Only one problem, my observation related to a "LS1/6" GTO not a "LS6" GTO. And the LS1 GTO might well end up being less than a new 2002 SS, but with a bigger back seat and IRS to boot.

You're making a brazen assumption that lots of "Intenders" already own Camaro's... something I have doubts about. In fact I'd bet a lot of new LS1 Camaro buyers are formerly bitter 260-hp Mustang GT owners!

Also - if someone is all snippity about the 2002 Camaro being too similar to an older one, they're probably not a Camaro intender anyway. They will feel juuust right in a weaker Mustang and I will salute them in my rear-view mirror

You know, I upgraded from a 99 Formula to my 2002 TA. It wasn't massively different. But a few notable changes:

1. Significant increase in HP even just from the first LS1's, due to new LQ4 truck cam, LS6 intake manifold, enhanced exhaust manifolds.

2. Steering stalk has a new and softer switch for turn signals.

3. Sunset Orange Metallic. OMG I love that color!

I got a great deal, and a new warranty

 

Not to offend anyone...but there is only one way to say this.

I AM NOT EVEN IN THE LEAST BIT INTERESTED IN A 4TH GEN!

 

Then may I suggest a new screen name -- something like "Z28never"

Or perhaps "Z/284ever|Z28never"

 

Welcome to reality, where there were 3 generations of successful Z28's with heritage, before the spazzed out hiatus generation ever came along. His username and preferences are quite compatible, IMHO.

GT

 

kizz - You do have a point. All generations are cool to me too... I do think though that the 4gens are the ultimate as far as performance and bang-for-buck. Guess it's a matter of opinion when it comes to styling...

 

Not the first time I've heard the high profitability remark. They won't make nearly as much profit per GTO as per f-body. Plus the lower production numbers. of GTO vs. 4th gen. 08-09 for f-body return is already a lost cause.. but on the bright side.. 0% APR on all SUV's

 

I wasn't aware that a litmus test forZEEEEE (S*L*A*S*H) TWENTY EIGHT enthusiasm was the purchase of a 4th gen.

See here for reference:

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...threadid=52590

 

Z284ever - Hope you realize that was tongue in cheek... I agree that purchasing a 4gen or any other Camaro is a ridiculous litmus test - ProudPony for example has never bought one but he's clearly a Camaro fan too. I understand too that someone can be as true a Camaro fan (I guess?) as anyone else and still not be enthused about the 4gens... but... I find it difficult to fathom. Here with the 4gen, we have best-ever performance, safety, reliability and versatility. I simply cannot comprehend how a fan of the first three gen's would not have at least some warm feelings about the 4th. Myabe you can shed some light....

 

It's pretty simple...they didn't like the styling. And, some apparently did not agree with the way the SS was positioned. No one ever had a problem with the 4th gen in terms of performance, safety, etc. That's fine, but I do think it's rediculous to bash the 4th Gen as somehow unworthy of the Camaro name, or as some have gone so far as to call it an embarrassment.

 

Z28wilson - I agree with you... and while I like the looks of the 4gen's, I will freely admit there are things I'm not keen on, like the sizable front and rear overhangs. I guess I'm one of those who "take the bad with the good". IMO there's a lot to like about the styling of the 4gens, and there are some things which make them totally unique among muscle cars, like the greenhouse with its jetlike windshield and t-tops!

I'm hoping we can all at least come to some common ground about having a certain respect for all generations of Camaros. Every model year Camaro is cool to me

 

Well, I'm a former 5.0 Mustang and Supercoupe owner, and I also think the 2002 is way too similar to my 97 Z.

No, I won't feel juuust right in a weaker Mustang (the reason I came to Camaro in the 1st place), and maybe I can't be called a "intender" because I'm not going to sit around like some wistful jilted spouse, waiting for their counterpart to stop running the streets & come back home.

If there isn't a new Camaro for me to consider when I'm ready to buy my next performance RWD car, sure I'll keep my Camaro, but you can bet I'll spend my money elseware.

Is there really any wonder how or why GM has a "we know best" attitude with enthusiast...... oh wait.....GM doesn't have any enthusiast cars this year.

Sorry, but the changes you mentioned aren't enough to make me give up my current Z28, and I sure don't need 2.

 

...that the last of the Camaros were by far the best ever....I too, am not ready to go back into debt for a car that doesn't do that much more than or look any better than my 1994.

I got to live with a 35th Aniversary SS Brickyard 400 convertible for 3 months last year (Thanks Scott!) and it was indeed the finest Camaro I've ever driven.....I just can't justify another round of 5+years of car payments at over $500/mo. for a car that isn't that much different than my current one.

Now I understand that IF I wanted a nice quiet, solid, great riding car, good power with a factory warranty, then sure I should reconsider.....BUT, when I look at this 8 year newer model and consider how I use it and what it would be worth to me to suffer through the depreciation, taxes, license plate costs and those huge payments....I just can't justify it.

Maybe if we would have had a new model that was more of a step forward in both styling and power (yea I know the LS1 is a great engine...but I drive a heavily modified 383 LT4 ) then maybe I'd reconsider.

But this is how I use my car...

...and the best part is...it's all paid for!

Gonna' start saving for the 5th gen though...probably have this one worn out by 2007......

 

I suppose that you are referring to me, ( I can tell by your "rollseyes" smilie). I think that you may be guilty of putting words in my mouth...but never the less, I will respond.

In my way of thinking, I've always put the Camaro brand on a pedestal...pure and simple.

It's no secret to anyone that visits here frequently, that the 4th gen was a personal dissappointment for me . You can do a search for the reasons...no need to rehash it.

That doesn't mean that those who have them shouldn't enjoy them, or those contemplating purchasing one, shouldn't.

I, however, have the strong belief that Camaro deserves to be so much more....and I refuse to sell Camaro short!

 

2008-2009 is way too late for me
I will keep my Camaro forever if I can, then look for something else

 

One thing I felt was nice about having Camaro and Firebird was, if you wanted a new car, and one wasnt updated, you could get the other....

Unfortunately, when it was time for my 99 Z28 to go, I couldn't find a Firebird equiped the way I like...