Happy with the quality?

[Speedy1975]

Let me preface this by stating I don't wanna get in to a big argument over what car is better blah blah blah, so if you're easily offended skip my comments below and just answer this question:

Are you happy with the quality of the Camaro, specifically the interior and trim pieces?

If you're not easily offended keep reading.....

Most of you probably won't remember me being all over the Camaro this time last year. I went down to my local dealer with check book in hand to put a deposit on a IOM 6 speed 2SS/RS but the dealership wouldn't accept a GSU discount (GM said "OK" dealership said "nope"). So three weeks later I bought a 6 speed Hemi Orange Challenger and have loved it. I got it when Dodge did the Employee Price, 0% for 48 mos, and $1000 cash back, so it was a S T E A L. I'd always liked the Challenger as well as the Camaro, but felt the Challenger was a bit overpriced. Now I'm beginning to see why it costs more.

Long story short, I've always still liked the Camaro, and have considered getting one of those as well. I'd keep the Challenger because I just love it, but thought a Camaro would be fun to have too and it has a lot of aftermarket support for big horse power upgrades which is appealing.

SO, I finally went and test drove a 2SS/RS 6 speed manual on Saturday. It would have been optioned exactly as I'd have purchased, no sun roof, but everything else with an MSRP of $36,695.

I gotta be honest and say I was disappointed. The interior just didn't have the quality I was expecting. The ride was a bit harsh and my head hit the roof (I'm only 5'10). It also vibrated quite a bit as the RPMs climbed.

I could get over the ride since it does help the handling, and could even live with my head hitting the roof at times. However, the interior I'd have serious issues with. When I commented on feel of the interior the salesman said I needed to realize I was getting the Corvette drive line for $20,000 less than a Corvette and that those costs had to be made up somewhere, but that didn't make me feel any better about it.

How do you guys feel about it? What vehicle are you coming from or comparing it to?

Again, I'm not trying to aggravate anybody, it's just something I was very surprised at. I really wanted to love the car. I'm hopeful with such strong sales that GM will be able to put higher quality interior components in future models, so for now this car is on the back burner for me.

I'm just glad I didn't buy it site unseen like I "almost" did. That's taught me a valuable lesson, to ALWAYS wait and test drive before spending that kind of money.

OK...I'll go hide now as I'm sure I'm about to get really beat up here, but I'm genuinely curious as to how you guys feel about it

P.S. I'm probably one of the most un-biased car people you can meet. I like pretty much all performance cars and had no idea what MOPAR was until I bought the Challenger, so I'm definitely not some die hard Dodge (or any other brand) fan. I buy what makes sense at the time.

[nyycamarogirl]

I have an LS which is the most basic camaro and I am very happy with the quality. The seats are comfortable and the cloth is very nice compared to my mom and dad's GM cars. I know a lot of people say there is too much plastic in the interior..... but what car DOESN'T except a Bentley maybe lol.

I have driven in my friend's 335i BMW and the leather seats are nice but other than that the interior is not much better than my base Camaro and it is BORING looking, even the LS Camaro has flash, and I love the dash. The only thing I might want added is a Camaro symbol or the word "camaro" on the passengers side dash, kinda like Mustangs have. But other than that the quality is great.... I love the stereo and even the basic sound system is very good....

A++++ CHevy

This is coming from someone whose family has owned GM cars my whole life with the exception of my first car which was a volvo that I HATED lol

[TheClassicCarKid]

Umm, can't say that I have experienced what you're describing in my test drive, so I can't really help you here, it is very strange that your head is hitting the roof though...

[TripleX]

Originally Posted by TheClassicCarKid

Umm, can't say that I have experienced what you're describing in my test drive, so I can't really help you here, it is very strange that your head is hitting the roof though...

Was thinking the same thing...

Maybe you should lower the seat... That is an option... I'm 5'11" and my head does not touch the roof unless I get in after my wife has driven the car...

[Nachos!!]

I have a 2ss rs and love it. Im 6'2" and my head doesnt hit the rook. You can adjust the seat up and down, it was probably up to high. Everyone I talk to with the challenger say they like my interior better. As for the ride of it I like it. Is a sports car, not a luxury car. too each his own.

[kdbolt70]

I've seen pictures of guys at 6'8" fitting in the camaro without hitting their head. The seat is quite adjustable.

In terms of the quality, I am very happy with it. Sure, when you touch the dash it is "unnaturally" hard, but I've touched the dash all of twice in my life. I find the controls quite useful and intuitive, and very responsive to the touch. Personally, For what we paid for the car, I'm very happy with the interior, but I can understand where you're coming from.

[CamaroFreako]

i have to agree with Speedy, i was disappointed too, it looks so cheap, The interior wasn't that good, the Mustang and Challenger had a better interior that i liked, but still, i bought a Camaro

[Speedy1975]

The leather seats did seem nice.

I agree most cars do have lots of plastic in them...I mean they have for years now, it was just that the plastic in the Camaro I test drove felt flimsy and brittle. For example, when I opened or closed the air vent in the center of the dash, the vent louver would bow in 1/8". I was afraid it would break.

