I had a 2018 2SS 1LE and one of the things not mentioned in the video is that while it can be as fun on track as shown, it's also a great car to drive slow. All the weight plus all the torque made it very smooth for cruising around town. Also, 6th gear on mid-western highways is basically idle and I got 32-34 MPG on road trips. (Closer to 8 MPG on my daily commute, though. 😂)
@@maziyarebrahimi997hell nah not for me I love the 19+ SS1LE’s 10speed crackles at the perfect rpm level it so crazy how amazing it sounds . Nothing like a v8’s crackles nd burbles
Ever since I bought one of these, especially after your extensive financial advice and introduction to the Church of V8, my child has never been late to school. For Christmas my kids got me a pair of New Balance Air Max's.
Yeah you literally have to cut the cable if you take these to trackdays and don't want to pay insane insurance rates. But that's true for pretty much any "connected" car these days, like VW and diesel gate, GM was just the one that got caught doing this first.
I don't mind sending my driving records if insurance company actually lowers premiums for well behaved drivers, but they will increase your premiums even if you just go +1 miles over speed limit or your rpm goes above 3,000. They will find every single nuisance reason to increase your premiums. Their definition of well-behaved drivers are drivers who don't drive at all.
just bought mine brand new 23 SS 1LE shark in metallic in April this year 4k miles I got 9k on it now 😂 I love daily driving it so much fun glad it’s been problem free so far for you man!
I’m a tech at a GM dealer, and this car is absolutely fantastic for the money, yes! But I’d just like to point out to anybody thinking of stretching their budget to buy a used one of these, they can get very expensive if something does break. If you know you can’t afford a surprise $2-5k repair bill and it’s out of warranty, get a good extended one! Those Magnetic ride dampers are around $500 a piece from dealer last time I checked, not including labor, and I assure you those don’t last as long as a normal shock does. I also had to replace the clutch pump for the E-Diff on a 2020 recently, came out to over $2K for the customer parts and labor. Lastly, expect to replace the Brembo pads & rotors every 25-40k miles, parts over $1K, depending on how you drive. Just be prepared before you go get a loan on one, I’ve seen it go south for a few people!
The mag ride shocks and struts are not over 1000 a piece. While still expensive, you can buy the oem parts from GM parts websites for $380-$450 a piece depending on if it’s a shock or strut. Agreed that it’s an expensive car to maintain. Front rotors are about $450 a piece (again not when bought from the dealer but still the same oem part number) and about $300 for oem pads or an after market track oriented pad.
@@sdlausen1 for me, I find the parts up charge more ridiculous than the labor rates. I’m actually okay with paying a little more for labor at the dealer but when they want hundreds more for the same exact part I can find online oem that’s where I draw the line.
This episode was put together extremely well. Music, editing, the right segment length and depth of info, chemistry between the 2 of you, sponsor integration, and overall video length. One of your best gentlemen!
14:05 Moments like this are what makes this channel so great. Just a couple of dudes giggling like schoolgirls over how much fun they're having in a car. Their great chemistry and true love of cars makes these videos so fun to watch.
Amazing cars. Owned two and tracked them and moved to the ZL1. Ran these cars in over 100f heat on track and not a single issue. Best bang for the buck out there. Love these gen6 camaros.
Completely agree, there is no replacement to the driver's involvement of shifting your own. I experienced this after having to let go of my 6MT track prep '11 Mustang GT. 5.0 because my wife kept complaining that it was a MT car that she didn't want to drive it. I replaced for an AT 5th gen Camaro ZL1 and then for an AT C7 Corvette Stingray Z51 and wasn't completely happy, even I test drove a Porsche Cayman S with the famously DCT and felt something was missing. I went and got a 6th gen Camaro SS with the 6MT, I became a happy driver again.🤗❤️
Bought a 2022 SS 1LE in May of ‘23 with Tremec manual and 3100 miles. I love it. I just test drove a 2023 Z51 Corvette and was bored driving it. The Camaro SS 1LE is the best value V8 for the money. You get way more than the Mach1 offers at the price point. I will be keeping my Camaro for the long term.
It is THE Camaro to buy. It does offer more value than Mach 1, slightly better max performance at track due to better chasis dynamics, but its not as fun or livable as Mach 1 for daily use. A lot of it is going to be personal preference between the two engines, they feel quite different due to powerbands. I couldn't get over the visibility, and liked the Coyote more, but easily see why people go the other direction, boy wouldn't it be nice to have both...!
@@chagoescalanteive driven an mr2, and a miata (sort of a similar comparison) and the mr2 has a more balanced feel vs a front engine rwd car and that may be the boring he’s referring to. Theres the mid engine balance vs front engine front end weight distribution.
I'm about to buy a 2018 SS 1LE. Seeing this video, I know this is THE car for me. Thanks fellas for your hard work and high quality videos for young enthusiasts like me.
@@AngryWalter That's whats holding me back from getting one. I've had my 06 STi for the last 16.5 years, it';s like a fishbowl. You can see everything and it's great. I don't think I could live with the Camaro's visibility.
Ive driven tons of cars on track as an instructor, and the SS 1lE is top 5 all time. It’s fantastic at the limit. Even on stock tires and brakes. Have to spend 3x to get any better.
I have the a ‘19 I drive in summer and track 5x a year and what you said is bang on. There just isn’t anything in the price range remotely close to go to for that use case. The only thing is paying 3x as much for say, a C8 Z51.
Yea GMs marketing absolutely sucks I didn't even know about this car (1LE spec) until 2021 when I started narrowing my choices down and someone told me to check it out!
Shame on GM of letting go of this great performance car. Chevrolet marketing had very low coverage for this car. Alpha platform its amazing, even allowing Camaros to beat Mustangs and BMW Ms👍🏆
That's because they made a ugly car no one wanted. The second biggest sales drop in camro history was 2017 to 2018. This wasn't the ugly camaro year. But the drop was the highest at the time 16,977 less units in 2018. The biggest drop in camaro sales is when the ugly facia change had a full year of sales in 2020. The drop from 2019 to 2020 was 18,489! Of course 2020 was the pandemic but it didn't help because camaro would stay down.
I personally own and daily drive a newer camaro and I will say. The 2SS package is a total game changer. I have it and it turns the rear view mirror into a screen with a live camera feed to the camera mounted to the spoiler and blind spot monitoring. 100% eliminated all blind spots for me. Only area where it's still kind of an issue is backing out of a parking spot. Even with the backup camera and the rear view mirror camera its hard to see off to the sides but the 2SS thought of that too with rear parking sensors with rear cross traffic alerts and I just back into spots anyway usually. interior space and the trunk opening does suck. But if I cared, I would have gotten something else. I've even managed 32mpg on the highway. GREAT daily for me and for anyone else who doesn't have kids and doesn't care about storage. 👌
Skip-shift delete and Onstar delete are the first 2 things to do. Radar jammer wouldn't hurt if you have the means. Also invest in stock with whichever tire company you choose to put on it. I'm currently at the tire shop getting tires for mine. Perfectly timed video!
Have a 2019 SS 1le that I daily drive and daily abuse. Multiple track days and mountain drives 45k miles on it now. Never skips a beat. Couldn’t recommend this platform any higher.
@@saquist No camaro has ever been beautiful, but they are bad ass looking cars that take any abuse you throw at it. Thats a whole level of different appreciation. Look at all the movies the Camaro has been in from its inception. Always a car that is going off jumps and crazy stunts. The perfect example of what a Camaro stands for. No fucks given.
Wow just wow! You’re the only channel that focuses on the engineering under the hood reviews of the suspension, design reasoning etc. Helps a car shopper quite a bit! Keep it up!
