Used 1997 Cadillac Catera Consumer Reviews
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Worst Car I Ever Owned
nestornajwa, 01/17/2013
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought a new 97 Catera in late 1997, thinking I was getting a good deal with discounts/rebates. Catera was not without its virtues. It handled very well, had a fun sport suspension setting and was pretty comfortable. I overlooked the bland styling. None of these things mattered when the car began falling apart within weeks. First, the gas tank was removed to fix a broken sensor. Soon after, a gasket blew. Then the fuel pump died. The most persistent problem was with the door locks, which malfunctioned often and prevented the doors from closing. Lindsay Cadillac service (VA) was terrible, with many return visits for door locks. All of this happened within about 16 months of purchase.
Reliable, but can have costly repairs
map64, 10/21/2011
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought in '02 with 36K miles for $7K ($32K new in '97. 136K miles/9+ years later, can't complain. Spent $800 on leaking oil cooler, timing belt/tensioner warranty replacement, $300 on timing belt replacement at 106K miles, $70 twice to replace heater control valve and $100 on oxygen sensor. Got climate control module for $25 to replace defect. Serviced spark plugs, trans fluid and brake pads. The timing belt is due to be changed in the next 10K or so. The only annoying thing to me is the electrical gremlins like the TC/ABS lights and the radio shutting off if the volume is too loud. If you do the work yourself, this can be a fun car to own because it has never left me on the side of the road
1997 Cadillac Catera for sale near you
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Cadillac Catera 97
_catera97_, 04/18/2012
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is an amazing car. Yes it has a few problems we are going to have to work on. But my dads psycho ex girlfriend parked it in the grass and took the chip out of the key. That's the reason for most of the problems. It is a 15 year old car, so yes it's going to have other problems to. But before it was taken off the road because of the crazy psycho it was running fine. The ride is smooth just like a Cadillac should ride, the Bose stereo system is beyond amazing and the speed and look of the car fits my personallity to a key. This car is one of the most amazing cars I have ever seen.
catera
lindsay12345, 05/30/2004
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car has so many great features on it and currently (5/04) can be bought for a pretty low price compared to others in its class (but repairs will be just as expensive). I've been very satisfied with it mechanically but there have been some electrical problems. I am concerned though as a current owner about how quickly its value has gone down.
Crapillac Crapera
amy29, 04/04/2003
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Over the past 2.3 years, I have had this car in the shop over 10 times. I also have had problems with the water pump, leaky oil cooler, leaky gasket (which caused $1200 worth of damage), tires replaced twice, new front brakes, extensive wear on the seats, 3 new headlights, and a computer failure.
97 Catera
Jay Hayden, 06/13/2004
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is one of our favorite cars we have owned. Overall excellent comfort and performance and fun to drive. Initial quality problems disappeared over time. The longer we owned it, the better we liked it.
WORST CAR EVER BUILT
Nestornajwa, 06/19/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Purchased new as a leftover in 4/98 -- now I know why it didn't sell. Worst car I ever drove. Nothing but problems. Leaks, lights blinking for no reason, broken sensors, broken door locks, broken trunk locks, hoses, ignition, etc. coupled with truly TERRIBLE, indifferent service by Lindsay Cadillac in Virginia -- all of which made for a miserable owenership experience. This is why Cadillac will not exist in 10 years. Also: poor storage space, limited options on stereo system (corrected in later models), poor rear visibility.
So Sad for Cadillac
Kimberly, 06/04/2008
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this car used for my daughter. HUGE mistake, looks are deceiving! It wasn't enough that the salesman saw us coming and I paid nearly $3000 for what the car was worth, I've put so much money into repairs that I could have bought myself a BMW! Two months after owning it, the trans went, then a sensor that controls the gears, then the whole dash went out, brake lights which was electrical. It was $850 for a tune up, a hose that cost $700, several electrical problem, too many to mention. I am now selling it, really cheap!!!!! And yes, I've lost money on this car big time!
