1989 Chevrolet Caprice 305 V8 from North America

Summary:

Not as good as everybody says this model is

Faults:

Automatic overdrive transmission: completely rebuilt.

Sagging headliner.

General Comments:

Great car... except for the fuel injection being controlled by an on-board computer.. will not let the engine speed return to idle speed quick enough; this makes car difficult to control.

In reality, the 'driver' is operating a computer with tires on it... and thus it's not near as pleasant to drive as it could be.

The gas mileage is very good.

The factory radio is lousy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th July, 2019

18th Jul 2019, 22:19

Only 12,000 miles in 13 years of ownership suggests this is a toy, not a car for daily transportation, so why would you not have gotten a 1960s era computer-free car instead?

10th Aug 2019, 03:36

If it's not returning to idle speed like normal, then something is wrong with it. Possibly a vacuum leak. A car this old can have just about anything wrong with it - even with low mileage.

In reply to 18th Jul 2019, 22:19

12th Aug 2021, 21:29

Admittedly, I have driven this car very often: almost 12,000 miles over fifteen years. You might be surprised that I bought another one: same except color of interior and vinyl top --- though with quite high mileage. It's not near as nice; it's my daily driver.... and will eventually be my parts car for the nice, low-mileage one.

Be aware that these cars withOUT cornering lights have a different front corner marker light & lens --- NOT inter-changable with those that DO have cornering lights (activated by the turn signal switch when headlights are on). The "200R-4" transmission will need attention when the inevitable shifting too soon / lock-up feature stops working. You'll know this when coming off a freeway... and it won't shift right. When it's cold, they shift perfectly. Go figure.

FWIW, it isn't just Ford that does weird things: the headliners on these '77 - '90 GM B-bodies ALL sag eventually... and to have it re-done properly is not cheap. The Chevy engines are much better than the 'doggy' Olds 307 V-8s, for the record.

In reply to 12th Aug 2021, 21:29

14th Aug 2021, 04:54

How is the Olds engine "doggy" when the Chevy horsepower is about the same?

1989 Chevrolet Caprice classic 5.0 FI from North America

Summary:

I hope to own the car for years from now

Faults:

The exhaust has fallen apart on me.

The fusible link corroded and broke.

The tie rod became weak on me plus needs a alignment.

The dash split, and the speedometer cable needed replaced.

The alternator, starter, and radiator had to be replaced.

Paint has faded considerably.

General Comments:

This car I have had for 9 years and has been a strong car.

The inside is comfortable and roomy.

It did sit for the past 5 years, but came back to life recently.

Still has decent power, needs fuel injectors cleaned out too.

Most people who own this car think the valve guide seals are gone, but if you clean out the valve area full of carbon, you might fix a blue smoking problem. So next time you're told you need valve guide seals or piston rings, see hoe much carbon and sludge has built up in your valve area, and is holding oil.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th January, 2008

1989 Chevrolet Caprice Classic 305 5.0L V8 from North America

Summary:

Beautiful/fun/work horse/great/reliable/lots of power

Faults:

When I first got the car, it needed new exhaust manifolds on both sides of the engine block. Other than that, are no major problems with the car.

General Comments:

This car is just an awesome piece of machinery.

It is my transportation, my pick up truck, my date car, and my hot rod all in one.

I love driving this thing its got full bench seats front and back, I got the car from a family member who drove it over 200,000 miles and this thing still runs like new.

I haul everything from contracting equipment to Christmas trees in it.

I have no complaints about the engine, its powerful and can haul anything. When I go camping in the winter, I usually hook a heavy trailor to it. It still has no problem accelerating up hills.

This car is very reliable and safe. Its basically a tank with a lot of power under your foot.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th October, 2007