Finally..... I see a Savagegeese video when I search Camaro SS 1LE. What a wonderful way to start a long weekend ❤ If you used giggles to rank cars, this is on top of the Savagegeese leaderboard 😉
I like mine. Bought used in March. It’s a 2020 SS 1LE that had 3k miles on it. I didn’t buy with any misconceptions or unrealistic expectations. Wanted a “simple” NA V8 with a manual gearbox to track. All marks hit. My other track car is a ‘17 Grand Sport. Hits the same marks as SS 1LE. Took Camaro to track a couple of days ago. Fun car. It’s a heavy car, like they said, managing weight is a challenge. Between Grand Sport and Camaro, the Camaro is actually the more enjoyable on track. I think it’s the driver seat that gives Camaro the nod.
I bought the 2024 Camaro 1SS 6MT for $43,500 out the door. Some Camrys cost more than that. It’s an incredible car, and a better daily driver than I would have imagined. Hope you can find one Jack.
Wow! 2024 1SS standard price was $42,300.00 + $7,000 1LE performance package + $1,595 destination charge = $50,895.00 MSRP with no additional options. You got the best deal ever if you got a $7,395.00 discount and no taxes.
Must be a fabulous car... haven't seen that much screaming and laughter in a SavageGeese video in awhile. Perhaps a new parameter: Laughs per dollar. Well done.
What a car does on paper doesn't necessarily translate to a fun reality. I respect the Supra incredibly efficient at putting the power down, and they finally got a manaul. But it doesn't have that soul, that sound, the V8s will give you that visceral expeirence. Sure its faster than my Mach 1off the line, but in so many other areas the Mach 1 is more rewarding, having driven the Camaro too it is the same story.
Supra was on my list, but when it was announced it was a rebadged BMW, I got the 1LE. Absolutely no regrets especially with a real exhaust note (not fake via the speakers)
Owner of both a 2016 1SS for years and now a 2022 1SS 1LE for the past year, i love seeing new videos come out showcasing this car and all its glory. Truly last of a dying breed and for the price, GM absolutely gives you a treat. Raw American performance, European level steering, track ready, and the INDESTRUCTIBLE TR6060 MANUAL GEARBOX. Not sure what dark magic GM engineers put into this transmission, but its an absolute beast. Every shift like a bolt action rifle, engine stock exhaust is without a doubt the best tone and its from factory. In a world of hybrids and EV's taking over, please let this vehicle's luxuries not be forgotten!
As a ZL1 owner i agree with you to an extent. Z's have so much power you absolutely obliterate the speed limit in mere seconds. The SS you really get to enjoy the motor and sound and ring it out & not having to fill up every 90-110 miles lmao
@@305Nicksame thing I thought about my 6th gen Camaro SS2, didn’t need the SS1LE for spirited road or street driving, the SS has a great handling suspension, great brakes and great steering, sufficient for the street without increasing the cost of replaceables: tires, brakes, etc. I"m not sure of the base V8 LT1 Camaro with the narrower rear tires, how it would handle, probably at least for good handling performance in the street would be the SS package.
Own a 20 SS1le. Tracked it 25x so far ~ Laguna Seca, Sonoma Raceway and Thunderhill. This thing keeps up with most cars that are 2-5x times the price. No joke. Out the box, it beats Mach1 and IMO the Dark Horse. With tires and pads, it’s even better whereas its competitors needs costly mods. It’s the value GOAT of the last decade. Glad Savagegeese is now a fellow owner!
I'm not sure what is going on with this car specifically but I have a 18 1LE that has been tracked a good amount and front end grip and braking are strong suits, not weaknesses. The pedal doesn't have strong bite but with good DOT4 does not fade at all even in high temps. Front end grip can go rapidly when tire wear becomes a factor which appears to be the case with this example after seeing the tires while car is up on the lift. Friction of 285s up front means it is hard to lose front end grip easily. I think with decent tires and sorted brake fluid (potentially also new stock pads) you would be surprised to find that neither is a weakness on the car.
Additional track specific brake ducts also come with the car from dealer and can be installed to aid with brake cooling. Later years had redesigned ducts on the control arms that have more cooling stock but either way brake fade should not be a factor on these cars with good fluid
I track mine and completely agree. OEM pads and Castrol SRF fluid for 28 track days and 0 fade. And while the normal balance of the car is mild understeer if you enter the corner too hot, you can trail brake it to make it neutral and even (under aggressive trail braking) oversteer going into a corner.
Yep, I run stock pads and OE tires on mine and havent found the need to swap to track pads. Have done track days in 110F heat (Buttonwillow/Willow Springs) and brakes hold up fine with a swap to RBF600/Castrol SRF fluid. Front can slide if you put too much energy into the tires on hot days and if I were a hardcore track rat I'd swap to a 305R19 square tire setup, but the stock Goodyears are a great compromise between streetability and track pace.
Will be buying one?? Can't wait to see that video!! Everytime i see one on the streets I get excited and with a lot of people I'm with, they are like, "oh, a camaro??" Yeah, a camaro.
Weird timing, I just watched the ZL1 1LE video yesterday and was like I wonder if u have a SS 1LE video. And boom comes out today! I love my 1LE, hanging onto it for life!
Bought a lightly used, 2k miles, 2018 SS 1LE/2SS in 2019, had fun with it for 2 years and sold it for a profit during the Covid used car boom. Still miss it.
I did that too. Bought a 2019 in 2020 with 2300 miles and sold it in 2021. But I did buy a new 2023 the following year. I am probably never going to sell this car.
Probably my favorite car, this car will definitely go down as one of the last best performing muscle cars for its class. GM nailed it on this one. Edit - the driving impression reactions speak for itself, that was awesome guys!
100% agree and I have a GRC on E. It completely rips, but it's a different car entirely, I've always wanted a Camaro and I feel like this is the best one to get for the dollar
Check caranddrivers 2024 Dark Horse Mustang 6 speed vs 2017 SS 1LE test numbers. Almost identical. Camaro came out 8 years ago and costed tens of thousands less but still hangs with the best mustang track option with a N/A engine
Savageese - I’m happy to see almost all of your videos exceeding 100k views. It’s good to see your attention to detail, quality and entertainment being rewarded. Some other content creators b!+ch and moan about the RUclips algorithm, ROI and opportunity cost and how much their time is worth so haven’t been committed to evolving and working hard so their channel is floundering. Goes to show good old hard work and care for one’s occupation can overcome the RUclips algorithm. True Americans you are!!!
Have had my 1SS 1LE that I bought new for 3 years now. Daily drive even in winter. ZERO intention of selling the car. The thing is incredible and the interior/visibility does not bother me at all. Gonna keep it until the wheels fall off. I do not track mine (gasp) so it really brings a smile to my face seeing you legends and others on YT reinforce how great of a machine it is. regards, low morale engineer
I was thinking of picking one up us a daily but would need to drive it in the winter as well. I have a mint 2002 Z28 T-top car that I love for my summer fun and only room in the garage for one so if I got one I'd have to drive it in Ohio winters. What winter tires do you use and does it feel safe in the snow without having to go super slow?
@@TheSpink02 I use Michelin Alpin PA4 on the stock wheels. It honestly is really impressive how easy it is to drive in MI winters. I have had Silverado 4x4, jeep wrangler rubicon, then gladiator Mojave before this. Genuinely the only downgrade in drivability is ground clearance. It has the snow/ice mode so it makes it easy to modulate throttle and the LSD is huge for maintaining traction. On the rare really bad days with a couple feet of snow I’ll just opt to work from home but 2 winters now haven’t gotten stuck one time. I was held up once turning onto my unplowed street but was pretty easily able to climb out of the snow drift I was caught on. If you know how to control your right foot this car is better than any FWD car on all seasons I can guarantee that.
@@murrkyyyy Thanks for the info! I had a Grand National I drove through winters back in the day with some blizzaks and it wasn't too bad but that was a skinnier tire and sat up a lot higher.
Tremec one of the best, its standard on all Camaros, on the Mustangs you can only get it on the higher end: Mach l, Dark Horse or Shelby GT350 GT350R 🤷
There are brake ducts you can put on the car for track use which make all the difference. It does come with some small ones installed but there are two other types available and either one of them will virtually eliminate the brake overheating issue on track. They just bolt right on to the control arms. You can also get (even) smaller brake shields from the ZL1 or ATS-V that help as well.
