1989 Chevrolet Caprice Estate Wagon review from North America
"A stalwart road companion beyond compare"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The valve cover started to blow oil shortly after I purchased the car. I replaced the gasket.
I had to replace the gas tank, and later, the fuel gauge.
The cruise control stopped working.
Windshield wiper motor conked out, and the new one I've installed is already acting up.
Other than that, just regular maintenance.
General comments?
The best car I have ever owned.
She is a strong, reliable workhorse, and yet very comfortable to drive. (I've had passengers say it's like relaxing in a living room while going down a highway!)
Perhaps I shouldn't even start in on how versatile this car is. No mini-van can compare: I can fit full-size flats of plywood in the back (with the rear seat down) ; I've slept two people very comfortably (the same way) ; it also easily seats 6 people.
Handling and performance is what you might expect. It's a big, big car, with a big heart. If what you want is performance and handling, get something else.
This car has been remarkably inexpensive to own and maintain. Yes she sucks up gas, but not as badly as you might think, and parts are dirt cheap, even new.
My girlfriend and I recently purchased a BMW, which we both enjoy thoroughly. Meantime, I've had a friend doing some work on my wagon, giving it a body/engine overhaul. If my girlfriend thinks I'm going to sell my Caprice now, she's got another think coming! I can't imagine life without my sweet old "Sled."
Recommended Reviews:
![]() ![]() | 1989 - Caprice Classic 5.0L L03 V8 Spacious interior, unmatched reliability, and loads of V8 torque to back it up |
![]() ![]() | 1989 - Caprice Base sedan 5.0 liter V8 Unbreakable, unkillable road monster |
All 1989 Chevrolet Caprice reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.0 Litre / 307 Olds Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 195000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 260000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Oldsmobile Delta 88 |
| Date of Entry | 22nd November, 2001 |

