Not necessarily, most LS swaps are from wrecked or rusted out GM trucks, the 4th gen camaro will be rare because of wrecks or they been converted to race cars
@@trentryan27 it actually is. Everything Ls1 swapped came from a camaro trans am or corvette. Truck engines are different. Between me and my friends we have sent about 10 catfishes to the scrap yard after taking the ls1 out.
@@the_real_lar1887 most ive ever know came from some kinda GM truck, which are LS engines, only one that's really different are corvette LS which are aluminum
Lefty is the person we hated but also the one we are jealous of because he had no insecurities or guilt or morality holding him back from being who he truly is.
Probably the biggest reason why I won't buy a Chevy. Certain models are reliable enough, but interior-wise every one of them I've driven or ride in felt like it was 10+ years behind.
@@phantomspaceman every car under $30k pre 2010 fits that description. my first couple cars were used acuras and i was amazed at how much of the cheap plastic they stole from the corresponding honda.
You do realize don’t you, that he pulled a conclusion, reviewed his ad, enjoyed some artistic creativity, and completed his broadcast masturbation at the end, right? And all the time he was calling us dirtbags AND, making us like him!! He could sell you the shirt off your own back and vanish before you figured out what he did!!
NewGarbage Port, Pennsylvania, was never the same after the dumpster factory left the town. Sad, just another example of manufacturing leaving small towns and them crumbling to dirt.
It's a wonder that factory lasted as long as it did. Those NewGarbage Port dumpsters really went downhill in the last few years of production, with many dumpsters catching fire before even leaving the factory.... 🤔
The lead guitarist in my garage band had one of these. He flipped it 5 times going around a corner on a country road when we were 17. Before it came to a stop, it broke several stout trees in half, threw the occupants out of the car (their seatbelts broke, if you can believe it) and the engine/trans was tossed into a soybean field. It's a miracle they all survived mostly unharmed.
I mean…I don’t honestly believe that the video is from 2004. It’s all about the rawness of the film and the throw back cinematography, and the character. It’s goes back to the early days of RCR and the reason the channel started in the first place. This channel keeps moving forward, but never forgets it roots! Thanks Again!!
The crescendo from a parody found footage into an emotional rallying speech for the appreciation of the progressing crossover between art and technology in automobiles is why I'm here for RCR.
The design actually debut in 1993 with the 2nd-gen LT1. The 98-02 models were a refresh where they gave it the LS1 since now that's GM's new flagship V8.
@@omercarrothers7537 there actually was a body kit for the Storm to make the look official! Sadly the guy moved on to making van life accessories... Every so often, my Storm gets accused of being a Camaro (eww), or Probe (closer). Lol and no one knows what my NX is!
@@omercarrothers7537 the fourth gen was a clear successor to the third gen styling wise. You can draw a straight line from the second gens to the fourth gen stylistically. The odd one out was the first gen until GM decided to do it two more times with the 5th and 6th gens. Now half the camaros are swoopy looking cars and half are chunky bricks.
Indeed, I'm glad to see this one hasn't' been ruined with a unpainted body kit lowered to the point the corners of the body kit are already dinged off with low profile tires that have to be replaced every couple of weeks.
“The way you drive stick is you never stay in one gear too long. What is this third? Yeah third to fourth….back to third……then to fourth……and back to third. It really impresses people.” 🤣
this video was so upbeat and optimistic. i was already in a good mood but this made it even better. we need more genuinely (not forced) positive media.
When the 4th gen F-body was current I had 3 during that period, 93 & 94 Z28 and a 99 Trans am. Both Camaro's had under 20k miles when I got them and the T/A I got new, I don't regret owning any of those cars. In fact it was the complete opposite, they were all good, fun to drive and trouble free. I had the Trans am for a little more than 5 years, it was a pleasure to have, not even a bulb went bad.
I was just thinking about that episode the other day and how Mr. Regular schools us in various subjects like literature. Oddly enough I now own a PT Cruiser (I didn't when that episode came out), everything he says is so true. I inherited it from a boomer who passed away, who was the second owner, the car had just over 100k on the clock, way under what a 20 year old car should have of that era, 2001 base model with 5 speed. Got it extremely cheap from work collogue who offered it (it was a 4th car to him, from his passed away sister in law) after my 23 year old Honda Accord finally died at 266k. The gear box will never let it down. the engine has now had three water pumps over its life, I had to put in the 3rd one last year.. Took the opportunity to do the timing belt and all the engine mounts because it's so buried, you have to remove those and part of the A/C lines to get to it.. I've driven a HHR regularly in the past, the GM equivalent of the PT Cruiser. Another example of GM trying to catch up because another player in the industry came up with something new that people want, just like the Mustang vs Camaro of the 60's that Mr. Regular points out in this episode! The PT Cruiser handles way way better, it's more car like in it's handling, the HHR is wallowy and shuttery. Has way less power to the wheels, you have to really step into it to move.. The PT Cruiser probably gets an advantage because of the of the 5 speed, but i can't imagine it's a huge advantage. The PT Cruiser 2.4 engine puts out 150hp, while the HHR I drove was a 2.2 also putting out 150hp. So the GM automatic transmission must have been a factor. I suspect the GM 2.4 Ecotec with 170hp improves the HHR significantly. I've never driven a automatic PT Cruiser with the 2.4, I bet it's a lot more anemic. Though I would love to try the 2.4Turbo (180hp) or 2.4L Turbo High Output at 230hp.
I love how at 11:49 you can see the front-end lift rather noticeably when it accelerates, as if it's being told to stand up straight for something. And sounds like it's putting effort into it on top of that. "huhRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRNNNNNNNNNNNN"
@@xekret I've got a 5 spd 97 v6 and between gears it lifts the front end pretty noticeably, prolly cuz the shocks are soft but still it puts a smile on my face every time! My car enthusiast buddies are always shocked when they feel the lift xD with only 220hp its pretty impressive! GM must've down rated the HP numbers
I love how happy it looks, especially at 11:49 where it also lifts it's front from the acceleration! Like a dog, finally getting outside and doing a few laps in the garden.
