1991-1996 Chevrolet Caprice/Impala SS: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1996 Chevrolet Caprice/Impala SS
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1991-1996 Chevrolet Caprice/Impala SS
- Price Range: $1,000 - $8,100
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1991-1996 Chevrolet Caprice/Impala SS and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Passenger and cargo room
- Antilock brakes
- Trailer towing capability
Cons
- Ride/handling/roadholding (Caprice w/base suspension)
- Wind noise
- Fuel economy
- Steering feel (Caprice)
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced as an early '91 model, the full-size Chevrolet wore a new aero look atop its elderly rear-drive chassis. Sedans arrived in April 1990 in standard and upscale Classic trim; a station wagon followed that fall. Wagons are similar to the Buick Roadmaster and Olds Custom Cruiser. Bigger than prior Caprices, the '90s edition got antilock brakes and a driver-side airbag. Outboard rear occupants gained 3-point seatbelts. Six-passenger seating was standard in wagons, or an optional rear-facing third seat increased capacity to eight. Wagons included a roof rack, rear wiper/washer, and a tailgate that swung out or down. A sporty LTZ, added at midyear, offered a sports suspension and wider tires.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Chevrolet Caprice Classic sedan w/LT1 engine Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 55 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1991-1996 Chevrolet Caprice/Impala SS. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1991-1996 Chevrolet Caprice/Impala SS.
Year to Year Changes
1992 Chevrolet Impala:
A larger optional V8 engine became available for Caprice wagons, which came in a single model. Speedometers now read to 100 mph, and a tilt wheel was standard.
1993 Chevrolet Impala:
Rear wheelwells on Caprice sedans lost their "fender-skirt" look, turning instead to rounded wheel openings. Taillamps and rear trim were new, and rear track width grew by 1.6 inches. Both sedans now were known as Caprice Classics, in base or step-up LS trim. A larger (5.7-liter) V8, developing 180 horsepower, went into the performance-oriented LTZ sedan, and was optional in wagons.
1994 Chevrolet Impala:
A passenger-side airbag joined the one on the driver's side. Not one, but two new engines replaced their '93 predecessors: a 4.3-liter V8, and a high-performance 5.7-liter derived from the Corvette's LT1 V8. Later in the model year, an aggressively styled, performance-oriented Impala SS joined up, carrying that toned-down LT1 V8 and police-type suspension. Caprices got a redesigned dashboard with digital speedometer, and an electronic automatic transmission replaced the hydraulically controlled unit.
1995 Chevrolet Impala:
Caprice sedans adopted the rear roof pillar introduced in '94 on the Impala SS. That performance-oriented Impala SS now came in three colors, not just black. Seats were reshaped, foldaway mirrors added.
1996 Chevrolet Impala:
The gearshift lever in the Impala SS moved from the steering column to the console. An analog speedometer replaced the digital unit, and a tachometer was installed. Production of both models halted during 1996.
