1991-1996 Chevrolet Caprice/Impala SS: Road Test

Despite the new look for 1991, not much changed in this full-size sedan and wagon. Caprice's traditional soft ride is distressingly bouncy and floaty with the base suspension. Qualifying as virtually aquatic, the car leans way over in turns and wallows over wavy roads. Loose, vague steering impairs quick maneuvers. An optional F41 Ride/Handling suspension offers a slightly more assured feel, without much comfort loss. The sporty LTZ sedan option drew praise, and its stiffer suspension tightens handling considerably. The entertaining Impala SS of 1994-96 offers quite a secure feel on the road, leaning little in curves, its big tires grasping the pavement tenaciously. Wagon suspensions are firmer than those in sedans. The 5.0-liter V8 is understressed and quiet, with good low-end torque for easy merging/passing as well as brisk getaways. Still, it doesn't respond quickly to sharp jabs at the gas pedal. Gas mileage is nothing to boast about, either: We averaged only 16 mpg in a '91 sedan. A 5.7-liter V8 is quicker without guzzling much more fuel. The Corvette-based V8 introduced in 1994 is swifter yet, and none of the V8s demand premium gasoline. Mechanical noise while cruising is low, but wind roars constantly around the thick side pillars, detracting from the quiet ride. A Caprice is roomy, soft, and plush; though the bulky transmission tunnel robs leg room from center passengers, front and rear. The trunk is sizable. Controls are logical. Antilock braking is a welcome addition, but the nose dives too much in hard stops.

Value for the Money
GM's front-drive full-size sedans (Buick LeSabre, Olds Eighty Eight, Pontiac Bonneville) handle better and consume less fuel, but can't match Caprice's towing ability.