My parents bought one of these new in '98 as a midlife crisis car. I've yet to see a happier looking car. (And, for that matter, I have to give the thing credit mechanically. It may not have been sophisticated, but it survived 200k miles of shoddy maintenance and forgotten oil changes. And right up until the transmission died at the 200k mile mark, the car always seemed legitimately excited that it was going to get to enjoy a trip to the grocery store or whatever!)
Your thoughts at the end are why I love the Holden Monaro GTO. It drew from the past for its name but didn't suffer the retro design fad like the Mustang and Camaro would in the future.
The newer GTO wasn’t popular because it was too plain looking. It was bland. Nothing about its looks said performance. Even the later hood addition didn’t help.
Down here in Australia it had the brilliant advantage of not starting out as a Monaro - it was just a Coupe version of the then-new Commodore. It was actually named Monaro by the press. It may be plain by American standards, but it was exactly what the Australian market wanted at the time - elegant and refined instead of aggressive
My good buddy's dad has an 00 Z28 SS that the previous owner made into a drag car. It has 550hp of pure American degeneracy and I love it so much it makes my other friend's C4 Z52 seem tame and reasonable
@@phantomspaceman yeah his came pretty close especially when it used to run 10.5 second quarters with 700hp on nitrous but now that it's back down below 600 the body holds together
I agree with you, as I got older (interestingly), I prefer modern evolutions of classic designs over retro designs. This car, for example, is a beauty.
The first 5 minutes remind me of the old pre-TH-cam days when people uploaded their Windows Movie Maker generated WMV files to any server willing to host it for free so they can link to it on their LiveJournal.
RCR really has it all. The humor and irony, Roman’s touch with the music parodies, and informative car overviews underneath it all. I love this channel and I don’t think I’ve ever commented. awesome
The reason why I love the catfish Camaro/ Firebirds is the same reason why I love the current Mustangs (2014-now). It's still trying to keep the muscle car feel alive, but trying to evolve the look into something new, not just re-doing the past. Not that the Camaro and Challengers look awful, still love them, but this generation Mustang feels evolved.
This is too perfect. I was literally behind a D bag driving one of these the other day. Merging onto I-40, he goosed it full throttle. Back and broke loose and he nearly nerfed it into a side railing.
Loved the humble beginnings of RCR. Impressive how many memory cards that footage probably took. You were invested heavily early on what was to become. Thanks for continuing from that point on and sharing with the world!
My dad had a red 2002 Camaro and I still remember the last ride Dad took my sister and I on before he passed away; he took us to the highway leading out of town and accelerated so fast that tiny 14 year old me got flattened into the back of my seat. When we got home, my sister and I flopped out of the car. Mom asked what had happened, and Dad said "I took them on a drive they'll remember".
Owned a '99 Z28. First new car I ever bought. Great memories of that car. To me, this generation Camero/Firebird/Corvette first introduced in '97 and powered by the LS1 through a manual 6-speed was a compass point that the smog-dog days were over and performance-based, exciting cars were coming back again. And were going to be better than ever.
Titles video "Camaros are for dirtbags" Mocks Camaro owners in intro. "Hey, enter to win this awesome Camaro Z28!" I'm not new here; this just never fails to amuse me.
recently just traded my LT Z28 and i can say it was defenitly one of the most fun cars ive ever owned and driven, the low end torque and the chrisp shifts of the T56. If you can get past the fact any engine work is hours worth of labor and the 10 bolt being made of glass you can have one of the best budget muscle cars, skip the 2v and 4v 4.6 and get and LT/LS1 car and go have fun
"As long as I can cut traction control and do burn-outs ... life is alright!" He ain't wrong there - You yanks are so lucky there. I live in a country where the cheapest V8 car I can own is around $20,000 and a boat load in insurance and where everything is expensive in general, so I cant have that luxury even with a good salary :(
@@KrikZ32 there are some low insurance V8 cars out there but not easy to find. I have a G8 and the insurance is actually very low. Lower than an older mazda6 I had for a daily driver. The G8 was classed as a full size sedan. The 6 was classed as a sports sedan. Makes no sense but that's insurance for you.
I can't help but revel in the deep, satisfying writing ability.. this guy is so talented in his descriptions that he has the ability to explain how a cold beer tastes and you would literally feel like your'e drinking one..
"Can you handle 310 horsepower?" I had a buddy back in 97 whose father had bought him a brand new 1996 Mustang GT. I asked him to let me drive it and he said I couldn't handle all the power it had. Yeah all 215 of them...
Torque is the good feeling aint no point in high HP low torque but both where fun but then again the gt is a 4.6 vs a 5.7 now for a fair race a cobra or mach 1 would go heads Up with a ss
This takes me back to the first time I watched this channel many years ago, practically since day one. This is one of the absolute best reviews you’ve ever done! Thank you for all that you do and inspire in this world!
You've managed to completely capture the essence of The Camaro driver. I specifically mean "The Camaro", because that's how my friend referred to his. We couldn't take "his car", or "his Camaro", or even "the Camaro". It was "The Camaro".
Great vid! I owned a 2000 Z28 convertible for 12 years. The rake in the windshield was insane. 12-disc trunk CD changer with the sub woofer "Monsoon" sound system was amazing for a factory option. The SS with the ram-air hood was the ultimate one to own. Problem was that GM built Camaros to a price-point, and the components were not so great , but easily fixed. I installed an SLP cold air intake kit, C4 ZR1 rims and decent tires, and a Corsa cat-back system, and the car was totally transformed, it was a great car to own and drive.
This was my first car, yes the interior plastic is janky, the insides rattle at the speed limit, and if you get side swiped you probably wont make it. But to an 18 year old this was the coolest car ever, the T-tops were fire, it was pretty fast for the price and I was proud to look back at it when I parked. Love that car, happy to see you finally make a vid on the Catfish model.