Must have got the one diamond amongst the broken glass.
jlblack, 06/18/2011
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
While everybody else hates this car, I love it! I bought last year for $2000. I immediately had to buy a new radiator for it for $200 that I installed. I was quoted up to $750 for one, so call around when buying parts. I abuse this car! The sport button is on half the time, I take corners at above twice the recommended speed. This car is glued to the road. It sails at 90 mph with no problem. If you can work on cars yourself and want cheap luxury then this is the car for you. For what I paid for it if a major repair comes up then its off to the junk yard, but until then, get out of my way! You can buy a Haynes repair manual for an Opel Omega from the UK. Same car. I did.
its great
justin H, 02/08/2004
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
great car for anyone with taste!!!
Excellent
Eddie, 04/23/2003
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
love the car, easy to maintain, never owned anything similar to it. Cadillac truly is smooth vehicle
Excellent Machine
Luxury Dream Machine, 08/24/2008
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Although, the interior has mechanical issues those who are complaining about cost do not buy a Mercedes Benz or BMW after all it's German made. Foreign parts are expensive but I love it & I don't care how much I have to pay. My motto is if you treat it right. It will treat you right. IF you hate this you will hate a 98 ford Contour. I have 181,000 miles on it & it does not drive or sound smooth like the catera. My wife & I are spoiled with the catera. So do not buy this car for looks. Buy it for responsibility. Don't worry about what people say form your own opinions. I would rather have a German machine than an American made machine. They tend to fall apart after it reaches 180,000 miles.
Too much fixing
Nash, 12/17/2009
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
1 of 6 people found this review helpful
I recently to have a look at a used car it turned out 2 be a 1997 catera. I fell in love with this car the moment i saw it..it was so beautiful inside out and in great condition 4 a 1997. The owner was selling it 4 $3500 and he was sad..so sad because he kept repeating how much money he spent on it to keep it running. I am sorry for him and glad i didn't buy it.
What 2 do?
luxury fred, 09/24/2003
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love to drive this car. Very comfortable. Very appealing to the eye, get tons of comments. Fast, sporty, and luxurious. I've heard many, but Bose 8 speaker sound system is definitely one of the best factory system out there. I've had the car for over a year and only major problem has been a recall item, but I hear of some mechanical problems. Thinking of selling. But at the price they are goin for now, would recommend but beware of repair cost.
Car with Class yet Fun to Drive
John M. Gallant, 10/10/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The looks and style shows class on the outside. Behind the wheel you can feel the workmanship. Maybe a little under powered, but the handling makes up for that. This car corners and stays flat and very stable.
Good Car (If you can afford it)
ihswim, 10/12/2003
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
With in the last couple of years the car has held its own in repairs. Only the tranny has needed replacement in the past 3 years. But before that, everything seemed to go wrong. Tranny replaced after 3 months, new radiator and belts.
Performance... meet the Catera!
flahrwecome, 01/03/2004
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very high performance car.
Catera- it's a terra!
micar, 09/12/2005
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When running, my Catera looks and drives well. It loves visiting the mechanic though. The strangest things go wrong almost weekly. I expected better from Caddilac / German engineering!
Great car
mfan, 12/02/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A great vehicle--mine has been perfect! Love it-handles like a BMW
catera
killianclemens, 02/02/2004
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i have had a lot of trouble with the car the electrical aspect of the car sucks.
My new Honey Bunny
Lorie Francis, 06/29/2006
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought my '97 Cadillac Catera. I am not sure about it yet. It has a really fancy aftermarket CD player that I am still trying to figure out how to work.
