The most underrated American car is one of the most iconic and popular cars ever made, but most might skip over it in favor of something else. This car is the 2023 Chevrolet Camaro LT1. Although the Camaro itself isn’t underrated, most gearheads consider the SS and ZL1 models with more aggressive driving packages over the LT1.

Chevy didn’t do the LT1 Camaro any favors with its trim structure. This iconic muscle car begins with the 1LS trim, followed by the 1LT. Further up the line, we find the LT1, which is the underrated model. Can you see the problem?

Still, most people aren’t looking at this incredible trim in the middle of the Camaro lineup, where you can find desired power, an excellent driving package, and sporty qualities at a starting price of $37,795 for the coupe or $43,795 for the convertible for the manual variants. Add $1,600 for the auto.

Now that we’ve got your attention let’s dig in and see what makes the 2023 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 the most underrated American car of 2023.

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Clearing Up The Camaro’s Confusing Trim Levels

As mentioned, 1LT and LT1 as trim names for the same car can cause bothersome confusion. Let’s clear this up and show why the LT1 is the underrated, underappreciated, and right Camaro to drive.

The 1LT trim is only one step above the base 1LS model, which means it’s not as high on the trim chart and, as expected with muscle cars, doesn’t have as much power as the LT1. The Camaro 1LT can be powered by either the base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.6-liter V-6 engine while a 6.2-liter V-8 engine powers the LT1.

The 1LT trim includes everything from the base 1LS model, plus the optional 10-speed automatic transmission instead of the six-speed manual. The 1LS is eligible for an eight-speed automatic transmission upgrade. The 1LT model also adds satellite radio, a 6-way power front passenger seat, and more appearance packages than offered in the 1LS.

To clarify things, the LT1 Camaro sits higher in the trim tree above the 3LT model, which is two steps above the 1LT. The Chevy Camaro LT1 is also the lowest trim level to include the V-8 engine. This higher trim also gains:

Chevrolet Camaro LT1 Features

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Brembo brakes
• LED taillights
• Transmission oil cooler
• Dual exhaust ports
• Track Mode

Interestingly, the LT1 takes a step back from the 3LT and 2LT models to offer similar packaging as the 1LT. This means the Camaro LT1 is basically a 1LT with a more powerful engine and added performance features.

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The Chevrolet Camaro LT1 Delivers Expected Muscle Car Performance

The Camaro LT1 packs a lot of power for the money. From the strong V-8 engine to the excellent performance features, this middle trim delivers the speed, power, and drive that make it a great choice when you want excellent power and value. The Camaro LT1 is a high-performance, low-budget muscle car that continues to maintain its iconic persona, offering lots of power for less.

Chevrolet Camaro LT1 Performance Specs

Although many cars are quicker and faster than the Chevy Camaro LT1, these are impressive numbers, especially for the price. In addition to the power and speed offered, the LT1 is relatively efficient, returning 16 city/24 highway MPG. Most cars, including the base model of the Camaro, come with turbocharging or hybridization to offer power assist. That’s not the case with the LT1 Camaro, which is a dying breed with its naturally aspirated V-8 engine.

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Chevy Delivers A Modern Muscle Car Without All The Extras

The Chevy Camaro LT1 has a balance of useful safety and connectivity features without going overboard. This version of the Camaro doesn’t go too far with the performance bits, maintaining an affordable price with a front end that features styling elements from the 1LS and 1LT models instead of going hardcore into the SS trims. Some of the features included that come from the 1LS base trim are:

• Proximity keyless entry with push-button starting
• Eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat
• Power windows, door locks, and outboard mirrors
• Limited-slip differential
• Drive Mode Selector – Tour, Sport, Snow, and Ice settings
• Tire Fill Alert
• Cruise control
• Leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• Manual air conditioning
• Color driver information display
• Chevrolet Infotainment 3 interface
• 7.0-inch touchscreen
• Six-speaker audio system
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Wi-Fi hotspot capability
• Voice recognition
• OnStar telematics
• Teen Driver feature

The LT1 Camaro also includes the items found in the 1LT trim, giving you a more comfortable ride during normal driving scenarios. With everything included, the Chevy Camaro LT1 becomes a muscle car that’s right on the edge of comfort and performance without going over. For those drivers who want to enjoy a great muscle car during a road trip, this Camaro is an affordable, comfortable, and powerful option.

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The Chevrolet Camaro LT1 Combines Qualities From Several Trims

If you were to find a Camaro that brings something from the lower trims and other items from the upper trims in a fantastic combination, it would be the LT1 trim. This version features headlights from lower trims, which are better than what’s included in the SS models.

The 1LS and 1LT models are made for daily driving, and the LT1 carries the lights and front end for the RS package instead of going higher to the SS versions. Although this impressive middle trim Camaro features a more enticing front end for daily driving, Chevy didn’t forget to give it necessary airflow features to ensure the big V-8 engine stays cool.

The Camaro LT1 hood comes directly from the SS model with a flat black heat extractor vent in the hood to increase the performance qualities. This hood also has a bulge in the middle, a classic muscle car feature. The combination of features at the front gives the Camaro LT1 a singular personality and makes it an excellent bridge model.

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The Underrated Car Makes Adding Options Easy

When considering one of the top trim levels of some cars, adding options is out of the question. Adding extras to the price tag can quickly take the price out of your budget. You won’t find this to be the case with the 2023 Chevrolet Camaro LT1. The affordable base price enables drivers to add performance, comfort, and style elements to increase the driving pleasure in this impressive American muscle car.

Chevy Camaro LT1 Options

• HD rearview camera
• Orange or red painted brake calipers
• Dual-mode performance exhaust
• Rear lip decklid spoiler
• Dark tinted taillights
• Several wheel and paint colors
• Sport alloy pedals
• Red seatbelts
• Recaro sport seats
• Remote engine starting
• Magnetic Ride Control suspension
• Flat-bottom steering wheel
• Sunroof
• 8.0-inch infotainment screen
• Bose premium Nine-speaker audio system

Some of these options are stand-alone items, while others require owners to select packages that are added to the Camaro LT1. The 2023 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 is the most underrated American car, but it shouldn’t be.

This middle trim level brings the heat with impressive power figures, excellent speed, combined styling, and an affordable starting price. This is the Camaro trim that checks all the boxes, making it a true muscle car.