For the record, though Camaros (somewhat rightfully) have a bad rep, a few years ago I had a brand new SS as a rental for a week. During an unseasonable ice storm. And I can say that this RWD 450HP car did excellent. Once the storm cleared up and I could put my foot down, I was further impressed. It's nothing less than a budget supercar, though the build quality could have been better in spots. The HUD was nice too. Got admiring looks from both sexes driving it. Not sure if I'm ready to buy one, but kudos to GM for making a car that has excellent suspension and throttle tuning, is comfortable, and felt totally stable driving through a world of shit for a few days.
I drove my 93 Z28 in an ice storm to my grandparents for thanksgiving dinner. 35 miles each way. The car handled it just fine. The tires? Cooper Cobra GTs. Nothing special. I think I was one of the only people on the road. In 15 years the only time I’ve ever gotten stuck in it was when my driveway flooded a little and over night it froze over. My car was buried up to it’s hubs in ice. It wasn’t going anywhere.
@@KrikZ32 With active damping, a well-tuned V8 with a very nicely calibrated throttle, great handling, and great brake feel, I feel "budget supercar" is on target. Look at some of the "versus" track tests of this vehicle and what some pro drivers have said about it. No, it's not a McLaren or Lambo.
I actually had that camera. Unfortunately, It could only film in 30 seconds clips. It took 4 AA batteries, and the way I would replace them looked like reloading a revolver from the way I would dump the old batteries out and pop the new ones in one at a time.
I miss these things. My brother had a '95 and my mother had an '02. They were the last ones that didn't look like transformers. I didn't want to own one though, I got a Mustang. I can count how many I've seen since 2012 on one hand.
Some TH-cam channels age like an old one-hit wonder band that hit their prime 30 years ago and are desperately chasing those glory days. Regular Car Reviews ages like a fine wine. That Lefty segment was seriously one of the best things I've ever seen on this channel!
10:27 you can also get 30 mpg out of a 2002 grand marquis... But its a grand marquis. If you want any sort of take off from a stopsign, you have to drop the factory 2.73 for something aggressive. And then you get 14 mpg. Its all about aero and gearing.
This video is the best yet. I had 3 catfish Camaros. I remember seeing one on the cover of I think car and I fell in love. It was a red Camaro SS. I loved every second of that car
I fell in love with the 4th gen firebird thanks to their great commercials, but I found a killer deal on my 93 Z28 instead. It’s been a fun 15 years of ownership.
As the owner of a 1999 SS 6 Speed Convertible...I have never been simultaneously so offended and endlessly swelling with pride. When RCR gets to your own wheels it feels like a badge of honor. Like when a comedian gets the nod to be the subject of that year's Comedy Roast. I hope Cars and Coffee come back, I'd be more than happy to bring er down from Western NY. You fellas are doing the lords work.
My dad has a couple of pre-facelift 4th gen Camaros (a '93 and '96), I've always thought of them as among the best looking cars ever made. Very sleek, like they're actually meant to go fast. I'm not as keen on the later "retro-inspired" brick-shaped muscle cars that replaced elegance with aggressiveness.
Not gonna lie, to me, this is The Camaro, since Gran Turismo 1. Always Loved this generation over all others and I Can't wait to import one to my country in around 10 years from now when the facelift version finally turns 30 so she become legal. I Want one of those, and I know they're crap, but one will be My crap.
I preferred the few years before this, when that gen first came out, same basic body style but with the quad rectangular headlights inset. I hated the bubble headlights on this year's model. My brother had the older one, and it was awesome!
I don't have a 4th gen camaro, but I have a 4th gen trans am ws6. On long trips I used to get 28 mpg in 6th gear, 65 to 70 mph, and keeping the speed steady WHEN I had the t-tops on. With T-tops off, I swear I'm lucky if I get 24mpg. It's amazing how much air resistance there is. It acts like a giant sail. It might be my imagination, but driving that car is more comfortable with the t-tops off. I think there's less reverberation inside the cabin. The sound can just escape if that makes any sense at all in my rambling.
You hit the nail on the head about artistic expression in vehicles. It’s a thing of the past. Everything is either very predictable or borrowing from past trends. You can see this with music too. And movies. Remakes upon remakes upon remakes upon comic book movies etc etc. The mainstream as a whole has become stagnant in regards to artistic expression. You really have to look to the obscure or unknown to find anything interesting anymore. I really agree with the early 2000s as being the last time car companies brought crazy ideas to the table. If you look at the timeline, it’s right as the internet became mainstream and everyone’s opinions on what was cool was so easily accessible, and they could plan out a design they know would work. Everything is styled the same and follows the same trends for a long time now because that’s what sells. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy the styling of the new age muscle cars borrowing trends from their ancestors, but it just lacks any sort of imagination. It’s just remake upon remake upon remake upon… ooo that one has apple car play. 💰
Wish mine had the ls instead of the lt1. It's a 94 ttop 6 speed and i love it! Lol. Also have a 99 gt mustang vert and crazy how the lt1 pushes u back instantly while the mustang feels like an old 2 stroke dirt bike. 3000 rpms and it pushes u back. Keep thinking how a 400 pony car from today might feel (have never been in a newer mustang). The cleveland in my 68 mustang feels more like the camaro... power at the bottom end. Amazingly the camaro rides very nice. No squeaks or anything, Fun cars!
Finally a car review that tells it how it is versus just regurgitating specs like everyone else! And i don't care what anyone says but I love my '00 SS. Sure I can't unsee the catfish resemblance and the interior is just... bad. But who cares?! When you're ripping through the gears and the LS1 is screaming thats what counts. Merica.
@@666cemetaryslut actually the SS package was an option package on top of the Z28. The Z28 just meant it was a V8 camaro. The SS was option on top of it (minor visual changes and a slight increase in power).
Dirtbags, Camaro's, and PA are all in my blood. I drive my mom's 1992 Camaro RS she got new. She gave it to me after I got my first real job. She's from Erie and went to Edinboro. Go Fighting Scots!
