1971 was the first full year of 2nd-Generation Camaro production, as a strike at the Norwood, Ohio GM assembly plant delayed the introduction of the new F-Body Camaro/Firebird generation. When the cars were finally launched in 1970, they were designated as 1970 ½ models due to the constraints of the shortened model year.

The second-generation Chevy Camaro continued to use the F-Body platform and unibody structure with a front subframe, leaf springs controlling the solid rear axle, and an A-arm front suspension. In comparison to the 1st Generation Camaro, the 2nd Gen was longer, wider, lower, and heavier with safety and emission components complying with new EPA regulations.

Since the 1970 Camaros received completely new styling, there were very few changes to the 1971 Chevy Camaro. Slight updates were made to the grille insert and several new options were added, included brown or blue vinyl top offerings. They were variations in the trim details depending on the options ordered. Power disc brakes were standard along with reflectors, side marker lights, washers and dual-speed wipers, defroster, bucket seats, rear bucket-style seat cushions, inside day and night mirror, and outside rearview mirror. A three-speed manual was standard, along with steel side guard rails, cigarette lighter, carpeting, and E78-14 tires. The standard power-plant was the 250 CID six-cylinder unit or the 307 CID V8.

Buyers who selected the Camaro SS received dual exhaust, power brakes, left-hand remote-control sport mirror, special ornamentation, and hood insulation. The SS models rode on F70-14 white lettered tires and 14x7 inch wheels. In the front was a black-finished grille and there were Hide-Away wipers. Under the hood was a 350 CID V8 rated at 270 horsepower.

The Rally Sport was given a special black-finished grille with a rubber-tipped vertical center bar and body-color grille frame. They had independent left- and right-hand bumpers, parking lights mounted on the grille panel, and a license plate bracket below the right bumper. They had body-color inserts on the door handles, Hide-Away wipers, bright roof drip, and window and hood panel moldings. RS emblems could be found throughout the vehicle, including on the front fender.

Powering the Z/28 package was the 350 CID rated at 330 horsepower with heavy-duty cooling to aid in engine cooling. There were a 3.73:1 ratio positraction rear axle, heavy-duty front and rear springs, power brakes. Other features included dual exhaust, 15x7 inch wheels, and F60-15/B bias-belted white-letter tires. They were given remote-control left-hand outside rearview mirror, special instrumentation, Z/28 badging and decals, rear deck spoiler, black-accented grille, rear bumper guards, and special stripes on hood and rear deck.

For 1971, Chevrolet produced 18,404 examples of the Rally Sport. 8,377 examples of the Super Sport, and 4,862 examples of the Z/28 models were built. In total, there were 107,496 examples of the Camaro produced in 1971. 7,147 examples were built in the United States and then exported to foreign markets.