The Challenger has a lot of plastic too...it's just a bit thicker and more "rubbery" I think is the word I'm looking for. When you tap it it goes "thunk" and not "pap".

Honestly I drove a Mustang GT too and like the interior of it better than even the Challenger. The Mustang motor just felt under powered compared to the Camaro and Challenger. Ford's correcting that on the 2011 though.

And thanks for not blasting me on this one.

[Speedy1975]

Originally Posted by Nachos!!

I have a 2ss rs and love it. Im 6'2" and my head doesnt hit the rook. You can adjust the seat up and down, it was probably up to high.

AH, that may be it then. I didn't think of moving the seat down. I should've checked that.

The clutch felt like it grabbed a bit early as well.....I actually bucked the car a time or two, but that's probably something you have to just get used to?

One thing I will say the Camaro has going for it is all the aftermarket support. I inquired about the SLP575 option and it was available right there at the dealer and they had brochures on it. 575 Supercharged horses, new hood, brakes, spoiler, paint, etc for $23K seemed like a pretty good deal, not to mention it warrantied right there at the dealer as well. Comparatively a Hurst Challenger with only the body kit, interior, exhaust, and wheels was a $20K add on. Not even a supercharger.

[Moriartii]

I have a 2SS/RSS manual with no sunroof. While I agree with the way my seat is positioned it isnt easy for me to just "jump in" the car as I like to be careful and not scrape stuff. At 5'10" also I dont bang my head. The ONLY issue or complaint I have about my car is the "tin can" sound it has when you drive it. This is in reference to the trunk or even the remainder of the car not having sound dampening material. For a couple of hundred I plan on doing the trunk and it should correct this issue.

Also while I havent run into this yet, the plastic parts may could have been made a little harder so they dont scratch as much. However there are easy fixes for this too. So all in all can I see your point yes but at the same time I can fix the issue relatively easily AND I enjoy tinkering.

Cheers
K

[anthonybyram]

I love my new Camaro 2SS/RS, the quality of this car speaks for itself, I am curious though, you say that your head hits the roof? You may want to adjust the seat a little better, Im taller than you and have no problem with headroom issues. The ride is firm but not harsh or bumpy, as compared with some of the new cars it may be somewhat stiffer in nature but not that bad. I personally love the handling and performance of the new Camaro. Just my opinion though. Its not a bashing contest to each his own, Im glad that we still have at least some good old fashioned muscle cars to choose from.

[Hoddi]

I love it. I think the quality of the interior is just fine.

BTW, I test drove a Challenger and thought the interior was way cheap.
(JMO)

[nyycamarogirl]

Originally Posted by coolman

I would have to agree on the interior. I have a 2ss and a 2010 gt500. The interior in the GT500 is a lot more up scale then the 2ss ,but that's part of the reason you pay more for it. I didn't really notice how sloppy the interior was until my wife traded her lt in on an 2010 sho, but here again it's a more upscale car. I think it's right on for the money. I also think the interior on the challenger is the worst thing about it. I had a 2007 300C and it was the same exact interior as the challenger. Very boring looking and in need of updating. That had a lot to due with me not getting a challenger. I'm waiting to see if the redesign the interior before I buy one.

Sorry to go off topic.... but AHHHH I LOVE YOUR CARS!!!! camaro, gt500... taurus sho..... I am jealous

[james2SS]

I have a 2SS/RS, and I'm extremely pleased with the car. To be honest, I haven't paid a whole lot of attention to the interior. The seats are comfortable, I really like the steering wheel and find it pleasing to hold, and the controls are nicely laid out as well. Sure there's a lot of plastic, but it doesn't strike me as being cheap. I have my seat rather low (there is a wide range of adjustments) and I'm 6 ft, and haven't experienced any problem hitting the roof. I do have a problem with my head quite frequently hitting the headrest rather forcefully.

I first saw the Challenger last spring/summer and I like their looks. It got me thinking about buying a new car and that was going to be a strong contender. I went on a business trip and ended up getting a Camaro as a rental. When I got home I ordered a Camaro and didn't even consider anything else.

If you're enjoying your ride half as much as I'm enjoying mine you are one lucky dude.

~Jim

[2010 SSRS]

I absolutely love everything about my awesome Camaro

[james2SS]

Wow, now that surprises me. I had a Mustang as a rental a few weeks back and I was disappointed in the interior and the overall layout. I rushed into buying the Camaro and had wondered if I should have test drove the Mustang and Challenger. I can say with complete confidence I made the right choice over the Mustang (IMHO). Since I haven't had the pleasure of driving a Challenger yet I have to reserve judgment on that one.

~Jim

[Dboy23]

Simple answer, compared to any other 2010 Coupe I've seen, no I'm not happy with it.