The intro is very nicely done and thank you very much putting it together. Sure is giving me early 2000s vibes. What a fun looking car and I appreciate your take on it. We will have to see what the next Camaro will look like when it arrives.
Awesome man! Loved the commentary. I have owned a 2000 SS for 20 years. Worked it, 430 rwhp, BMR suspension blah blah blah. Sits in the garage until it's time to play.
RCR Giveaway #16 is Live. Win this Camaro Z28! Deadline: 01/25/23. Get entered at bit.ly/RCRsocial
the bit doesnt work ur too hot to be a stereotypical doucheguy
I feel like the Catfish is going to be a desirable classic. For every LS1 swapped whatever out there a donor catfish was sent to the scrap yard.
Not necessarily, most LS swaps are from wrecked or rusted out GM trucks, the 4th gen camaro will be rare because of wrecks or they been converted to race cars
@@trentryan27 it actually is. Everything Ls1 swapped came from a camaro trans am or corvette. Truck engines are different. Between me and my friends we have sent about 10 catfishes to the scrap yard after taking the ls1 out.
@@the_real_lar1887 most ive ever know came from some kinda GM truck, which are LS engines, only one that's really different are corvette LS which are aluminum
Lefty is the person we hated but also the one we are jealous of because he had no insecurities or guilt or morality holding him back from being who he truly is.
A truly Randian example of the Objectivist New Man. For himself, of himself, thinking of no one else.
Nah, typical new yawk or jersey. Nothing to be envious of.
@@Stezika15 lol
For real dude
@Stezika15 Nah, i actually kinda respect that. Douchebag or not they are usually way happier than the average person
I love how GM put the same steering wheels and dashboards in both a Montana minivan and a Camaro. Chefs kiss
Consistency
@Kris Salts Indeed, the HHR also has the same wheel.
Everyone used parts for other cars across the board. It was a way to save a little money.
@@krissalts2621dodge stealth with viper side mirrors
Classic GM they are still doing it today 😂 Camaro and Cruze
The truth is, this is the real you, Mr. Regular is the character.
He is a necrotic perfectionist. He portrayed the character with conviction and honesty giving us a genuine dirtbag. I smell Daytime Emmy nomination.
@@rgpark69 Na more like a Cable Ace award 😅
Channeling his inner Dom Mazzetti.
Kinda like Batman lol
You can cut
"Why does it sound like a grocery bag filled with legos?", boy is that not a spot on analogy for this era. Nailed it.
Probably the biggest reason why I won't buy a Chevy. Certain models are reliable enough, but interior-wise every one of them I've driven or ride in felt like it was 10+ years behind.
Yeah I nicknamed my '01 Mustang Snake because of how bad it rattled.
Even my 02 WRX wagon fits that description
@@willmetz1490 The new ones still fit that description.
@@phantomspaceman every car under $30k pre 2010 fits that description. my first couple cars were used acuras and i was amazed at how much of the cheap plastic they stole from the corresponding honda.
Someone give this man an oscar for reviewing cars.
Id rather push him sown a flight of stairs
Just imagine his acceptance speech
BROWN
He sucks....not even a review....every "review" is worse than the last....hes lost his way
You do realize don’t you, that he pulled a conclusion, reviewed his ad, enjoyed some artistic creativity, and completed his broadcast masturbation at the end, right? And all the time he was calling us dirtbags AND, making us like him!! He could sell you the shirt off your own back and vanish before you figured out what he did!!
“I told her I was related to the yuenglings” is such an unrated line
Thanks! That was was just for us Pennsylvanians!
For the non PA influencers, someone called this the perfect lawn mowing beer, oldest brewery in the US notwithstanding.
@@rabokarabekian409 it's the cheapest classiest beer.
But she drives better every time you fill her up, which helps.
Ill rate it for you. 5/5
A V6 fourth gen Camaro is the official car of “She’s 15 but she’ll be 16 in March bro”.
In a state where the age of consent was raised to 17 4 years ago
😂 Yes
That car in the UK is a Vauxhall Corsa
@@MylesHSGNations change, but Dirtbags stay the same.
Hahahaha
As a Camaro guy, I’m offended…
at how accurate this is.
I need a laugh and you delivered.
Keep up the great work
Same dude 😂
Me too😂
NewGarbage Port, Pennsylvania, was never the same after the dumpster factory left the town.
Sad, just another example of manufacturing leaving small towns and them crumbling to dirt.
"This town used to make stuff! We were one of the biggest manufacturers of [product] until [company] had to come in and ruin everything!"
It's a wonder that factory lasted as long as it did. Those NewGarbage Port dumpsters really went downhill in the last few years of production, with many dumpsters catching fire before even leaving the factory.... 🤔
The town sign still says President Jimmy Carter
@@UndeadPorcupine Frank Sobotka?
Maybe someone can revive it like Michael Keaton did in Hadleyville, Pennsylvania.
To be fair, "As long as I can turn off traction control and do burnouts, life's alright" is the kind of a wholesome.
This gives off 2009 TH-cam vibes and I'm all here for it
sammeeee
I miss it so much
UnregisteredHyperCam2
The primordial days
240p too
Took my Z28 to Kunkleman for that sweet k&n intake upgrade. Got 6 hp...voided my warranty...worth it!!
I love the idea that he went shopping for a crappy early digital camera just to do a bit
that was brilliant, nailed it, you're right, I'm saying..like how did he get it to look like this? Classic.....
That's exactly what I did!
And probably paid 10 bucks for it at a Goodwill.
Really adds to the authenticity
@@RegularCars how did u get the stiff upper lip ?
The lead guitarist in my garage band had one of these. He flipped it 5 times going around a corner on a country road when we were 17. Before it came to a stop, it broke several stout trees in half, threw the occupants out of the car (their seatbelts broke, if you can believe it) and the engine/trans was tossed into a soybean field. It's a miracle they all survived mostly unharmed.
😄
They must be legend for surviving that!
I'm imagining the seat belts worked like a table when the stuntman falls onto it
Dude holy shit
Hopefully his Crate Blue voodoo amp was destroyed with the car.
