1981 Chevrolet Camaro Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 1981 Chevrolet Camaro marked the end of the second generation of the pony car (thank goodness, say many, disappointed with the lack of power throughout the decade). Only three trims were offered, limited to the base model, Berlinetta, and Z28. The Rally Sport disappeared once again. The RS, truly the Mr. Roper of the family, seemed to like to drop in, make a few folks smile, then depart, leaving people wondering when it would return again.
The 1981 Camaro different from its second generation counterparts, as it had a computer which made the V8 street-legal for all 50 states (we're looking at you, California). The V6 remained without this equalizer, leaving the base engine a 229-ci V6 rated at 110 horsepower for everywhere but California, where a 231-ci similarly rated vehicle was available.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1981 Chevrolet Camaro
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by Brian C
Feb 03, 2022
Very good looking car. I really like the 1981 camaros because it was my 1st car. I hope to have another one, one day..Feb 03, 2022
by Al M
Jan 31, 2015
Love the sound and feel of this beauty. T-tops out and the pedal down is the only way to go with this one. Styling is spot on, performance could be better but emissions had bleed her dry by 81. Not everyones dream car, was not even mine until I saw her and it was love at first sight. 350 cubic inches and 4 speed trans are a great way to melt away a stressful day.Jan 31, 2015
by Bruce R
Oct 20, 2011
Packs a punch, your typical muscle car, great power with half ass handling. Gas mileage isnt the greatest of course, but the looks and power make up for everything. surely a classic. Ive always loved classic muscle, being raised on cars like this from when i was a baby.Oct 20, 2011
User rating:
by Brian C
Feb 03, 2022
Very good looking car. I really like the 1981 camaros because it was my 1st car. I hope to have another one, one day..Feb 03, 2022
by Al M
Jan 31, 2015
Love the sound and feel of this beauty. T-tops out and the pedal down is the only way to go with this one. Styling is spot on, performance could be better but emissions had bleed her dry by 81. Not everyones dream car, was not even mine until I saw her and it was love at first sight. 350 cubic inches and 4 speed trans are a great way to melt away a stressful day.Jan 31, 2015
by Bruce R
Oct 20, 2011
Packs a punch, your typical muscle car, great power with half ass handling. Gas mileage isnt the greatest of course, but the looks and power make up for everything. surely a classic. Ive always loved classic muscle, being raised on cars like this from when i was a baby.Oct 20, 2011
by Jessica F
Oct 19, 2011
No matter what, good or bad, I LOVE this car. Good old American muscle. Yeah it's heavy, but I'd rather get in an accident with this than any new car on the road today! I think air bags cause more problems than they are worth.Oct 19, 2011
by Dale T
Aug 13, 2011
Well, it gets unbeleivable gas mileage right now!!! I will try and keep it as original as possible, exept for a 700r4 transmission for the overdrive and some sort of fuel injection system for best gas mileage and tunabilaty/performance.Aug 13, 2011
by Michael C
May 07, 2010
The nicest car that I ever had,good for picking up girls.Hot car to be seen in.Far to many speeding tickets.Great car to drive.Sold the car to get married.Wish I had it back.Never had a single problem with it.Gas mileage wasn't the best.May 07, 2010
by Alex H
Oct 11, 2009
good car good performance bad gas guzzler i would say its a all around good car besides the car eats gas like crazy if someone wanted to buy one i would tell them to go for it depending on the shape the car is inOct 11, 2009
by Kenny O
Oct 05, 2009
It's a Camaro. What does one expect out of it??? The stock 350 c.i. motor was bewildered by OPEC and other regulations. It feels as if it's missing something. If well maintained, it's a beautiful car that will be reliable to one's owner. The stock interior is gorgeous. The big-bodied design is the last year Chevrolet had the style in production. Truly immaculate design for an American Muscle car. The car is fun to be in because it will always turn heads. Oct 05, 2009
by Cricket W
Dec 20, 2008
I loved my car. I really really miss my car. This was the perfect race car from looks and it was the first race car my nieces took a short ride in and both loved it, even though Amanda hit her head on part of the cage when I hit the throttle.Dec 20, 2008
by Matthew H
Sep 25, 2008
Pretty much a tank of a car that was limited due to government regulations. Loved this car. Perfect for a 16 year old kid to own and learn to drive clutch on.
Put a little money into the car to get it inspected and on the road....but nothing to be too concerned about. Wish I could have kept this car longer, but mother nature was determined to do otherwise. Sep 25, 2008
by Drew K
Sep 04, 2008
It's an old school muscle car, what's not to love?
Original paint, original cosmetics; new alternator and
fuel intake manifold. Terrible on gas, but made up for
by its looks and roaring V8 305 block engine. T-tops
are the best thing about it. Perfect cruising car, guaranteed to attract attention.Sep 04, 2008
by Zack G
Jul 14, 2008
My car is better than yours in every way imaginable not to brag or anything. Its fast, good looking, sounds nice, and its a collectable! Sure it dosnt get you as far on a gallon of gas but it gets you there faster and in better style. I cant say enough about how many heads turn to look at my car, and how many couldnt keep up to bask in its amazing beauty.Jul 14, 2008
by Andrew W
Jul 02, 2008
I love my 1981 Chevy Camaro Z28 with its georgeus t-top white pait with red Z28 strips and air induction hood. The interior is half red cloth and half vynal. Under the hood we have a 5.7 letr 350 V8 lm-1 engin with a four barrle holly carborator and duel exsaust. it har a four speed automatic (you couldent get the 350 with a stick.) ...
And guess what its NEVER going to be on sail... HAHA
Jul 02, 2008
by Zachary W
Jun 26, 2008
I can't complain, not many kids get to have a car that they kind of made their own. Most parents just go buy something that runs, but i got something a little betterJun 26, 2008
by Matt N
Mar 24, 2008
It is the last of the second generation camaro the color is canary yellow one of only 1600 in that color. It is a little V6 but i like it not great acceleration because of the metal body and V6 but it works well enough.Mar 24, 2008
by Chris T
Mar 04, 2008
Not a smart vehicle to put a 16 year old first time driver in.Mar 04, 2008
by Drew C
Feb 18, 2008
car was a black Z28 it looked nice minus some rust. and the 350 was terribly slow..i expected more out of itFeb 18, 2008
by Cameron S
Jan 08, 2008
1981 was the last year for the second generation of the Camaro, and the last year that the Camaro would look decent for about 15 years. The 1981 Camaro Z28 came with a 350 with 175 bhp, but don't let that fool you, as any should know a 350 was only regarded as a mouse motor in GM racing history but are well known for their racing quality and ease to reach high performance.Jan 08, 2008
by Efraín C
Jan 07, 2008
Had the car for about 3 years. Ran perfectly.Jan 07, 2008
by Jeffrey I
Jan 02, 2008
Z28 with a hopped up 350 and a shift kit. Wide rear tires and nice rimsJan 02, 2008
by Anonymous
Dec 15, 2006
Owned a 1981 z28 for 22 years and I love it. some of the suspension stuff doesn't quite stack up to the new but you can always ugrade. Forget about gas mileage this is a fun vehicle.Dec 15, 2006
1981 Chevrolet Camaro Pricing
Original MSRP
$7,309 to $8,853Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel covers: wire
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel covers: wire
