2001 Cadillac Catera: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

This compact-sized sedan is Cadillac's lowest-priced car and its only rear-wheel-drive model. An Americanized Opel built by that General Motors European subsidiary, Catera's sole powertrain is a V6 with 4-speed automatic transmission. Standard are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, front side airbags, load-leveling suspension, leather upholstery, and GM's OnStar assistance system. The Sport package option adds a firmer suspension and 17-inch wheels. Catera will not be offered for the 2002 model year, as Cadillac gears up for a sportier 2003 replacement called the CTS.

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. If you are leaning more toward the luxury scale, the Lexus ES 300 might be a more practical purchase.

We also recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored Audi A6, the comfortable Buick Park Avenue, the affordable and fast Infiniti I30.