This was the greatest regular cars episode yet
Thanks!
@@RegularCars Mr. Regular is daddy.
@@RegularCars I needed a cigarette at the end of that ending monologue. Whooooo!
For real, this is one of Brian’s best works by far. Felt like I was ready to run a marathon at the end.
I mean…I don’t honestly believe that the video is from 2004. It’s all about the rawness of the film and the throw back cinematography, and the character. It’s goes back to the early days of RCR and the reason the channel started in the first place. This channel keeps moving forward, but never forgets it roots! Thanks Again!!
The crescendo from a parody found footage into an emotional rallying speech for the appreciation of the progressing crossover between art and technology in automobiles is why I'm here for RCR.
The design actually debut in 1993 with the 2nd-gen LT1. The 98-02 models were a refresh where they gave it the LS1 since now that's GM's new flagship V8.
@@omercarrothers7537 there actually was a body kit for the Storm to make the look official!
Sadly the guy moved on to making van life accessories...
Every so often, my Storm gets accused of being a Camaro (eww), or Probe (closer). Lol and no one knows what my NX is!
@@omercarrothers7537 So do I, but it was 94 for me, I always thought that gen Mustang had more style.
@@omercarrothers7537 A "pregnant Geo Storm" was a phrase I heard back then.
@@omercarrothers7537 the LT-1 '93-'97 Camaros were the darlings of the Automotive Rags when I was a kid.
@@omercarrothers7537 the fourth gen was a clear successor to the third gen styling wise. You can draw a straight line from the second gens to the fourth gen stylistically. The odd one out was the first gen until GM decided to do it two more times with the 5th and 6th gens. Now half the camaros are swoopy looking cars and half are chunky bricks.
I don’t know if I’d ever share such enthusiasm for a catfish Camaro, but damn do I respect it.
Indeed, I'm glad to see this one hasn't' been ruined with a unpainted body kit lowered to the point the corners of the body kit are already dinged off with low profile tires that have to be replaced every couple of weeks.
“The way you drive stick is you never stay in one gear too long. What is this third? Yeah third to fourth….back to third……then to fourth……and back to third. It really impresses people.” 🤣
flip it back to 3rd
Back to 4th
Nope, back to 3rd
Skips 3rd and goes back to 2nd, rear tires squeal like a schoolgirl.
this video was so upbeat and optimistic. i was already in a good mood but this made it even better. we need more genuinely (not forced) positive media.
That skit punched me so hard in the nostalgia for a worse time
better*
When the 4th gen F-body was current I had 3 during that period, 93 & 94 Z28 and a 99 Trans am. Both Camaro's had under 20k miles when I got them and the T/A I got new, I don't regret owning any of those cars. In fact it was the complete opposite, they were all good, fun to drive and trouble free. I had the Trans am for a little more than 5 years, it was a pleasure to have, not even a bulb went bad.
I can't believe we thought that early 2000's video quality was actually acceptable...
well we didn't have anything better than this
to be fair we didn't have HD or 4k, so it didn't look QUITE so bad on a 4:3 ratio CRT lol
U didn't grow up seeing black and white tv
It was. For its time. Technology evolves, you know.
@@Legotruck82 to be ffaaaAAAAIIIIiiiIIIIIRRRrrrrrr
This review, the pt cruiser car review and the duramax review where you talk about formalism have got to be my favorite episode. I love this channel.
I was just thinking about that episode the other day and how Mr. Regular schools us in various subjects like literature. Oddly enough I now own a PT Cruiser (I didn't when that episode came out), everything he says is so true. I inherited it from a boomer who passed away, who was the second owner, the car had just over 100k on the clock, way under what a 20 year old car should have of that era, 2001 base model with 5 speed. Got it extremely cheap from work collogue who offered it (it was a 4th car to him, from his passed away sister in law) after my 23 year old Honda Accord finally died at 266k.
The gear box will never let it down. the engine has now had three water pumps over its life, I had to put in the 3rd one last year.. Took the opportunity to do the timing belt and all the engine mounts because it's so buried, you have to remove those and part of the A/C lines to get to it.. I've driven a HHR regularly in the past, the GM equivalent of the PT Cruiser. Another example of GM trying to catch up because another player in the industry came up with something new that people want, just like the Mustang vs Camaro of the 60's that Mr. Regular points out in this episode!
The PT Cruiser handles way way better, it's more car like in it's handling, the HHR is wallowy and shuttery. Has way less power to the wheels, you have to really step into it to move.. The PT Cruiser probably gets an advantage because of the of the 5 speed, but i can't imagine it's a huge advantage. The PT Cruiser 2.4 engine puts out 150hp, while the HHR I drove was a 2.2 also putting out 150hp. So the GM automatic transmission must have been a factor. I suspect the GM 2.4 Ecotec with 170hp improves the HHR significantly. I've never driven a automatic PT Cruiser with the 2.4, I bet it's a lot more anemic. Though I would love to try the 2.4Turbo (180hp) or 2.4L Turbo High Output at 230hp.
Have you seen the sprinter trueno review? That's my favorite
@@ramr7051 yes I have that one is also great! What part do you like more part 1 or 2?
@@aydenhartfelder3797 lol it's been so long i can't remember. I just remember it started with "weaboo, weaboo, weaboo!"
I love how at 11:49 you can see the front-end lift rather noticeably when it accelerates, as if it's being told to stand up straight for something. And sounds like it's putting effort into it on top of that.
"huhRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRNNNNNNNNNNNN"
Haha I noticed that too
SALUTE THE FLAAAAAAAG
I own a 99 SS and even lowered with stiff springs the lift is very noticeable 😂
It was actually cute.
@@xekret I've got a 5 spd 97 v6 and between gears it lifts the front end pretty noticeably, prolly cuz the shocks are soft but still it puts a smile on my face every time! My car enthusiast buddies are always shocked when they feel the lift xD with only 220hp its pretty impressive! GM must've down rated the HP numbers
I love how happy it looks, especially at 11:49 where it also lifts it's front from the acceleration! Like a dog, finally getting outside and doing a few laps in the garden.
