1992-2002 Cadillac Eldorado Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Cadillac Eldorado. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Cadillac Eldorado.

1992-2002 Cadillac Eldorado Review

Despite similarities in their powertrain and structure, the latest Eldorado coupe's identity leans away from that of the Seville sedan. Eldorados turned to traditional elegance in this generation, whereas Seville adopted a European flair. The two cars share no body panels. Eldos measured nearly 11 inches longer than their predecessors, but that growth yielded only a modest rise in interior space. Antilock braking and a driver's airbag were standard. Formerly on the glitzy side, the cabin of this version is understated and functional. Rounded dashboard forms are highlighted by Zebrano wood inserts that extend midway into the doors. A new sport interior option could replace the standard digital instrumentation with analog gauges. Touring Coupes sported monochrome paint, with a firmer suspension and an exclusive interior featuring extra wood.

Year to Year Changes

1993 Cadillac Eldorado: Dual airbags went into Eldorados, but the biggest '93 news was the 32-valve, 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine, rated 295 horsepower in the Touring Coupe. A 270-horse version went into the new Sport Coupe, while basic Eldorados stuck with the original 4.9-liter engine. Speed-sensitive steering entered both models, and rear suspensions were redesigned. A new automatic transmission programmed its shifts electronically, according to the driver's style. Touring Coupes also gained revised traction control, which held back engine power as well as applying the brakes. A new Road Sensing Suspension used computer-monitored sensors to adjust ride firmness. Base models got a speed-sensitive suspension instead.

1994 Cadillac Eldorado: The 270-horsepower Northstar V8 that debuted a year earlier now served as base engine. All models now had traction control and a Road Sensing Suspension, though that suspension had softer settings in base models.

1995 Cadillac Eldorado: Both engines gained five horsepower for '95. Cadillac launched its Integrated Chassis Control System for improved handling/braking. Electronic controls for the Road Sensing Suspension were revised to consider steering angle. Eldos wore new grilles.

1996 Cadillac Eldorado: Touring Coupes got a new dashboard with bigger analog gauges, plus new climate and stereo controls placed higher center console. Base Eldos kept the former dashboard.

1997 Cadillac Eldorado: New standard features on the 1997 Eldorados included Cadillac's Stabilitrack emergency traction system and Rainsense automatic wiper system.

1998 Cadillac Eldorado: Other than new audio systems on base models, Eldorado sees no changes.

1999 Cadillac Eldorado: Standard on ETC models and optional on the base was Cadillac's Road Sensing Suspension with the StabiliTrak antiskid system. Also new were optional massaging front seats on the ETC.

2000 Cadillac Eldorado: GM's OnStar communications system is made standard on all Eldos. Other changes include standard leather trim on the ESC and the deletion of massaging front seats from the ETC option list.

2001 Cadillac Eldorado: The only significant change for 2001 was the addition of a rear-seat trunk pass-through on base Eldorados.

2002 Cadillac Eldorado: Production of this slow-selling V8 luxury coupe ended in April 2002, with retail supplies exhausted by late May. Cadillac marked the occasion with a commemorative Collector Series (ECS) model with special emblems, plus colors and exhaust note intended to mimic those of the original 1953 Eldorado. It had 275 hp and a 4-speed automatic transmission, along with a standard antiskid system.

1992-2002 Cadillac Eldorado Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy

Steering/handling	Rear visibility

Standard antilock brakes	Climate controls (early models)

Traction control (later models)

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Despite the car's weight, Eldo acceleration is brisk with the original 4.9-liter engine. Dropping in one of the Northstar engines turns performance from brisk to nearly blistering--especially in Touring Coupe form. Cadillac claimed that both Northstar engines yielded 0-60 mph acceleration of 7.5 seconds, or nearly two seconds quicker than the base V8. No engine is economical. We averaged 16 mpg in a Touring Coupe and 18 mpg in a Northstar-engined base coupe. Computer Command Ride, which adjusts according to speed, delivers a secure road feel. Unlike prior Eldorados, this one does not bob or wallow over dips and around corners. Steering is precise, and the car is stable at speed and in curves. With a firmer suspension and new touring tires, the Touring Coupe is quieter and more supple than before. Rear space is okay--generous for a coupe--but the rear seatback is too reclined for total comfort. Huge rear pillars impair the over-the-shoulder view. The large trunk has a usable shape. Buttons for heat and air conditioning are hidden behind the steering wheel. That flaw was corrected on 1996 Touring Coupes, but base coupes kept the former layout. Front bucket seats lack some lumbar bolstering, but are otherwise supportive.

Value for the Money
In any guise, these are Cadillac's best premium coupes in a long while--excellent, expertly assembled, domestically built rivals to such imports as the Lexus SC 300/400, and competitive with Lincoln's Mark VIII. A solid structure completes this excellent package, giving the sizable coupe a unified feel, worthy of its price and status.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Cadillac Eldorado ESC	Rating

Performance	7

Fuel Economy	4

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	6

Quietness	7

Controls/Materials	5

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	4

Value within Class	2

Total:	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.