[myold88]

Originally Posted by Moriartii

I have a 2SS/RSS manual with no sunroof. While I agree with the way my seat is positioned it isnt easy for me to just "jump in" the car as I like to be careful and not scrape stuff. At 5'10" also I dont bang my head. The ONLY issue or complaint I have about my car is the "tin can" sound it has when you drive it. This is in reference to the trunk or even the remainder of the car not having sound dampening material. For a couple of hundred I plan on doing the trunk and it should correct this issue.

Also while I havent run into this yet, the plastic parts may could have been made a little harder so they dont scratch as much. However there are easy fixes for this too. So all in all can I see your point yes but at the same time I can fix the issue relatively easily AND I enjoy tinkering.

Cheers
K

I consider my SS Camaro near perfect but it is a "tin can" with NO insulation on the unibody. I insulated my trunk floor, w/hsgs and both 1/4 panels and added the G.M. accy trunk mat, and my Camaro is now quiet and feels much more solid than before. $300.00 professionally installed, 24 pounds
and only a 3 hour job.
See my 1/21 thread @ HOW-TO INSTRUCTIONS with photos.

[Speedy1975]

Originally Posted by coolman

I also think the interior on the challenger is the worst thing about it. I had a 2007 300C and it was the same exact interior as the challenger.

That's been a complaint from a lot of folks who had previous Chargers or 300s. Since I'd never had a Dodge car period it was new to me, so maybe that's why I don't mind it. The steering wheel could be a little more "retro" though, but I like the button placement.

Originally Posted by anthonybyram

Im glad that we still have at least some good old fashioned muscle cars to choose from.

You got that right!

Originally Posted by Hoddi

BTW, I test drove a Challenger and thought the interior was way cheap.
(JMO)

How so? Gimme some details/examples.

[trashauler]

I wish I could comment. I have had my car for a few weeks now, but it has been sitting in the garage. With only 120 miles on it I ould have a hard time commenting on it. I also have never driven a challenger, but it is a nice car. The top three finally have some nice cars worth buying!!! I hope all three do well.

[monstertodd]

I'm quite pleased with the interior on my Camaro. I think it is light years ahead of my 2008 Trailblazer SS in terms of quality of materials and fit/finish.

For comparison, I've owned a 94 Mitsubishi Eclipse, a 99 Frontier, an 02 Frontier, an 03 GTI, and an 04 Silverado.

I've sat in, and driven, BMW's, Lexus', and Mercedes, and I've got to say, in terms of quality of materials and fit and finish, I'm not impressed. I rented a 2010 GLK series Mercedes, and I was appalled. The interior is horrendous and looks like it was designed by a robot. For the cost, I would have expected better. I think the Camaro's interior is better!

IMHO, the challenger interior looks too much like other Chrysler vehicles. No imagination, no uniqueness, it just blends in with the crowd.

In regards to the Camaro's interior, ok so there's a lot of plastic. There's a lot of plastic on EVERY car's interior. Even high end cars have plastic.

I'm not saying the Camaro's interior is the holy grail of car interiors because it's not. What I am saying is that I don't think the Camaro's interior is as bad as a lot of people make it out to be.

In the end, it's just my opinion. I like the Camaro interior, I don't love it. You don't like it, and that's fine. Happy motoring!

[2SuperSport]

I do have a problem with my head quite frequently hitting the headrest rather forcefully.

Quick fix to this problem is to buy a mustang

If anyone thinks the camaro interior feels cheap now it will only get worse with mileage.

[StrangeMan]

I'm not a big fan of the speedometer - i use the digital one. But I understand they were trying to go retro (4-pack too). I really like the seats...half leather half pleather...don't care. They are very comfy.

As long as it doesn't start squeeking or rattling, I can live with the little things that aren't perfect.

[TooCool5]

Originally Posted by nyycamarogirl

I have an LS which is the most basic camaro and I am very happy with the quality. The seats are comfortable and the cloth is very nice compared to my mom and dad's GM cars. I know a lot of people say there is too much plastic in the interior..... but what car DOESN'T except a Bentley maybe lol.

I have driven in my friend's 335i BMW and the leather seats are nice but other than that the interior is not much better than my base Camaro and it is BORING looking, even the LS Camaro has flash, and I love the dash. The only thing I might want added is a Camaro symbol or the word "camaro" on the passengers side dash, kinda like Mustangs have. But other than that the quality is great.... I love the stereo and even the basic sound system is very good....

A++++ CHevy

This is coming from someone whose family has owned GM cars my whole life with the exception of my first car which was a volvo that I HATED lol

Same here on the LS, it has a nice balance of ride and handling, no vibrations and comfortable seats.

[Wizzer]

I bought my lt a few days ago and I already took apart the center console to hard wire some extra power to my gps unit. I think the insides of the car is acceptable for the price I paid. I have seen far worse. I have the leather wrapped shift knob and steering wheel and I like it. If I were to tap power off anywhere in the car I would do it from the center glove box lighter. That only take 4 screws to get access to the back wires. Tapping into the plug by the shifter took me way to long. Lesson learned.

But on topic the outside of the car looks far better than the inside. lol

Wizzer