I went from a 2011 sl550 to a 2017 1ss convertible. What I paid for repairs and basic upkeep on my SL550 for 4 years is what I paid in total for the 2017 1SS Camaro. The performance is out standing and a total blast. I'll be 75 this year and still enjoy driving thru the Redwoods to get to Big Sur. It's called the good life.
SS 1LE with Chevy discounts is a great value. I love the look of the ZL1 and the added performance but realistically I'd never use it as I don't track.
I'm glad you didn't complain about it being stiff. I enjoyed the review! I like a taught suspension and love the way the Zl1 1le drives! But anyways, I see people that complain about the interior being cheap, and I agree, it's not the best. But I sometimes feel like they say it's cheap to make themselves feel better about the high price they pay for these German cars with very little performance and high maintenance cost. People complain about the low quality interior, but yet complain about cars not being affordable. I guess Chevy could make a high quality interior, but people wouldn't want to pay the price. I'm looking at C7 Z06's, or Zl1- 1le's...and for a 2LZ Z06 with the decent interior, the car is out of my price range. But with the 1LZ ( which I wouldn't purchase because they simply remove too many options); I wouldn't want because of the lack of options. So simply put, if they don't like the Chevy, keep buying the other cars they like. I won't complain about their overpriced German cars with low performance and high running cost as long as they don't say anything when I buy I Vette or Camaro.
The should have fixed the horrible visibility and cramped interior. The interior materials are not nearly as nice as the Mustang and Challenger and it costs way more than both.
GM went cheap and cramped Ford succeeded in making the Mustang as luxurious and comfortable as a BMW 4-Series Coupe for a fraction of the price Obviously the Mustang isnt at the refinement of 4-Series but thats only because Ford is trying to keep it affordable The Camaro blew it
@@joecool9739 "Ford succeeded in making the Mustang as luxurious and comfortable as a BMW 4-Series Coupe for a fraction of the price" this made me laugh the Mustang fit and finish is nowhere near a BMW.
Thank you for this extremely thorough review. A lot of others missed out on headroom, how the ventilated seats work, rear seat room, etc. Well done, as I’m shopping these now.
I really liked your review. Very good info. The only thing missing is what's most important to the people interested in this car. It would have been nice if you found an open road and mashed that accelerator and let us see and hear it wind out through a couple of those gears!
Maybe an extra 10K sold per year. A 4 door droptop would be a rare bird for sure. Unfortunately with the nanny car cocoon route we're on lately, droptops will become extinct shortly. Except Wranglers.
They have squeezed out many different models out of that chassis as is, without much investment. Do not think they would sell many open tops, plus they may struggle with scuttle shake.
@@93455Driver yeah that makes sense. Being that the platform theyre using on pretty much all their cars is very old, i dont think it has the rigidity to handle no top
Hi Alex. Could you please consider adding a metered width comparison for cars? It is in some places a bigger concern than length and especially when it comes to sports cars. Thanks!
Larry Smith YASS, even with the McLaren. California reviewers all seem to be high speed challenged. Sad because many cars come alive on the interstate at speed 🛣
They are perfect in visibility on the windows. Cant understand why some say other. And no, not important to can put up arm on the side of the door. So please stop tell this kind of "stupid" things otherwise they make them ugly. This is extreamly nice design, thanks to the builders/designers!
Alex, great review! I have a new camaro convertible. Do you know what the purpose of the fabric is across the deck behind the rear seats is for ? It's there when the top is up. The dealer has no idea and neither does the Chevrolet support hot line.
To prevent stuff from being put behind the rear seat. Stuff in there would get crushed and it would damage the folding top. Same reason there is that folding panel in the trunk. Owners/users of convertibles always have to be aware of what space is occupied by the top when it is down (folded). Have fun with your convertible.
An excellent review Alex. You hit so many points that other reviews gloss over, and your presentation is flawless. Stuff like the black ventilated seats not being as effective as leather. Very important here in Florida and something that I would have suspected. Also a negative for me would be that the Chevy only offers a black interior. Why? A terrible decision for hot climates. So I'm considering trading my Jaguar F type V8S for a Camaro ZL1, Challenger or Charger widebody Hellcat, possibly an M4 . A really tough decision. I cannot take a step down from the F type performance so this is my short list. Your review certainly helps. Now let's see if you did a review on the Hellcat. I'm tending towards the Hellcat, straight roads in Florida and I'm thinking about replacing my BMW 135 M track car, so I probably have the track issue covered. The Hellcat checks a lot of boxes if you take the trackability out of the equation.
