Throughout its 6-year production run, the current
Chevrolet Caprice has gone
through a metamorphosis few cars can match. At introduction, it was uncharitably
branded a whale (especially when painted police-car black and white, and/or taxi
yellow) for its expansive size and rotund proportions. Then, two years ago, Chevrolet
resurrected its historic Impala nameplate for a high-performance version of the big
4-door sedan.
Now, whether whale or African antelope, all Caprices are dinosaurs, set to go out
of production at the end of this model year. The demise has been brought about by a
need to free plant capacity slated to meet the demands of the booming sport-utility
market combined with steadily declining sales. The times are changin', and cars such
as these--big and thirsty--are rapidly fading from the scene.
When the last Caprice (now called Caprice Classic) is assembled, Chevrolet's--and
General Motors'--last rear-wheel drive, body-on-frame big cars will be history.
Caprice's departure brings the number of players in the class down to two.
Chrysler abandoned its fullsize rear-drivers years ago; rumor has it that Ford
contemplated a similar move, but continues its Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand
Marquis models to suit a small cadre of loyal civilian customers and the
law-enforcement market. It probably comes as no surprise to learn that Ford's decision
was strongly influenced by GM's decision to abandon this class of cars.
Be that as it may, there are still plenty of good reasons to give these behemoths
a (last) look. They offer interior space not found in today's smaller front-drive
sedans, and are far better suited to trailer-towing. They are easier to convert into
stretch limousines, too. And taxi fleet operators love 'em.
Beyond that, the Impala SS, our test car, is surprisingly high on the fun-to-drive
index.
Size aside, Caprice sedans and wagons are pretty handsome machines. Much of the
credit for their current graceful appearance goes to a 1993 redesign that opened up
the rear wheel arches and allowed a widened rear track.
Even with requisite bright trim in place--There is plenty, from the grille and its
companion standup hood ornament to window surrounds to the standard full wheel
covers--Caprices manage to avoid (or at least make a virtue of) excess while
maintaining the "formal" look that's played so long and so well in the American
market.
The Impala SS is another story altogether. Each of the three available paint
colors covers more than just the main body panels; bumpers, door handles, grille and
side moldings join in the monochrome treatment. Window frames are given a classy black
satin finish. The Impala's large 17-in. polished alloy wheels and lowered ride height
add to the purposeful look. For all its size, this car is downright stylish.
There's more here than mere cosmetics, of course. The size of the Caprice permits
four large doors for easy entry and exit (and a good-sized tailgate on the wagon),
plus a monstrous trunk. Those are virtues that the target audience (overwhelmingly
male, more than 75 percent at or beyond retirement age) appreciates.
Wagon buyers will approve of the two-way tailgate, which swings down to act as a
mini-tailgate or opens to the side for use as a door. A rear window wiper is standard.
