2000 Cadillac Catera: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.