The Chevy Camaro is a classic American automobile, which takes on another dimension in convertible form. Recently, MotorTrend put together a list of the best convertibles for under $50,000. Surprisingly, the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible came in at No. 4, although the Camaro Coupe was MotorTrend’s 2016 Car of the Year. Even so, today’s Camaro Convertible has a lot going for it that make it a solid choice for exciting top-down driving. 

A brief history of the Chevy Camaro Convertible

The Chevy Camaro came onto the scene in 1966 as Chevrolet’s response to the wildly popular Ford Mustang.  The Camaro had a base price of just $2,466, and it boasted a base 3.8-liter straight-six engine. The convertible was introduced the following year in 1967. It immediately became a popular model, serving as the Indianapolis 500 pace car in 1967.

From 1970 through 1987, there were no convertible models made of the Camaro, however, a translucent t-top was an option from 1978. The Camaro Convertible also went away after 1988 but returned in 1994 as the Z28 Camaro with a choice of V6 power plants. The 2020 Chevy Camaro convertible is the 6th generation of Camaros in production. 

The current version of the Chevrolet Camaro offers a convertible option for all models. The base 1LT with a 2.0-liter turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission has a starting price of $30,995, and the top model is the ZL1 with a 6.2 liter supercharged V8 and a $72,190 starting price.

An impressive convertible roof

When the mood hits to have a drive in the open air, the 2020 Chevy Camaro Convertible gets the job done quickly. The power-folding roof takes just 15 seconds to retreat entirely into the standard body-colored tonneau cover. You can use the power-folding roof at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour and control it via a single button in the cockpit or on your key fob.

MotorTrend didn’t appreciate that the top takes up 90 percent of the trunk when folded down, leaving little room for any extras. Overall, they found the convertible 2020 Chevy Camaro severely lacking in storage space. 

The 2020 Chevy Camaro Convertible

There are four powertrain options available on the 2020 Chevy Camaro Convertible. Under the hood of the SS model is a 6.2-liter engine that packs a whopping 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. It has the balance that the Camaro is known for, offering precise handling and efficiency. Dual exhaust with bright tips, rear-wheel drive, and electronic stability control with traction control are all standard on all models. 

No matter what trim you choose, the 2020 Chevy Camaro has a refined, performance cockpit with distinctive sport features. The Camaro has a flat-bottom steering wheel, high seat bolsters, and driver-oriented controls. Interior options include a heated steering wheel, red seat belts, heated and ventilated front seats, and aluminum driving pedals. 

For safety, the Chevrolet Camaro features an ultra high-strength steel safety cage, and a variety of available driver assist features. Available lane change alert with side blind zone alert, available rear cross traffic alert, and available forward collision alert help keep you safe and secure. There’s also a standard rear camera mirror on 3LT, 2SS, and ZL1 models. 

It is somewhat surprising that an American classic like the Chevy Camaro isn’t higher on MotorTrend’s list of convertibles under $50,000, mainly because they don’t like the convertible as much as they like the coupe. The 2020 Chevy Camaro Convertible still checks a lot of boxes for a classic American sports car that offers plenty of driving excitement.