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2001
Cadillac Catera

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$31,305
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2001 Cadillac Catera 2001 Cadillac Catera 2001 Cadillac Catera 2001 Cadillac Catera 2001 Cadillac Catera 2001 Cadillac Catera 2001 Cadillac Catera 2001 Cadillac Catera 2001 Cadillac Catera 2001 Cadillac Catera 2001 Cadillac Catera 2001 Cadillac Catera 2001 Cadillac Catera 2001 Cadillac Catera 2001 Cadillac Catera 2001 Cadillac Catera

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Expert 2001 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 customer, 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 do ing to provide more power, proof that more oomph is needed under the 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

2001 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 customer, 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 do ing to provide more power, proof that more oomph is needed under the 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

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

3.5 / 5
Based on 17 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.2
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.1
Value 3.8
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 3.3

Most recent

  • liked diving the car.

    liked diving the car. Best handling. The problem was the English engine. It had allot of problems. I had 2 of them a 99 with all the addons a basic 2001. I have owned a lot of Opel's and aall of them were better than the Catera.
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Luxury at an affordable price

    Handles very well and is in exceptional condition. An opportunity to own a German built car at an affordable price. Will not last long. Opportunity is knocking.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • German engineering at a affordable price.

    Car is a really fun car to drive. Have a Mercedes Benz 190E as well and they handle very similar. German quality at a price you can afford.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Extremely well engineered german Cadillac

    Its a great car... nice size. Sporty and well tuned. I serviced it by the same dealer for the past 16 years since I bought it.
    • Purchased a New 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
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great car

    This vehicle drives well and is the best vehicle that I have ever owned in my life. Comfortable on the inside and stylish on the outside.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Worst car I have ever owned

    i really liked the looks and comfort but it is always broke down.Check Cadillac Catera owners forum.These cars are nothing but trouble.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • BEST CAR I EVER BOUGHT

    I got this car used with 68k on it. It has been almost a year and I have put almost 15k more on it and have put about $800 into the car. I knew when we bought the car that we would have to do repairs soon after since on the car fax there was only regular maintenance no repairs. When you buy an older used car you have to expect to do repairs. I will not trade this car for any new car out there...its just the right size and its so comfortable. I'm going to drive this car into the ground!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • needed repairs every 6 months

    Bought car used with low miles. After 6 months it needed repairs and there after numerous times. I was sold on the looks and styling of the car. but it is a maintenance nightmare. parts are very expensive and hard to find. the car is german made. Opal. If you dont mind spending money on repairs, then heres your car. Hopefully my mistake will not happen to others. even if you google this car you will find numerous others with problems.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Avoid this car!!

    Parts are hard to get, not to mention expensive, and the mechanical problems are plentiful. I regret buying this car, mostly for the credit card debt accumulated trying to keep it running and the fact I had to sell it to a dismantler after 10 months of ownership because I could not sell it. Worst decision I've made, hopefully you will avoid it too.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Love it till it hits100000 then walk away

    I loved the car and would have driven it forever but when it hit 100K almost to the day the electronics fell apart. Nothing worked from the dash to the engine and nobody knows how to work on this car ?nobody?. So if you find one running good and real cheap buy it and enjoy if it starts acting up dump it don?t waste money trying to fix it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Catera Solid Car

    I've had my Catera for almost 5 years and it's been a great car. I really like the styling and it's fun to drive. It does surprisingly well in snow and ice considering it is RWD. I've had to put some money into repairing the traction control, battery cables, and oil level sensors - but that was all under warranty. All in all, this car has been very reliable.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • A very good first car

    I have been driving the car the past 6 months and it has been trouble free. Power is just right(7.1 sec for 0-60 is fine for me), and i personally like the interior and the exterior. My only complaints would be leg room for everyone in the car(im 6 3 and im VERY cramped), and that premium gas is recomended even though i cant figure out why. Other then this the car makes a great first car and college car. I would not however recomend it to an adult since it does not live up to the cadillac name and makes you wishing for more. Just hope you find a good one.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2001 Cadillac Catera?

The 2001 Cadillac Catera is available in 1 trim level:

  • (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2001 Cadillac Catera?

The 2001 Cadillac Catera offers up to 17 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 2001 Cadillac Catera reliable?

The 2001 Cadillac Catera has an average reliability rating of 3.3 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2001 Cadillac Catera owners.

Is the 2001 Cadillac Catera a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2001 Cadillac Catera. 64.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.5 / 5
Based on 17 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.2
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.1
  • Value: 3.8
  • Exterior: 4.0
  • Reliability: 3.3
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