So is dollar store compared to real grocery stores.. what's your point? Germans aren't going for "all out performance". I'm not hating on the Camaro, it's just silly to draw straight comparison like that. I used to own a corvette so I love these cars too, but I also love Germans for different reasons. It's just not an apple to apple comparison
@@93455Driver In term of performance on the track, an SS 1LE would beat a C63S, so a ZL1 would just crushes it. Now if you want to talk about interior, looks or any other more subjective aspect of the car, then one might prefer the C63S. But on performance alone, the Merc gets it's ass kicked.
@@93455Driver I kinda really love super sedan, so C63, E63, M3/M5, ATS-V, CTS-V, RS7 and many other simply because of their duality. You get all the performance you will ever need plus 4 door, 4 seat and an actual trunk. Since I have a child, I would probably be rational and go with a luxury sedan, personally the CTS-V is my favorite but they're all awesome. But there's just something awesome when you have a Camaro that genuinely keep up with some supercars at the track. Look up motortrend review of the ZL1, I'm not joking, you'd be surprised what kind of car it was faster than. So maybe I'd just get a ZL1 as a weekend toy and a lame inexpensive econobox like a Corolla as a daily.
Sorry you didn't comment on the great design of the convertible top, which is way ahead of any Ford, and disagree with statement on the way you compare it to a gt350 or the 500, this car is well beyond there ability
Don't matter,the C8 convertible,will put this car on the shelf,to heavy,not current on the Wow scale no more.plus the back seat and the short headline.
True. Unfortunately, boring gauges are becoming standard across the board... usually some variation of white + black, sometimes with red needles... yawn. As for the plastic interior... when it comes to high performance cars I actually prefer a cheaper interior, if that means they can keep the price lower... leather, aluminum and all that crap isn't really necessary in a driving machine - as long as steering wheel and shifter feel good, all that matters is you and the road. In a car that's specifically about luxury, it's a different story, of course.
I know you don't do classic (older) vehicles, but I really enjoy your review techniques, so it sure would be fun and interesting for you to drive and compare a 1967-1969 Camaro convertible V8 to this one. One thing for sure, the visibility, rear seat room and trunk space in the original design is superior to the new design. I would rather have a like-new 68 than a 2020, and any of the original V8 engines would be plenty of power. Other than crash protection and lower emissions, how is the 2020 an improvement over what was available 54 years ago? "Alex On Classics" I'm waiting. 🙂
Love this vehicle except for its coffin like visibility. Hard pass as visibility is a priority to me. Fatal flaw in my opinion. Amazing engineering brought down by GM design
The visibility isn't that bad. People complain about a car that they have never been in. I admit, it's not the best but it doesn't bother me. The car that does is a Charger. The worst blind spot ever! And no one ever complains about that car.
It’s called Garnett red and does appear more orange in bright sun . It’s been a popular metallic red for camaros for many years . It’s being replaced with a new metallic red for 2021 called wild cherry red.
But thanks for doing a convertible review! I have been really looking hard at my next rag top. But I am so damn torn. A oerfect poor guys two seat Miata? No rear seat and in Texas, you are gonna get squashed like a squirrel. Mustang...like the Camaro, no rear seat but plenty more cargo and a WAY better daily commuter. BMW 1, 2 or 3and 4 series? Maybe...if a used low mileage can be found. VERY CONFUSED. I change my mind every time I see another convertible!!!!
@@alliejr Don't think I haven't considered. But I am trying to decide IF the divorce would be worth it. As of right now, it seems to be a pretty good trade off......
well......Alex, you keep comparing it to the 3 and 4 series but they HAVE rear seats. I mean, ya, a body can build sweet driving corner busters as long as that damn rear seat doesn't need to have meaning. But, sadly, it does. As does the trunk. Yup,building cars without having to consider rear visibility, rear seat and cargo...seems pretty low bar.
@@johndessire399 That's true to an extent. I just thought it was a bit unfair for Alex to say "no high horsepower mustang convertible" - I don't know how anyone could consider 460HP to not be "high horsepower".
