My theory on sports car ownership is that you should multiply your age times $1,000 to set your budget.
The Chevrolet Camaro coupe, a classic American-made sports car, ranges in base price from about $26,000 to about $62,000. So, you could apply the $1,000 multiplier from age 26 to retirement and upgrade as you go along.
Is the Camaro worth a lifetime of brand loyalty? That's what I'm here to answer.
WHAT IS IT?
The Camaro is a mid-size sports car made by Chevrolet. Now in its sixth generation, the Camaro dates to the dawn of the "pony car" era in the 1960s. It was developed as a competitor to the Ford Mustang, and hit the market for the 1967 model year.
Today, Camaros are available in both hardtop (coupe) and convertible models. There are eight stairstep trim levels and four engine options.
Interestingly, the gender split on Camaro purchases is about 50-50, according to Chevy, which just goes to show the broad appeal of the model.
Fast facts
* Model: 2020 Chevrolet Camaro 3LT Coupe* Exterior color: Summit White* Interior color: Kalahari* Engine: 3.6-liter, V-6* Horsepower: 335* Transmission: 10-speed automatic* Fuel economy: 29 mpg highway, 19 mpg city* Local dealer: Integrity Chevrolet, Mountain View Chevrolet* Price (as tested): $36,680
WHAT MODEL SHOULD YOU PICK?
If you just want to land somewhere in the middle of the Camaro's vast price range, my pick is this month's Chatter test car, a 2020 Camaro 3LT Coupe that rings up at $36,680. With a melodious, 335-horsepower six-cylinder engine and leather front seats (heated and ventilated), the 3LT is an compromising choice for mid-tier buyers. It has standout levels of comfort and performance without an extravagant cost.
WHAT'S THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE LIKE?
I think the 3LT is the goldilocks version of the Camaro - not too hot, not too cold. The engine growls delightfully, but never overpowers a cautious driver.
On the other hand, if your blood runs hot and you have more dough, by all means go for the 455-horsepower Camaro 2SS. I recently drove one and observed in a previous review that, "Sitting inside a 2019 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe 2SS ($42,995) is like driving a fist. It feels like a blunt object, connected to muscle and twitching for action." By comparison, the 3LT is more sedate - and affordable - but still fun.
WHAT'S TO LIKE?
Our tester 3LT is shown in Summit White (exterior) and Kalahari (interior). It's a classic and complementary color combination. The 18-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels are attractive without being gaudy. The 2020 model incorporates both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone interfaces. No matter what trim you go for, the Camaro is chill.
WHAT NEEDS IMPROVEMENT?
Some of the interior plastic parts look a bit cheap, and visibility out the back window is pinched. The stereo is bass heavy. Gas mileage is modest: 29 mpg in highway driving and 19 mpg in city traffic.
BOTTOM LINE
Wrap yourself in a new Camaro and you'll take years off your age. In fact, it might be a better age-eraser than Botox.