it definitely got really hard to see when I needed to switch lanes (busy 4-5 lane freeway with lots of cars and I did adjust the mirrors correctly). The side mirrors did work pretty well but I kept wanting to look back and make sure there wasn't a car there just to be sure (habit from driving a truck).

I am not sure if this is something you get used to or what. But I have always driven a truck where I just look behind me and I can see everything easily. In the camaro I did feel really boxed in and paranoid because the side windows are also very small and I felt visibility was not that great out the back either. When driving it instantly did remind me of a "tank gunner" view that I had read about.

Whenever I tried to change lanes I automatically looked behind me and I kept seeing the inside of the car and not the road which sucked big time for a truck guy like me

I have read lots on this forum so I know that everyone says you aren't supposed to get a nice view or a nice interior in a muscle car. That is fine for the hardcore guys but what about random people who use this car as a daily driver.

I am also pretty short at 5'6'' but the seat did adjust enough for me to have my head almost at the roof. Anyone who has driven the camaro extensively have any thoughts on this subject?

[Ferrarimk13]

i think most people will say that you just need to get used to it, after driving it a while, im sure youll learn ways to do everything normally, or where to look when merging. I heard the side mirrors are decent though, and you can get those small round mirrors to stick onto the sides.

[bluecamaroguy]

I also forgot to mention the view from the front over the hood. The view was really weird for me (could be cause I was so low to the ground) because I could see in front of me fine but when I looked to the front of the car on the passenger side all I saw was that hump in the middle and it really made the car feel lopsided. I felt like it would be really hard to park in small parking spots and also through very tight areas like if you need parallel park you won't be sure where the curb is.

[radz28]

I have a hard time thinking it's much worse than my '95 and '02 - at least I'm hoping so. if that's the case, I'm sure I'll be able to get used to it. I think a lot of it will come down to adjusting the mirrors just right. For me, that's the first thing I do in the car. I just make sure I can over-lap the outside mirrors with the inside mirror and get of much of the lanes next to me as possible. You might just have to get used to the idea of having to lean forward to scan your blind spots. I can see how this would be irritating, but necessary. There's going to be concessions made for a beautiful body like this car has.

JMVHO.

[BEIST]

Wait until you try backing up!

[sasquash1984]

when i got mine a week ago it was a big change. You have to mess the side mirrors a while, then estimate the distance in front and backing is so much fun

[VenomZ302]

Originally Posted by radz282003

I have a hard time thinking it's much worse than my '95 and '02 - at least I'm hoping so.

I think the big difference between the 4th and 5th gens, forward visibility-wise, is the size of the windshield. The 4th gen's is HUGE, but raked back a lot. The 5th gen's windshield should be rather small in comparison. Now I kind I wish I could have driven my '00 Camaro to go test drive the '10 Camaro... :(

[SSOOCH]

really...this is news to me!

[camaro5]

It's a freakmobile alright.

It looks cool, and that's what we wanted.

For better visibility, the G8 excels.


.

[Bell040]

too bad the Vert isn't out yet....

no top = no blind spots

[McGruff]

Convex mirrors on side mirrors == WIN

[pruettfan]

As a paramedic for 8 years I drove many thousands of miles in an ambulance that had nothing but blind spots for visability. What you do is use the tools you have. One that is rarely used is paying attention to your surroundings. When I drive I always know who is around me by simply scanning my mirrors and watching what others are doing. When I go to make a lane change I already know where everyone is so I don't need to look over my shoulder to check the blind spot.

I agree visiabilty in this car is a problem if you are one of those folks that don't have good situational awareness.

[patriotpa]

Originally Posted by pruettfan

As a paramedic for 8 years I drove many thousands of miles in an ambulance that had nothing but blind spots for visability. What you do is use the tools you have. One that is rarely used is paying attention to your surroundings. When I drive I always know who is around me by simply scanning my mirrors and watching what others are doing. When I go to make a lane change I already know where everyone is so I don't need to look over my shoulder to check the blind spot.

I agree visiabilty in this car is a problem if you are one of those folks that don't have good situational awareness.

+1^10th

[bluecamaroguy]

Originally Posted by pruettfan

As a paramedic for 8 years I drove many thousands of miles in an ambulance that had nothing but blind spots for visability. What you do is use the tools you have. One that is rarely used is paying attention to your surroundings. When I drive I always know who is around me by simply scanning my mirrors and watching what others are doing. When I go to make a lane change I already know where everyone is so I don't need to look over my shoulder to check the blind spot.

