1981 Chevrolet Camaro Reviews, Pricing & Specs




































































































































































































































































Overview
The 1981 Chevrolet Camaro marked the end of the second generation of the pony car (thank goodness, say many, disappointed with the lack of...
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.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1981 Chevrolet Camaro have a strong appreciation for its classic muscle car aesthetics and performance. Many drivers love its design, especially the Z28 model, and enjoy the power offered by the V8 engine. However, there are common criticisms about its fuel efficiency, handling, and some outdated features compared to modern cars."
Z28 with a hopped up 350 and a shift kit. Wide rear tires and nice rims
January 2, 2008Had the car for about 3 years. Ran perfectly.
January 7, 2008Love 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.
January 31, 2015What owners say
Z28 with a hopped up 350 and a shift kit. Wide rear tires and nice rims
January 2, 2008Had the car for about 3 years. Ran perfectly.
January 7, 2008Love 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.
January 31, 2015No 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.
October 19, 2011Well, 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.
August 13, 2011Pretty 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.
September 25, 2008I 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
July 2, 2008Not a smart vehicle to put a 16 year old first time driver in.
March 4, 2008It'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.
October 5, 2009Owned 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.
December 15, 2006Trims & specs
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $12,730 | Seating 4 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $19,015 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.8L 200 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $72,305 | Seating 4 |
Engine 7.0L 505 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain RWD |