@@hhastethats what kept me out of one too, I couldn't deal. You have to drive one to find out. The Mustang competitor here is Mach 1, less value but much easier to live with everyday.
@@hhasteI owned a 2018 2SS 1LE and the visibility thing never really goes away. When you are in the road moving it honestly isn't much of an issue and your brain can easily compensate for it after a while. But every time you go to park it is definitely harder to know the edges than a normal car. It is also very hard to see backing out. I had a 2ss with rear cross traffic alert which seems excessive in a normal car but I think it should be required in the 6th gen camaro.
@@hhastein 2017 I sat in one at a car show and said I'd never buy one because of the visibility. In 22 I bought a new zl1 and the visibility was jarring (having never owned a sports car) for 50 miles. You have to position side mirrors to the hips of the car and with BSM it totally went away. Not even remotely concerned about it. Also 21 and on have a full rear facing camera in the rearview that I've never used.
These 1LE’s were already hard to find and now with this video, they will be near impossible. 😊 One of the most fun Camaros ever made and a great value.
Owner of a 2018 2SS 1LE here that I taken on 30+ track days. Thought I'd weigh in with my own experience: 1. ENDORSED and great to see other people enjoying/discovering the car. It's fantastic on the track and if you can live with the visibility it's a great daily as well. I used mine as a daily for three years and the car has been very reliable. 2. I don't know what tires Mark and Jack had on the car for review; I use the OEM Goodyear F1 Supercar 3s and think they're a really good track tire. The Pilot Sport 2 is better yes, but I don't necessarily think it's worth the upgrade. 3. Yes - if/when the car gives up a lot of time the front will go first. FWIW, and given all the Miatas that can't shake me in the twisties, I wouldn't necessarily call it a "weak spot" it's just where the car is most likely to meet its limits. 4. The brakes on this car are a strong point - I'd argue the braking on the car is better than the acceleration. Between the size of the brakes and the mag ride keeping the tires on the ground you can outbrake a whole bunch of cars in an SS 1LE. As the guys mentioned the car is also extremely stable; trailbraking is a strong suit. Gyrodisc rotors and Hawk DTC-60s/70s are a worthwhile upgrade. 5. I mentioned the daily reliability up above but if you keep this thing mostly stock it will absolutely eat track days and not break. It's more expensive than some track cars but I like knowing that so long as I keep the fluids changed and maintain the car it'll start up and run. All the mods I've really tried to this point are the brakes. 6. Mark and Jack mentioned the S650 Mustang and the Supra as comps, I'd add one more - the F80 M3/F82 M4. Looking at the weights and horsepower the Camaro SS/SS 1LE is fairly close to those cars. The M4 actually has a slight edge in the straights, though the Camaro can outbrake them. A key to getting fast laps out of the SS 1LE is learning how to use/trust the immense amount of mechanical grip the car has. Great review and thanks for taking a look at this car! I think someday they'll be in the pantheon of track legends like the E46 M3. I'm super bummed GM killed the Camaro (again).
The tall doors/small windows, trunk opening, etc (the bunker) could be the reason for the chassis stiffness. A sharp turn up a decent curb will make one of the rear tires lift. Also there is no need for a strut tower brace - the front end is that stiff. Always tradeoffs in creating a rigid structure with holes in it. The Corvette C8 is auto only because they didn't want a hole in the tunnel to weaken it. In any case, I've owned convertibles with less visibility, it is a non-issue.
I daily my 2018 Camaro V6 Manual(3300 lbs)since new in the North East for the past 5 years, no rust. I have 140k its still looks and drives great. I thoroughly wash it underneath and I protect the front end with a novastrech bra, keeps the salt out of the compartment. I intend to wear it out and buy another, if there is a 7th gen or I get a used 6th gen.... I don't know when that is going to happen, the car takes everything I give it including my own personal tune. I get a lot of funny looks in the winter and I don't care, I refuse to drive crap just because it’s cold out. The steering feedback and handling are perfect. You'll simply outhandle everyone, and the steering column can take a bunch of weight on it when #gorillas drive lol, Jack should def get one..... Best car I have ever owned. IMHO, with a manual transmission, they are best car GM has ever made. It is a proper driver's tool, low on gimmicks, high on content. Great review, thank you.
How can you not love a car which inspires that kind of reaction driving it? That was pure joy and just fun. I miss my 2020 SS, the most fun car to drive I’ve owned.
The 2015 SS1LE its a 5th gen. I got interested on that car after comparing a stock SS1LE to my track modified '11 Mustang GT. The track package SS1LE handling was superb just what the Camaro SS urgently was needing, because it was a heavy understeering pork. After that test drive I bought the 5th gen Camaro ZL1.
I’m currently in a 2024 BMW 2 series but I’m not going to lie, I really really really considered a Camaro 1LE. The BMW is just more usable, has better interior, better visibility and is tuner friendly. I can’t blame anyone for buying an SS, they are truly great cars and don’t feel as heavy as they actually are, just like BMW.
I've had a 2018 SS 1LE since new as my daily driver and absolutely love it. The performance value is absolutely outstanding; nothing new on the market is interesting until you start talking double the money. A blast to drive on track bone stock once you learn to manage the weight and tire heat. I would definitely keep this car forever. Unfortunately after 6.5 years of Socal sun some of the GM plastics are starting to noticeably degrade. My plan is to replace what I can while spare parts are still available and then run it as long as possible.
Several months ago I had an allocation for a gr corolla on the circuit edition. It had made it to Portland and was a week away from being in my hands on the east coast. At the last minute my wife and I went to test drive the s650 mustangs. But as soon as we pulled in the lot there was a 2022 SS 1LE. I drove both vehicles and there was a clear choice as a driver. I've owned the SS 1LE for 4 months and put 8,000 miles on it. I smile everytime I get in it. This review just makes me feel even that much better about purchasing it.
Literally had the same thought in my head. For performance I think the camaro as is the best bang for buck car out there. C7 Corvette Grand sports atleast for manual, are holding value more than I thought. Interested to see in a couple of years where prices will go on both the SS and GS (manual)
All of the 6th gen Camaros are underappreciated imo. GM did everything in their power not to market them or give them cool colors. I don't think most people understand how incredibly capable and livable these cars are. Even car enthusiasts still see them as inferior to European cars when in reality they can compete with a good amount of them
@@Clone895I have a 4-cylinder RS. Non 1LE, just some Continental ExtremeContacts. I’ve taken turns and corners to the absolute limit. It’s perfectly balanced, and a worthy competitor to other 4 cylinder track icons. It’s no V8, and nothing can replace it, but people comment on how they love how light the 4-cylinder feels. I have a stock exhaust, and I can zoom by cops without drawing attention at night. It’s fast enough to get out of sticky situations, stable enough for those last second corrections, but not too fast to take you to meet the Lord.
@@Clone895 Absolutely. I said this on Reddit under this same video earlier today, but a complete lack of marketing is what killed the 6th generation, not the weird cabin view which everyone that’s driven mine have personally gotten used to in probably 10 minutes. To this day, there hasn’t been a single commercial from GM that showed what the 6th gen was about, and gotten people’s interest in the product going. Compare that to the 5th gen, and how dominant that car was in sales for its entire life, and it’s pretty clear and wholly unfortunate how the 6th gen was treated. Team Camaro’s mission statement with the 6th gen was to essentially make “a Corvette with a back seat”, and they absolutely surpassed that goal across the board. Genuinely, the 6th gen Camaros are some of the best all around sports cars that money can buy, and the 1LEs are some of the best factory track-focused cars ever made. The sheer amount of hurt, numbers, and lap times that they can put down, from a 4-banger 1LE, to the absolute race car weapon ZL1 1LE, is truly staggering lol. They are proper Euro performance car fighters.
