Sports cars are known for performance and the driving experience. You might not think of them as dependable, but the Chevy Camaro is. This sports car just won a segment award for the most dependable sporty car in J.D. Power’s 2021 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.

The Chevy Camaro is the most dependable midsize sporty car

The Chevrolet Camaro comes in first in the midsize sporty car category of the 2021 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, says GM Authority. The Dodge Challenger came in second place. The Camaro also beat last year’s winner, the Ford Mustang.

Since the study looked at three-year-old vehicles still owned by their original owners, the 2018 Chevy Camaro was the model year under consideration. The 2018 Camaro, as well as the current 2021 Camaro, are both part of the sixth generation, which rolled out for the 2016 model year.

How J.D. Power conducted the 2021 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study

The 2021 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study looked at the problems 33,251 different three-year-old models with original owners had during the past 12 months. The study looked at 177 issues in eight categories.

J.D. Power explains that the categories are “audio/communication/entertainment/navigation (ACEN); engine/transmission; exterior; interior; features/controls/displays (FCD); driving experience; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; and seats.”

The study then scores the vehicles and manufacturers by the number of problems per 100 vehicles. Lower PP100 scores indicate better reliability. Overall, the study found that the majority of issues that turn up in new vehicles are related to electronic systems. That includes “semi-autonomous safety systems, in-car entertainment and vehicle control electronics,” says GM Authority.

While many electrical problems aren’t serious, breakdowns in any system erode how much owners are able to depend on their vehicles to perform as expected. Luckily, mechanical problems aren’t that common in new vehicles. “Today’s three-year-old vehicles are of higher quality and more dependable than in previous years,” said Dave Sargent, vice president of automotive at J.D. Power.

Other brand and segment winners besides the Chevy Camaro

Vehicle dependability is now at all-time high levels. J.D. Power determined an industry average of 121 PP100, which is a 10 percent improvement from 2020. Lexus is the highest ranked for overall vehicle dependability. It has a score of 81 PP100.

It’s followed by Porsche, Kia, and Toyota, says J.D. Power. Chevrolet comes in 12th on the list with a score of 115 PP100, which is higher than the industry average. In addition to luxury brands, Kia, Toyota, and Hyundai rank above Chevrolet.

The brands with the most segment awards are Chevrolet, Kia, and Toyota, each with three. Chevrolet has segment winners with the Camaro (midsize sporty car), Silverado HD (large heavy-duty pickup), and Tahoe (large SUV). The Buick Envision (compact SUV) brought an additional segment winner for General Motors, the parent company of Chevrolet.

The 2021 Chevy Camaro

The current 2021 Chevy Camaro is part of the same generation as the highly dependable 2018 Camaro. The 2021 Camaro excels at performance, although it compromises on practicality.

The Camaro has four engine options: a 275-hp four-cylinder, a 335-hp V6, a 455-hp V8, and a 650-hp V8. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. The four-cylinder engine has an optional eight-speed automatic transmission, and the V6 and V8s have an optional 10-speed automatic. The 1LE package adds track capabilities to most of the trims.

The two-door Camaro is available as a coupe or a convertible. It has a very tiny rear seat and a very small trunk opening. It also has very poor outward visibility, according to Car and Driver. For 2021, all trim levels come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A head-up display is available.

The Chevy Camaro from the 2018 model year comes in as the most dependable sporty car, according to J.D. Power. The current 2021 model year is part of the same generation, likely building on the existing dependable features. It’s a win, with great dependability and fabulous performance.