I agree visiabilty in this car is a problem if you are one of those folks that don't have good situational awareness.

I think your right. I normally am always aware of what was around me when I drive. But when you get on a 5 lane freeway it is impossible to see everything especially on the busy California ones.

I test drove the 2010 mustang right after and I have to admit the visibilty was way more open and easy to see. But I like the looks and the power of the camaro way more.

agggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[Camaro_Corvette]

Your going from a truck to a pony car. Totally opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of visibility. You might be a classic case of, "just gonna have to get used to the small spaces, low slung stance, and small windows". Sorry man.

[stovt001]

It really is something you get used to. My Cobalt coupe has no visibility out the rear side windows. You use your mirrors, look for a spot ahead of you that has an opening, slide into it, and use your front side windows to make sure no one else is doing the same. You do get used to it.

[prostreet67]

try driving a vette vert, talk about blind spots. In the camaro its like siting on a farm tractor the view is so good

[Legend]

I'll agree that situational awareness is a must in the Carmaro...but coming from a truck I think is your biggest problem with visibility.

I have drove smaller cars (coupes and such) and sports cars for a while and I've felt fine in the Camaro. It is smaller than larger cars or trucks though, I'll agree with that!

[LDGn63]

got 2 convex mirrors.
first mounted them at the inboard center point of side mirrors... no likey.
then mounted at top inboard... likey.

i had a real problem with the inside mirror blocking my view but we all fixed it here:
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24612

[JBsC6]

My first car was a 'worked 1969 convertible firebird 350. The car was awesome but blind spots were just part of the drill.

Within a week you get used to the car and then pararell (sp) park to your hearts desire.. Same with the view out the front..

What your describing is just part of the ownerhip experience in a camaro or f body..

just take your time till you get comfortable with the vehicle. It won't take long and remember...the lamboghini Gallardo drivers have it even worse..

If I could learn to parallel park a convertible 69 firebird with a old clouded plastic window back in 1975...and pass a driving test first time out......anybody can enjoy this new glass window'd Camaro with just a short amount of time behind the wheel..

This new camaro is smokin hot!

[bluecamaroguy]

Originally Posted by LDGn63

got 2 convex mirrors.
first mounted them at the inboard center point of side mirrors... no likey.
then mounted at top inboard... likey.

i had a real problem with the inside mirror blocking my view but we all fixed it here:
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24612

Do you have any pictures anywhere of your convex mirrors?

[r0cketdr]

After owning and driving a Solstice GXP (with the top up), anything else has great visibility! Believe me, you'll get used to it .. enjoy the ride.

[Vash]

They would have to change the entire body design for it not to have this issue.

It would be more like the 4th generation.

[SicSix6]

Originally Posted by bluecamaroguy

Hey guys so I test drove a black 1LT yesterday at a dealership. First thing I was looking for was the infamous blind spots that I keep reading about. When I first got in they didn't look as bad as I thought they would be. But when I started driving it definitely got really hard to see when I needed to switch lanes (busy 4-5 lane freeway with lots of cars and I did adjust the mirrors correctly). The side mirrors did work pretty well but I kept wanting to look back and make sure there wasn't a car there just to be sure (habit from driving a truck).

I am not sure if this is something you get used to or what. But I have always driven a truck where I just look behind me and I can see everything easily. In the camaro I did feel really boxed in and paranoid because the side windows are also very small and I felt visibility was not that great out the back either. When driving it instantly did remind me of a "tank gunner" view that I had read about.

Whenever I tried to change lanes I automatically looked behind me and I kept seeing the inside of the car and not the road which sucked big time for a truck guy like me

I have read lots on this forum so I know that everyone says you aren't supposed to get a nice view or a nice interior in a muscle car. That is fine for the hardcore guys but what about random people who use this car as a daily driver.

I am also pretty short at 5'6'' but the seat did adjust enough for me to have my head almost at the roof. Anyone who has driven the camaro extensively have any thoughts on this subject?

The blind spots are no different than the blind spots in the older 80's -2002 F-bodies.

[Mr Twisty]

If you were really a tank gunner you'd think the visibility is great.