@@danieldickerson4838 Exactly. GM killed the Camaro, and it's beyond sad. I still remember how atrocious the post-refresh colors were. The Bolt had better colors. THE CHEVY BOLT. Imagine the 6th gen in a deep purple, metallic green, cyan/teal, etc. They just refused to make it anything special even though the driving experience, performance, aesthetics, and technology were incredible. It reminds me a lot of the Chevy SS/Holden Commodore. It's a shame that the car community as a whole has seemingly ignored these cars as "just another Mustang clone."
@@Clone895 I feel like the 6th gen stepped too close to the Corvette for GM’s bean counters, and they obviously couldn’t have that, so they just… Didn’t do anything with the Camaro from a marketing front. Look at how well the 5th generation did throughout its entire lifespan; the car was dominant. People clearly love the Camaro, and WOULD buy them if they were actually marketed. Instead, you have this amazing car that may as well be a secret to anyone but car enthusiasts in terms of just how good they really are, and even then, you’ll still find car people online who don’t know/are misinformed.
I’ve driven these and been so close to pulling the trigger. The problem was that I drove a 911 and the quality and visibility were not even close. Still love this 1LE though
TO THE GUY THAT BOUGHT MY 21’ 1SS 1LE 6spd! I want my car back, you came all the way from Massachusetts to Minnesota to buy my car. Please sell it back to me!
I have owned 2 SS 1LEs. And still own my custom order 2021 SS 1LE. I absolutely love the alpha chassis and the way these cars handle and drive. The bang for the buck is unbeatable. I will never sell mine I will keep it as long as I can. Chevy stop being STUPID and do another V8 Camaro!!
I have a 6th gen ZL1, first American sports car after a long string of German sports cars. Yes, there are compromises like the interior quality and paint quality aren’t as good, but for pure driving performance it’s pretty hard to beat for the money. I’ve had mine for several years and I plan to keep it a bit longer. I don’t track mine any more but when I did, it performed very well.
Loved my 1LE but got rid of it when the market was high and sold it for 8k more than I paid. Turned around and got a CT4V Blackwing. The blackwing basically feels the same but is much better for daily driving. Both excellent cars in their own right
Camaro has the advantage of the V8 as MT has mentioned in the past when they tested Cadillac ATS-V, the only minus was the V6TT but then the 6th gen Camaro SS came out and they were amazed by its complete performance
I will forever regret being stupid with money in early 2020 and then having to sell my SS 1LE, especially since the payments were relatively cheap since i got an amazing deal on the car... $$46,600 MSRP and I paid $38,000, and then after trade-in I was only paying $500 a month. Still my profile picture here as you can see... Don't feel too bad for me, I did buy a 2012 Corvette Grand Sport in 2023, and sold it recently to save some money for a while. But I wish I still had my SS 1LE, was more comfortable and just as fast as the vette.
Made that same trade 3 months ago. You won't regret it. The RS was awesome don't get me wrong but you can't beat the alpha chassis. Plus the lt1 is far more consistent with power delivery. The 2.3 in the RS was super inconsistent in my experience. Enjoy your 1LE!
I had a 2018 2SS 1LE and one of the things not mentioned in the video is that while it can be as fun on track as shown, it's also a great car to drive slow. All the weight plus all the torque made it very smooth for cruising around town. Also, 6th gear on mid-western highways is basically idle and I got 32-34 MPG on road trips. (Closer to 8 MPG on my daily commute, though. 😂)
Totally agree with you. Especially the 19+ with the exhaust crackles though I know that’s a negative for a lot of folks.
Agreed! It's one of the few fast cars that is both great at speed and around town. Such an engaging vehicle. I love mine!
@@maziyarebrahimi997hell nah not for me I love the 19+ SS1LE’s 10speed crackles at the perfect rpm level it so crazy how amazing it sounds . Nothing like a v8’s crackles nd burbles
@@Jmarzx agreed. I love them.
@@maziyarebrahimi997 active exhaust. Close the valves and its very quiet
Ever since I bought one of these, especially after your extensive financial advice and introduction to the Church of V8, my child has never been late to school. For Christmas my kids got me a pair of New Balance Air Max's.
air max is nike, yo
I read this in Jesse Pinkmans voice @@nickkalister6291
@@nickkalister6291swooosh
@@nickkalister6291 dementia got him already, poor bastard
You keeping your white socks clean?
Bonus: GM will send all your speeding and hard braking data to your insurance company for free!
Yeah you literally have to cut the cable if you take these to trackdays and don't want to pay insane insurance rates.
But that's true for pretty much any "connected" car these days, like VW and diesel gate, GM was just the one that got caught doing this first.
American problems.
@@joshgts9675, it applies to European cars as well, my friend. More like a Western problem.
I don't mind sending my driving records if insurance company actually lowers premiums for well behaved drivers, but they will increase your premiums even if you just go +1 miles over speed limit or your rpm goes above 3,000. They will find every single nuisance reason to increase your premiums. Their definition of well-behaved drivers are drivers who don't drive at all.
@@bahrahme, “those who trade liberty for promises of security deserve - and always get - NEITHER.”
The best compliment you can make is buying it
Lies again? Rating Pending USD SGD
Bought mine brand new, put 66,000 miles on it in 3 years and it has been problem free. Strong, quick and reliable. Best daily ive ever had.
just bought mine brand new 23 SS 1LE shark in metallic in April this year 4k miles I got 9k on it now 😂 I love daily driving it so much fun glad it’s been problem free so far for you man!
I’m a tech at a GM dealer, and this car is absolutely fantastic for the money, yes! But I’d just like to point out to anybody thinking of stretching their budget to buy a used one of these, they can get very expensive if something does break. If you know you can’t afford a surprise $2-5k repair bill and it’s out of warranty, get a good extended one! Those Magnetic ride dampers are around $500 a piece from dealer last time I checked, not including labor, and I assure you those don’t last as long as a normal shock does. I also had to replace the clutch pump for the E-Diff on a 2020 recently, came out to over $2K for the customer parts and labor. Lastly, expect to replace the Brembo pads & rotors every 25-40k miles, parts over $1K, depending on how you drive. Just be prepared before you go get a loan on one, I’ve seen it go south for a few people!
Does the LT1 have those magnetic ride dampers? It’s essentially a base Camaro with a v8 after all
@@JowurelCorrect, just standard shocks on the LT1.👍
The mag ride shocks and struts are not over 1000 a piece. While still expensive, you can buy the oem parts from GM parts websites for $380-$450 a piece depending on if it’s a shock or strut. Agreed that it’s an expensive car to maintain. Front rotors are about $450 a piece (again not when bought from the dealer but still the same oem part number) and about $300 for oem pads or an after market track oriented pad.
You can just do the work yourself. Labor rates are just insane today. Also, All cars have issues.
@@sdlausen1 for me, I find the parts up charge more ridiculous than the labor rates. I’m actually okay with paying a little more for labor at the dealer but when they want hundreds more for the same exact part I can find online oem that’s where I draw the line.
The car has spirit. The smile on the lads' faces as they went around the track is proof.
Only waited 8 years for @savagegeese to acknowledge the SS 1LE exist, let alone a review!!🎉
I can feel my T levels rising every time Jack drifts
He s a beautiful young Silver back.
That maniacal cackle never gets old.
My wife’s boyfriend’s T level increases too!
I’m just here to send Mark empathy vibes when Jack is driving a RWD car
This episode was put together extremely well. Music, editing, the right segment length and depth of info, chemistry between the 2 of you, sponsor integration, and overall video length. One of your best gentlemen!
14:05 Moments like this are what makes this channel so great. Just a couple of dudes giggling like schoolgirls over how much fun they're having in a car. Their great chemistry and true love of cars makes these videos so fun to watch.
Amazing cars. Owned two and tracked them and moved to the ZL1. Ran these cars in over 100f heat on track and not a single issue. Best bang for the buck out there. Love these gen6 camaros.
