Chevrolet Caprice: Price, Mileage, Features, Specs, Variants, Engine, Interior, History & More

Brief Introduction of Chevrolet Caprice

The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size automobile that has seen a long and varied production history, primarily as a sedan and station wagon. Initially introduced in 1965 as a luxury trim package for the Impala, it quickly evolved into its own distinct model line, becoming one of Chevrolet’s most popular full-size offerings. Over its multiple generations, the Caprice has been known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful V8 engine options, making it a favorite for families, law enforcement agencies, and taxi services. The vehicle’s history is split between its North American production, which ceased in 1996, and later models that were rebadged versions of the Australian-built Holden Caprice, sold in the Middle East and as a police-specific vehicle in the United States until 2017.

Chevrolet Caprice Overview

Generations and History of Chevrolet Caprice

First Generation (1966–1970)

The Caprice became a standalone top-line Chevrolet series in 1966, available as a two-door hardtop, four-door hardtop, and a station wagon. It was positioned as a more luxurious version of the Impala, featuring higher-grade interior trim, thicker carpeting, and more upscale exterior accents. The standard engine was a 283 cu in (4.6 L) V8, with several larger V8 options available, up to a 427 cu in (7.0 L) big-block. The design was characterized by a long, sleek body with a distinctive formal roofline on the coupe models.

Second Generation (1971–1976)

The second-generation Caprice, introduced in 1971, was completely redesigned and became one of the largest Chevrolets ever built. These models featured “fuselage” styling and a longer wheelbase. For 1973, the models were renamed Caprice Classic, and a convertible was added to the lineup. Engine options continued to be V8-focused, though power ratings changed due to new emissions standards. This generation is also known for the “clamshell” tailgate on its station wagons.

Third Generation (1977–1990)

In response to the 1973 oil crisis, the 1977 Caprice was significantly downsized, becoming shorter and lighter while offering increased interior space. This redesign was a huge success, earning the Caprice Motor Trend’s “Car of the Year” award. The boxy, more upright styling defined the look of full-size American cars for the next decade. During this era, the Caprice became a popular choice for police departments with the introduction of the 9C1 police package. Engine options included both V6 and V8 engines to improve fuel efficiency.

Fourth Generation (1991–1996)

The 1991 redesign brought a dramatic, aerodynamic look that was a significant departure from the previous generation’s boxy shape, earning it the nickname “Shamu” or “the whale.” This generation also won Motor Trend’s “Car of the Year” award. It came standard with a 5.0L V8, with the highly regarded 5.7L LT1 V8 becoming available later, which was also used in the Corvette. The Caprice Classic was a popular choice for both civilian and law enforcement use, with the 9C1 police package being particularly potent with the LT1 engine. Production of the North American Caprice ended in 1996.

Fifth Generation (1999–2006)

The Caprice name was revived in 1999 for Middle Eastern markets, this time on a rebadged version of the Australian-built Holden Caprice (WH and WK series). These models were large, rear-wheel-drive sedans with modern styling and a choice of V6 and V8 engines, including the 5.7L Gen III V8. The variants included the LS, LTZ, and a sporty SS model.

Latest Generation (Sixth Generation, 2006–2017)

The sixth and final generation of the Caprice was based on the Holden WM and WN series. It continued to be a popular choice in the Middle East, offered in luxurious trims like the Royale and sporty SS models, often equipped with a powerful 6.0L or 6.2L V8 engine. This generation also saw the Caprice’s return to North America from 2011 to 2017, but exclusively as the Caprice PPV (Police Patrol Vehicle). It was not available to the general public. The PPV offered a choice of a 3.6L V6 or a 6.0L V8 and was praised for its performance and handling.

Chevrolet Caprice Facelifts and Yearly Updates

Chevrolet Caprice Variants and Features

Across its long history, the Caprice has been offered in numerous variants. Early generations had trim levels like the Caprice and Caprice Custom. The third generation introduced the Caprice Classic and Caprice Classic Brougham, with the latter offering more luxurious interiors with plush cloth or leather seating. The fourth-generation models were available in base and Classic trims, with an optional LTZ package that included more features. The Holden-based models in the Middle East had variants such as LS, LTZ, SS, and Royale, each with increasing levels of luxury and performance. The SS models, for example, featured sport-tuned suspensions and more powerful V8 engines. The North American PPV was a specialized variant with a heavy-duty suspension, police-specific interior features, and powerful engine options.

Chevrolet Caprice Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience

The driving experience of the Chevrolet Caprice has always been defined by its smooth, comfortable ride, a characteristic of American full-size sedans. The earlier generations with their large V8 engines provided ample torque for effortless cruising. The downsized third generation offered a more manageable driving experience with improved fuel economy. The fourth generation, especially with the LT1 V8, offered impressive performance that made it a favorite among police departments. The Holden-based sixth generation provided a more modern driving experience with a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, offering a good balance of comfort and handling. The 6.0L and 6.2L V8 engines in these later models delivered strong acceleration, making them true performance sedans.

Chevrolet Caprice Pricing and Mileage

The original pricing for the Chevrolet Caprice in the 1960s was in the range of $3,000 to $4,000. By the early 1990s, the MSRP for a Caprice Classic was around $18,000. The later Holden-based models sold in the Middle East had prices that varied by country and trim level. The Caprice PPV in the United States was sold directly to law enforcement agencies with pricing in the low $30,000s. Mileage has varied significantly over the years. The large V8s of the 1960s and 70s were not known for their fuel efficiency, often getting mileage in the low teens. The downsized models of the late 1970s and 1980s saw improvements, and the 1991 model with the 5.7L V8 had an EPA rating of around 17 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The later 6.0L V8 PPV models had a combined fuel economy in the high teens.