My parents bought one of these new in '98 as a midlife crisis car. I've yet to see a happier looking car. (And, for that matter, I have to give the thing credit mechanically. It may not have been sophisticated, but it survived 200k miles of shoddy maintenance and forgotten oil changes. And right up until the transmission died at the 200k mile mark, the car always seemed legitimately excited that it was going to get to enjoy a trip to the grocery store or whatever!)
"Open the boot. Who's head's this?"
Jeremy Clarkson 2010
Your thoughts at the end are why I love the Holden Monaro GTO. It drew from the past for its name but didn't suffer the retro design fad like the Mustang and Camaro would in the future.
Ironically, people didn't like the looks at the time because it wasn't retro enough.
That was its problem.its 97
The newer GTO wasn’t popular because it was too plain looking. It was bland. Nothing about its looks said performance. Even the later hood addition didn’t help.
Down here in Australia it had the brilliant advantage of not starting out as a Monaro - it was just a Coupe version of the then-new Commodore. It was actually named Monaro by the press.
It may be plain by American standards, but it was exactly what the Australian market wanted at the time - elegant and refined instead of aggressive
My good buddy's dad has an 00 Z28 SS that the previous owner made into a drag car. It has 550hp of pure American degeneracy and I love it so much it makes my other friend's C4 Z52 seem tame and reasonable
My favorite part of muscle F-body Z28's is the t-tops exploding out of the canopy when you pass a certain amount of torque.
@@phantomspaceman yeah his came pretty close especially when it used to run 10.5 second quarters with 700hp on nitrous but now that it's back down below 600 the body holds together
@@phantomspaceman that’s why mine is a hardtop. Besides all t-tops leak.
I agree with you, as I got older (interestingly), I prefer modern evolutions of classic designs over retro designs. This car, for example, is a beauty.
The first 5 minutes remind me of the old pre-TH-cam days when people uploaded their Windows Movie Maker generated WMV files to any server willing to host it for free so they can link to it on their LiveJournal.
This is next-level performance art. This WILL be in a museum someday whether we want it to or not.
RCR really has it all. The humor and irony, Roman’s touch with the music parodies, and informative car overviews underneath it all. I love this channel and I don’t think I’ve ever commented. awesome
The commentary on this one is just top notch -- "A 45lb plate is more complicated than this"
The reason why I love the catfish Camaro/ Firebirds is the same reason why I love the current Mustangs (2014-now).
It's still trying to keep the muscle car feel alive, but trying to evolve the look into something new, not just re-doing the past.
Not that the Camaro and Challengers look awful, still love them, but this generation Mustang feels evolved.
This is too perfect. I was literally behind a D bag driving one of these the other day. Merging onto I-40, he goosed it full throttle. Back and broke loose and he nearly nerfed it into a side railing.
Why does 50% of Mr. Regular's characters have polish last names lmao
Because only a polock would buy a camaro.
Because Pennsylvania bro
Because he's only brave enough to use one racial stereotype that is politically acceptable to be racist towards
That's how THAT part of Pennsylvania is.
A crack dealer Escalade episode would get him cancelled.
This is going down as one of the best episodes of RCR.
instant classic
Loved the humble beginnings of RCR. Impressive how many memory cards that footage probably took. You were invested heavily early on what was to become. Thanks for continuing from that point on and sharing with the world!
I'm pretty sure that was filmed deliberately for this video using an old camera they found/bought specifically for the bit.
Lol. Yes he did and it’s spectacular!
My dad had a red 2002 Camaro and I still remember the last ride Dad took my sister and I on before he passed away; he took us to the highway leading out of town and accelerated so fast that tiny 14 year old me got flattened into the back of my seat. When we got home, my sister and I flopped out of the car. Mom asked what had happened, and Dad said "I took them on a drive they'll remember".
Clicked cuz I'm a dirtbag ❤
They could revive the Pontiac Firebird for a completely nuts electric vehicle
Just like the GMC eHummer.
They should really revive Pontiac as their dedicated sport line
All EVs need to meet their end in a spectacular lithium fire.
@@M8Stealth cope
I’d rather they revive the Cutlass Supreme (or any G Body for that matter), but I’m scared they screw it up. Bad.
@@seb_1504 Why? It was nothing but crap. The only half decent ones were Australian rebadge jobs.
This car is so underappreciated! And I've always loved that exhaust note they make!
Performance wise they were a decade ahead of their time.
"In a few years, Matchbox Twenty will be classic rock"
Jeez, that caught me off guard
Thank you Mr. Regular and Nick for doing this. Thank you for your service 🫡
My head cannon is that it’s actually Nick Mullen
This is peak Regularism and I'm all for it!
Needs more B R O W N.
Owned a '99 Z28. First new car I ever bought. Great memories of that car. To me, this generation Camero/Firebird/Corvette first introduced in '97 and powered by the LS1 through a manual 6-speed was a compass point that the smog-dog days were over and performance-based, exciting cars were coming back again. And were going to be better than ever.
Titles video "Camaros are for dirtbags"
Mocks Camaro owners in intro.
"Hey, enter to win this awesome Camaro Z28!"
I'm not new here; this just never fails to amuse me.
A good way to weed out people stuck up their own ass
recently just traded my LT Z28 and i can say it was defenitly one of the most fun cars ive ever owned and driven, the low end torque and the chrisp shifts of the T56. If you can get past the fact any engine work is hours worth of labor and the 10 bolt being made of glass you can have one of the best budget muscle cars, skip the 2v and 4v 4.6 and get and LT/LS1 car and go have fun
as a reformed f-body owner (3rd and 4th gen Firebird) I can relate to this video so hard especially the bit about 'new tires'
Incredible video. Found footage lefty is my new favorite bit. Review was great as well
Thanks! There was more Lefty footage left over and I'm making a 2nd video from it!
