1988 Chevrolet Caprice 5.0 V8

Summary:

A little piece of hell on wheels

Faults:

The exhaust had to be replaced.

Paint has some cracks.

New tires at 50,000.

New front end.

The headliner is held up with tacks.

General Comments:

The car has never let me down.

I could strangle Chevrolet for ending the Caprice.

It does not matter what the weather is like, the Caprice will always take off like a land rocket.

If I ever get the money I will restore that car to it's original luster.

These cars could whoop any pansy Honda Civic and leave them in the dust.

I am proud to call myself a Caprice Owner and plan to be one the rest of my life.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th May, 2003

1988 Chevrolet Caprice 4 dr sedan 5.7 Liter 4bbl

Summary:

Family performance sedan bargain!

Faults:

A/C recharged 88,000, New tie rods at 90,000. Wiper motor at 88,000. Not a whole lot has gone bad with this car-they are mostly very tough and dependable if given some TLC.

General Comments:

This is an ex-cop car that I bought pretty cheap. Out west where these cars don't rust, they are a great value. I wish Chevy still made this car-I would buy one new and put it on blocks!! It runs great with a 350 4bbl, you can really get lost. It is built like they used to make 'em, and can still get respectable MPG's due to the overdrive and 3.08 gears. I leave a lot of newer cars in my taillights-maybe not the ultra hi-po ones, but when you compare $2500 to $25-$30,000 for a front drive V6 I feel I made the right choice. It handles like a Corvette as any 9C1 owner can attest. I will own this car for as long as I possibly can-it makes me smile every time I see her! 9C1 owners speak up- I want to hear from you!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th January, 2003

17th Jun 2003, 10:36

Hello, I have an '88 caprice 9C1. It has 147,000 miles on the stock 350 4 barrel and I'm getting ready to pull it and replace it with a 355. I'm sticking with the stock quadrajet, but it will be rebuilt with a stage two upgrade and custom chip from jet, the carb and chip will be calibrated for my exact engine specs which are: 0.30 over 350 roller block, speed pro pistons,10.7-1 compression,.525-.525 lift cam, Edelbrock performer intake, stock center-bolt heads reworked, 1 5/8" headers with 2 1/2"dual exhaust and flow-master 2 chamber mufflers, stock 3.08 gears and 8.5" rear end. It should move pretty good considering it weighs 3860 pounds, how much does yours weigh? I also bought some 15"x8" steel 9c1 wheels awhile back, I was told they are rare, what do you think? I had them powder coated semi gloss black and they look great. Have you seen Fred Dryer's ex squad caprice?

30th Apr 2007, 18:53

I bought a 1988 9C1 Caprice from a local town's retired detective fleet. It was very well cared for, but had many door-dings. At the time, I had an automotive custom shop, and I used the Caprice to demo the first Alpine GPS navigation system. I fell SO in love with the car that I had it completely restored showroom new. You should see the looks I get on sunny days when I tool around in it! I have the factory bucket seats, the rubber floor, the huge chrome wheel covers and bumpers -- all perfect!

All I can say is, if you have the flexibility to hold on to your old square-body 9C1 and fix it up bit by bit, I think you will have a unique ride, a little piece of American history, and a huge sedan that corners like a slot car!

1988 Chevrolet Caprice 5.0 V8

Summary:

Very good old-grandma never-breaking cruiser

Faults:

I had to replace the wiper lever.

New tires.

General Comments:

This car is just great, I love it because you can ride 2000 miles and still feel good.

The car doesn't feel like the 170hp, and 255 torque. It's sluggish at almost all ranges, though it's a good cruiser, and you can do some little burnouts. I think the problem is the 4 speed auto, the second and third are just too high.

Gas mileage is nothing to boast about: 17-18 mpg.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th March, 2002