Chevrolet unveiled the Camaro reactively to siphon sales from the Mustang’s wild success in the 1960s. Today, the Chevrolet Camaro has evolved into a versatile modern muscle car with a scalpel-sharp, supercharged track variant, the ZL1. Still, with rear seating, an economical starting point, and a usable trunk, trims like the 1LS have potential as a daily driver. So, can you drive daily a Chevrolet Camaro, or should you find something else?

What is the cheapest option for shoppers to daily drive a Chevrolet Camaro?

The cheapest new Chevrolet Camaro in the marque’s pony car lineup is the 1LS. It packs an (admittedly somewhat anemic) 275 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, it promises better fuel economy than the 455-horsepower 6.2L V8 engine further up the food chain. According to TrueCar, the entry-level Chevrolet Camaro 1LS has a starting price of $27,195. 

However, the prices jump with the addition of cylinders. The first V8-powered Camaro in the lineup, the LT1, has a starting cost of $37,195, an entire $10,000 more than the 1LS. Both the 1LS and LT1 are cheaper than the comparable four-cylinder and Coyote V8-powered Mustang.

Which Chevrolet Camaro trim is the most practical daily driver?

Regarding fuel efficiency, the four-cylinder trims (1LS, 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT) take the cake. The base-model 1LS returns fuel efficiency scores of 19 mpg city and 28 mpg at highway speeds. While that’s not quite up to Ford Mustang EcoBoost standards, it’s not bad for a big sports car. The LT1, with its 6.2L V8, manages 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. 

While the 1LS’ numbers are more daily driver-friendly, you might want to budget for gas if you want the LT1 in your driveway. TrueCar says the newest Camaros have less than 10 cubic feet of cargo capacity regardless of trim. That puts it behind the Ford Mustang’s volume. Either way, the Camaro has a little back seat and usable cargo volume for daily driving. 

How fast is a Chevrolet Camaro?

While speed might not be the first thing on your mind when looking for a daily driver, the Chevrolet Camaro is agile and pretty practical. According to iSeeCars, a four-cylinder example can hit 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Still, opting for the LT1 will net you an extra 180 horsepower. 

Of course, the fastest Chevrolet Camaro is the 650-horsepower ZL1. The Camaro ZL1 packs a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine and expansive Brembo brakes for sharp track times. Still, you’ll have to budget for its starting price of $68,095, which is pretty steep for a daily driver. 

What car is replacing the Camaro?

Chevrolet announced that the tenured Camaro is driving off into the sunset by model year 2024. However, much like the similarly terminal Dodge Challenger and Charger, the muscle car will make room for the next generation of performance cars. Dodge is replacing its beloved performers with an electric muscle car, and Chevrolet is likely to do the same. If you’re a performance fan and excited for the next generation of smile-inducing daily drivers, EV muscle cars should thrill you. 

Scroll down to the following article to read more about muscle cars like the venerable Camaro!