Howdy partner
Dude love your channel @hot-1le
Sold my 17 ss 1LE, got a c8 now. C8 is dope but my manual ss 1LE was way more fun bang for buck. I miss it!!!!!!!
I had a Red Hot one just like your PFP. Only car I regret selling
Completely agree, there is no replacement to the driver's involvement of shifting your own. I experienced this after having to let go of my 6MT track prep '11 Mustang GT. 5.0 because my wife kept complaining that it was a MT car that she didn't want to drive it. I replaced for an AT 5th gen Camaro ZL1 and then for an AT C7 Corvette Stingray Z51 and wasn't completely happy, even I test drove a Porsche Cayman S with the famously DCT and felt something was missing. I went and got a 6th gen Camaro SS with the 6MT, I became a happy driver again.🤗❤️
@@jmmch3358 You should have kept the MT Mustang and just bought your wife a used Nissan Sentra with the legendary Xtronic CVT ! 😂
@@OldRustySteele 😅
man, I’ve been flirting with the idea of trading my red hot 1LE but it sounds like I may regret it
Watching this as i try to pass last night's Arby's
What'd you get? I'll admit their burger commercials are tantalizing.
@@devongee1776burger?
Spool that turbo up
@@Lukemarlowe yes. Arby's sells burgers now and they've been advertising the hell out of them on TV.
Same. Passing some pasta out lmfao
Bought a 2022 SS 1LE in May of ‘23 with Tremec manual and 3100 miles. I love it. I just test drove a 2023 Z51 Corvette and was bored driving it. The Camaro SS 1LE is the best value V8 for the money. You get way more than the Mach1 offers at the price point. I will be keeping my Camaro for the long term.
How do you feel about the visibility? That's the only thing holding me back.
@@hhaste It's totally fine. 99% of driver don't understand the proper way to set your side mirrors.
It is THE Camaro to buy. It does offer more value than Mach 1, slightly better max performance at track due to better chasis dynamics, but its not as fun or livable as Mach 1 for daily use. A lot of it is going to be personal preference between the two engines, they feel quite different due to powerbands. I couldn't get over the visibility, and liked the Coyote more, but easily see why people go the other direction, boy wouldn't it be nice to have both...!
lol the corvette smokes the ss any day it looks better and it’s faster but sure the corvette “ bored u”
@@chagoescalanteive driven an mr2, and a miata (sort of a similar comparison) and the mr2 has a more balanced feel vs a front engine rwd car and that may be the boring he’s referring to. Theres the mid engine balance vs front engine front end weight distribution.
I'm about to buy a 2018 SS 1LE. Seeing this video, I know this is THE car for me. Thanks fellas for your hard work and high quality videos for young enthusiasts like me.
Enjoy it! I miss mine lol
I sat inside one and if feels like you re in a tank/submarine because of that little window.
Do it, you won't regret it.
@@AngryWalter That's whats holding me back from getting one. I've had my 06 STi for the last 16.5 years, it';s like a fishbowl. You can see everything and it's great. I don't think I could live with the Camaro's visibility.
100% worth it, people complain about the visibility, but after a day at most, you get used to it.
The gear shift going wih the beat at 9:47 was so clean. Nice, Mark!!
Ive driven tons of cars on track as an instructor, and the SS 1lE is top 5 all time. It’s fantastic at the limit. Even on stock tires and brakes. Have to spend 3x to get any better.
I have the a ‘19 I drive in summer and track 5x a year and what you said is bang on. There just isn’t anything in the price range remotely close to go to for that use case. The only thing is paying 3x as much for say, a C8 Z51.
What’s your top 5???
GM gets this car absolutely right…..and then kills it. Such a classic GM move.
Yea GMs marketing absolutely sucks I didn't even know about this car (1LE spec) until 2021 when I started narrowing my choices down and someone told me to check it out!
Shame on GM of letting go of this great performance car. Chevrolet marketing had very low coverage for this car. Alpha platform its amazing, even allowing Camaros to beat Mustangs and BMW Ms👍🏆
That's because they made a ugly car no one wanted. The second biggest sales drop in camro history was 2017 to 2018. This wasn't the ugly camaro year. But the drop was the highest at the time 16,977 less units in 2018.
The biggest drop in camaro sales is when the ugly facia change had a full year of sales in 2020. The drop from 2019 to 2020 was 18,489!
Of course 2020 was the pandemic but it didn't help because camaro would stay down.
Imo they didn't have a choice. Consumers were not buying this car for whatever reason.
@@carsonj4031 lack of marketing by GM, no TV ads.🤷
I personally own and daily drive a newer camaro and I will say. The 2SS package is a total game changer. I have it and it turns the rear view mirror into a screen with a live camera feed to the camera mounted to the spoiler and blind spot monitoring. 100% eliminated all blind spots for me. Only area where it's still kind of an issue is backing out of a parking spot. Even with the backup camera and the rear view mirror camera its hard to see off to the sides but the 2SS thought of that too with rear parking sensors with rear cross traffic alerts and I just back into spots anyway usually. interior space and the trunk opening does suck. But if I cared, I would have gotten something else. I've even managed 32mpg on the highway. GREAT daily for me and for anyone else who doesn't have kids and doesn't care about storage. 👌
No issues backing up with the rear camera and rear view mirror, backup sensors on the SS2 also help for cross traffic
14:02
Mark: I think this is the better car
Jack: Hold ON
Jack: LEMME SHOW YOU WHY
Skip-shift delete and Onstar delete are the first 2 things to do. Radar jammer wouldn't hurt if you have the means.
Also invest in stock with whichever tire company you choose to put on it. I'm currently at the tire shop getting tires for mine. Perfectly timed video!
Laser jammer*
Have a 2019 SS 1le that I daily drive and daily abuse. Multiple track days and mountain drives 45k miles on it now. Never skips a beat. Couldn’t recommend this platform any higher.
🇺🇸💪
The platform is great but the car is ugly
@@saquist No camaro has ever been beautiful, but they are bad ass looking cars that take any abuse you throw at it. Thats a whole level of different appreciation. Look at all the movies the Camaro has been in from its inception. Always a car that is going off jumps and crazy stunts. The perfect example of what a Camaro stands for. No fucks given.
@@StirlingMossDrives "no fucks given' is right. While I loved my C7 Z51, I ADORE my 1LE. More fun, more attitude.
Wow just wow! You’re the only channel that focuses on the engineering under the hood reviews of the suspension, design reasoning etc. Helps a car shopper quite a bit! Keep it up!
Finally..... I see a Savagegeese video when I search Camaro SS 1LE. What a wonderful way to start a long weekend ❤
If you used giggles to rank cars, this is on top of the Savagegeese leaderboard 😉
I like mine. Bought used in March. It’s a 2020 SS 1LE that had 3k miles on it. I didn’t buy with any misconceptions or unrealistic expectations. Wanted a “simple” NA V8 with a manual gearbox to track. All marks hit.
My other track car is a ‘17 Grand Sport. Hits the same marks as SS 1LE.
Took Camaro to track a couple of days ago. Fun car. It’s a heavy car, like they said, managing weight is a challenge.
Between Grand Sport and Camaro, the Camaro is actually the more enjoyable on track. I think it’s the driver seat that gives Camaro the nod.
Had a 21 2SS 1LE and my god it was my fav car, so good
Thank you Mike for letting us see your car : )
I bought the 2024 Camaro 1SS 6MT for $43,500 out the door. Some Camrys cost more than that. It’s an incredible car, and a better daily driver than I would have imagined. Hope you can find one Jack.
Taxes?
Used? Thought new were around 48k?
Wow! 2024 1SS standard price was $42,300.00 + $7,000 1LE performance package + $1,595 destination charge = $50,895.00 MSRP with no additional options. You got the best deal ever if you got a $7,395.00 discount and no taxes.
I have a 2019 SS 1LE in riverside blue. It's the best car I've owned and zero issues. The alpha platform is amazing! I'll never sell it.
Must be a fabulous car... haven't seen that much screaming and laughter in a SavageGeese video in awhile.
