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Every generation
The short answer
Sentiment is bifurcated by generation. For the classic, full-size "B-body" Caprices (produced roughly through 1996), owner feedback is overwhelmingly positive, characterizing them as iconic, solid, reliable, and comfortable workhorses. They are frequently described as durable American sedans and wagons with "bulletproof" V8 engines and transmissions, well-suited for family use, taxi service, and police duty.
Power
Combined, EPA 1996
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is bifurcated by generation.
7 problems reported (2 recurrent, 5 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentPronounced body roll and vague steering
Described as floaty, with handling not a priority.
- RecurrentRust issues
Particularly in wagon roof channels and around vinyl tops, which trap moisture.
- IsolatedCramped rear seating
Poor packaging with a large transmission tunnel intruding on foot space.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedPoor fuel economy
Cited as under 10 MPG city and around 18 MPG highway.
- IsolatedUncomfortable front seats
Seat bolsters cause duty gear (e.g., firearm) to dig into the occupant's side.
- IsolatedV8 reliability concerns
V8 models reported to be in the garage more often than on the road in police service.
- IsolatedV6 models noted as more reliable than V8s in police service
The version owners recommend
For the classic generations, the station wagon variant is mentioned for its utility and iconic "bathtub" styling. For the 2011-2017 generation, the V8-powered Caprice PPV is highlighted for its performance and sound, despite noted reliability concerns. The V6 model is mentioned as being more reliable than the V8 in police service.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Dodge Charger (police), Chevrolet Tahoe (police) and Ford Interceptor Utility (Explorer).
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is bifurcated by generation. For the classic, full-size "B-body" Caprices (produced roughly through 1996), owner feedback is overwhelmingly positive, characterizing them as iconic, solid, reliable, and comfortable workhorses. They are frequently described as durable American sedans and wagons with "bulletproof" V8 engines and transmissions, well-suited for family use, taxi service, and police duty. The floaty ride and vague steering are acknowledged as inherent traits of the era. For the later, imported Holden-based Caprice PPV (2011-2017), sentiment is more mixed. While praised for its performance, handling, and being a "much loved" cult vehicle among enthusiasts, specific owner reports from law enforcement personnel note issues with reliability in V8 models and significant discomfort due to seat design. Across all generations, the vehicle is recognized for its substantial size and presence.
Positioning vs competitors
Classic Caprices are positioned as the quintessential American full-size sedan and wagon, directly competing with the Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis. They are noted for superior handling compared to some contemporaries (e.g., the 1994 Dodge Intrepid was considered a revelation in its day). The later Caprice PPV is positioned as a rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered police sedan, competing with the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor and Dodge Charger Pursuit. It is frequently compared favorably to the Pontiac G8 and Chevrolet SS as a high-performance, Corvette-powered four-door, often described as one of GM's greatest cars. It is considered superior in performance and handling to the "boat-like" Dodge Charger platform but was hampered in sales by limited marketing and availability only to law enforcement.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available for specific trim or option recommendations. For the PPV generation, the V6 model is implied to be the more reliable choice for duty use. For classic models, the durable V8 and automatic transmission combination is the noted standard.
General recommendations
Suitable for enthusiasts seeking a classic, durable American full-size car with simple mechanics and high parts commonality. The later Caprice PPV is recommended for performance enthusiasts who can find a well-maintained example after its police service, with an awareness of potential reliability issues with the V8. Not recommended as a modern daily driver for those unfamiliar with vintage vehicle maintenance or for those sensitive to the dated driving dynamics of classic body-on-frame sedans.
Remarks
The analysis covers two distinct vehicle lineages under the Caprice name. The classic "B-body" platform, dating to 1977 (with roots to 1965), was discontinued in 1996 due to declining sales of full-size sedans, aging design, and difficulty meeting new regulations. The 2011-2017 Caprice PPV was a rebadged Holden WM/WN Caprice imported from Australia and sold exclusively to law enforcement agencies in the U.S. Its limited civilian availability and targeted marketing, reportedly influenced by U.S. manufacturing unions, contributed to its cult status. Much of the discussion around the classic models is nostalgic or historical, while feedback on the PPV comes from specialized law enforcement or enthusiast contexts. Analysis based on approximately 40 substantive owner discussions and historical references.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2011Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 17 | 3 | steering |
| 2013 | 6 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2011 | 1 | 3 | suspension |
| 1996 | 84 | 8 | suspension |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices18 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2014 · seatscampaign 15V636000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured August 14, 2013, to February 3, 2014, and Chevrolet SS vehicles manufactured August 15, 2013, to February 16, 2014. The affected vehicles received replacement seat base assemblies during repair service, but during the work, the seat position target bracket may not have been transferred from the old seat to the new one. Without the seat position target bracket, the air bag may deploy at a higher intensity than necessary.
