Skip to main content

2000
Cadillac Catera

Starts at:
$31,010
Shop options
New 2000 Cadillac Catera
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
no listings

We're not finding any listings in your area.
Change your location or search Cars.com to see more!

Change location

Photo & video gallery

2000 Cadillac Catera 2000 Cadillac Catera 2000 Cadillac Catera 2000 Cadillac Catera 2000 Cadillac Catera 2000 Cadillac Catera 2000 Cadillac Catera 2000 Cadillac Catera 2000 Cadillac Catera 2000 Cadillac Catera 2000 Cadillac Catera 2000 Cadillac Catera 2000 Cadillac Catera 2000 Cadillac Catera

The good & the bad

This vehicle doesn't have any good or bad insights yet.

Use our comparison tool to look at this model side-by-side with other vehicles or view the full specifications list .

Start your comparison

Expert 2000 Cadillac Catera review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Hanging over my desk is one of advertising’s most immortal moments, one that stands in the pantheon of great advertisements. It was written early in the twentieth century and if you’ve never seen it, it’s worth looking up. After a week in a Cadillac Catera, it’s also something that GM executives could stand to read as well.

It’s titled ‘The Penalty of Leadership’ and it was a novel ad in its approach. It spoke of the philosophy of Cadillac, not of any specific Cadillac. I’ll spare you the whole ad, but a few key phrases come to mind. ‘The leader is assailed because he is a leader, and the effort to equal him is merely added proof of that leadership.’

When this ad was written, Cadillac was just one of many luxury marques. But the quality of the car made its reputation. Today Cadillac is assailing the leaders, and that’s why this ad is one to remember. While driving Cadillac’s Catera, it really leaped to mind.

For three decades, Cadillac has tried assailing German automakers, with mixed results. First it was the original Seville, a heavily reworked Chevrolet Nova. It was successful, but GM management transformed the car into something else entirely, negating the car’s original intent.

Then came the Cimmaron, a Chevrolet Cavalier with Cadillac badges.

What the ad predicted at the turn of the century came true. ‘If his work be merely mediocre, he will be left severely alone.’ Cadillac was left alone, albeit with a parking lot full of Cimmarons.

Two years ago, Cadillac tried again, this time with Cadillac Catera, a reworked Opel Omega MV6.

Okay, so they finally used a German car to go up against German automakers. But they saddled the car with a lame ad campaign. (Surely you remember Cindy Crawford and the duck.) GM tried to hide its true heritage.

You know what happened next: A botched launch and yet another GM car with bargain lease rates. But before you write this car off as just a lame duck, know this. Besides the Corvette, this is one of GM’s best handling automobiles.

I know you don’t believe it, but this year, GM really improved this fine fowl. Caddy has reworked the front and rear ends and both benefit from the new duds.

Up front, the grille is more pronounced, with strong, chiseled character lines on the hood. Newly optional xenon-gas discharge headlamps give the car an up-to-date look. Quarter panels have been redesigned and out back, the massive wall of tail lamps has been reduced to two pods.

Inside, the door and instrument panels get a chiselled, machine-age look, accented with silver trim.

What’s amazing is that the car will get a total makeover in two years. Usually, GM lets a car wither on the vine. (witness Cadillac’s own Eldorado)

The end result is a vehicle that looks more distinctive, although the resemblance to a Saturn endures.The new looks wouldn’t be enough for one to notice, unless there were some mechanical upgrades as well. Flash might be okay for the typical Caddy cust omer, but not for the import buyer Cadillac is gunning for.

This year sees recalibrated steering, revised rear suspension and an improved braking system as well. The optional Sport trim level, which the test car had, benefits from 17-inch wheel and tires with a large spoiler. You’ll want the Sport package. It makes this car a sheer joy to drive — turn in is crisp, the handling nimble and responsive, body lean is well controlled, bumps are well absorbed. Braking is progressive and strong, very un-GM-like.