1992-2002 Cadillac Eldorado Reliability

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: 4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising, shift erratically, or have no second, third, or fourth gear because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. Poor grounds also allow wrong gear starts. (1992-93)

Automatic transmission: 440-T4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1992)

Engine knock: Engine knock, especially when cold, may be due to carbon buildup in combustion chambers. (2000-01)

Engine noise: A rattling noise at startup is often caused by automatic-transmission pump starvation or cavitation, or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1992-93)

Oil leak: Beware rear main seal leaks on Northstar engine. (1996-99)

Oil pump: Low oil pressure may result from debris caught in Northstar engine oil pump pressure relief valve. (1993-94)

Steering noise: The upper bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a snapping or clicking, requiring a new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam. (1994-96)

Transaxle leak: The right front axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak and GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-93)

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	$500

Alternator	$350

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,160

Brakes	$210

Constant Velocity Joints	$800

Exhaust System	$1,135

Shocks and/or Struts	$1,225

Timing Chain or Belt	$820

NHTSA Recall History

1992: Intermediate shaft to steering-rack lower-coupling pinch bolt may be missing on some cars; disengagement produces loss of steering control.

1993 w/4.6-liter engine: Fuel feed and return lines to fuel-injection system could work loose, causing fuel leakage in engine compartment that could result in fire.

1993-94 w/4.6-liter V8: If air conditioner compressor-clutch assembly contacts auxiliary engine oil-cooler hose, that hose may wear through, allowing leakage that could result in fire.

1994: Throttle cable can disengage and interfere with cam mechanism.

1995: Inadvertent airbag deployment could occur, due to water intrusion.

1995-97: The fuel line tubing on certain vehicles may crack causing fuel leakage. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.

1996: Analog instrument cluster on some cars could have internal short circuit disrupting Pass-Key system, causing failure of gauges and most telltale indicators, and possible no-start condition; panel could go black while driving.

1997: Brake/traction-control module can cause antilock system to cycle in non-ABS braking; could increase stopping distance.

1998: Misrouted canister purge evaporative emissions harness could interfere with cruise control and throttle linkage, preventing return to closed throttle position.

2000: Inner tie-rod nuts on some cars are loose and can result in separation of tie rod, which can cause unexpected steering input.

1992-2002 Cadillac Eldorado Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1992
Eldorado	$2,400-2,900	$1,700-2,100	$500-600
Touring Coupe	$2,600-3,000	$1,900-2,200	$500-600

1993
Eldorado	$2,700-3,200	$2,000-2,400	$600-700
Touring Coupe	$3,000-3,500	$2,300-2,700	$700-800

1994
Eldorado	$3,000-3,600	$2,300-2,800	$700-800
Touring Coupe	$3,300-3,800	$2,600-3,000	$800-1,000

1995
Eldorado	$3,500-4,100	$2,800-3,300	$900-1,100
Touring Coupe	$3,800-4,400	$3,100-3,600	$1,200-1,400

1996
Eldorado	$4,000-4,600	$3,300-3,800	$1,300-1,500
Touring Coupe	$4,400-5,000	$3,700-4,200	$1,500-1,800

1997
Eldorado	$4,600-5,300	$3,900-4,500	$1,700-2,000
Touring Coupe	$5,000-5,700	$4,300-4,800	$2,000-2,300

1998
Eldorado	$5,200-6,000	$4,400-5,100	$2,100-2,400
Touring Coupe	$5,700-6,300	$4,900-5,400	$2,300-2,600

1999
Eldorado	$5,800-6,600	$5,000-5,700	$2,400-2,800
Touring Coupe	$6,500-7,100	$5,700-6,200	$2,900-3,200

2000
Eldorado	$6,700-7,600	$5,900-6,700	$3,100-3,500
Touring Coupe	$7,500-8,400	$6,800-7,600	$3,800-4,200

2001
Eldorado	$8,300-9,300	$7,500-8,400	$4,300-4,800
Touring Coupe	$9,400-10,500	$8,500-9,500	$4,900-5,500

2002
Eldorado	$10,700-12,000	$9,600-10,800	$5,700-6,400
Touring Coupe	$11,800-13,200	$10,600-11,900	$6,600-7,400

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.

1992-2002 Cadillac Eldorado Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door coupe

Wheelbase, in.	108.0

Overall Length, in.	200.2

Overall Width, in.	75.5

Overall Height, in.	54.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	3774

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	15.3

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	37.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.6

Rear Head Room, in.	38.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

A 4.9-liter, 200-horsepower V8 fed an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic in the basic '92 Eldorado. That engine continued into '93, but the Touring Coupe adopted a 32-valve, 4.6-liter Northstar V8, rated 295 horsepower. A 270-horsepower version of the Northstar went into the Sport Coupe. Because that engine reached peak power at lower rpm and yielded an extra 10 pound-feet of torque, it was considered a better choice for around-town driving. The Sport Performance package also used a shorter (3.11:1) final-drive ratio. For '94, the original V8 was gone, and Northstars powered all Eldorados. Horsepower ratings for both engines rose by five in 1995, and the Touring Coupe's V8 gained a bit of torque.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc V8	4.6 / 279	270-275	300	4-speed automatic: 17/26	4-speed automatic: 18

dohc V8	4.6 / 279	295-300	290-295	4-speed automatic: 17/26	4-speed automatic: 16

ohv V8	4.9 / 300	200	275	4-speed automatic: 16/25	4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1992-2002 Cadillac Eldorado Review:

Cadillac Eldorado

Cadillac Eldorado Road Test

Cadillac Eldorado Reliability

Cadillac Eldorado Prices

Cadillac Eldorado Specs & Safety

Cadillac Eldorado Photos

Cadillac Eldorado Full Review