1984 Chevrolet Caprice StationWagon 5.0 V8 (carburator+catalysator)

Summary:

A very relaxing way to travel

Faults:

Standing break needed some work to pass the tests. This is a common fault of Caprice Classics. The mechanism is just plain stupid, a worst case of American engineering.

Carburetor's automatic chose system is broken. (So called computerised carburetor.) VERY complicated carburetor, so I just disconnected it. Now it needs a few presses on the pedal to start.

Sometimes these have electrical problems, but this car has had none. Just lucky or good care?

Air conditioning has leaked its freons out. Typical problem with old units.

General Comments:

A VERY comfortable car to cruise around. You really cannot call it driving, you just glide (or cruise) around. The transmission is also very smooth, you hardly feel the changes.

Lots and lots of space in the car. Can easily seat 6 people (3 in front, 3 in middle) + 2 big dogs + some luggage at the back.

Engine has enough power, but you very rearly need to use it (if at all), as the car doesn't need to be driven aggressively. It smooths you to just relax, and enjoy the ride.

The car has surpricingly good fuel economy. (For it's weight and engine size!) You can do 11l/100km on the highway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th September, 2005

7th Sep 2005, 17:37

I agree, I have a two door '87 and the ride is unbelievable. I think that is one of the best aspects of the car. Combine that with relative fuel economy/power ratio of the 305 along with how easy and cheap it is to get parts and it's one of the best cars out there.

1980 Chevrolet Caprice Classic stw 305cid 4-bbl (5.0L)

Summary:

For everyday city or highway use

Faults:

Electronic carburetor replaced with conventional model, had to change the distributor also. Now works OK.

Some rust due the leaves inside rear doors. drivers seats upholstery worn and torn (normal).

General Comments:

I like the easiness and really comfortable ride. like riding on air cushion!

The jack was quite difficult to use, but it works! although it's a bit scary.

Gas consumption is not so big compared to the size and weight. 20-25 mpg (10 liters/100km minimum) due to 3-speed tranny (TH350). Next models have 4-speed tranny, but those are not so durable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th July, 2003

13th Jan 2008, 16:21

You replaced the electronic carb with 2bbl I'm guessing? how much work was it and how much did it cost? or did you do it through a mechanic?

1987 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Brougham 305

Summary:

Junk beauty

Faults:

TH700 failed at 145 000 ml.

Radiator is leaking.

Carburetor leaking.

Cruise control failed.

Vinyl roof is cracked.

Power steering failed.

A/C failed.

Leaks oil.

General Comments:

Really beautiful car. Turned out to be junk after I had bought it and drove it a bit.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th May, 2002

8th Dec 2003, 00:53

Man, its only got 145k on it. That's low for a Caprice. Fix all those little problems (much cheaper then buying a new car) and you'll have a car more reliable and durable then anything they make today.

7th Feb 2004, 06:27

I owned my ‘88 Caprice four years, 165,000 miles, replaced exhaust, alt., starter, breaks, tires, rear control arm, and shocks. Mostly wear parts, understandable for a 17 year old car driven in Canada through winter road salt. I commuted 200 miles for 1 year with 2 other 200lbs men, carpenter’s tools, etc., about 800lbs weight. I just took it of the road because the chasis is rusted out. It has 500,000 miles. If I could I would contuse to drive it. It is the best car ever made!

1993 Chevrolet Caprice LTZ 3.1 MPFI

Summary:

Great car to drive and quite reliable too

Faults:

Alternator went at 100k. Rear shock absorbers changed at 100k. Windshield washer's motor replaced at 85k.

Headlamp wiring was a bit loosely installed, causing lamps to stay on or off on an irregular basis.

Great car to drive and mpg is satisfactory even with high Finnish gas prices.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th July, 2000