I drive a fourth Gen Camaro. He finally got me lol
The contrast of sleek looks and a vicious knarly sound. I dig it.
Its like a muscle car and a super car mixed together.
"As long as I can cut traction control and do burn-outs ... life is alright!"
He ain't wrong there - You yanks are so lucky there.
I live in a country where the cheapest V8 car I can own is around $20,000 and a boat load in insurance and where everything is expensive in general, so I cant have that luxury even with a good salary :(
Even here insurance is crazy on most V8 cars, especially Camaros. You'd have to get a pretty old one for it to be affordable.
@@KrikZ32 there are some low insurance V8 cars out there but not easy to find. I have a G8 and the insurance is actually very low. Lower than an older mazda6 I had for a daily driver. The G8 was classed as a full size sedan. The 6 was classed as a sports sedan. Makes no sense but that's insurance for you.
@@KrikZ32 I'd love a cammed 2wd 5.3. That would be fun and still pretty light.
I can't help but revel in the deep, satisfying writing ability.. this guy is so talented in his descriptions that he has the ability to explain how a cold beer tastes and you would literally feel like your'e drinking one..
"Can you handle 310 horsepower?" I had a buddy back in 97 whose father had bought him a brand new 1996 Mustang GT. I asked him to let me drive it and he said I couldn't handle all the power it had. Yeah all 215 of them...
Little pee pee syndrome.. Sad they're trying to compensate for it.
Torque is the good feeling aint no point in high HP low torque but both where fun but then again the gt is a 4.6 vs a 5.7 now for a fair race a cobra or mach 1 would go heads
Up with a ss
@@AlanMartinez-ev8vl The 03-04 supercharged Cobra was the only 4.6 Mustang that stood a chance against the LS1 cars.
@@SpeedDemon88X cap mach 1 would go heads up
@@AlanMartinez-ev8vl not stock it wouldn't. The Mach 1 usually had a trap speed of 104-105 mph while the LS1 cars varied anywhere from 107-110 mph.
“This 04 Rich bar of soap” and that intro is why I love this channel.
For the guy that peaked in highschool
I peaked in high school? Crap. That wasn’t a high bar….
Don't be jealous
This takes me back to the first time I watched this channel many years ago, practically since day one. This is one of the absolute best reviews you’ve ever done! Thank you for all that you do and inspire in this world!
0:10 I have that exact same camera, and I’m terrified about what could be lurking on that SD card. Probably best that I haven’t looked
The phrase "rebound sausage" is my new spirit animal
You've managed to completely capture the essence of The Camaro driver.
I specifically mean "The Camaro", because that's how my friend referred to his. We couldn't take "his car", or "his Camaro", or even "the Camaro". It was "The Camaro".
I know this is stupid in the middle of winter but this channel does need some more motorcycle reviews
This easily makes it on the top ten RCR list for me :D
I love how this channel has been around for years, but they still get creative and put out an episode like this
My first two cars were LS1 Camaros back in the early 2000s, and this entire video was like putting on rose tinted glasses to my past {engine sounds]
Great vid! I owned a 2000 Z28 convertible for 12 years. The rake in the windshield was insane. 12-disc trunk CD changer with the sub woofer "Monsoon" sound system was amazing for a factory option. The SS with the ram-air hood was the ultimate one to own. Problem was that GM built Camaros to a price-point, and the components were not so great , but easily fixed. I installed an SLP cold air intake kit, C4 ZR1 rims and decent tires, and a Corsa cat-back system, and the car was totally transformed, it was a great car to own and drive.
New Garbageport, PA
love it
This was my first car, yes the interior plastic is janky, the insides rattle at the speed limit, and if you get side swiped you probably wont make it. But to an 18 year old this was the coolest car ever, the T-tops were fire, it was pretty fast for the price and I was proud to look back at it when I parked. Love that car, happy to see you finally make a vid on the Catfish model.
For the record, though Camaros (somewhat rightfully) have a bad rep, a few years ago I had a brand new SS as a rental for a week. During an unseasonable ice storm. And I can say that this RWD 450HP car did excellent. Once the storm cleared up and I could put my foot down, I was further impressed. It's nothing less than a budget supercar, though the build quality could have been better in spots. The HUD was nice too. Got admiring looks from both sexes driving it. Not sure if I'm ready to buy one, but kudos to GM for making a car that has excellent suspension and throttle tuning, is comfortable, and felt totally stable driving through a world of shit for a few days.
I drove my 93 Z28 in an ice storm to my grandparents for thanksgiving dinner. 35 miles each way. The car handled it just fine. The tires? Cooper Cobra GTs. Nothing special. I think I was one of the only people on the road. In 15 years the only time I’ve ever gotten stuck in it was when my driveway flooded a little and over night it froze over. My car was buried up to it’s hubs in ice. It wasn’t going anywhere.
@@KrikZ32 With active damping, a well-tuned V8 with a very nicely calibrated throttle, great handling, and great brake feel, I feel "budget supercar" is on target. Look at some of the "versus" track tests of this vehicle and what some pro drivers have said about it. No, it's not a McLaren or Lambo.
I actually had that camera. Unfortunately, It could only film in 30 seconds clips. It took 4 AA batteries, and the way I would replace them looked like reloading a revolver from the way I would dump the old batteries out and pop the new ones in one at a time.
I've never been so amped to be a dirtbag my entire life and it's all thanks to Mr.Regular!!!
I miss these things. My brother had a '95 and my mother had an '02. They were the last ones that didn't look like transformers. I didn't want to own one though, I got a Mustang. I can count how many I've seen since 2012 on one hand.
Some TH-cam channels age like an old one-hit wonder band that hit their prime 30 years ago and are desperately chasing those glory days.
Regular Car Reviews ages like a fine wine. That Lefty segment was seriously one of the best things I've ever seen on this channel!
It's amazing he can still surprise us
10:27 you can also get 30 mpg out of a 2002 grand marquis...
But its a grand marquis.
If you want any sort of take off from a stopsign, you have to drop the factory 2.73 for something aggressive. And then you get 14 mpg.