Chevrolet Caprice Colors, Design, and Dimensions

The design of the Caprice has reflected the automotive styling trends of its time. The first and second generations were classic examples of the “longer, lower, wider” design philosophy of the 1960s and early 70s. The third generation adopted the popular “boxy” look of the late 70s and 80s, while the fourth generation went for a highly aerodynamic “jellybean” or “whale” shape. The Holden-based models featured more modern and athletic styling. A wide array of color options was available for each generation. Dimensions varied greatly, with the second generation being the largest, at over 220 inches long. The final PPV model was around 204 inches long. Wheel sizes have also evolved, from 15-inch wheels on earlier models to 18-inch and 19-inch wheels on the later Holden-based Caprices.

Chevrolet Caprice Safety Features

• Airbags: Driver-side airbags were introduced in the fourth generation.
• ABS / EBD: Anti-lock brakes became standard on the fourth-generation Caprice.
• Electronic Stability Control: Standard on the sixth-generation Holden-based models.
• Crash Test Ratings: Not available for most classic models.
• Other advanced safety systems: The last generation offered features like a rearview camera and parking sensors.

Chevrolet Caprice Infotainment and Connectivity

Infotainment in the early generations of the Caprice consisted of an AM/FM radio and, in some models, an 8-track tape player. By the fourth generation, cassette players and optional CD players were available. The Holden-based sixth generation brought the Caprice into the modern era with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and in some markets, navigation. However, features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not integrated into the Caprice lineup before its discontinuation.

Chevrolet Caprice Owner Reviews & Ratings

Owner reviews for the classic generations of the Caprice often praise its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and the reliability of its V8 engines. Many owners of the fourth-generation model with the LT1 engine highlight its surprising performance. The Holden-based models are often lauded for their powerful engines and solid build quality. Common complaints for older models can include rust issues and the poor fuel economy of the larger engines. Later models are generally considered reliable, though some owners have reported issues with interior trim pieces and electronics.

Chevrolet Caprice Comparison with Similar Cars

Throughout its North American production, the Chevrolet Caprice’s main competitor was the Ford LTD Crown Victoria. Both were full-size, rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered sedans that were popular with families and fleet operators. The Caprice was often seen as having a slightly more comfortable ride and, in the case of the LT1-equipped models, a performance advantage. In its later years as the PPV, its main competitors were the Ford Police Interceptor (based on the Taurus) and the Dodge Charger Pursuit. The Caprice PPV was often praised for its superior performance and handling compared to the Crown Victoria and was a strong competitor to the Hemi-powered Charger.

Chevrolet Caprice Awards and Recognition

• Motor Trend Car of the Year (1977)
• Motor Trend Car of the Year (1991)
• A Complete Guide to Used Cars (1995 Edition) Best Late-Model Bet in the Full-size Car category (for model years 1985-1990)

Interesting Facts about Chevrolet Caprice

• The Caprice name was reportedly coined by Bob Lund, Chevrolet’s General Sales Manager, after a restaurant he frequented in New York City.
• The 100 millionth GM car built in the United States was a light blue metallic 1967 Caprice coupe.
• The downsized 1977 Caprice was so revolutionary that it won Motor Trend’s Car of the Year award, a feat repeated by the redesigned 1991 model.

Chevrolet Caprice Legacy and Influence

The Chevrolet Caprice has left a significant mark on the American automotive landscape. For decades, it was one of the best-selling full-size cars in the United States, defining the segment with its combination of comfort, space, and value. Its widespread use as a police car and taxi has made it an iconic and recognizable vehicle. The Caprice’s legacy is also tied to the end of an era, as it was one of the last traditional body-on-frame, rear-wheel-drive American passenger cars. Its revival as a Holden-based import showed the continued appeal of a large, V8-powered sedan, even if it was only available for law enforcement in its final years in North America.

Chevrolet Caprice Global Availability

The first four generations of the Chevrolet Caprice were primarily sold in North America. The fifth and sixth generations, which were rebadged Holden Statesman and Caprice models, were manufactured in Australia and sold in markets such as the Middle East (including the UAE and Saudi Arabia) and South Africa. The sixth-generation model was also exported to the United States as the Caprice PPV. All models were left-hand drive in the North American and Middle Eastern markets, and right-hand drive in Australia.

Chevrolet Caprice Maintenance and Ownership Costs

The maintenance costs for a classic Chevrolet Caprice are generally reasonable, thanks to the simplicity of its mechanical design and the wide availability of parts for its V8 engines. However, restoration costs for older models can be high. For the later Holden-based models, parts availability can be more of a challenge in North America since they were not sold to the general public. Service intervals for the modern Caprice PPV are similar to other contemporary sedans. The resale value of classic Caprices varies greatly depending on the generation, condition, and engine option, with well-maintained examples of the first and fourth (LT1-equipped) generations being particularly sought after by collectors.

Final Words about Chevrolet Caprice

The Chevrolet Caprice is a car with a rich and diverse history. From its origins as a luxurious family car to its role as a dependable workhorse for police departments, the Caprice has worn many hats. Its appeal lies in its traditional American automotive values: a comfortable ride, a spacious interior, and the effortless power of a V8 engine. While the Caprice is no longer in production, its legacy lives on in the classic car community and in the memories of those who owned or drove one. For buyers looking for a classic full-size American sedan, a well-maintained Caprice from any of its generations can be a rewarding choice.