F Body Camaro/Firebird: The Worst And Best Car Ever Made

Love it or hate it, the F Body has quite the reputation. There are many reasons to adore or despise GM's affordable performance car and here they are...

Why It Stinks

Camaros have a certain reputation about them that they’re owned by murderers and rednecks in trailer parks and while it isn’t entirely true it isn’t false either.

The Camaro seems to always be playing second fiddle to the Mustang regarding reputation, price and sales numbers. You can find Mustangs all day long for sale under $5,000 but finding a decent Camaro for that price will be a little harder.

There’s a reason why Camaros are cheap; their interiors aren’t very luxurious and used a solid rear axle until the refresh in 2010.

Firebirds aren’t the lightest and most involving cars to drive, they weigh about 1,000 pounds more than a comparable Miata.

Mustangs tend to be sold more with manual transmissions than Camaros which may ward of potential buyers because they want their fun car to have a clutch pedal.

Used Camaros haven’t usually been known as one of the best looking cars ever built, especially with the 4th generation which a lot of people say looks like a catfish.

Why It’s Good

F Bodies offer some of the best bang for your buck performance and driver enjoyment you can find. The late 4th gen SS models carried the venerable LS1 which is arguably one of the best engines ever made. In some ways, Firebirds are more enjoyable than old Fiat convertibles in the same price range.

Camaros have a history and heritage to them that Miatas can’t match, half a century to be exact. This gives you dozens of years and trim levels to choose from for your next ride and car enthusiasts of all ages can get behind the F Body platform.

For a sports car, the F Body is rather practical due to it’s fastback hatch and 2nd row seating. A V6 option can give the frugal car buyer better gas mileage and a lighter front end with the penalty of less engine power.