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Culture & Lifestyle • Automotive

Chevrolet Caprice

The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size automobile produced by Chevrolet in North America from the 1965 through 1996 model years.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size automobile produced by Chevrolet in North America from the 1965 through 1996 model years. It began as a luxury trim package for the Impala in 1965 and became a standalone model for 1966, later becoming one of Chevrolet’s best-known full-size cars. The name returned in 2011 as the Chevrolet Caprice PPV, a police vehicle based on Holden design, for limited North American use. Chevrolet sold the Caprice in Canada as part of the North American market, and some later Caprice PPV police vehicles were also used in North American fleet service.

History

The Caprice launched in 1965 as an upscale Impala trim and became its own model for 1966. It remained in production in North America until 1996, with a later revival as a police vehicle beginning in 2011.

Design and body styles

Classic Caprice models were full-size, rear-wheel-drive cars and were offered as sedans, coupes, and station wagons. Later generations reflected changing styling trends while retaining the Caprice role as Chevrolet’s large family and fleet car.

Market role

The Caprice was positioned as Chevrolet’s more upscale full-size offering within the lineup that also included the Biscayne, Bel Air, and Impala. It became especially associated with family use, fleet sales, and police service.

Revival as Caprice PPV

Chevrolet revived the name in 2011 for the Caprice PPV, a police patrol vehicle based on an Australian Holden platform. The revival was limited and ended in 2017.

Key facts

  • Introduced in mid-1965 as a premium version of the Impala before becoming a separate model line.
  • Produced for North America through the 1996 model year.
  • Offered in multiple body styles, including sedans, coupes, and station wagons.
  • Known as one of Chevrolet’s flagship full-size cars during its production run.
  • The Caprice name returned in 2011 on the Caprice PPV, a police-spec model based on a Holden design.
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Canadian context

Chevrolet sold the Caprice in Canada as part of the North American market, and some later Caprice PPV police vehicles were also used in North American fleet service.[1][3][16]

Frequently asked questions

What is the Chevrolet Caprice?
The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car made by Chevrolet, originally sold in North America from 1965 to 1996.
Was the Caprice always its own model?
No. It started as a luxury trim package on the Impala in 1965 and became a separate model for 1966.
What body styles were available?
Caprice models were offered as sedans, coupes, and station wagons.
When did production end?
North American civilian production ended with the 1996 model year.
Did Chevrolet bring the name back?
Yes. Chevrolet revived the Caprice name in 2011 for the Caprice PPV police vehicle, produced until 2017.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Caprice
    Supports: Basic identity, North American production dates, and model history.
  2. Classic.com — https://www.classic.com/m/chevrolet/caprice/
    Supports: North American production dates, body styles, generations, and PPV revival.
  3. House of American Cars — https://www.houseofamericancars.com/chevrolet-caprice/
    Supports: Caprice history, 1965 origin as Impala trim, and 1966 standalone model.
  4. Hemmings — https://www.hemmings.com/stories/classy-caprice/
    Supports: 1965 introduction and model-line development.
  5. University of Wisconsin — https://wi101.wisc.edu/object-history-chevy-caprice/
    Supports: Caprice as a flagship full-size car and historical significance.