The Caprice Classic took some heat for its controversial styling when it was first introduced in 1991, but later gave the competition some heat of its own. The Caprice Classic sedan and wagon competed with the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Chrysler New Yorker, while the hot-rodded Impala SS version competed with the Chrysler LHS and Ford Taurus SHO.
Year-to-year changes[]
1991[]
The first models consisted of a full-size V8-powered rear-drive 4-door sedan (base and Classic) and a 4-door station wagon.
1992[]
The station wagon received a more powerful V8 option.
1993[]
The Classic sedan was replaced by a new LS sedan.
1994[]
A new Chevrolet Impala was introduced early in 1994 (with production starting on February 14), and it was based on the Caprice. The LS was discontinued after this model year.
Base engine for the Caprice sedan was a 200-horsepower 4.3-liter V8. A 260-horsepower 5.7-liter version of the Corvette's LT1 V8 was optional. The wagon and Impala SS came standard with the hotter engine. A 4-speed electronically controlled automatic was the only transmission offered.
1995[]
Mildly freshened for '95, Caprice showed revised rear quarter panel and window styling and new foldaway outside mirrors. Inside, uplevel audio systems featured a speed-compensated volume control, which was used to automatically adjust the sound level as speed increases to compensate for increased road noise.
Caprices were loaded with standard equipment, including dual airbags, antilock brakes, air conditioning and a tilt steering wheel.
The Impala SS sport sedan was a real driver's machine with quicker 3.08:1 final drive ratio and a handling package that included specially tuned de Carbon gas shocks, beefy front and rear stabilizer bars, quick-ratio (12.7:1) power steering, and 50-series Z-rated 17-in. tires on alloy wheels. Brakes were upgraded with a 4-wheel disc/ABS package that included larger discs at the front. Standard leather-covered bucket seats were a finishing touch.
1996[]
With the 1996 models sold as carryovers from 1995, a total of over 689,000 Caprices were produced in the 1990s. The last ones were produced on December 13, 1996, and therefore could've easily been 1997 models, again as carryovers.
Retail prices[]
| Model year(s) | Body style | Trim level | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 4DR Sedan | Classic | $19,153 | $575 | December 17, 1993 |
| 1994 | 4DR Wagon | Classic | $21,338 | $575 | December 17, 1993 |
| 1994 | 4DR Sedan | Classic LS | $21,593 | $575 | December 17, 1993 |
| 1995 | 4DR Sedan | SS | $22,910 | $585 | August 1, 1994 |
| 1995 | 4DR Sedan | Classic | $18,910 | $585 | October 1, 1994 |
| 1995 | 4DR Wagon | Classic | $21,410 | $585 | October 1, 1994 |
| 1995 | 4DR Sedan | SS | $23,210 | $585 | June 1, 1995 |
| 1996 | 4DR Sedan | Classic | $19,905 | $590 | September 4, 1995 |
| 1996 | 4DR Wagon | Classic | $22,405 | $590 | September 4, 1995 |
| 1996 | 4DR Sedan | SS | $24,405 | $590 | September 4, 1995 |
Gallery[]