I went from a 2011 sl550 to a 2017 1ss convertible. What I paid for repairs and basic upkeep on my SL550 for 4 years is what I paid in total for the 2017 1SS Camaro. The performance is out standing and a total blast. I'll be 75 this year and still enjoy driving thru the Redwoods to get to Big Sur. It's called the good life.
how do you like zl1?
I love these stories
These Camaros are a blast!
Late life crisis
Typical boomer activities
go frank!
That‘s actually the first convertible i see which looks good with the soft top on.
I traded in my 2016 SS convertible for the 2018 ZL1 convertible and I am very happy with the change.
I give you an A for the content, and I really like the multi camera view during the test drive.👍
Nice job. It's one of the best reviews I have seen and spot on. I have a 2020 SS convertible and ordered a 2022 ZL1 convertible.
SS 1LE with Chevy discounts is a great value. I love the look of the ZL1 and the added performance but realistically I'd never use it as I don't track.
So i shouldnt get a zl1 convertible i should just go for an ss?
I'm glad you didn't complain about it being stiff. I enjoyed the review! I like a taught suspension and love the way the Zl1 1le drives! But anyways, I see people that complain about the interior being cheap, and I agree, it's not the best. But I sometimes feel like they say it's cheap to make themselves feel better about the high price they pay for these German cars with very little performance and high maintenance cost. People complain about the low quality interior, but yet complain about cars not being affordable. I guess Chevy could make a high quality interior, but people wouldn't want to pay the price. I'm looking at C7 Z06's, or Zl1- 1le's...and for a 2LZ Z06 with the decent interior, the car is out of my price range. But with the 1LZ ( which I wouldn't purchase because they simply remove too many options); I wouldn't want because of the lack of options. So simply put, if they don't like the Chevy, keep buying the other cars they like. I won't complain about their overpriced German cars with low performance and high running cost as long as they don't say anything when I buy I Vette or Camaro.
It’s even nice as a six cylinder RS with a six speed manual. It’s a great handling platform. Shame that they’re discontinuing it.
The should have fixed the horrible visibility and cramped interior. The interior materials are not nearly as nice as the Mustang and Challenger and it costs way more than both.
GM went cheap and cramped
Ford succeeded in making the Mustang as luxurious and comfortable as a BMW 4-Series Coupe for a fraction of the price
Obviously the Mustang isnt at the refinement of 4-Series but thats only because Ford is trying to keep it affordable
The Camaro blew it
@@joecool9739 "Ford succeeded in making the Mustang as luxurious and comfortable as a BMW 4-Series Coupe for a fraction of the price" this made me laugh the Mustang fit and finish is nowhere near a BMW.
@DanielBlaney
The base Mustangs are every bit cheapo plastic rattleboxes as any Camaro
size of those rear tires gives me goosebumps!
Excellent review and excellent car. I wish GM would consistently produce such class leading entries. Clearly they can.
Excellent review as always Alex but I'm glad I can't afford this convertible because I think ID lose my licence faster then it goes 0 to 60😈👍
Thank you for this extremely thorough review. A lot of others missed out on headroom, how the ventilated seats work, rear seat room, etc. Well done, as I’m shopping these now.
I think the Camaro Is really awesome but sometimes some people does not appreciate the beauty AND legacy of a legendary muscle car
I cant believe not one smile while driving a heartpounding convertible, you are so empty and lost inside.
My 2019 silver ice metallic ZL1 convertible is an amazing car! Best price/performance deal going.
Your English is clearly spoken for a foreigner like me.👍
I really liked your review. Very good info. The only thing missing is what's most important to the people interested in this car. It would have been nice if you found an open road and mashed that accelerator and let us see and hear it wind out through a couple of those gears!
Thank you for this review. I am currently looking at either the SS or ZL1 convertible and you answered all of my questions!
They really went up in price. The sticker on my rapid blue 2023 convertible was 81,000 which includes a $2,100 gas guzzler tax.
Do yall think ppl wouldve bought more challengers if there was a convertible option avaliable? And even for the charger
Maybe an extra 10K sold per year. A 4 door droptop would be a rare bird for sure. Unfortunately with the nanny car cocoon route we're on lately, droptops will become extinct shortly. Except Wranglers.
