1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

The 1997 Camaro is Chevrolet's rear-drive pony car, sold as a convertible in Sport and Z28 trims. It's a proper muscle car, and the acceleration is the part you'll remember long after you park it. The cabin is snug, with a small trunk and limited rear seats, but the hatchback adds useful cargo room. Owners note the electric window regulators wear out and the clear coat can peel, so check those on a used example. The Z28 is the performance pick over the Sport, trading a bit of fuel economy for the LT1 V8's extra muscle and standard limited-slip differential. Its 5.7L V8 makes 285 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, and with the six-speed automatic it'll hit 60 in the mid-five-second range, which still feels quick today. The Z28 convertible gets a stiffer rear sway bar and quicker steering ratio than the Sport, so it corners flatter with the top down.