What brand is a Caprice?
Caprice is best known as a car model name used by Chevrolet, the American automaker under General Motors. This article explains which brand the Caprice belongs to and how the name has been used over time.
The Caprice is not a separate brand. It is a model name associated with Chevrolet. Historically, the Caprice appeared as a flagship full-size sedan in the 1960s and 1970s, later evolving through generations and, in the 2010s, returning as a police-oriented vehicle rather than a civilian model. Today, the Caprice name persists mainly as part of Chevrolet’s history and in discussions about GM’s past full-size offerings.
Below is a closer look at how the Caprice has been used by Chevrolet across decades and markets, and what that means for the brand today.
Chevrolet and the Caprice: a historical overview
The Caprice first appeared in Chevrolet’s lineup in 1965 as a higher-trim version of the full-size Impala/Caprice lineup, eventually becoming its own model in certain generations. It earned a reputation for spacious interiors and strong V8 performance, riding on Chevrolet’s broad full-size platform through the late 20th century.
Civilian era and evolution
Throughout the late 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, the Caprice grew into a symbol of Chevrolet's flagship full-size sedan offering. In some markets it remained a distinct model into the mid-1990s, after which civilian Caprice versions gradually disappeared from the U.S. lineup. The name, however, remained strongly associated with Chevrolet’s heritage in the full-size segment.
The Caprice in law enforcement and specialty roles
In the 2010s, Chevrolet revived the Caprice name for a specialized Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) intended for law enforcement agencies. Built on a Holden Commodore-based platform, the Caprice PPV was marketed to police fleets rather than civilian buyers and highlighted Chevrolet’s pursuit of a high-performance, durable police sedan during that period.
Current status: where the Caprice fits in today
As of the mid-2020s, Chevrolet does not offer a civilian Caprice sedan in the United States. The Caprice name lives on primarily in Chevrolet’s history and among enthusiasts who remember the model’s role in the brand’s past. In police and fleet contexts, the Caprice PPV remains a notable chapter, but it is no longer in widespread production.
Branding implications and public perception
The Caprice demonstrates how a single model name can travel across decades within a single brand, evolving from a mainstream full-size sedan to a specialized police vehicle. For consumers, the Caprice reinforces the idea that Chevrolet has long positioned itself as a maker of large, capable American cars, even as product strategies shift over time.
Summary
The Caprice is a Chevrolet model name, not a standalone brand. Introduced in the mid-1960s as part of Chevrolet’s full-size lineup, it evolved through multiple generations and, in the 2010s, saw a brief revival as a police-focused vehicle. Today, the Caprice remains a part of Chevrolet’s historical narrative rather than a current civilian offering.
What is the Caprice known for?
The Caprice, Chevy's full-sized flagship car, exemplifies what is referred to as a land yacht, a luxury car known for its large size; long, boxy body; comfortable interior; and amazing riding comfort–land yachts were designed to float down the road much like a boat in water.
How much is a 1969 Caprice worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $12,925 for a 1969 Chevrolet Caprice in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1969 Chevrolet Caprice? The highest selling price of a 1969 Chevrolet Caprice at auction over the last three years was $47,300.
Are a Caprice and Impala the same?
The '77 Impala and Caprice are mechanically identical, with just trim and badging differences. The Impala is a bit more basic and entry level and the Caprice a little more fancy, if you will.
What kind of car is a Caprice?
The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet in North America for the 1965 through 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965, with over a million units sold.