Its all about aero and gearing.
This video is the best yet.
I had 3 catfish Camaros. I remember seeing one on the cover of I think car and I fell in love. It was a red Camaro SS. I loved every second of that car
I fell in love with the 4th gen firebird thanks to their great commercials, but I found a killer deal on my 93 Z28 instead. It’s been a fun 15 years of ownership.
Props to you for using a period accurate camera to capture the douchiness.
4th gen started in 93 the facelift was 98
One could argue the face-lift kinda started in 97 with the interior and the rear of the camaro
Matchbox Twenty already is considered to be classic rock, at least according to 99.9 The Hawk.
As the owner of a 1999 SS 6 Speed Convertible...I have never been simultaneously so offended and endlessly swelling with pride. When RCR gets to your own wheels it feels like a badge of honor. Like when a comedian gets the nod to be the subject of that year's Comedy Roast. I hope Cars and Coffee come back, I'd be more than happy to bring er down from Western NY. You fellas are doing the lords work.
My dad has a couple of pre-facelift 4th gen Camaros (a '93 and '96), I've always thought of them as among the best looking cars ever made. Very sleek, like they're actually meant to go fast. I'm not as keen on the later "retro-inspired" brick-shaped muscle cars that replaced elegance with aggressiveness.
The Dirtbags Project (2005)
Not gonna lie, to me, this is The Camaro, since Gran Turismo 1. Always Loved this generation over all others and I Can't wait to import one to my country in around 10 years from now when the facelift version finally turns 30 so she become legal. I Want one of those, and I know they're crap, but one will be My crap.
I preferred the few years before this, when that gen first came out, same basic body style but with the quad rectangular headlights inset. I hated the bubble headlights on this year's model. My brother had the older one, and it was awesome!
Mr. Regular hates Third Gen (82-92) Camaros, and he's wrong. They're light, they're cheap, and they take the entire GM parts catalog.
@@Raveseeker I think my brother's car was a 95. Fourth gen I believe.
@@RyoHazuki224 It would be then, yeah. The Third Gen also had quad square headlights though, hence the confusion.
@@RyoHazuki224 3rd and early 4th gens (through 97) had the quad square headlights.
As an owner of a 2000 WS6, the found footage basically encapsulates what I was like when I bought it at 17 years old
I don't have a 4th gen camaro, but I have a 4th gen trans am ws6. On long trips I used to get 28 mpg in 6th gear, 65 to 70 mph, and keeping the speed steady WHEN I had the t-tops on. With T-tops off, I swear I'm lucky if I get 24mpg. It's amazing how much air resistance there is. It acts like a giant sail. It might be my imagination, but driving that car is more comfortable with the t-tops off. I think there's less reverberation inside the cabin. The sound can just escape if that makes any sense at all in my rambling.
I love this gen of Camaro. Grand Turismo I think is to blame as no rational reason why.
Gt3 had the custom race version mimicking the pratt and miller Corvette's
@@Nightmaretyrant I got so bored of gt3 it was too "realistic" I just wanted to play a vidya game. 1000s of hours were lost to gt2.
@@leadfoot8593 Both are Chad level games 1-4 best era
You hit the nail on the head about artistic expression in vehicles. It’s a thing of the past. Everything is either very predictable or borrowing from past trends.
You can see this with music too. And movies. Remakes upon remakes upon remakes upon comic book movies etc etc.
The mainstream as a whole has become stagnant in regards to artistic expression. You really have to look to the obscure or unknown to find anything interesting anymore.
I really agree with the early 2000s as being the last time car companies brought crazy ideas to the table. If you look at the timeline, it’s right as the internet became mainstream and everyone’s opinions on what was cool was so easily accessible, and they could plan out a design they know would work. Everything is styled the same and follows the same trends for a long time now because that’s what sells.
Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy the styling of the new age muscle cars borrowing trends from their ancestors, but it just lacks any sort of imagination. It’s just remake upon remake upon remake upon… ooo that one has apple car play. 💰
Gen 4 camaro is better than mk4 supra fight me.
Wish mine had the ls instead of the lt1. It's a 94 ttop 6 speed and i love it! Lol. Also have a 99 gt mustang vert and crazy how the lt1 pushes u back instantly while the mustang feels like an old 2 stroke dirt bike. 3000 rpms and it pushes u back. Keep thinking how a 400 pony car from today might feel (have never been in a newer mustang). The cleveland in my 68 mustang feels more like the camaro... power at the bottom end. Amazingly the camaro rides very nice. No squeaks or anything, Fun cars!
Finally a car review that tells it how it is versus just regurgitating specs like everyone else! And i don't care what anyone says but I love my '00 SS. Sure I can't unsee the catfish resemblance and the interior is just... bad. But who cares?! When you're ripping through the gears and the LS1 is screaming thats what counts. Merica.
I just bought my first car it’s a 2002 Z28 SS and I love it ❤️ even if the inside sounds like a hive of bees haha
It's either a Z28 or an SS. They were never both.
@@666cemetaryslut actually the SS package was an option package on top of the Z28. The Z28 just meant it was a V8 camaro. The SS was option on top of it (minor visual changes and a slight increase in power).
I appreciate seeing the real Mr. Regular being himself, makes the whole thing that much more relatable.
Another banger
Dirtbags, Camaro's, and PA are all in my blood. I drive my mom's 1992 Camaro RS she got new. She gave it to me after I got my first real job. She's from Erie and went to Edinboro. Go Fighting Scots!
Click analyze to begin
The intro is very nicely done and thank you very much putting it together. Sure is giving me early 2000s vibes.
What a fun looking car and I appreciate your take on it. We will have to see what the next Camaro will look like when it arrives.
I’m offended at how accurate you demonstrated how we reviewed cars back in early TH-cam days.
Awesome man! Loved the commentary. I have owned a 2000 SS for 20 years. Worked it, 430 rwhp, BMR suspension blah blah blah. Sits in the garage until it's time to play.