Welcome back to TSTDRVR, your go-to source for all things automotive. Today, I’m excited to share my first impressions and a detailed review of my new-to-me 2017 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible. This car marks a significant shift for me, coming from a Ford-dominated background. But as I dove into this iconic American muscle car, I found myself increasingly captivated by its charm and performance. Let’s dive into the details.
The Legendary Rivalry: Mustang vs. Camaro
Since their debut in the 1960s, the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro have epitomized the fierce rivalry that fuels the automotive world. These pony cars have sparked debates, defined generations of car enthusiasts, and become symbols of deeper conflicts. This enduring "us versus them" mentality is as prevalent today as it was back then.
Regardless of which side you’re on, what unites us all is our shared passion for vehicles. As a lifelong Ford enthusiast, I’ve owned several Mustangs and never really considered what makes the Camaro special. That changed the day I got behind the wheel of this 2017 Camaro SS Convertible.
Power and Performance: The Heart of the Camaro SS
The first thing that stands out about the Camaro SS is its engine. With 455 horsepower and 455 foot-pounds of torque, this car delivers a thrilling driving experience. What’s even more impressive is its fuel efficiency – thanks to cylinder deactivation, I’m getting 28 miles per gallon on the highway.
The convertible aspect enhances this experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the roar of the engine. The NPP exhaust system is a must-have for this car, offering an incredible auditory experience that you can tailor to your mood. In track mode, the exhaust opens up, providing a raw and exhilarating sound. For a quieter ride, touring mode keeps things more subdued, perfect for when my wife prefers a less aggressive driving experience.
Magnetic Ride Control: A Pleasant Surprise
One of the features I was keen to have was the Magnetic Ride Control. However, it’s often not listed in online car listings, so I wasn’t sure if my chosen car had it. To my delight, it did. The ride is noticeably smoother, although not as dramatically different as I expected. Perhaps its full potential would shine more on a track, but for our casual drives, it’s a welcome addition.
The Downsides: Practicality and Design Flaws
No car is perfect, and the Camaro SS has its quirks. Here are a few of my grievances after putting about 2,000 miles on it:
Automatic Transmission. While it’s convenient for daily driving and my wife’s preference, the automatic transmission feels lackluster compared to the ZF transmission in our BMW 3 Series.
Tall Doors. The Camaro’s doors are impressively tall, which looks great but feels impractical. The added leather pad helps, but it’s still awkward.
Infotainment System. While functional, it doesn’t compare to other systems like BMW’s or Ford Sync. The angled screen is a bit odd, but Apple CarPlay makes up for most of its shortcomings.
Ambient Lighting. The ambient lighting feels like an afterthought. I have plans to enhance it with some aftermarket solutions.
Limited Trunk Space. As expected, the convertible top takes up most of the trunk space. It’s fine for us since this isn’t our primary car, but it’s worth noting.
Steering Wheel Design. Functionally fine but aesthetically lacking. I preferred the previous generation’s design.
Rearview Mirror Lights.The red and blue lights can be a bit jarring, almost like a sick joke.
Top Operation. You can put the top down with the key fob, but not up. It’s likely a safety feature, but still feels limiting.
AC Controls. Great in concept, but their placement feels like an afterthought.
Final Thoughts
Despite these minor issues, the 2017 Camaro SS Convertible has won me over. It’s the perfect companion to our Ford F150, blending practicality with pure driving pleasure. Every drive is a reminder that a good day can always get better when you’re behind the wheel of a convertible.
Stay tuned for more content on this car as we start to add some aftermarket parts. I’m Rob Schultz, and you’ve been watching TSTDRVR. If you enjoyed this content, please like and subscribe. See you next time!
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let’s celebrate our shared passion for cars, no matter the badge on the hood.