Perhaps a new parameter: Laughs per dollar.
Well done.
Agreed 100%, one of the all time greats. Sold my SS 1LE for an MT Supra and honestly there's days I regret that decision.
Damn I've got the Supra and want a 1LE.
What a car does on paper doesn't necessarily translate to a fun reality. I respect the Supra incredibly efficient at putting the power down, and they finally got a manaul. But it doesn't have that soul, that sound, the V8s will give you that visceral expeirence. Sure its faster than my Mach 1off the line, but in so many other areas the Mach 1 is more rewarding, having driven the Camaro too it is the same story.
Supra was on my list, but when it was announced it was a rebadged BMW, I got the 1LE. Absolutely no regrets especially with a real exhaust note (not fake via the speakers)
@@ThomisticAmerican13FOXmeh didn’t have a Mach 1 but I traded my 21 5.0 for a 23 ss 1le, u literally feel zero torque in mustangs, stock wise..
The SS1LE its a better performing sport car compared to the Supra and 400Z
I’ve had this exact car I bought in ‘18 and regret selling it so much…
I had a 2018 also and sold it 1 year ago and its the only car i'd ever re-buy.
@@dchex23 my feelings X2
What did you both go to?
@clubracer6 81 Z28 too.much to list
Had a 2020 SS 1LE, and yes I also regret selling it. Will be buying another one in the future.
Owner of both a 2016 1SS for years and now a 2022 1SS 1LE for the past year, i love seeing new videos come out showcasing this car and all its glory. Truly last of a dying breed and for the price, GM absolutely gives you a treat. Raw American performance, European level steering, track ready, and the INDESTRUCTIBLE TR6060 MANUAL GEARBOX. Not sure what dark magic GM engineers put into this transmission, but its an absolute beast. Every shift like a bolt action rifle, engine stock exhaust is without a doubt the best tone and its from factory. In a world of hybrids and EV's taking over, please let this vehicle's luxuries not be forgotten!
Honestly this is enough power. No need for the Zl1. This is definitely a great bang for your buck car!
As a ZL1 owner i agree with you to an extent. Z's have so much power you absolutely obliterate the speed limit in mere seconds. The SS you really get to enjoy the motor and sound and ring it out & not having to fill up every 90-110 miles lmao
@@305Nickzl1 gas mileage does suck compared to the ss for sure!
@@305Nicksame thing I thought about my 6th gen Camaro SS2, didn’t need the SS1LE for spirited road or street driving, the SS has a great handling suspension, great brakes and great steering, sufficient for the street without increasing the cost of replaceables: tires, brakes, etc. I"m not sure of the base V8 LT1 Camaro with the narrower rear tires, how it would handle, probably at least for good handling performance in the street would be the SS package.
Own a 20 SS1le. Tracked it 25x so far ~ Laguna Seca, Sonoma Raceway and Thunderhill. This thing keeps up with most cars that are 2-5x times the price. No joke. Out the box, it beats Mach1 and IMO the Dark Horse. With tires and pads, it’s even better whereas its competitors needs costly mods. It’s the value GOAT of the last decade. Glad Savagegeese is now a fellow owner!
I have a 2021 LE same color will never get rid of it.Thanks guys great review 🦍🦧
I'm not sure what is going on with this car specifically but I have a 18 1LE that has been tracked a good amount and front end grip and braking are strong suits, not weaknesses. The pedal doesn't have strong bite but with good DOT4 does not fade at all even in high temps. Front end grip can go rapidly when tire wear becomes a factor which appears to be the case with this example after seeing the tires while car is up on the lift. Friction of 285s up front means it is hard to lose front end grip easily.
I think with decent tires and sorted brake fluid (potentially also new stock pads) you would be surprised to find that neither is a weakness on the car.
Additional track specific brake ducts also come with the car from dealer and can be installed to aid with brake cooling. Later years had redesigned ducts on the control arms that have more cooling stock but either way brake fade should not be a factor on these cars with good fluid
I track mine and completely agree. OEM pads and Castrol SRF fluid for 28 track days and 0 fade. And while the normal balance of the car is mild understeer if you enter the corner too hot, you can trail brake it to make it neutral and even (under aggressive trail braking) oversteer going into a corner.
Yep, I run stock pads and OE tires on mine and havent found the need to swap to track pads. Have done track days in 110F heat (Buttonwillow/Willow Springs) and brakes hold up fine with a swap to RBF600/Castrol SRF fluid.
Front can slide if you put too much energy into the tires on hot days and if I were a hardcore track rat I'd swap to a 305R19 square tire setup, but the stock Goodyears are a great compromise between streetability and track pace.
These things are easily best bang for buck track car you can buy.
Will be buying one?? Can't wait to see that video!! Everytime i see one on the streets I get excited and with a lot of people I'm with, they are like, "oh, a camaro??" Yeah, a camaro.
Weird timing, I just watched the ZL1 1LE video yesterday and was like I wonder if u have a SS 1LE video. And boom comes out today! I love my 1LE, hanging onto it for life!
Same brother love my 23 SS 1LE
Bought a lightly used, 2k miles, 2018 SS 1LE/2SS in 2019, had fun with it for 2 years and sold it for a profit during the Covid used car boom. Still miss it.
I did that too. Bought a 2019 in 2020 with 2300 miles and sold it in 2021. But I did buy a new 2023 the following year. I am probably never going to sell this car.
I'm going to buy one of these as a present to myself when i graduate college. A true muscle car, what a car for young people should be.
For any age people that love sport cars😊
Probably my favorite car, this car will definitely go down as one of the last best performing muscle cars for its class. GM nailed it on this one.
Edit - the driving impression reactions speak for itself, that was awesome guys!
You guys finally gave the camaro some love!
YES! Thought you guys weren't going to cover this car after it was killed.
I love my SS 1LE to pieces, such a fun car. Glad to see you guys agree!
A machine ahead of its time
Still lays the hurtin on Mustang GT, Nissan Z, MKV supras, GR Corollas and anything modern in its price range
100% agree and I have a GRC on E. It completely rips, but it's a different car entirely, I've always wanted a Camaro and I feel like this is the best one to get for the dollar
Lol no.
@@SSH939lol YEA!!
stock sure
Check caranddrivers 2024 Dark Horse Mustang 6 speed vs 2017 SS 1LE test numbers. Almost identical. Camaro came out 8 years ago and costed tens of thousands less but still hangs with the best mustang track option with a N/A engine
Savageese - I’m happy to see almost all of your videos exceeding 100k views. It’s good to see your attention to detail, quality and entertainment being rewarded.
Some other content creators b!+ch and moan about the RUclips algorithm, ROI and opportunity cost and how much their time is worth so haven’t been committed to evolving and working hard so their channel is floundering. Goes to show good old hard work and care for one’s occupation can overcome the RUclips algorithm. True Americans you are!!!
When a Porsche guy says "I will be buying one -take that as certified iconic.
This might just be my next track car. Hope prices stay reasonable in 2025
Would love to see you in one!
We’ve been begging you to get one for a long time lol
No more Camaros are beign build.
C7 or c6 grandsport also good options
@@lyum695 C7 Grand Sport 👍
Have had my 1SS 1LE that I bought new for 3 years now. Daily drive even in winter. ZERO intention of selling the car. The thing is incredible and the interior/visibility does not bother me at all. Gonna keep it until the wheels fall off.
I do not track mine (gasp) so it really brings a smile to my face seeing you legends and others on YT reinforce how great of a machine it is.
regards,
low morale engineer
The “low morale engineer” sign off hit me hard. I feel you man.
I was thinking of picking one up us a daily but would need to drive it in the winter as well. I have a mint 2002 Z28 T-top car that I love for my summer fun and only room in the garage for one so if I got one I'd have to drive it in Ohio winters. What winter tires do you use and does it feel safe in the snow without having to go super slow?