As great as it sounds... FCA would Richard it up and manage to crack windshields as you drive up aprons with any steep curb heights.
They have squeezed out many different models out of that chassis as is, without much investment. Do not think they would sell many open tops, plus they may struggle with scuttle shake.
@@93455Driver yeah that makes sense. Being that the platform theyre using on pretty much all their cars is very old, i dont think it has the rigidity to handle no top
I do because I'm one of them. I'm a mopar guy but I bought a Camaro because of the convertible option.
Love the stealth color on this one.
If I buy a muscle car? This is the one Alex.
Hi Alex. Could you please consider adding a metered width comparison for cars? It is in some places a bigger concern than length and especially when it comes to sports cars. Thanks!
Good review but I would have love to see the convertible top operation. And more shots of the top going up and down.
What more can I say, oh yes please get some quality high speed interstate time. It's where most of us drive our performance machines like this Camaro.
Alex has never exceeded 60MPH.
Larry Smith YASS, even with the McLaren. California reviewers all seem to be high speed challenged. Sad because many cars come alive on the interstate at speed 🛣
Nice review. 2020 Subaru Legacy Turbo next please!
Good review. I probably will upgrade my 2013 ZL1 convertible to a 2020 or 2021 ZL1 convertible 10 speed auto.
I own this exact car and LOVE it!
Love the ZL1!
They are perfect in visibility on the windows. Cant understand why some say other. And no, not important to can put up arm on the side of the door. So please stop tell this kind of "stupid" things otherwise they make them ugly. This is extreamly nice design, thanks to the builders/designers!
THAT'S THE BEST CAR ENGINE OPTIONS IS WHY
Excellent review of a truly phenomenal vehicle!
Best review yet.
Alex, great review! I have a new camaro convertible. Do you know what the purpose of the fabric is across the deck behind the rear seats is for ? It's there when the top is up. The dealer has no idea and neither does the Chevrolet support hot line.
To prevent stuff from being put behind the rear seat. Stuff in there would get crushed and it would damage the folding top. Same reason there is that folding panel in the trunk. Owners/users of convertibles always have to be aware of what space is occupied by the top when it is down (folded). Have fun with your convertible.
Great review Alex!! Would love to drive this ZL1 with a manual.
Great review, you even mention the lack of ELD on the convertible models...👍
Excellent review!! Unbelievably thorough! Love this Camaro!
An excellent review Alex. You hit so many points that other reviews gloss over, and your presentation is flawless. Stuff like the black ventilated seats not being as effective as leather. Very important here in Florida and something that I would have suspected. Also a negative for me would be that the Chevy only offers a black interior. Why? A terrible decision for hot climates. So I'm considering trading my Jaguar F type V8S for a Camaro ZL1, Challenger or Charger widebody Hellcat, possibly an M4 . A really tough decision. I cannot take a step down from the F type performance so this is my short list. Your review certainly helps. Now let's see if you did a review on the Hellcat. I'm tending towards the Hellcat, straight roads in Florida and I'm thinking about replacing my BMW 135 M track car, so I probably have the track issue covered. The Hellcat checks a lot of boxes if you take the trackability out of the equation.
what....aprox.500-lbs. heavyer?????wood be a poor choice.
WOWWW !!!! The ZL1 Convertible is amazing!!!
Can you please do review on the 2020 ZL1 1LE with the 10 Speed Automatic.
One of the reasons why people buy these things is the engine noise/note :) You should add "engine music" in your column of ratings.
Most people can't do a large room with AC on without crazy audio, and he's top-down the whole time
The performance u get for 70K this is a steal compared to Germans like M4 and c63s and it’s gonna be more reliable than these two.
So is dollar store compared to real grocery stores.. what's your point? Germans aren't going for "all out performance". I'm not hating on the Camaro, it's just silly to draw straight comparison like that. I used to own a corvette so I love these cars too, but I also love Germans for different reasons. It's just not an apple to apple comparison
Timo Banks You really think that this is equal or better than a C63S?
@@93455Driver In term of performance on the track, an SS 1LE would beat a C63S, so a ZL1 would just crushes it.
Now if you want to talk about interior, looks or any other more subjective aspect of the car, then one might prefer the C63S. But on performance alone, the Merc gets it's ass kicked.
fred Brochu I meant overall, you can either car, which would you have? I would go for the Merc.