The 3-liter double-overhead-cam V-6 is Opel-derived and in the Catera develops an even 200 horsepower and 192 foot-pounds of torque. It’s similar to the V-6 used in the Saturns and Saabs. But it needs more moxie to keep up with the best in this class. The four-speed automatic transmission is the only one available, limiting this car’s appeal to some enthusiasts. What’s worse is this car’s constant downshifting to provide more power, proof that more oomph is needed under t he hood. It’s like money and sex, you can never have too much.

But power is still decent. Couple that with excellent road manners and an understated exterior and you have the perfect car to drive into Manhattan. You can drive with the agility of a taxi driver and have fun too. Just watch your mouth if you have kids in the car.

Opting for the Sport package gets you more than just a snappy suspension. It also endows front seat passengers with Recaro front bucket seats. They give excellent support, holding you in place while you drive like an Andretti (or at least a distant cousin of an Andretti). Oddly, the seats adjust manually, a shock in a car approaching $36 big kahunas. Also missing was the requisite computer system with miles-to-empty, mpg etc. On-Star is available as an option to help guide you when you’re lost. I had a little trouble finding my hotel. How did OnStar fare? One operator claimed not to have my hotel in her database, while another one did. Oh well.

The rear-wheel-drive Catera has all the requisite safety features, including front airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control and a winter driving mode for the transmission.

Overall, it was a nice package and an entertaining drive. If this is where Cadillac is headed, that’s fine. While the Catera is special and fun, is it really a Cadillac? GM should revisit what they not only believed, but delivered so many years ago: ‘That which is good or great makes itself known, no matter how loud the clamor of denial. That which deserves to live — lives.’

Hopefully, the Catera will. >> 2000 Cadillac Catera

Engine: DOHC 200-horsepower V6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Tires: P235/45R17
Wheelbase: 107.5 inches
Length: 192.2 inches
Width: 70.3 inches
Weight: 3,770
Cargo capacity: 14.5 cubic feet
Base price: $30,860
As tested: $35,468
EPA rating: 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway
Test mileage: 22 mpg
Fuel type: Premium
>>

2000 Cadillac Catera review: Our expert's take
By

Hanging over my desk is one of advertising’s most immortal moments, one that stands in the pantheon of great advertisements. It was written early in the twentieth century and if you’ve never seen it, it’s worth looking up. After a week in a Cadillac Catera, it’s also something that GM executives could stand to read as well.

It’s titled ‘The Penalty of Leadership’ and it was a novel ad in its approach. It spoke of the philosophy of Cadillac, not of any specific Cadillac. I’ll spare you the whole ad, but a few key phrases come to mind. ‘The leader is assailed because he is a leader, and the effort to equal him is merely added proof of that leadership.’

When this ad was written, Cadillac was just one of many luxury marques. But the quality of the car made its reputation. Today Cadillac is assailing the leaders, and that’s why this ad is one to remember. While driving Cadillac’s Catera, it really leaped to mind.

For three decades, Cadillac has tried assailing German automakers, with mixed results. First it was the original Seville, a heavily reworked Chevrolet Nova. It was successful, but GM management transformed the car into something else entirely, negating the car’s original intent.

Then came the Cimmaron, a Chevrolet Cavalier with Cadillac badges.

What the ad predicted at the turn of the century came true. ‘If his work be merely mediocre, he will be left severely alone.’ Cadillac was left alone, albeit with a parking lot full of Cimmarons.

Two years ago, Cadillac tried again, this time with Cadillac Catera, a reworked Opel Omega MV6.

Okay, so they finally used a German car to go up against German automakers. But they saddled the car with a lame ad campaign. (Surely you remember Cindy Crawford and the duck.) GM tried to hide its true heritage.

You know what happened next: A botched launch and yet another GM car with bargain lease rates. But before you write this car off as just a lame duck, know this. Besides the Corvette, this is one of GM’s best handling automobiles.

I know you don’t believe it, but this year, GM really improved this fine fowl. Caddy has reworked the front and rear ends and both benefit from the new duds.