@@TheSpink02 I use Michelin Alpin PA4 on the stock wheels. It honestly is really impressive how easy it is to drive in MI winters. I have had Silverado 4x4, jeep wrangler rubicon, then gladiator Mojave before this. Genuinely the only downgrade in drivability is ground clearance. It has the snow/ice mode so it makes it easy to modulate throttle and the LSD is huge for maintaining traction. On the rare really bad days with a couple feet of snow I’ll just opt to work from home but 2 winters now haven’t gotten stuck one time. I was held up once turning onto my unplowed street but was pretty easily able to climb out of the snow drift I was caught on. If you know how to control your right foot this car is better than any FWD car on all seasons I can guarantee that.
@@murrkyyyy Thanks for the info! I had a Grand National I drove through winters back in the day with some blizzaks and it wasn't too bad but that was a skinnier tire and sat up a lot higher.
GM knows how to build a muscle/ sports car... This vehicle also has one of the best manual transmission.
Tremec one of the best, its standard on all Camaros, on the Mustangs you can only get it on the higher end: Mach l, Dark Horse or Shelby GT350 GT350R 🤷
@jmmch3358 agreed One of the best vehicles i've had the privilege of driving.. Kind of sucks that GM discontinued it.
There are brake ducts you can put on the car for track use which make all the difference. It does come with some small ones installed but there are two other types available and either one of them will virtually eliminate the brake overheating issue on track. They just bolt right on to the control arms. You can also get (even) smaller brake shields from the ZL1 or ATS-V that help as well.
The 6th gen does not overheat its brakes, since it was a used sample, probably only needs new fluid with the right spec for the track
I had a custom ordered 2018 SS 1LE, man I wish I never sold it. Most amazing car I have ever owned and driven, and I've driven A LOT of cars.
I love my 2017 2SS. These cars are incredible, and extremely underrated imo
I’ve had both the SS and ZL1 1LEs. Fantastic cars, I wish they still made them!
The sound of that V8 revving on the track while Jack is LHAO is fantastic!!
in a single video, you guys have just added 5k to the entire used market
Owned a 2015 5th Gen SS1LE and now a 6th Gen ZL1 1LE, They're amazing cars. GM performance engineering is TOP TIER!
Do you get used to the visibility? That's the only thing holding me back. I like to keep cars long term and I'm not sure I could deal with it.
@@hhastei rented an SS and def the rear cameras are needed
@@hhastethats what kept me out of one too, I couldn't deal. You have to drive one to find out. The Mustang competitor here is Mach 1, less value but much easier to live with everyday.
@@hhasteI owned a 2018 2SS 1LE and the visibility thing never really goes away. When you are in the road moving it honestly isn't much of an issue and your brain can easily compensate for it after a while. But every time you go to park it is definitely harder to know the edges than a normal car. It is also very hard to see backing out. I had a 2ss with rear cross traffic alert which seems excessive in a normal car but I think it should be required in the 6th gen camaro.
@@hhastein 2017 I sat in one at a car show and said I'd never buy one because of the visibility. In 22 I bought a new zl1 and the visibility was jarring (having never owned a sports car) for 50 miles. You have to position side mirrors to the hips of the car and with BSM it totally went away. Not even remotely concerned about it. Also 21 and on have a full rear facing camera in the rearview that I've never used.
Just bought my 22 1le in May and aside from some jackass hitting me last week it's been amazing! Haven't had any complaints dailying it either
These are the best videos. Affordable cars that are fun and engaging!
These 1LE’s were already hard to find and now with this video, they will be near impossible. 😊 One of the most fun Camaros ever made and a great value.
These are surprisingly hard to find unfortunately.
Thank you so much finally a SS1LE video❤️
You get used to the visibility issue once you adjust your mirrors correctly. 🤙🏽
Its overblown since the rest of the car is perfect
Owner of a 2018 2SS 1LE here that I taken on 30+ track days. Thought I'd weigh in with my own experience:
1. ENDORSED and great to see other people enjoying/discovering the car. It's fantastic on the track and if you can live with the visibility it's a great daily as well. I used mine as a daily for three years and the car has been very reliable.
2. I don't know what tires Mark and Jack had on the car for review; I use the OEM Goodyear F1 Supercar 3s and think they're a really good track tire. The Pilot Sport 2 is better yes, but I don't necessarily think it's worth the upgrade.
3. Yes - if/when the car gives up a lot of time the front will go first. FWIW, and given all the Miatas that can't shake me in the twisties, I wouldn't necessarily call it a "weak spot" it's just where the car is most likely to meet its limits.
4. The brakes on this car are a strong point - I'd argue the braking on the car is better than the acceleration. Between the size of the brakes and the mag ride keeping the tires on the ground you can outbrake a whole bunch of cars in an SS 1LE. As the guys mentioned the car is also extremely stable; trailbraking is a strong suit. Gyrodisc rotors and Hawk DTC-60s/70s are a worthwhile upgrade.
5. I mentioned the daily reliability up above but if you keep this thing mostly stock it will absolutely eat track days and not break. It's more expensive than some track cars but I like knowing that so long as I keep the fluids changed and maintain the car it'll start up and run. All the mods I've really tried to this point are the brakes.
6. Mark and Jack mentioned the S650 Mustang and the Supra as comps, I'd add one more - the F80 M3/F82 M4. Looking at the weights and horsepower the Camaro SS/SS 1LE is fairly close to those cars. The M4 actually has a slight edge in the straights, though the Camaro can outbrake them. A key to getting fast laps out of the SS 1LE is learning how to use/trust the immense amount of mechanical grip the car has.
Great review and thanks for taking a look at this car! I think someday they'll be in the pantheon of track legends like the E46 M3. I'm super bummed GM killed the Camaro (again).
The tall doors/small windows, trunk opening, etc (the bunker) could be the reason for the chassis stiffness. A sharp turn up a decent curb will make one of the rear tires lift. Also there is no need for a strut tower brace - the front end is that stiff. Always tradeoffs in creating a rigid structure with holes in it. The Corvette C8 is auto only because they didn't want a hole in the tunnel to weaken it. In any case, I've owned convertibles with less visibility, it is a non-issue.
Thanks Mike! we appreciate you sharing your awesome car with us!
I daily my 2018 Camaro V6 Manual(3300 lbs)since new in the North East for the past 5 years, no rust. I have 140k its still looks and drives great. I thoroughly wash it underneath and I protect the front end with a novastrech bra, keeps the salt out of the compartment. I intend to wear it out and buy another, if there is a 7th gen or I get a used 6th gen.... I don't know when that is going to happen, the car takes everything I give it including my own personal tune. I get a lot of funny looks in the winter and I don't care, I refuse to drive crap just because it’s cold out. The steering feedback and handling are perfect. You'll simply outhandle everyone, and the steering column can take a bunch of weight on it when #gorillas drive lol, Jack should def get one..... Best car I have ever owned. IMHO, with a manual transmission, they are best car GM has ever made. It is a proper driver's tool, low on gimmicks, high on content. Great review, thank you.
How can you not love a car which inspires that kind of reaction driving it? That was pure joy and just fun. I miss my 2020 SS, the most fun car to drive I’ve owned.
The 2020 car was negatively received. Noone Liked the looks.
The 1LE has always been the best all around option. Maybe one day you guys could drive my 2015 1LE..! Anyone that does can’t stop smiling lol
The 2015 SS1LE its a 5th gen. I got interested on that car after comparing a stock SS1LE to my track modified '11 Mustang GT. The track package SS1LE handling was superb just what the Camaro SS urgently was needing, because it was a heavy understeering pork. After that test drive I bought the 5th gen Camaro ZL1.
Can't help but have a grin on my face watching Jack send this thing around the track
I’m currently in a 2024 BMW 2 series but I’m not going to lie, I really really really considered a Camaro 1LE. The BMW is just more usable, has better interior, better visibility and is tuner friendly. I can’t blame anyone for buying an SS, they are truly great cars and don’t feel as heavy as they actually are, just like BMW.
Had mine for 3 years as a weekend track car. So much fun!
