1978 Chevrolet Caprice Classic review from North America

New radiator at 170000 KM.

Original starter failed at 190000 KM.

Both front brake hoses and calipers at 197000 KM.

Alternator belt let go at 199000 KM.

Routine maintenance (brakes, tires, tune-ups etc. don't count).

Non-functional air conditioning (no freon in the system).

1978 Chevrolet Caprice Classic 4-door sedan:

This car does not get the best fuel economy (16-17 MPG city, 22-24 MPG highway) but I feel that its excellent reliability more than makes up for it.

This car still has its original ball joints, tie rod ends, brake drums and rotors (new shoes and pads though), and of course, the original 350-4 barrel V8 and 3-speed automatic transmission; evidence of good care on the part of the previous owner.

The car has its original white paint, and green velour-like interior (though the right front fender was poorly repainted after a minor scrape-up).

Major options are: power windows and locks, in-glass antenna, tilt steering, and air conditioning (non-functional when I bought the car, and haven't bothered fixing it). It has an after-market stereo radio cassette player.

And of course, the 350 V8-4 barrel.

This car is easy (and cheap) to get parts for, and is easy to work on, if you do your own mechanics (cheap if you take it to a mechanic).

The car is quiet on the road, and comfortable for long trips and it handles reasonably well for a 3800-pound car. Despite its size, it is fairly easy to park in close quarters. The performance is pretty good for an emissions-choked 350 V8, with brisk but not quite neck-snapping acceleration. The brakes do a fairly good job of stopping the car, but in panic stops, it can try to skid to one side, if one were to lock up all the wheels. Good accident avoidance ability, though (I should know, I had to do it a couple times!)

The only modification I made was to add a rear anti-sway bar to the rear suspension to smarten up the handling a bit. I would also consider trashing the single (restrictive) exhaust system and go to a dual (freer flowing) system. The tires on it now, 215/75/R15, are adequate, but one size wider, 225/70/R15, for example, would aid in hard-cornering maneuvers.

I am satisfied with this car in general, and except for the fuel economy issue, would be THE ideal family car.

Now, if only I can find a '78 Caprice in that nice 2-door body style...