2000 Cadillac Eldorado: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Despite meager sales, this big luxury coupe soldiers on with GM's OnStar communications system as a new standard feature. Also for 2000, the base-model companion to the Eldorado Touring Coupe (ETC) is rebadged ESC for Eldorado Sport Coupe, while the ETC itself gets new-design wheels and trunklid, plus body-color instead of chrome bumper and side moldings. And leather upholstery is now standard instead of optional for the base model.
Both Eldorados have automatic transmission and share Cadillac's 4.6-liter Northstar V8 with the Seville and new 2000 DeVille sedans. Horsepower is unchanged at 300 for ETC and 275 for ESC. Antilock brakes and traction control remain standard; unlike other Cadillacs, though, Eldorado still lacks front side airbags. The ETC boasts Cadillac's Continuously Variable Road Sensing Suspension (CVRSS) and StabiliTrak antiskid system, but misses out on the upgraded systems used by this year's Seville STS and DeVille DTS. Stabilitrak remains optional for the ESC. The ETC can again be ordered with roller-massage front seats.

COMPETITION

This diverse segment offers the widest price range. It covers everything from the $33,000 Saab 9-5 to the $128,000 Mercedes-Benz SL500. Obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $42,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. In the same vein, the more-expensive Lexus LS 400 continues to impress, excelling in every way except for handling.
If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series, Jaguar S-Type, or Lexus GS 300/400. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the new Cadillac DeVille or Mercedes-Benz CLK.