The SS 1LE sets the standard for every sports car I review. It's the best car I ever sold
It's good seeing you here on this channel Q!
@@Bank_Da_Bread yessir! 🫡
I've had a 2018 SS 1LE since new as my daily driver and absolutely love it. The performance value is absolutely outstanding; nothing new on the market is interesting until you start talking double the money. A blast to drive on track bone stock once you learn to manage the weight and tire heat. I would definitely keep this car forever. Unfortunately after 6.5 years of Socal sun some of the GM plastics are starting to noticeably degrade. My plan is to replace what I can while spare parts are still available and then run it as long as possible.
I just bought this car but with the LTG engine for around half the price and nothing can beat it for the price .
2020 Camaro 1LT 1LE
Several months ago I had an allocation for a gr corolla on the circuit edition. It had made it to Portland and was a week away from being in my hands on the east coast. At the last minute my wife and I went to test drive the s650 mustangs. But as soon as we pulled in the lot there was a 2022 SS 1LE. I drove both vehicles and there was a clear choice as a driver. I've owned the SS 1LE for 4 months and put 8,000 miles on it. I smile everytime I get in it. This review just makes me feel even that much better about purchasing it.
same brother I bought a 23 SS 1LE auto 10 speed and man definitely makes me smile each time 😅
@1LE_LUISS nice man congrats on the ride
Literally had the same thought in my head. For performance I think the camaro as is the best bang for buck car out there. C7 Corvette Grand sports atleast for manual, are holding value more than I thought. Interested to see in a couple of years where prices will go on both the SS and GS (manual)
Both are amazing performing sport cars from GM
Bought one new in 2021 and have loved every second of it.
Bought my 2018 1LE brand new and the car has been nothing short of stellar. Cant believe they've dropped the Camaro. That's GM for you though.
I have been waiting for the ss 1le thank you!
I have a ZL1, I can tell you the brake fade issues are 100% solved by moving to a good DOT 4 fluid.
I Love the ss 1le hasn't changed since 2017, still crushing it.
Having both, I'd argue the V6 1LE is the sports car deal of the decade. What a phenomenal and under-appreciated car it is.
All of the 6th gen Camaros are underappreciated imo. GM did everything in their power not to market them or give them cool colors. I don't think most people understand how incredibly capable and livable these cars are. Even car enthusiasts still see them as inferior to European cars when in reality they can compete with a good amount of them
@@Clone895I have a 4-cylinder RS. Non 1LE, just some Continental ExtremeContacts. I’ve taken turns and corners to the absolute limit. It’s perfectly balanced, and a worthy competitor to other 4 cylinder track icons. It’s no V8, and nothing can replace it, but people comment on how they love how light the 4-cylinder feels. I have a stock exhaust, and I can zoom by cops without drawing attention at night. It’s fast enough to get out of sticky situations, stable enough for those last second corrections, but not too fast to take you to meet the Lord.
@@Clone895 Absolutely. I said this on Reddit under this same video earlier today, but a complete lack of marketing is what killed the 6th generation, not the weird cabin view which everyone that’s driven mine have personally gotten used to in probably 10 minutes. To this day, there hasn’t been a single commercial from GM that showed what the 6th gen was about, and gotten people’s interest in the product going. Compare that to the 5th gen, and how dominant that car was in sales for its entire life, and it’s pretty clear and wholly unfortunate how the 6th gen was treated.
Team Camaro’s mission statement with the 6th gen was to essentially make “a Corvette with a back seat”, and they absolutely surpassed that goal across the board. Genuinely, the 6th gen Camaros are some of the best all around sports cars that money can buy, and the 1LEs are some of the best factory track-focused cars ever made. The sheer amount of hurt, numbers, and lap times that they can put down, from a 4-banger 1LE, to the absolute race car weapon ZL1 1LE, is truly staggering lol. They are proper Euro performance car fighters.
@@danieldickerson4838 Exactly. GM killed the Camaro, and it's beyond sad. I still remember how atrocious the post-refresh colors were. The Bolt had better colors. THE CHEVY BOLT. Imagine the 6th gen in a deep purple, metallic green, cyan/teal, etc. They just refused to make it anything special even though the driving experience, performance, aesthetics, and technology were incredible. It reminds me a lot of the Chevy SS/Holden Commodore. It's a shame that the car community as a whole has seemingly ignored these cars as "just another Mustang clone."
@@Clone895 I feel like the 6th gen stepped too close to the Corvette for GM’s bean counters, and they obviously couldn’t have that, so they just… Didn’t do anything with the Camaro from a marketing front. Look at how well the 5th generation did throughout its entire lifespan; the car was dominant. People clearly love the Camaro, and WOULD buy them if they were actually marketed.
Instead, you have this amazing car that may as well be a secret to anyone but car enthusiasts in terms of just how good they really are, and even then, you’ll still find car people online who don’t know/are misinformed.
Just the best real sports car out there … I a m German and love cars, drove almost everything but this is the real deal!!!
I’ve driven these and been so close to pulling the trigger. The problem was that I drove a 911 and the quality and visibility were not even close. Still love this 1LE though
Visibility is what is holding me back.. Other than that it's basically perfect, for the price
Gotta pay for that quality though
@@hhasteIt's fine
I have a white 2019 almost paid off..love this car.
TO THE GUY THAT BOUGHT MY 21’ 1SS 1LE 6spd! I want my car back, you came all the way from Massachusetts to Minnesota to buy my car. Please sell it back to me!
😂
Absolute mad lad
I’ll sell you mine it ain’t a 6 speed tho it’s a 23 SS 1LE A10 auto
Bought my 2018 2SS 1LE in 2020 with 5,800 miles for 47,500 tax titles and fees.
I love this car so much and hope i can keep it for a lifetime.
I have owned 2 SS 1LEs. And still own my custom order 2021 SS 1LE. I absolutely love the alpha chassis and the way these cars handle and drive. The bang for the buck is unbeatable. I will never sell mine I will keep it as long as I can. Chevy stop being STUPID and do another V8 Camaro!!
I have a 6th gen ZL1, first American sports car after a long string of German sports cars. Yes, there are compromises like the interior quality and paint quality aren’t as good, but for pure driving performance it’s pretty hard to beat for the money. I’ve had mine for several years and I plan to keep it a bit longer. I don’t track mine any more but when I did, it performed very well.
After I bought this car I was able to stop taking steroids because this car immediately made me more of a man.
Loved my 1LE but got rid of it when the market was high and sold it for 8k more than I paid. Turned around and got a CT4V Blackwing. The blackwing basically feels the same but is much better for daily driving. Both excellent cars in their own right
Camaro has the advantage of the V8 as MT has mentioned in the past when they tested Cadillac ATS-V, the only minus was the V6TT but then the 6th gen Camaro SS came out and they were amazed by its complete performance
At shop: 🧐 At track: 🤣🤣
I will forever regret being stupid with money in early 2020 and then having to sell my SS 1LE, especially since the payments were relatively cheap since i got an amazing deal on the car... $$46,600 MSRP and I paid $38,000, and then after trade-in I was only paying $500 a month. Still my profile picture here as you can see...
Don't feel too bad for me, I did buy a 2012 Corvette Grand Sport in 2023, and sold it recently to save some money for a while. But I wish I still had my SS 1LE, was more comfortable and just as fast as the vette.
Guaranteed to be worth much more than a G90 M5 in 15 years
You are happy like children in that cockpit! Lovely! This is the way the car should excite!
Alpha 2 chassis cars rip. Both Cadillac Blackwings ride on this chassis as well.
Awesome video full of information and entertainment! This video dropped right when I’m in the middle of trading in my Focus RS for an SS 1LE 🤘
Made that same trade 3 months ago. You won't regret it. The RS was awesome don't get me wrong but you can't beat the alpha chassis. Plus the lt1 is far more consistent with power delivery. The 2.3 in the RS was super inconsistent in my experience. Enjoy your 1LE!