2014 · seatscampaign 14V446000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.
2014 · visibility:windshield wiper/washercampaign 14V375000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured June 7, 2013, to May 29, 2014, and 2014 Chevrolet SS vehicles manufactured September 13, 2013, to March 4, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the windshield wiper motor gear teeth may strip causing the windshield wipers to become inoperative.
2013 · power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)campaign 14V544000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured March 24, 2011, to December 6, 2013. The affected vehicles are Police Patrol Vehicles (PPV), equipped with a specific transmission selector lever that contains two pins that can become displaced. If the pins get displaced, the driver may be able to shift the vehicle from "Park" without depressing the brake pedal or remove the ignition key without the transmission being in "Park." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence, Starter Interlock, And Transmission Braking Effect", and No. 114, "Theft Protection And Rollaway Prevention."
2013 · seat beltscampaign 15V399000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured October 15, 2010, to October 22, 2013, and 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured July 25, 2007, to February 18, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cables that connect the seat belts to the vehicle at the outside of the driver seat and the front passenger seat may be bent from being sat on while entering the vehicle. This repeated bending may result in the cable breaking.
2013 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 14V540000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured October 15, 2010, to December 6, 2013, and 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured July 25, 2007, to February 18, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the run position, turning off the engine.
2013 · visibility:windshield wiper/washercampaign 14V375000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured June 7, 2013, to May 29, 2014, and 2014 Chevrolet SS vehicles manufactured September 13, 2013, to March 4, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the windshield wiper motor gear teeth may strip causing the windshield wipers to become inoperative.
2011 · power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)campaign 14V544000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured March 24, 2011, to December 6, 2013. The affected vehicles are Police Patrol Vehicles (PPV), equipped with a specific transmission selector lever that contains two pins that can become displaced. If the pins get displaced, the driver may be able to shift the vehicle from "Park" without depressing the brake pedal or remove the ignition key without the transmission being in "Park." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence, Starter Interlock, And Transmission Braking Effect", and No. 114, "Theft Protection And Rollaway Prevention."
2011 · seat beltscampaign 15V399000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured October 15, 2010, to October 22, 2013, and 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured July 25, 2007, to February 18, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cables that connect the seat belts to the vehicle at the outside of the driver seat and the front passenger seat may be bent from being sat on while entering the vehicle. This repeated bending may result in the cable breaking.
2011 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 14V540000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured October 15, 2010, to December 6, 2013, and 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured July 25, 2007, to February 18, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the run position, turning off the engine.
1996 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 09E025000
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
1996 · exterior lightingcampaign 09E012000
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
1996 · exterior lightingcampaign 06E065000
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
1996 · exterior lightingcampaign 06E026000
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
1996 · wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studscampaign 96V245000
THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION DURING ASSEMBLY.
3 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
6.0 V8
6.0L 8-cylinder · 360 hp · RWD · automatic
Built 2006–2016
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Frequently asked questions
What do owners say about the Chevrolet Caprice?
Sentiment is bifurcated by generation.
What is the best version of the Chevrolet Caprice to buy?
For the classic generations, the station wagon variant is mentioned for its utility and iconic "bathtub" styling. For the 2011-2017 generation, the V8-powered Caprice PPV is highlighted for its performance and sound, despite noted reliability concerns. The V6 model is mentioned as being more reliable than the V8 in police service.
What are common issues with the Chevrolet Caprice?
Pronounced body roll and vague steering: Described as floaty, with handling not a priority. Rust issues: Particularly in wagon roof channels and around vinyl tops, which trap moisture.
Is the Chevrolet Caprice fuel efficient?
The EPA rates the 1996 Chevrolet Caprice at 18–19 mpg combined, depending on the version.