@@93455Driver I kinda really love super sedan, so C63, E63, M3/M5, ATS-V, CTS-V, RS7 and many other simply because of their duality. You get all the performance you will ever need plus 4 door, 4 seat and an actual trunk. Since I have a child, I would probably be rational and go with a luxury sedan, personally the CTS-V is my favorite but they're all awesome.
But there's just something awesome when you have a Camaro that genuinely keep up with some supercars at the track. Look up motortrend review of the ZL1, I'm not joking, you'd be surprised what kind of car it was faster than.
So maybe I'd just get a ZL1 as a weekend toy and a lame inexpensive econobox like a Corolla as a daily.
well the new m4 is a rocket 🚀 🚀
It's longer to handle all that extra cooling? How much longer than an SS Camaro or Turbo four cylinder Camaro???
beautiful color
"sway bar" (underneath suspension) - not "roll bar" (visible crash protection after rollover)
beautiful car
Camaro is a beast great job Chevrolet.
I hope GM offers a leather wrapped steering wheel, front view camera and or front warning sensors in the 2021, 2022, 2023 ? ZL1
"as im driving topless" :D
If you press and hold the traction control button, you can completly turn off the stabilitrak...great for doing donuts in the winter !
Love the review and u covered a lot, but needed way more sounds of the car
Wine tasting with 650+650??
360p squad! This thing is a beast!
Please review the new 911/ c8 corvette when it comes out
Excellent review! 👍
This car doesn't have cylinder deactivation, correct?
Bennie Mangle Jr. you are correct. It’s disabled on this car.
Damn this car is badass!!!!
It’s not called a Sill in the automotive tech world, it’s the Belt Line or just Belt.
Not sure why you would review the Camaro and not the most important American muscle car, the Corvette. Will you review the C8 when it comes available?
Beautiful car 😍
What is the purpose of alcantara? Why is it desirable?
Same as Carbon Fiber. Just UA-cam crap
Love it! Great review
Nice review as always...but who would buy this when 2020 C8 Corvette is quicker, cheaper and with MID ENGINE :D
Unfortunately for Camaro, C8 Corvette is almost out now. Convertible C8 probably on the way. Hydraulic front-axle lift system included.
Welp that will help to lower the price down
I like having emergency back seats, though.
@@directorjustin ha! "Emergency" you have to be headless and legless to fit back there.
@@blackice7408 I don't mind moving my seat forward for someone on short trips.
My convertible top do want to go down, when I tried it say manual top of. Please what can I do ?
The irony of a Dodge on a modified Mercedes platform now being the most traditionally American feeling car is laughable.
Zl1 has a tougher look.and you do not get a Camaro for it's good gas mileage.its a fun car.
Sorry you didn't comment on the great design of the convertible top, which is way ahead of any Ford, and disagree with statement on the way you compare it to a gt350 or the 500, this car is well beyond there ability
gets into the cheapest 650hp car ever made and complains about the lumbar support LMAO
Don't matter,the C8 convertible,will put this car on the shelf,to heavy,not current on the Wow scale no more.plus the back seat and the short headline.
When compared to the Mercedes and the BMW which one is more reliable and what about maintenance costs.
Really disappointing interior with all that plastic all over the place. Also, how boring are those gauges? Anyways, great content as usual Alex!
True. Unfortunately, boring gauges are becoming standard across the board... usually some variation of white + black, sometimes with red needles... yawn.
As for the plastic interior... when it comes to high performance cars I actually prefer a cheaper interior, if that means they can keep the price lower... leather, aluminum and all that crap isn't really necessary in a driving machine - as long as steering wheel and shifter feel good, all that matters is you and the road. In a car that's specifically about luxury, it's a different story, of course.
Herp McDerp I’m up for real and not some screen gauges, but these are average.
I generally rail against GM interiors. This one doesn’t bother me too much.
I know you don't do classic (older) vehicles, but I really enjoy your review techniques, so it sure would be fun and interesting for you to drive and compare a 1967-1969 Camaro convertible V8 to this one. One thing for sure, the visibility, rear seat room and trunk space in the original design is superior to the new design. I would rather have a like-new 68 than a 2020, and any of the original V8 engines would be plenty of power. Other than crash protection and lower emissions, how is the 2020 an improvement over what was available 54 years ago?