Up front, the grille is more pronounced, with strong, chiseled character lines on the hood. Newly optional xenon-gas discharge headlamps give the car an up-to-date look. Quarter panels have been redesigned and out back, the massive wall of tail lamps has been reduced to two pods.

Inside, the door and instrument panels get a chiselled, machine-age look, accented with silver trim.

What’s amazing is that the car will get a total makeover in two years. Usually, GM lets a car wither on the vine. (witness Cadillac’s own Eldorado)

The end result is a vehicle that looks more distinctive, although the resemblance to a Saturn endures.The new looks wouldn’t be enough for one to notice, unless there were some mechanical upgrades as well. Flash might be okay for the typical Caddy cust omer, but not for the import buyer Cadillac is gunning for.

This year sees recalibrated steering, revised rear suspension and an improved braking system as well. The optional Sport trim level, which the test car had, benefits from 17-inch wheel and tires with a large spoiler. You’ll want the Sport package. It makes this car a sheer joy to drive — turn in is crisp, the handling nimble and responsive, body lean is well controlled, bumps are well absorbed. Braking is progressive and strong, very un-GM-like.

The 3-liter double-overhead-cam V-6 is Opel-derived and in the Catera develops an even 200 horsepower and 192 foot-pounds of torque. It’s similar to the V-6 used in the Saturns and Saabs. But it needs more moxie to keep up with the best in this class. The four-speed automatic transmission is the only one available, limiting this car’s appeal to some enthusiasts. What’s worse is this car’s constant downshifting to provide more power, proof that more oomph is needed under t he hood. It’s like money and sex, you can never have too much.

But power is still decent. Couple that with excellent road manners and an understated exterior and you have the perfect car to drive into Manhattan. You can drive with the agility of a taxi driver and have fun too. Just watch your mouth if you have kids in the car.

Opting for the Sport package gets you more than just a snappy suspension. It also endows front seat passengers with Recaro front bucket seats. They give excellent support, holding you in place while you drive like an Andretti (or at least a distant cousin of an Andretti). Oddly, the seats adjust manually, a shock in a car approaching $36 big kahunas. Also missing was the requisite computer system with miles-to-empty, mpg etc. On-Star is available as an option to help guide you when you’re lost. I had a little trouble finding my hotel. How did OnStar fare? One operator claimed not to have my hotel in her database, while another one did. Oh well.

The rear-wheel-drive Catera has all the requisite safety features, including front airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control and a winter driving mode for the transmission.

Overall, it was a nice package and an entertaining drive. If this is where Cadillac is headed, that’s fine. While the Catera is special and fun, is it really a Cadillac? GM should revisit what they not only believed, but delivered so many years ago: ‘That which is good or great makes itself known, no matter how loud the clamor of denial. That which deserves to live — lives.’

Hopefully, the Catera will. >> 2000 Cadillac Catera

Engine: DOHC 200-horsepower V6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Tires: P235/45R17
Wheelbase: 107.5 inches
Length: 192.2 inches
Width: 70.3 inches
Weight: 3,770
Cargo capacity: 14.5 cubic feet
Base price: $30,860
As tested: $35,468
EPA rating: 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway
Test mileage: 22 mpg
Fuel type: Premium
>>

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 years / less than 60,000 miles
Basic
New: 4 years / 50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper; CPO: One year / unlimited miles bumper-to-bumper
Dealer certification
172-point inspection

Consumer reviews

2.8 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.3
Interior 3.9
Performance 3.5
Value 2.6
Exterior 4.1
Reliability 2.3

Most recent

  • I like this car, not for mechanically challenged.

