Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2001 Cadillac Catera Sport built in Ruesselsheim, Germany. I believe it was built for Europe and it should stay there. It just isn’t a Cadillac by American standards.
My design engineer friend Merkel commented that for a Cadillac it’s a great Pontiac. Ditto, Merkel. But I guess I felt it was more like the Oldsmobile line.
I simply don’t believe American buyers will accept this knock down, knock off Cad as a substitute. It doesn’t have the usual Cad feel and comfort. We took it on a trip to the central California coast and we found ourselves shifting around in the seats after just a couple of hours. I’ve owned several Cadillac’s and have a little more experience with them than most cars that I have the pleasure of testing. Sorry, GM, I can’t give it a high rating for a Cad and that comes from one who has a love affair with the Cad STS. It is perhaps my most favorite car in the world, for what it is. If I’m feeling my oats, Ferrari will do just fine, thanks.
Aside from not liking it as a Cadillac, it is very nice as a car and if you strip off the badge and thus reduce the price five plus thousand, it would fly.
Handling & Performance:
The car rides well with a solid feel. 0-60 mph is about 8 seconds and I never wanted for passing power. If you don’t like stiff steering, this car will bother you.
Styling:
Typical and commonplace in a cookie cutter fashion, and not up to my view of Cadillac, and I suspect you’ll feel the same. Let me know.
Fit and Finish:
As good as they get for today’s technology.
Conveniences:
Great, but you pay, just as you would in a BMW or Audi, etc.
Cost:
Too much because you’re paying for the name.
Recommendation:
GM is trying to appeal to the young exec and there is a lot of great competition to chose from. Look at the list below and you’ll have a good start. If you like Cadillac as much as I do, see your dealer and you might be able to make a great deal on this made for Europe scaled down version of a quality product.
The Competition:
Acura TL $28,550-30,550, Audi A4 $24,540-30,990, BMW 3-Series $26,990-42,400, Chrysler 300M $29,640, Infiniti I30 $29,465-31,540, Lexus IS 300 $30,805, Lincoln LS $31,665-35,695.
Good News:
Handles well, nice ride, especially responsive at higher road speeds, roomy interior seating and good size trunk.
Bad News:
Cruise controls are different from typical GM and not as easy to use, not up to Cadillac standards, pricey because of the badge and all the features.
Standard Equipment:
3.0 liter V6, 4-speed auto trans, speed sensitive steering, level control, cruise control, dual and side air bags, ABS brakes, keyless entry, daytime and sentinel lights, traction control, power windows and door locks, On-Star system, leather seats, power mirrors, climate control, 8-way power heated front seats with memory on driver seat, lumbar control, Bose sound system with cassette and CD player, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, theft deterrent system, garage door opener, xenon headlights and sunroof.
Gas Stats:
17 City and 24 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $36,423
