1989 Chevrolet Caprice Brougham LS 5.0L V8

Summary:

A great all around car

Faults:

The transmission had to be replaced at 100,000 miles. The throttle valve went bad, and I decided to have the whole thing replaced.

I rebuilt the throttle body at 130,000 miles.

General Comments:

This is a great all around car. It's a big car, but it's not too big and mushy riding like other luxury cars. It handles great, has good performance for highway driving. This car is a perfect 10 for driving long distance.

The only down side is it needs a bigger motor, say like a 383. That's my next project.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th December, 2005

1989 Chevrolet Caprice Estate Wagon(wooden) 307 5.0 Auto OD

Summary:

A reliable gigantic gas eating machine

Faults:

Exhaust was replaced (sounded very cool before it was fixed).

Some new tires and alignment.

Steering wheel started to come loose, was tightened, wasn't cheap.

Starter was replaced (solenoid gone bad).

Rear window mechanism isn't made very well, mine has scratched the window and has rendered the rear defrost useless.

The more aggressively you drive it, the more oil it will leak and burn, however it does stay pretty moderate (one quart every 2 weeks approx).

Serious lack of power from a 5.0 engine, the 307 apparently has the worst power per displacement ratings of all time.

It loves gasoline (14mpg when in need of a tune up)!!

Supposedly the transmissions have some issues with wandering in overdrive.

General Comments:

Very enjoyable ride, I would highly recommend this car for trips or to float down the road in wooden style. Power seats work well and the bench is very comfortable. steering feels detached (you can maneuver the wheel with your knee easily). Great for carrying lots of friends. careful parking this car, its very large. Very dependable. If possessing wooden qualities, this car will enhance your image significantly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd November, 2005

24th Nov 2005, 13:27

I don't know what you're used to driving, but the 305 is very quick on acceleration in these cars. I drive somewhat aggressively and don't have any issues with the motor. It was used in many other cars through the 80's so it was more than suited to these cars. I find the engine to be perfectly adequate. The V6 is the underpowered motor.

1989 Chevrolet Caprice Brougham Sedan LS 5L V8

Summary:

Greatest car I've ever driven

Faults:

Windshield wipers sometimes will not turn off. I have tried replacing the windshield wiper motor, but that didn't fix it. It must be in the wiring somewhere.

The wiring around the motor needs replaced. I have already rewired half of the car, but there is a lot more to go.

The dash is cracked and needs replaced.

The paint has started to wear off. I'm getting a paint job soon before the roof rusts through.

General Comments:

This is pretty much an all-purpose car. I take can it out joy riding and even on vacations.

It has a ton of trunk room for suitcases or whatever else you want to put in there. It gets good gas mileage when you're not stopping and going. That makes it great for going long distances. The seats are also comfortable enough to sit in for the hours that it will take you to get to your vacation destination. Don't plan on many stops. With its gas mileage and its huge fuel tank, you will rarely stop for gas.

The gas mileage while you are joy riding is very different from the gas mileage you get when you're on the highway. Other than this one downside to taking it joyriding, this car is great for joyriding. It handles the curves well. It stops very quickly (this has saved my life twice). What really makes this car great for joyriding or even mud-riding is its power. I can take this car places that some trucks can't make it. I've got witnesses if you don't believe me.

I love showing this car off. I will probably continue showing this car off for many years because it is very hard to dent up. Other than the wiring which is bad, this car is one of the most durable vehicles I have ever seen.

This is also one of the safest vehicles I have ever been in. I don't have proof for this statement, but the car seems to give me a great sense of security. I feel safer in my car driving down a busy highway than I do in my house with all the doors locked and the guard dogs watching.

There is one thing I would like to complain about, though. If you ever tear something up on a caprice, it's nearly impossible to find a replacement part. It usually takes about six months to find one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd June, 2005

13th Dec 2005, 15:20

Your review is excellent. I understand you completely. I own the same exact car and it rules. You can junk all the new stuff for this.

24th Dec 2005, 20:33

I have a 1989 Caprice LS. My wipers act funny too, but it's still a great car.

11th Jan 2006, 17:46

I agree the Chevrolet Caprice Classic is a great car. its very reliable and only has basic breakdowns. it is one of the last steel cars so it should be safe.