1983 Chevrolet Caprice Classic CL review from North America

Minor things, this car IS 20+ years old.

I've replaced the starter, alternator, AIR pump, misc hoses and lines, brake pads and a few emissions components.

The power window motor in the driver's door was replaced once, along with the switch.

The clock was iffy, but fixed easily with some grease.

This car is solid. Lexus has nothing on this one, I can't even hear or feel the engine. Everything on this car is smooth. It starts every time- -50 in Alaska or 120 in California. It dosen't drink too much fuel for the size of car it is, and runs on regular unleaded just fine.

The engine runs very well, no oil leaks or burning and the Overdrive automatic really helps on the freeway with economy. The door seals are old and cracked, but wind noise is minimal. The fit/finish may not be Mercedes perfect, but I'd take the Caprice over the Benzo any day. Cheap to fix, cheap to drive. GM needs to get straight and build a car like this again. RWD, V8 power, and lots of tasteful chrome. 4200LBS and it still moves, no hot rod, but it's not underpowered. For the $1500.00 I spent, it's a deal. All the power gadgets and rock solid engineering built to last. Why do Police departments and Taxi companies use Caprices? The same reason I do.

No DOHC/VTEC/EFI/rubber timing belt/expensive to fix "technology", just solid metal- Pushrods and all. It's old tech, but much more reliable and built to last.

This car is safe too.

I have no fear of getting hurt in this car. Air bags are dangerous and injure people. There is no replacement for a large, well built, substantial car. Period. No crumple zones or side impact restraints. Just seatbelts and steel. (well, good driving habits help here too) The blind spot is small, and the pillar design make it easy to see out of.

I take care of it and do all the maintenance myself. I recommend the Caprice, of any year, to someone looking for a nice reliable car.

Find one that was taken care of, and say no to V6 models- they have too little power for this size of car.

The prize is the CL like mine (83-84)or LS/Brougham. (later years, 85-90) These models usually have all of the accesories and VERY nice seats.