2000 Cadillac Catera Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Freshened styling, a revised interior, and suspension revisions highlight changes to this year's entry-level Cadillac. Built in Germany by General Motors' Opel subsidiary, Catera has an Opel-designed V6, 4-speed automatic transmission, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and leather upholstery. The Sport option package adds a rear spoiler, high-intensity headlamps, and heated seats, plus a matte-chrome grille (versus black) and new 17-inch wheels in lieu of the base 16s. Standard front side airbags are now standard, after being limited to Sport versions. Other 2000 additions include new cupholders and upper child-seat anchors in the rear, a redesigned dashboard and door panels, and GM's new three-button OnStar communications system. Last year's firmer Sport suspension is now fitted to the base Catera, while Sport versions get even tighter calibrations.

Competition

This hotly contested segment has a clear benchmark, it is the Acura TL (and its 2-door cousin Acura CL). The TL succeeds in blending comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price.
But the Acura's not for everyone. We also recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored Audi A6, the comfortable Buick Park Avenue, the affordable and fast Infiniti I30, and the luxury-orientated Lexus ES 300.

News

Catera is being redesigned for the 2002 model year, and almost everything about it will be different except the name, 4-door configuration, and the model's entry-level role in the Cadillac line. Headlining the changes are a switch from today's German-built front-wheel-drive platform to General Motors' new U.S.-built rear-drive Sigma platform, which will also be the foundation for a new 2003 Seville. Also, the next Catera will be the first showroom Cadillac with the hard-edged "art & science" design theme first seen on the 1999 Evoq concept. Finally, despite the change of production venue, the '02 Catera will retain an Opel-designed V6, albeit bumped up to 3.2 liters.
Little else can be confirmed at this point, but the new Catera will almost surely be larger than the current model, and Cadillac will work hard to improve handling so as to make Catera a more credible rival for the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class. Heavily disguised prototypes in recent spy photos show a large, slightly vee'd grille flanked by stacked quad headlamps and very angular overall lines, but rear-end styling remains a mystery. Cadillac's latest concept car, the 4-door Imaj (say "image"), may provide a few clues to the second-generation Catera, but we'll just have to wait and see.
Meantime, the existing Catera will join other 2001 Cadillacs in offering Virtual Advisor, an upgraded version of GM's OnStar communications and assistance service. Virtual Advisor retains OnStar's three-button format and hands-free cell phone, but adds a voice-command function allowing drivers to make calls and to send or receive e-mail without taking their hands from the wheel. Cadillac says the OnStar hardware and basic service charges will be built into 2001 prices, but that Virtual Advisor will cost extra and carry a higher monthly service charge than regular OnStar's current $15.95.

2000 Cadillac Catera Road Test

Pros	Cons

Brake performance	Control layout

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
5	6.2

This 3.0-liter V6 provides only adequate scoot at best. The automatic transmission is generally smooth and responsive, but often has to kick down two gears for swift passing sprints.

Fuel Economy

Base w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
5	4.6

Catera is slightly overweight and underpowered, so mileage is mediocre. We averaged 19.1 mpg in mixed driving with one car; another managed only 16.9 in hard city/freeway driving.

Ride Quality

Base w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
6	6.5

We haven't yet driven a 2000 Catera, but this year's suspension tightening doesn't bode well for ride comfort, which had been one of this model's strong suits.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
6	6.3

Revised suspension settings may cure the unimpressive straightline stability and slightly ponderous cornering behavior we've criticized in the past, but we haven't yet driven a 2000 model.

Quietness

Base w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
6	6.8

The V6 makes a sporty snarl under hard throttle but is otherwise quiet. Wind rush is louder than it ought to be at freeway speeds, but road noise is not intrusive.

Controls

Base w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
6	6.2

This year's interior redo answers two of our Catera carps: Power window controls move from the console to the doors, where they belong, and the former rickety cupholders are now sturdier.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
6	6.9

Seats are softer than the Eurocar norm and quite comfortable. Head and leg room are good, hip and elbow room a tad tight.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
5	5.1

Not enough seat width for three grownups, but there's adequate head and leg room for adults, and wide door openings assist entry/exit.

Cargo Room

Base w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
4	3.9

Split-fold rear seatbacks enhance the versatility of a roomy trunk with a conveniently low liftover.

Value within Class

Base w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
3	4.1

Catera is a solid-feeling sedan with a relatively spacious interior and competent road manners, but even the improved 2000s can't match the 3-Series for performance, roadability or cachet, nor the Lexus ES 300 for refinement, build quality and resale value. In short, Catera seems destined to remain an also-ran in the near-luxury sales race.

Total Score

Base w/Sport Pkg.	Class Average
52	56.6

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		41
Average Score		56
High Score		68

2000 Cadillac Catera Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/31/2000

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan	$31,010	$28,839	$640

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

3.0-liter dohc V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side-airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate control, OnStar System (Global Positioning System, roadside assistance, emergency services), variable-assist power steering, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat w/power recliner, passenger seat power height-adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote-keyless entry system, AM/FM/cassette with eight speakers, steering-wheel radio controls, digital clock, variable intermittent wipers, tachometer, outside temperature display, remote fuel-door and decklid release, rear defogger, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, front and rear reading lights, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, cornering lights, fog lights, load-leveling suspension, full-size spare, 225/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Luxury Pkg.
Base	$995	$846
Memory driver seat, memory outside and rearview mirrors, 8-way power passenger seat, universal garage door opener, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.

Sport Pkg.
Base	$2,000	$1,700
Heated 10-way power front seats, universal garage door opener, theft-deterrent system w/alarm, rear spoiler, Xenon headlights, sport suspension, 235/45HR17 tires.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated front seats
Base	$425	$361


Power sunroof
Base	$995	$846


AM/FM/cassette/CD player
Base	$973	$827
Includes weatherband, radio data system, Bose sound system.

Power rear sunshade
Base	$295	$251


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Chrome alloy wheels
Base	$795	$507

2000 Cadillac Catera Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Cadillac Catera 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	107.5

Overall Length, in.	192.2

Overall Width, in.	70.3

Overall Height, in.	56.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	3770

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	14.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.0

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.

Engines

	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.0 /181

Horsepower @ rpm.	200 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	192 @ 3600

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	18/24

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

Cadillac Catera 4-door sedan

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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	Unlimited/--	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Germany

Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

< 2000 Cadillac Catera Photos

Also in the 2000 Cadillac Catera Review:

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Cadillac Catera Road Test

Cadillac Catera Prices & Equipment

Cadillac Catera Specs & Safety

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