"Alex On Classics" I'm waiting. 🙂
Your slightly off-center logo triggers me.. but the content cured me. Fix it! If you want to do so, of course...
NICE COV....IS THIS CAR HEAVIER THAN THE COUP?HOW HEAVEY IS IT?
Thank you Alex!😁
Love this vehicle except for its coffin like visibility. Hard pass as visibility is a priority to me. Fatal flaw in my opinion. Amazing engineering brought down by GM design
The visibility isn't that bad. People complain about a car that they have never been in. I admit, it's not the best but it doesn't bother me. The car that does is a Charger. The worst blind spot ever! And no one ever complains about that car.
Hi. How about the Bose stereo? Thank you
So what color is this car? It looks metallic orange but maybe just my computer.
It’s called Garnett red and does appear more orange in bright sun . It’s been a popular metallic red for camaros for many years . It’s being replaced with a new metallic red for 2021 called wild cherry red.
Cool car. I have a Black 1SS 6 speed that is a blast. It rocks.
But thanks for doing a convertible review!
I have been really looking hard at my next rag top.
But I am so damn torn.
A oerfect poor guys two seat Miata? No rear seat and in Texas, you are gonna get squashed like a squirrel.
Mustang...like the Camaro, no rear seat but plenty more cargo and a WAY better daily commuter.
BMW 1, 2 or 3and 4 series?
Maybe...if a used low mileage can be found.
VERY CONFUSED. I change my mind every time I see another convertible!!!!
paul pellico Porsche Boxster. Best car I’ve ever owned. Don’t like the 4cyl?... find a CPO 6cyl from 2-3 years ago.
@@alliejr Don't think I haven't considered.
But I am trying to decide IF the divorce would be worth it.
As of right now, it seems to be a pretty good trade off......
Is it the road or the suspension tuning that makes the ride that rough?
Suspensions can transmit or block as much of the rough road as the designers want.
What would you consider a hard core drop top?
Is this A10 zl1 camaro has (AFM) Auto Fuel Management ? V4/v8 modes like Camaro SS?
Ha! "Wine tasting". "Antiquing" is safer. It looks great, makes me proud of Lansing. It's just that the ZL1 name is very blaa. What's wrong with Z28?
Can you get the 1LE package on the convertible Alex lol?
How is this not a hard core drop top??
You are comparing this to the ZL1 1LE coupe when you should be comparing this to the standard ZL1 coupe.
nice convertible. softtop
This version is a clawfoot tubs instead of a submarine with slit window . Simply ridiculous hi sill . From profile , it looks like a thick soap .
I was just thinking bathtub.
Thanks
WHAT NO LUMBAR SUPPORT what the puck I am sticking to my Kia Rio
G Boucher my accord sport has lumbar support lol
@@kevs2good133 nice
well......Alex, you keep comparing it to the 3 and 4 series but they HAVE rear seats.
I mean, ya, a body can build sweet driving corner busters as long as that damn rear seat doesn't need to have meaning.
But, sadly, it does.
As does the trunk.
Yup,building cars without having to consider rear visibility, rear seat and cargo...seems pretty low bar.
Don’t kid yourself, at this level of car? You had better go with the 6 speed manual otherwise your cheating yourself
Dodge really really need a convertible charger or challenger.
Convertible Camero or a coupe Hellcat or redeye?
Convertible Camaro
Can't wait till you get your hands on the 2020 Ford Super Duty
I wish they made camaro convertibles with a hard top not a soft top.
"There is no high horsepower version of the Ford Mustang convertible" - Do you mean GT350 or GT500? Because they definitely sell a GT convertible.
A gt does not compete with a zl1.
@@johndessire399 That's true to an extent. I just thought it was a bit unfair for Alex to say "no high horsepower mustang convertible" - I don't know how anyone could consider 460HP to not be "high horsepower".
When we're talking 650HP in a Camaro, 760 in a Mustang GT500 and 797 in a Hellcat, 450 is no longer "high"
@@AAutoBuyersGuide 460 Alex............you used to be so accurate. ha ha
@@AAutoBuyersGuide its not high..its spectacular...
Thanks for the review...such a low rent interior