1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1992 Cadillac Brougham
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1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham
- Price Range: $1,100 - $2,000
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (5.7-liter)
- Passenger and cargo room
- Antilock brakes
- Quietness
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Acceleration (5.0-liter V8)
- Transmission-repair record
- Size and weight
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
At 221 inches overall, the 4-door Brougham sedan ranked as the longest car built in the United States--an inch longer than the Lincoln Town Car, which was redesigned for 1990. That year, a fuel-injected 5.7-liter V8 became available, rated at 175 horsepower, as an alternative to the standard carbureted 5.0-liter engine. Antilock braking also arrived for 1990, as standard equipment. Broughams earned revised exterior styling, though the changes were not dramatic. New standard features included an electronic instrument cluster, rear-window defogger, and black walnut burl interior trim.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Cadillac Brougham 5.7-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Cadillac Brougham:
A more powerful standard V8 that added fuel injection went into this season's Broughams. Meanwhile, the optional 5.7-liter V8, which was attracting plenty of buyers, gained 10 horsepower. A new electronically controlled variable-assist power-steering system increased steering effort gradually above 20 miles per hour. Broughams also got firmer springs and new deflected-disc shock absorbers.
1992 Cadillac Brougham:
Towing capacity grew by a ton this year, to a whopping 7000 pounds. The optional towing package included the 5.7-liter V8, a 3.73:1 axle ratio (versus standard 3.08:1 ratio), higher-rate springs, limited-slip differential, heavy-duty rear drum brakes, and an auxiliary engine-oil cooler. A new full-size sedan, named Fleetwood, replaced the Brougham for 1993.
Our road test for the 1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Though hardly a fireball when pushing hard on the gas pedal, the early 5.0-liter engine proved to be adequate for most Brougham buyers. Installing the 5.7-liter V8, though, gave the Brougham honest ability to keep up with traffic. Despite pushing nearly 4300 pounds, that engine delivers brisk acceleration. Cadillac estimated that a Brougham accelerated to 60 mph in 10.5 seconds with the 5.7-liter, versus a lethargic 14.3 seconds with the standard V8. Performance would be better if the transmission would kick down to passing gear more quickly. The 5.7-liter engine gets less fuel mileage than the base V8s, which are no misers either. Brougham buyers get a bountiful interior and scads of trunk space. Other bonuses include quiet, smooth running and a soft ride, but a Brougham clearly lacks the roadability of European luxury cars. Steering feel is very light, which can be a major blessing when trying to park this big Brougham. Although it firms up at higher speeds, the steering still feels vague, though the variable-assist system introduced for 1991 was an improvement. By the end of its run, the Brougham's suspension wasn't as soft as in prior years, but it's still far from firm. You can expect wallowing on wavy or bumpy pavement, and plenty of body lean in turns. You also get a surprising amount of wind noise. Standard antilock brakes are a big plus, but a spongy brake pedal makes it hard to modulate braking pressure. Visibility is hindered by beefy rear pillars and wide side pillars. Door openings are tall and wide, making it easy to get in and out. Passenger space is bountiful for six adults, except for a surprisingly limited amount of front leg room for tall drivers. On the down side, soft seats provide little comfort on long trips. The dashboard comes out of the past, limited to a horizontal speedometer and a fuel gauge. Various controls are scattered about, making some of them (including the dash-mounted wiper switch) difficult to operate while driving.
Value for the Money
Despite their traditional virtues, these old-timers are undeniably overweight and clumsy compared to most other luxury sedans, including Cadillac's own DeVille/Fleetwood, the Lincoln Continental, and the Chrysler Imperial and New Yorker Fifth Avenue. Even so, these big rear-drive Caddies still have legions of fans, many of whom wouldn't want anything else on the market.
Despite their traditional virtues, these old-timers are undeniably overweight and clumsy compared to most other luxury sedans, including Cadillac's own DeVille/Fleetwood, the Lincoln Continental, and the Chrysler Imperial and New Yorker Fifth Avenue. Even so, these big rear-drive Caddies still have legions of fans, many of whom wouldn't want anything else on the market.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Cadillac Brougham 5.7-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Cadillac Brougham includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Cadillac Brougham .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
A buzzing noise on cars equipped with the 4L60 transmission can be repaired by reducing the pressure regulator. (1990-92)
Engine noise:
Piston slap may occur on 5.7-liter engines. (1990-92)
Engine noise:
Crunching or popping noises when the steering wheel is turned may be coming from two different sources. One is corrected by applying grease to the steering stops and knuckles, and the other requires enlarging the frame holes for the steering gear bolts. (1992)
Hard starting:
Hesitation, power loss, hard cold starting, and rough idle could be caused by a deteriorated fuel-pump coupler hose causing low fuel pressure. (1991-92)
Hard starting:
Hard cold starting and engine knock may be a problem unless a new PROM has been installed in the computer. (1991-92)
Steering problems:
The steering wheel may not return at low speeds, and is caused by the off-center mass of the aV. (1992)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $460 |
| Alternator | $260 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,170 |
| Brakes | $290 |
| Exhaust System | $400 |
| Radiator | $490 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,210 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $250 |
| Universal Joints | $215 |
Our price chart for this generation Cadillac Brougham details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
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| 1992 | |||
| Brougham | $2,300-2,800 | $1,700-2,000 | $400-500 |
| 1991 | |||
| Brougham | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 1990 | |||
| Brougham | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Cadillac Brougham include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 121.5 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 221.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 76.5 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.4 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4277 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 19.6 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 25.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.0 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.0 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.1 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 41.2 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
A carbureted, Oldsmobile-built 5.0-liter V8 was the standard engine from 1986 to 1990. For 1990, a fuel-injected 5.7 liter V8 became available, but only with a Coachbuilder or Trailer Towing package. A year later, that engine jumped from 175 to 185 horsepower, and could be ordered for any Brougham. A Chevrolet-designed, fuel-injected 5.0-liter V8 became standard for '91, developing 30 more horsepower than the prior carbureted engine.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V8 | 5.7 / 350 | 175-185 | 295-300 | 4-speed automatic: 16/25 | 4-speed automatic: 14.8 |
| ohv V8 | 5.0 / 307 | 140 | 255 | 4-speed automatic: 17/24 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.0 / 305 | 170 | 300 | 4-speed automatic: 17/25 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
1. Carbureted engine; available for last time in 1990. 2. Initial 5.7-liter V-8 was rated only 14/21 mpg. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Cadillac Brougham include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990:
Gross vehicle weight ratings and tire information may be incorrect on labels.
1990-91:
Stopping-distance requirements may not be met with certain inoperative power braking assist units. The original rear-wheel brake cylinder must be replaced with a larger one.
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