About the Cadillac CateraThe Cadillac Catera is a mid-size luxury sedan that was designed to appeal to a younger demographic than the traditionally conservative buyers who are normally loyal to the brand. The standard 3.0-liter V6 engine delivers an impressive 200 hp, but the only available transmission is a 4-speed automatic. The trunk offers a decent luggage capacity, while the interior feels surprisingly roomier than other vehicles in the same class.With a curb weight just shy of 3,800 pounds, the gas engine adequately delivers enough power to avoid a sluggish acceleration feel. The most important component is an electronic throttle control that helps the vehicle reach 60 mph quickly and with ease. The Cadillac Catera was built in Russelheim, Germany, but the transmission was actually manufactured in France. The American engineering capabilities and the German design is one of the most appealing aspects of the rear-wheel drive vehicle. When first released in 1997, the Cadillac Catera received a warm welcome as one of the most successful luxury car launches in the... View more United States. However, electrical problems and faulty side air bags severely impacted sales in 1998, destroying the momentum that the launch had created. In 1999, a sport model was offered that included mostly cosmetic improvements, such as alloy wheels, high-intensity discharge headlamps and a rear spoiler. The vehicle was produced until 2000 with the same exterior design and sheet metal, but several different designs were incorporated into the interior during the four years it was manufactured. The 2000 and 2001 models have a redesigned front end and a cleaner back end. Both the base model and the sport model of the Cadillac Catera include standard safety features, including traction control, anti-lock braking systems and daytime running lights. Dual zone climate controls, reading lights and eight-way power adjustable seats ensure passenger comfortability. In the trunk of the vehicle, there is a full-size spare mounted to an alloy wheel to make it as easy as possible to handle a tire emergency. The Cadillac Catera, as many cars do, struggled in its first few years with reliability and design issues. After 2000, the improvements and upgrades helped make the vehicle a competitive alternative to other entry-level luxury sedans. The car did, however, have an excellent safety rating and earned the highest grade offered by the IIHS for frontal collisions. The reliability ratings published by Identifix indicate that the later models had minimal problems, with the exception of the engine, and the biggest problem there was with air flow sensors and the timing system. In 2001, the Cadillac Catera sport model was nominated for the Autobahn Vehicle Awards and received a strong rating in the entry-level luxury sedan category View less Cadillac Catera Model Years | |||
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