1989 Chevrolet Caprice 305 EFI from North America

Summary:

A legend in it's own time

Faults:

The only major troubles the Caprice gave me were: a failed water pump, worn universal joints and a bad engine control module.

General Comments:

The Chevrolet Caprice and it's B-body GM cousins were the best cars ever made. Smooth, safe, powerful and absolutely unbreakable under heavy use.

My '89 only cost me $2000, and it gave me almost 40,000 miles of service without complaint.

The 305 V8 provided outstanding acceleration, and the 2.56:1 rear axle ratio/overdrive transmission combo gave phenomenal gas mileage: 26mpg on a trip, and close to 20 around town.

My new '95 Caprice can't come close to that.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th October, 2002

24th Aug 2004, 23:12

I agree, for a car this size the acceleration is excellent and the fuel economy is much better than you'd expect. These can usually be bought for low prices too, they're quite a value.

In reply to 24th Aug 2004, 23:12

30th Aug 2015, 22:49

Yes, the best car ever made. Mine has almost 500 thousand miles and still runs good.

1989 Chevrolet Caprice 5.0 V8 390HP from North America

Summary:

My opinion of this car is I give it a 10/10 in every area

Faults:

Since I have had this car which is from 1992. I have changed the muffler myself since I am a mechanic.

Of course the regular maintanance like oil changes and brakes and such.

The transmission oil started to leak and I replaced the gasket and it is fine now.

The wiper motor passed on to car heaven so I have not got around to replacing it yet and I think I should soon winters on the way.

General Comments:

By far the most comfortable car I have drove, the interior is better then my living room.

I did some engine modifications because, some heavy duty trucks and cars were killing me off the red line.

Car pumps out 390 horses at the wheel which results in great acceleration.

Still got the original engine no need for rebuilding even though she's edging close to 500,000km now.

The car is not designed to race it's a family sedan, but has remarkable handling.

I can pull a sharp corner at 65km/h without my car fish tailing which is awesome for a sedan its size.

The car is original inside and out nothing is missing looks like she just walked out of the showroom.

Very strong car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th September, 2002

7th Nov 2002, 10:26

Would really love to know how to get such horsepower out of a 305 and still pass emissions! Mine eeking out 170hp

11th Dec 2002, 18:19

I find the 390HP numbers hard to believe, unless that engine has had extensive modifications. I own a 305 Caprice and have found super performance parts are difficult to find and any found are very expensive.

4th Jan 2005, 08:25

He doesn't have 390 hp nor even knows what he is talking about.

11th Jul 2005, 00:02

Wow! 390 Hp is a-lot for a 305 cubic inch engine. My grandfather has a Caprice Classic with a 305, but it can only produce approx. 170 Hp. But I must say GREAT performance! The Caprice is a nice big car to have.

15th Jan 2008, 15:02

It's been said before, but I doubt that car has 390 horses. My Caprice same year, same engine, has 220 tops. While it would be possible with a big enough turbo, I think that that major of a modification would have been mentioned in his review.

17th May 2015, 04:15

A Chevy 305 isn't even capable of 390 HP. The motor can't breathe enough to be a powerhouse of any type. I'd say 250 HP is really all the 305 is capable of, and you'd have to do serious modifications to the engine even then. Performance parts can be tough to come across too, as not a lot of people are interested in the 305, mostly opting for the larger 350 instead.

1989 Chevrolet Caprice 9C1 5.7L 350 lo5 from North America

Summary:

9C1 best bang for the buck!

Faults:

Transmission went on it with 116,000 miles on it (second rebuild 1st. by police).

Oil line loosened.

Now needs new "Green Silicon Hoses".

General Comments:

This car is an excellent blend between performance and comfort. The car after years of police service and two other owners still runs excellent. G80 limited slip is awesome. K&N Filter is the only performance upgrade.

This car is the best.

9C1...best bang for the buck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th January, 2002

12th Oct 2004, 19:48

I got to agree with you here! The 9c1 police package Caprice in my mind was the best police car ever built! These are real tanks! My is super dependable, and hasn't ever let me down. I love the boxy Caprice. I got to say if you have a chance to buy a 94-96 LT1 Caprice do it, you won't't regret it! I love my 95 Caprice.