Since the onset of the muscle car wars in the 1960s, only Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford managed to stand against time and earn profits. Launched in the 1960s, the 2023 Chevrolet Camaro is now in its sixth generation, which was launched in 2016. While the first two years saw solid sales, the Camaro's popularity began to decline exponentially in 2018, which concerned both Chevrolet and its parent company, General Motors.

This was certainly good news for Ford and Dodge. Still, the competition between them intensified, and Chevy began to focus on its SUV and pickup truck lineups, leaving every question about its muscle car unanswered.

There are numerous reasons behind the declining sales of the Camaro. From the chip shortage caused by the pandemic to Chevy’s procrastination with its legendary sticker, the sixth-generation Camaro failed to stand up. So what went wrong for Bumblebee? And why is it struggling in the market? Here’s your answer.

Related: The Glorious Days Of The American Performance Generation: A Look Back At The Muscle Car Era

The 2023 Chevrolet Camaro Simply Fails To Allure Buyers

White 2023 Chevrolet Camaro exterior on tracks
Chevrolet

Despite its rich history and achievements, serious issues and shortcomings have impaired Camaro’s sales in recent years. After a hideous fifth-generation run of the Camaro, Bowtie introduced a redesigned sixth-generation Camaro with upgraded materials and a fix to the problems that haunted the fifth-generation Camaro.

Although the redesigned Camaro was well received by 72,705 buyers in 2016; 67,940 units were sold the following year; and 50,963 in 2018, before sales began to fall precipitously after that. So, what went wrong?

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 interior with red stitching
Chevrolet

It’s a fact that the main factor that pushes buyers to purchase a car is how it looks and feels. While the sixth-generation Camaro was redesigned, most buyers found the new model to be an updated version of the fifth-generation model. Above this, the Camaro’s interior fails to impress. The combination of the dated design, poor materials, inferior electronics, and, most importantly, the tighter space and lesser practicality still takes a heavy toll on its sales. Besides, the higher hood intimidates drivers with poor outward visibility.

Sixth-Generation Camaro Plagued Its Sales With A Bevy Of Problems

2023 Chevrolet Camaro Collection
Via: Chevrolet

According to car complaints, the 2016, 2017, and 2018 model years whined with the most number of complaints, even though the sixth-generation Camaro was relatively new. Customers complained about sudden engine surges, noises, and bad mileage. Besides these, shabby interior materials and inferior-quality electrical components like speakers, switches, and wires also hurt its reputation.

Moreover, when you see what Camaro owners have to say about their 2016 and 2017 models, the reason behind the declining sales becomes far more evident. While the 2016 Camaro underwent one recall, NHTSA has received 106 complaints. The 2017 model year was worse, with 128 complaints. Most of the problems were with the engine, electrical systems, steering, and electronics. Chevy responded quickly to the issues, and as a result, complaints decreased significantly in the years that followed. However, the long list of serious problems in the 2016, 2017, and 2018 model years has damaged the Camaro’s reputation, and the aftermath is the lower sales we’re witnessing now.

Declining Sales Continue To Harm The Chevrolet Camaro

Red 2023 Chevrolet Camaro
Chevrolet

Chevy is giving up on its legendary Camaro, to say the least. And it's evident if you see its dated design, poor interiors, lack of updates, and same model iterations every year. All these have repelled buyers from buying the Camaro, and the sales numbers keep dropping with the passing of quarters and years.

The sixth-generation Camaro’s arrival was well received in 2016, with 72,705 units sold. For the 2017 model year, sales saw a 6.77% dip with 67,940 units sold, which turned worse in 2018 with a shocking 28.55% sales drop and 50,963 units sold. Last year (2022), unfortunately, Chevy sold only 24,652 Camaros, which is a 98.7% fall in sales. The shocking decline in Camaro sales has led Chevy to prioritize and sell more SUVs and pickup trucks, leaving the Camaro aside.

2021 Dodge Challenger SRT
Dodge

Ford and Dodge are currently performing well in comparison to their competitors. The Dodge Charger is presently leading the race with an impressive 80,365 units sold last year, owing to its impressive practicality, value, and proposition. The Challenger managed to attract 55,245 buyers with its great balance of power, features, and reliability. The Ford Mustang sits in the third position with 44,332 sales, which is close to double that of the Camaro.

Related: How Chevrolet Can Save The Camaro Before It's Sent To The Muscle Car Grave

Chevy Discontinuing The Camaro Left Buyers With No Choice

Red 2023 Chevrolet Camaro on tracks
Via: Chevrolet

Regardless of the fact that the Camaro is a legendary nameplate for Chevy and one of the reasons behind its fame in the market, it has failed to bring GM enough revenues recently. And, with the chip shortage currently making a ruckus, both GM and Chevy have no choice but to meet the demands of pickup trucks and SUVs and earn profits, keeping the Camaro aside.

While drivers can pick up the 2023 Chevrolet Camaro, GM Authority reports suggesting Chevrolet will discontinue the Camaro after the 2024 model year and will end it with a Farewell Special Edition Package.

500-Horsepower 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Is The Most Powerful 5.0-Liter V8 Ever
Ford 

Ford and Dodge, however, are hustling to keep their respective legendary nameplates in existence. Last year, Ford finally introduced the seventh-generation Mustang (S650), which features an all-new exterior design, premium interiors, an advanced set of features, and most importantly, a thoroughbred racing variant known as the "Dark Horse."

Dodge-Charger-Daytona-SRT-Concept--Front-Angle
via Dodge

On the other corner, Dodge introduced the Charger Daytona SRT electric performance concept with a new Banshee powertrain. To commemorate their demise, the company released seven limited-edition Challenger and Charger models.

Also, if Chevy chooses to keep the Camaro in its stable, they may give it the same treatment as the Corvette E-Ray. Else, the Camaro will go down as history in the future.

Sources: Goodcarbadcar, NHTSA, Chevrolet, Car Complaints, Car Sales Base