2005 Holden Caprice Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the VS, WH, WK, WL, WM and WN Holden Statesman and Caprice from 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 as a used buy.

Holden's Caprice V8 sits comfortably in this territory offering acres of metal (and rear legroom) in an imposing and surprisingly well mannered package.Caprice is Holden's flagship and as such, it bristles with goodies some of which are over the top.The nature of Caprice was changed a couple of years ago into more of a sporty limo with the softer option slot being occupied by Statesman.High output 5.7-litre V8 is a cracker, generates 250kW and sounds great.Fuel economy not bad for a big weighty beast with 11L/100km achievable. Hoof it and the fuel buckets through.Rough changing four speed automatic needs retirement. This car cries out for a smooth shifting five speeder and tiptronic function would be a plus.Has comprehensive dynamic control package including ESP that kicks in too late and stays active for too long. Traction control can be a problem if rapid take offs are needed.Long wheelbase gives superb ride also aided by sporty suspension and wheel/tyre combo.Fun to drive, responsive steering, powerful brakes, excellent acceleration.Styling looks the goods, handsome front enhanced with large driving lights, square bumper and bonnet crease lines.Love the five spoke 17in alloys and low ride height. Very sexy.Interior is arguably the best ever effort from Holden.Has classy European look and feel, great combination of colours and textures capped of with brilliant audio system and multi function module.Steering wheel has multiple functions including sound and cruise control.Trip computer offers bewildering array of information.Twin headrest mounted DVD screens a plus for rear passengers on long distances.Climate control offers numerous outlets, works fast.Pretty well everything is electrically operated. Decadent.Boot is large, possible sleeping venue.Third seat in rear is not really a seat, it's the join between two buckets.Quality seems to have improved over underwhelming previous models.Extensive safety features.