Our road test for the 1991-1996 Chevrolet Caprice/Impala SS includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1991-1996 Chevrolet Caprice/Impala SS and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1991-1996 Chevrolet Caprice/Impala SS is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Chevrolet Caprice Classic sedan w/LT1 engine Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 55 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Chevrolet Impala includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chevrolet Impala .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
TH-700-R4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1991-93)
Engine noise:
The exhaust valves on the 4.3- or 5.7-liter engines may not get enough lubrication causing a variety of noises. Usually, the same engine consumes excess oil because the valve-guide seals on the exhaust valves are bad and have to be replaced. (1994-96)
Steering noise:
The upper bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a snapping or clicking, requiring a new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam. (1994-96)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $465 |
| Alternator | $280 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $780 |
| Brakes | $220 |
| Exhaust System | $460 |
| Radiator | $480 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $250 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $305 |
| Universal Joints | $260 |
Our price chart for this generation Chevrolet Impala details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1996 | |||
| Caprice sedan | $3,500-4,100 | $2,800-3,300 | $900-1,100 |
| Caprice wagon | $3,700-4,300 | $3,000-3,500 | $1,100-1,200 |
| Impala SS | $8,000-9,000 | $7,200-8,100 | $4,100-4,600 |
| 1995 | |||
| Caprice sedan | $3,000-3,600 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-800 |
| Caprice wagon | $3,200-3,800 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
| Impala SS | $6,800-7,700 | $6,100-6,900 | $3,200-3,600 |
| 1994 | |||
| Caprice sedan | $2,500-3,100 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
| Caprice wagon | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| Impala SS | $5,800-6,700 | $5,000-5,800 | $2,400-2,800 |
| 1993 | |||
| Caprice sedan | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Caprice wagon | $2,200-2,800 | $1,600-2,000 | $400-500 |
| 1992 | |||
| Caprice sedan | $1,700-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| Caprice wagon | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1991 | |||
| Caprice sedan | $1,500-2,000 | $1,000-1,300 | $200-300 |
| Caprice wagon | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Chevrolet Impala include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 115.9 | 115.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 214.1 | 217.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 77.5 | 79.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.7 | 60.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4061 | 4473 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 20.4 | 92.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 23.1 | 21.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 8 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.2 | 39.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | 42.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.4 | 39.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.5 | 38.0 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only one powertrain was available for the '91 Caprice: Chevrolet's 5.0-liter fuel-injected V8, sending its 170 horsepower to a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 5.7-liter V8, optional in 1992-93 wagons (standard in '93 LTZ sedan), produced only 10 more horsepower than the 5.0, but 45 more pound-feet of torque--just right to haul heavy loads and tow big trailers. For 1994, a 4.3-liter V8 replaced the 5.0-liter, hooked to a new electronically controlled transmission and making 200 horsepower. At the same time, a potent new 260-horsepower version of the 5.7-liter V8 became optional--an evolution of the LT1 engine in Corvettes. That V8 was standard in the Impala SS. For its final year (1996), torque output on the LT1-based engine peaked at lower engine speed.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V8 | 5.0 / 305 | 170 | 255 | 4-speed automatic: 17/26 | 4-speed automatic: 16 |
| ohv V8 | 5.7 / 350 | 180 | 300 | 4-speed automatic: 16/25 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 4.3 / 265 | 200 | 235-245 | 4-speed automatic: 18/26 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.7 / 350 | 260 | 330 | 4-speed automatic: 17/26 | 4-speed automatic: 17 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chevrolet Impala include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1995 Caprice |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | -- |
| Front Impact, Passenger | -- |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1991-1996 Chevrolet Caprice/Impala SS directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991:
Shoulder-belt guide-loop plastic covering may crack and expose the steel subplate; in a crash, seatbelt webbing can be cut.
1991-92:
Secondary hood-latch assembly can corrode.
1991-96 police/taxi:
Rear lower control arm can crack.
1992 w/special-order 4.3-liter engine:
Engine-mounted fuel-feed and return pipes on some cars may fracture.
1992:
Antilock brake-system modulator can corrode and leak fluid; may reduce brake effectiveness and increase stopping distance.
1994 Capri w/speed control system:
The speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. This could result in an underhood fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness.
1994:
Fuel-tank strap fasteners can detach, eventually allowing tank to sag.
1994:
Oil-cooler inlet hose may be too close to steering gear, causing chafing that could result in leakage and fire.
1994:
On small number of cars, paint between wheel and brake rotor/drum can cause lug nut to loosen.
1994-95:
At low temperatures, throttle return spring could fail due to excess friction.
1994-95:
Lower ball joint on a few cars sent to Guam and Puerto Rico can separate (also applies to 1995-96 police/taxi/limo).
1995:
Improperly adjusted transmission linkage may permit shifting from "Park" position with ignition key removed.
1995-96 station wagon:
Airbag caution label and roof-rack caution label were incorrectly installed on same side of sunvisor.
1995-96:
Wheel lug nuts were not tightened to the proper specification. This could result in wheel loss.
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