While the Chevrolet name traditionally has been associated with low-priced cars, the GM division is trying to capitalize on building one of thelast big cars by coming out with a top-of-the-line luxury Caprice ClassicBrougham model for `86. Chevrolet`s aim is to give 88 and LeSabretraditionalists a rear-drive alternative to the new front-wheel-drive Olds andBuick models.
Will a Buick owner “move down“ to a Chevy?
We test drove the Caprice Classic Brougham, and if it weren`t for thenameplate, you`d think you were in an old 88 or LeSabre. There`s all the room,as well as comfort, quiet and creature comforts in the Caprice Classic thatbig, rear-drive 88 and LeSabre owners had grown accustomed to.
The car seats six adults, and the huge trunk will hold their luggage,even though a stand-up spare in back steals some cargo room.
The car we drove was equipped with a more than adequately powered 4.3-liter fuel-injected V-6 teamed with a 4-speed automatic rated at 18 m.p.g.city and 25 m.p.g. highway.
The Caprice Classic serves as a reminder of what big-car buyers likedabout those vehicles. The suspension is soft and a bit mushy. The ride iscushioned like your favorite easy chair. No road harshness comes back through the wheel or seat. You lounge on long trips. But when you take a cornersharply, there`s plenty of body roll and the driver finds himself leaningtoward the passenger`s seat.
