1997-2001 Cadillac Catera: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2001 Cadillac Catera
View the Photo Gallery
View the Photo Gallery
1997-2001 Cadillac Catera ▼
- Price Range: $1,900 - $4,100
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Cadillac Catera
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2001 Cadillac Catera and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger room
- Steering/handling
- Acceleration
- Standard traction control
- Standard antilock braking
- Side airbags
- Cargo room
- Ride
Cons
- Noise
- Control layout
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Produced in Germany from an Opel design, Catera was intended as a different kind of Cadillac for the late 1990s. (Opel is a General Motors subsidiary.) Foreseeing that "near-luxury" compact/midsize sedans might be the fastest-growing segment of the market, Cadillac turned to GM's German Opel subsidiary for a European-themed entrant into that race. Based on the Opel Omega, Catera was now Cadillac's only rear-wheel-drive model, and also the only without a V8 engine. An Opel 3.0-liter V6, rated at 200 horsepower, worked with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Antilock brakes, dual front airbags, daytime running lights, and traction control were standard, but side airbags were unavailable. Standard equipment also included a dust and pollen filter, 16-inch alloy wheels, power windows with express up/down, fold-down rear seat, tilt steering wheel, electrochromatic mirror, power seats, programmable power locks, a theft-deterrent system, steering-wheel-mounted radio controls, and automatic climate control. Leather upholstery and a power sunroof were among the few options, along with front and rear-seat heaters, chrome wheels, and an 8-speaker Bose sound system. Near-luxury rivals included the front-drive Infiniti I30 and Lexus EX 300, as well as the rear-drive Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 328i.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Cadillac Catera base Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2001 Cadillac Catera. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2001 Cadillac Catera.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Cadillac Catera:
A power rear-window sunshade joined the option list for 1998. At the same time, the extra-cost Bose audio system gained radio data system (RDS) capability. It was now able to display such broadcast information as station call letters and song titles, as well as to break into programming with emergency broadcast system alerts. Dealers could now install GM's OnStar system, which linked the car via satellite and cellular telephone to a 24-hour GM center. Advisors at the center provide directions and travel advice, and can notify local authorities in an emergency.
1999 Cadillac Catera:
Catera became the first Cadillac to meet low-emissions vehicle (LEV) standards, but otherwise changes were few this year. Sport models now were equipped with side airbags.
2000 Cadillac Catera:
Styling was freshened for 2000, and Catera gained a revised interior as well as suspension modifications. Sport models came with a rear spoiler, high-intensity headlamps, and heated seats, as well as a matte chrome grille and new 17-inch tires in place of the customary 16-inchers. All Cateras now had side airbags, as well as new cupholders and upper child-seat anchors in the rear. The previous year's firmer Sport suspension now went into base Cateras, while the Sport edition gained even tighter calibrations.
2001 Cadillac Catera:
For 2001, solid rear brake discs were replaced by vented ones.
Our road test for the 1997-2001 Cadillac Catera includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2001 Cadillac Catera and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2001 Cadillac Catera is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Cadillac's smallest model steps briskly away from a stop, for starters--though it's a bit leisurely in the first moments. By applying the throttle liberally, you can also expect spirited acceleration at speed. Overall performance does not measure up to such stellar rivals as BMW's 3-Series or the Audi A6. Still, the automatic transmission downshifts promptly and crisply to furnish adequate response--though it often must drop down two gears to yield sufficient passing power. We averaged 20 mpg with a new Catera, in a mix of city, suburban, and highway driving. Another example averaged 19.1 mpg. Steering is precise (though lacking in feel) and the sedan feels alert during changes of direction, cornering with modest body lean and good balance. At times, it can act slightly ponderous in directional changes, and high-speed stability fails to impress. Absorbing bumps with minimal disturbance, the taut suspension resists wallowing and floating, for a firm and stable ride. Braking power is strong, with good pedal modulation. The car exhibits little nosedive in sudden stops. At freeway speeds, wind rush around the side windows is louder than it should be. Even more annoying, the tires thump loudly over bumps and tar strips. Space is comfortable for four adults, on softer seats than in a typical European automobile. Because the driveline hump intrudes on the back seat's center position, fitting a fifth occupant inside is no pleasure. Wide door openings contribute to easy entry/exit. Primary instruments and controls are logically positioned, though power-window switches are on the center console. Cruise control buttons, placed on the end of the turn-signal stalk, are tiny and difficult to use. A couple of gauges are to the right of the steering wheel, not in the direct line of sight for some drivers. Large rear headrests and a narrow back window limit the driver's rearward view. Split folding rear seats increase the versatility of the Catera's roomy trunk, which is wide and long. A handy pass-through to the interior allows carrying long items, such as skis. Construction materials are good in quality, if somewhat austere--apart from the bits of wood on doors and console. Fit and finish on test Cateras have been about average for the car's class.
Value for the Money
Quiet-running and solid-feeling overall, loaded with standard equipment, Catera also offers a relatively spacious interior and competent road manners. It ranks only average for ergonomics, visibility, and entry/exit. Still, Catera has been a fresh approach for Cadillac, which needed something special. This one is worth a look, especially since slow new-car sales often translate to lower used car prices. In short, good deals might be found.
Quiet-running and solid-feeling overall, loaded with standard equipment, Catera also offers a relatively spacious interior and competent road manners. It ranks only average for ergonomics, visibility, and entry/exit. Still, Catera has been a fresh approach for Cadillac, which needed something special. This one is worth a look, especially since slow new-car sales often translate to lower used car prices. In short, good deals might be found.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Cadillac Catera base Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
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 Catera includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Cadillac Catera .
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.
Brake noise:
The rear brakes make a squeal when backing up and redesigned calipers cure the problem. (1997)
Climate control:
The climate-control display goes blank or goes off for several seconds. (1997-98)
Dashboard lights:
The antilock-brake light and traction-control light activate because of a wiring problem. (1997)
Dashboard lights:
Due to a problem with sensor or wiring, engine temperature gauge may falsely indicate overheating. (1997-00)
Oil leak:
Oil leaks from timing cover due to leak at oil pump gasket and/or oil galley plug behind cover. (1997)
Tire wear:
Premature tire wear and alignment problems can be corrected by revised alignment specifications. (1997-98)
Tire wear:
Original alignment settings have been blamed for premature tire wear and the car drifting or leading, especially to the right. (1997)
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 | $650 |
| Alternator | $500 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $950 |
| Brakes | $570 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $950 |
| Exhaust System | $925 |
| Radiator | $700 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,500 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $540 |
Our price chart for this generation Cadillac Catera details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2001 | |||
| Catera | $4,200-5,000 | $3,400-4,100 | $1,400-1,700 |
| 2000 | |||
| Catera | $3,700-4,400 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| 1999 | |||
| Catera | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| 1998 | |||
| Catera | $2,900-3,600 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
| 1997 | |||
| Catera | $2,600-3,200 | $1,900-2,400 | $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 Catera include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.4 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 194.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.3 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.3 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3770 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.5 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.4 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.5 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only one powertrain has been available since the Catera's inception: a 200-horsepower, 3.0-liter dual-overhead-cam V6 engine working with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 200 | 192 | 4-speed automatic: 18/25 | 4-speed automatic: 20.1 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Germany
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Cadillac Catera 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%.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
