1996 Cadillac Eldorado

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$39,595

starting MSRP

1996 Cadillac Eldorado

Key specs

Base trim shown

Coupe

Body style

5

Seating capacity

200.6” x 53.6”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

2 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

  • Base

    $39,595

  • Touring

    $42,995

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 1996 Cadillac Eldorado trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Coupes for 2023

1996 Cadillac Eldorado review: Our expert's take

By

Big coupes seem to be a GM specialty. Whether you’re talking about the 1963 Buick Riviera, the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado or the 1984 Corvette, GM has a heritage of function following form when it comes to coupes. The latest samples, Buick’s Riviera and Cadillac’s Eldorado are two of GM’s newer entries.

1996 BUICK RIVIERA

Redesigned last year, this big boat sees little change save the addition of real wood accents that help warm the otherwise cold plastic interior, and a more powerful optional engine.

That engine, Buick’s supercharged 3.8-liter V-6, gets 240 horses with 280 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to propel this 3,722-pound land yacht to 60 in just about 8 seconds. The engine makes its presence known to the crew a bit more than in the Park Avenue, but given this car’s cruiser mission, it’s easy to overlook.

What might not be easy to overlook is the car’s nautical handling. If you prefer a soft ride, with oceans of body lean, you’ll feel right at home. Otherwise, you might be dismayed.

Despite the waves made by the handling, this front-wheel-driver has tremendous grip –meaning that you might be kissing the windows if you take a corner too fast, but the car hangs in there. Most of us sea-faring types won’t care, though, because the car looks so good.

The styling is some of GM’s best — glamorous and distinctive, yet clearly a Riviera. The subtle ridge that sweeps along the side of the car is a new Buick styling touch, one coming for 1997’s redesigned Park Avenue.

The interior has good front seat space, but the back is best for the adventurous — it is comfortable as long as you’re not traveling eight hours back there. The front bucket seats and console can be replaced with a split bench seat.

The captain of the ship will be well-treated. The captain’s chair is heated and it faces a dash with a retro-’60s feel to it. All controls fall readily to hand.

This car carries a full range of safety items, including anti-lock disc brakes, dual air bags and traction control. The EPA rating is 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway.

This beautiful boat can’t carve the corners, but that’s not its intent. This car is about looking good, about oozing down the street with a car that makes you look good.

At about $33,700, it’s one heck of a deal in luxury liner.

1996 CADILLAC ELDORADO

The Eldorado is every bit as flashy on the outside as its corporate cousin, yet more sublime.

The exterior plays off the styling heritage of the original 1967 Eldorado. But this front-driver is very up to date. The base Eldo comes equipped with Cadillac’s superb Northstar engine. This 4.6-liter V-8 is rated at 275 horsepower and 300 pound feet of torque. Power delivery is smooth and assured, with seamless shifts from the electronically controlled automatic.

Faster than the Buick, it also handles with more poise and is a bit more fun t o toss through corners. Gas mileage was better than the Buick’s 18 mpg, netting 19 mpg.

Being the base car, there weren’t so many features as were found on its nautical cousin. Missing from GM’s premier coupe were heated seats and dual climate controls. But the Eldorado was much more of a driver’s car, despite being every bit as big. Both cars had good trunk space, but the Caddy’s squared-off roof gave it superior back-seat space. Both were well-built and quiet, yet the Eldorado clearly felt more expensive, with refined handling and polished interior amenities. But then again, at 41 big ones, you should get something more for your money.

Overall, both cars offer distinct personalities. The Eldorado has a very European feel to its suspension and handling, with a more refined feel than its Buick brother. What the Riv offers is more features for the money, giving heavy dollops of luxury over a dynamic driving experience.

Either one allows its drivers so ething beyond the typical four-door sedan. Both offer their owners shapes beyond the ordinary.

You might call each a coupe de grace to the competition.

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior design 4.8
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value for the money 4.4
  • Exterior styling 4.8
  • Reliability 4.0

Most recent consumer reviews

5.0

Magnificent Beauty

This car was one of the most beautiful and reliable cars I ever owned. The Northstar engine always started and ran beautifully. It got excellent fuel economy as well - 26 mpg highway - until I put nitrogen in the tires, and then it got 29 mpg! Handling was nimble, solid, and luxurious.

5.0

owned since new

I have always loved the styling, comfort and performance of this automobile. Had the engine rebuilt at 120,00- and never sorry.

5.0

Top of the line yet costs less than a VW.

The high price of gas last year scared folks away from Caddys...this caddy gets 24MPG on the highway and cruises with 300hp. When it needs servicing I take it to a local shop that knows caddys. Don't trust it to a hobby shop as there are many nuances about all the electronics. Great comfort and reliability and overall not that expensive to keep.

See all 5 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Cadillac
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 years/less than 60,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
New: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper; CPO: One year/unlimited miles bumper-to-bumper
Powertrain
6 years/100,000 miles (2012-2017 models)
Dealer certification required
172-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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