    I have owned this car for 6 years. In this time I have replaced. Timing belt, thermostat, and water pump at 114,000 miles. Replaced the heater bypass valve 3 times(average 2yrs). Valve cover gaskets twice(avg 2years). Rear shocks at 100K, Crankshaft position sensor at 85K. Current mileage 143k, needs fuel pump. Still looks and rides great.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Hmmm....nice but not

    I actually really enjoy driving this car! It RUNS fantastically, handles well, and is quick for its size. However it DOES have it's many issues....my speedometer and odometer haven't worked since I got it, nor the cruise control, radio or interior lights (most of them anyway). Lots and lots of electrical issues and leaks, oil leak, power steering AND coolant, gotta keep them filled on the regular! Quite a high maintenance car but for someone who doesn't mind it, it is a rewarding drive! I feel like I'm driving a Mercedes or BMW going down the highway or in city! If you have one, take care of it, keep it WELL maintained and check fluids! Also, I'm not understanding the suspension issues others are having, with all my issues I thought for sure I had seen them all, but my auto level and suspension has always been a dream!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Falling Apart at 40k miles

    I recently bought a used 2000 Cadillac Catera for about $3,000. It only had 40,000 miles on it, so it seemed like not a bad deal. Took the car to a mechanic before buying it to check it out, and they said it would require about $800 in repairs, which was fine with me. However, there ended up being much, much more wrong with the car than what we were told, and within 3 months of owning the car we had spent over $3,000 on repairs. Even minor repairs on this car were expensive, and even the Cadillac dealer did not identify everything that was wrong with it. Bottom line, DO NOT BUY A CATERA. Sure, it was 10 years old but no car should be falling apart at 40k miles. I'll say it again, DO NOT BUY A CATERA!!!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best car ever!

    Wonderful automobile, drive one and you will fall in love with it!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • WOW!

    The engine light is always on, and they charge 1-2,000 to replace the computer. Had to replace the Mass Air Flow sensor and that was $300, now I have to replace the speed sensor and that's another $300. The AC has never really worked correctly, never strong enough and eventually it gets cold. The odometer and speedodometer don't work so I don't know how many miles it actually has. And I don't know how fast I'm going. Problems!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Love hate relationship

    I loved this car whenever it worked properly; which was seldom. Lets see, beside the constanst check engine light, there was constant coolant and power steering fluid leaks. This car is high maintenance and low reward.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Quality & Repair Problems

    I owned the car for 7 years. The first couple years were good, with great handling and decent performance. The alignment is extremely sensitive though, and gets misaligned from minor road bumps that did not affect my other cars. But after a couple years, there were some repairs for parts that malfunctioned earlier than they should have, including the transmi$$ion. The warranties, regular and extended ($1700 for up to 100,000 miles - got it as insurance since Cadillac/Opel is still a GM) minimized the costs but not the wasted time. After 5 years, it just got progressively worse, especially with the electrical stuff. The battery started drained after two years, and the last one lasted less than one year. The Check Engine constantly came on. Dealers tried but were unable to pinpoint exact causes, but were willing to replace parts. With parts from Germany, the costs are high. Private garages avoid working on the car. One of the national tire chain stores would not replace the shock absorbers. The car quality seems targeted to last for 2 to 4 years, after which things go downhill fast.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Cost to much to maintain

    What a lemon. Looks great feels great but to many problems with them. Like electrical, the heating core, you name it. Most deffinetaly a money pit. Most mechanics wont even take it on to fix it so even if you have the money to your out of luck.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Too pricy too maintain

    too mny problems with finding any one who woudn't charge ''an arm and a leg'' to fix its numerous cooling system problems
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 2.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest news from cars.com

See all news

Cadillac dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2000 Cadillac Catera?

The 2000 Cadillac Catera is available in 1 trim level:

  • (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2000 Cadillac Catera?

The 2000 Cadillac Catera offers up to 18 MPG in city driving and 24 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2000 Cadillac Catera reliable?

The 2000 Cadillac Catera has an average reliability rating of 2.3 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2000 Cadillac Catera owners.

Is the 2000 Cadillac Catera a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2000 Cadillac Catera. 22.2% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

2.8 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.3
  • Interior: 3.9
  • Performance: 3.5
  • Value: 2.6
  • Exterior: 4.1
  • Reliability: 2.3
Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":null,"stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"Sedan","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":["Gasoline Fuel"]}]