1993-1996 Cadillac Fleetwood: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1996 Cadillac Fleetwood
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1993-1996 Cadillac Fleetwood
- Price Range: $1,800 - $3,600
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1993-1996 Cadillac Fleetwood and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Passenger and cargo room
- Acceleration
- Interior noise levels
- Trailer-towing capability
Cons
- Size and weight
- Fuel economy
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Renamed Fleetwood in a restyle for 1993, this big traditional rear-drive sedan gained dual airbags and four inches in length. More-rounded than the old Brougham, the mid 1990s Fleetwood was built on the same platform used by the Buick Roadmaster and Chevrolet Caprice. In this case, though, the chassis was stretched five inches for a 121.5-inch wheelbase. At 225 inches overall, Fleetwood was the longest production car built in the U.S. Initial Fleetwoods held a 185-horsepower V8, with 4-speed automatic transmission. Standard traction control and antilock brakes made this rear-drive sedan an all-weather vehicle. Dual airbags were installed, and head room grew an inch in the rear, leg room 2.7 inches.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Cadillac Fleetwood Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 8 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 63 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1993-1996 Cadillac Fleetwood. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1993-1996 Cadillac Fleetwood.
Year to Year Changes
1994 Cadillac Fleetwood:
Tucking a Corvette-derived LT1 engine under the hood of a Fleetwood gave this traditional-size sedan a new personality. A new transmission with electronic controls helped take full advantage of the extra power. An optional trailer-towing package increased capacity to 7000 pounds.
1995 Cadillac Fleetwood:
Traction control added an on-off switch. New platinum-tipped spark plugs were installed, along with transmission fluid that was intended to last 100,000 miles. Outside mirrors grew larger, sat farther forward, and incorporated a new foldaway feature.
1996 Cadillac Fleetwood:
The final season for the traditional-size, rear-drive sedan, changes were few. A folding center armrest for the front seat included storage for cassettes and CDs, and dual cupholders.
Our road test for the 1993-1996 Cadillac Fleetwood includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1993-1996 Cadillac Fleetwood and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1993-1996 Cadillac Fleetwood is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
"Fleet" is definitely the word for the 1994-96 Fleetwood, with its Corvette-derived engine. With that powerplant on tap, you get swift takeoffs, as well as vigorous passing--which takes only a little more pressure on the gas pedal. Cadillac claimed that 0-60 mph acceleration took just 8.5 seconds--two seconds faster than the 1993 model. Fuel economy is no bargain; we averaged only 14.8 mpg. Fleetwood suspensions are firmer than those in a Caprice or Roadmaster, so you don't get the pillowy-soft ride that characterized big Cadillacs of the more distant past. Sure, it filters out fewer bumps, but the massive sedan also wallows less and has better control in turns than its GM siblings. Even so, body lean is excessive and the undeniably soft suspension allows lots of bouncing on wavy roads. Steering is firmer too, for improved road feel. Traction control is a definite "plus." When actuated, it pushes back gently on the gas pedal, and an indicator light illuminates. Inside, three can sit across, front or rear, but those in the middle won't have much leg room. Adults can stretch their legs at outboard positions. Front seats are "split-frame" design, in which the lower cushion adjusts independently of the backrest. Base-model seat cushions seem firmer and no less comfortable than the multi-adjustable seats in the costlier Brougham. Back seats are nothing short of cavernous, but the cushion lacks thigh support. Drivers face an uncluttered dashboard layout. A huge trunk holds several suitcases.
Value for the Money
Quite a few traditional-type shoppers regret the fact that Cadillac stopped making these big rear-drive sedans. If you tow a trailer and travel cross-country, a Fleetwood just might be your best practical choice.
Quite a few traditional-type shoppers regret the fact that Cadillac stopped making these big rear-drive sedans. If you tow a trailer and travel cross-country, a Fleetwood just might be your best practical choice.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Cadillac Fleetwood Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 8 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 63 |
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 Fleetwood includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Cadillac Fleetwood .
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:
700-R4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1993)
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, which the manufacturer will warranty. (1994-96)
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 | $485 |
| Alternator | $225 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $780 |
| Brakes | $235 |
| Exhaust System | $420 |
| Radiator | $409 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $430 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $220 |
| Universal Joints | $270 |
Our price chart for this generation Cadillac Fleetwood details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
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| 1996 | |||
| Fleetwood | $3,700-4,400 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| 1995 | |||
| Fleetwood | $3,200-3,800 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
| 1994 | |||
| Fleetwood | $2,800-3,400 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-700 |
| 1993 | |||
| Fleetwood | $2,500-3,100 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
|
|
|||
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 Fleetwood include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 121.5 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 225.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.0 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.1 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4477 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 21.1 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 23.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.1 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 43.9 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Initial Fleetwoods were powered by a version of GM's venerable 5.7-liter V8, developing 185 horsepower. A 4-speed automatic with hydraulic controls was the only transmission. A massive power boost (to 260 horsepower) came for '94, courtesy of a Corvette-based V8 engine. Also 5.7 liters in displacement, the LT1 engine used sequential fuel injection and drove a new 4-speed automatic transmission that featured electronic controls.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V8 | 5.7 / 350 | 185 | 300 | 4-speed automatic: 16/25 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.7 / 350 | 260 | 330-335 | 4-speed automatic: 17/26 | 4-speed automatic: 14.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Cadillac Fleetwood 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 1993-1996 Cadillac Fleetwood directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1993:
Passenger-side airbag in a few cars could experience an inflator ignition delay in an accident; delayed deployment could increase risk of injury.
1994:
Fuel-tank strap fasteners can detach, eventually allowing tank to sag.
1994:
Oil-cooler inlet hose may be too close to steering gear, causing chafing; could result in leakage and fire.
1994:
On small number of cars, paint between wheel and brake rotor/drum can cause lug nut to loosen.
1994-95:
At low temperatures, throttle return spring could fail.
1994-95:
Lower ball joint on a few cars sent to Guam and Puerto Rico can separate.
1995:
Improperly adjusted transmission linkage may permit shifting from "Park" position with ignition key removed.
1995-96:
Wheel lug nuts were not tightened to the proper specification. This could result in wheel loss.
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