9th Apr 2006, 10:46

There is a common misperception that because something is larger it is safer and that is not the case. A modern subcompact with six or eight airbags, safety cage, ABS, EBD, and so on is safer than any large car from the 1980's.

9th Apr 2006, 13:36

Let's see: 1985 full size Chevy Caprice versus 2006 Toyota Yaris in a head-on collision. I'd have to see that one to believe that the subcompact is actually safer. I guess you're counting that as being safer that you survived even after the firemen cut you out of the mangled wreckage with the jaws of life. Never mind that the folks in the Caprice barely felt the impact and drove away. Nice try.

17th Apr 2006, 04:19

I have a 1985 caprice classic and true enough when they get old the windows come off the tracks and the bushings get wore out, but I have 341,000 miles with the original engine and transmission and still drive at least 40 miles a day and this car will not break down. I'm still rolling and very happy with my 85 caprice.

24th May 2006, 13:10

All the airbags in the world won't help you when the SUV just rolls right up and over your aerodynamic new tinfoil car and squashes it into a pancake.

9th Jun 2006, 14:31

I would rather put my hard earned dollars back into something like my home. That way, when I sell, I can get it back plus some. A nice place to live has always seemed more important to me than what kind of car I'm seen driving around in. Most people with means realise this as well.

9th Jun 2006, 17:52

When you do see the light at the end of the tunnel, be aware it's probably the other chap coming the other way.

17th Jul 2006, 00:48

I will have to say the 1985 Chev. Caprice Classic I owed for 12 years was the most dependable, comfortable, and safe cars I have ever owned.

I hit a Big buck deer at 65 mph. and neither my passenger nor I was injured. I drove this car for 214,000 mile and it was still running good. The people I sold it to drove it for a year or so and then they sold it and I lost track of it.

7th Jan 2007, 09:57

Hey there. I Have acquired a 1985 Caprice classic from my cousin. My Father owned the car until 1999, Traded it off for a cavalier. My cousin bought it from the dealer, used it to drive to work until the tran went. It sat for five years, so I asked if I could buy it, he gave it to me. I had a tran put in fixed up a few other things on it, It now runs beautifully, looks great and ride like a dream. Wouldn't trade it for anything now.

27th Jan 2007, 22:05

Hello. I have a 1985 Chevrolet Caprice Classic. It has 245000KM on it. It has the original motor doesn't use oil. I did put a transmission in it just recently, and yes those windows do like to come out of the tracks. But this is caused by worn window guides, that are easy to install, but hard to get the right one. The best place I've found to get these is at a Glass shop (where you get new windshields, and door windows put in cars). Someday these old cars will increase in value. But right now, they're not old enough to be called antiques, and to old to easily get parts for. But as wise men say,"Don't crush, RESTORE!!!"

2nd Feb 2007, 23:16

The Yaris deserves to be crashed into it's so homely. I dare say that the Caprice would still be a bit safer because the Yaris is designed to crumple and would absorb the impact from both cars.

14th Jul 2007, 19:34

A question to anyone out there owning an "85 Caprice.

I just had the transmission rebuilt, the carb rebuilt, new fuel pump, new plugs and plug wires, timing adjusted AND the engine still runs rough when outside temp over 90 degrees. Also, engine tends to kill at slow speed.

My mechanic is beside himself as to what to do next. At lesser ambient temps (below 90 degrees F) it runs good.

Has anyone had this problem?

15th Jul 2007, 11:53

To the original reviewer - have you ever tried 1) the Olds Delta 88/Buick LeSabre, or 2) the Ford Panther platform?

I've also had numerous Caprices, but I have also had several Olds Delta 88's and a couple of Mercury Grand Marquis. These are all great cars.. a little variety is nice too.

16th Jul 2007, 02:59

I have had my 85' Caprice Classic for 6 years now. It is the most reliable car me and my family have ever owned. I would sooner have the old American, 2 ton 4 door than a small 800 pound rice burner.

This car has never, ever left me on the side of the road, or anywhere, unless I locked the keys in it. They are cheap to fix and would kill a smart car. cCumple zones do exactly that, crumple, but behind that tin foil and plastic, is you, and against a Caprice you would die.

I am in love with my car, and with a little TLC, a nice paint job and nice set of 20" 350 spoke rims, it would be considered fairly high in the social level, an antique.

The new cars ride nice, but I get requests from friends to take my Caprice around the city over a 2007 BMW. This car is great, and will outlast all the cars newer than 1990.

20th Jul 2007, 16:41

Actually 1980's and older Caprices do have crumple zones... crumple zones being the other car they smash! LOL.

27th Jul 2007, 07:30

Hell, I have an '87 Caprice Classic. I have some problems with it, mostly because of previous owners, but also because I don't know a damn thing about fixing up cars. But, no one talks trash about it.

It has a hard body, so if I get into a wreck it's not likely I'll need to get a new car. That, and small things like bumping into trees or buildings won't easily leave dents in my car. Plus, it has REAL bumpers on both ends, not some flimsy fiber glass imitation bumper like newer cars have.

I'd have to say that having an older car is a much better choice than any of the new ones. With the right knowledge, an older car can still run just as well (if not better) as a newer car, and will be more capable of taking body damage without needing to be replaced.

About the only problem with older cars is that they're not very fuel efficient. (At least mine isn't. lol)

27th Jul 2007, 13:19

I have experience with these cars. You'll notice damage to bumpers. We got rear ended by a Camry and it pushed the bumper in 4 inches. The only thing to replace are those absorbing shocks. Our other 87 got hit by a Kia and needed a new bumper. In all fairness it was at 55 mph. I hit a tree stump going 50 and destroyed one too; nearly killed me. If you are wondering, my family has had six Caprice in all.