Run, don't walk away from this one
Vinman, 12/24/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I constantly had the car in the shop for nuisance repairs to the brakes, electrical system, and finally a completely dead engine. Anyone considering buying one of these cars MUST have an extended warranty because you WILL use it. Unfortunately the first engine gasket blowout that I had leaked oil onto the spark plugs and wires. Those parts are not covered under warranty because they are maintenance items, yet cost $800.00 to replace. Whatever happened to $5 plugs and $50 wires? In addition, I thought that Cadillac (Opel) engines should at least last more than 60,000 miles before deemed DOA.
fun to drive, expensive to fix
2000lainey, 04/24/2004
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the 97 because of the drive and how it holds the road. Love the sport drive, accelerates and holds it. Like the way it looks but the mechanical reliability is iffy. Timing tensioner broke, $3500 fix. Two years later, a 4 day old belt squeal ended as a $600 repair. Has 85000 miles on it and getting rid of it.
Iffy
Mike43, 12/25/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The day after I bought the car at 43,500 miles the transmission went out. The dealer did fix it, but still lags on a cold start from 1st to 2nd gear. The handling of the car is good and the power is sufficient. The car engine sounds great and the car loves to purr and hum at highway speeds which the Catera thrives on. The car is fun and exciting to drive. I just had the right tie rod replaced and there is a rattle on the left side, the repair place said its fine. I hope it will last 100,000 miles with low maintenance costs????
The Money Pit
Charlie, 07/18/2008
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since the purchase, this car has broken down once a month. Each time we take it to the dealer (usually via tow truck) the repair costs range between $1500.00 & $2000.00 We bought it for $22,000.00 in 2000 and have spent $16,300.00 in repairs since. GM will not even talk to us about this car, and parts are now hard to get. This is by far the worst car we have ever owned. We looked around to see what they are selling for now, and see that top dollar is $3000.00. We are donating it to the Kidney Foundation, and the tax receipt deduction for our income tax will be more than what we can sell the car for!
Great car, but lots of problems
hoosierdaddy, 06/07/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was excited when I purchased the Cadillac that "Zigged when other cars Zagged", but the car has spent so much time in the shop I haven't done much Zigging or Zagging. I've gone through two alternaters (They say I'm hard on them...I guess that running the A/C and CD player at the same time is a no-no), two stes of brake pads, a new fuel pump, and a number of minor problems in my three years of ownership. This wouldn't be too terrible if each repair wasn't so incredibly expensive. This is my second Caddy, and definitely my last.
Fun Car, But needs more
BRice, 01/06/2003
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is fun to drive w/ its V6, 200hp engine, but its lacking in not having an option to purchase as a manual instead of the dreary automatic tranny.
Not Worth It
got used, 08/19/2004
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car 2 years ago with low mileage. Since then, the tension pulley for the timing belt let go damaging the engine (fortunately under recall), needed new coil, spark plugs and wires ($1,300), new tires (bought inexpensive Cooper tires at $795), needed new brakes (not done at the dealer at $500), and now all 24 valves are being replaced, along with the timing belt that was replaced last year ($2,700). The fog lamps don't work, the passenger client control doesn't work and the radio doesn't get any AM stations. While fun to drive, it has been a horrible car because of the repairs and its cost.
NoCTS4ME
NoCTS4ME, 08/27/2003
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Spent more time in the dealership garage than mine. Constant problems - 2 engine oil coolers(within 3 weeks of each other)tail lights & headlight repacements(lost count),squealing brakes, brake light switch, key stuck in ignition, NUMEROUS electrical problems. Fun to drive but most of time spent on road was behind a tow truck! Can't give away the worst car I ever owned. NO RESALE VALUE.Just traded UP to an ALTIMA. No CTS for me.
STAY AWAY from a used Catera
Birn, 11/04/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a '97 Catera that I bought new. I like a lot except when it is in the shop, which has been quite often in the past year. Many things have gone wrong that shouldn't have gone wrong at all, or at least not so soon. My first car was a GM ('86 Pontiac Sunbird), and I swore I would never buy another GM car. Now I remember why, and this time I really, really won't buy another GM. Cadillac had a good marketing strategy-- build a car for younger buyers and get them hooked on the Cadillac brand--but the strategy has backfired (at least as far as I'm concerned) because of the poor quality of the car.
What's not to like?
ttii, 09/30/2003
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My '97 Catera gets 31 mpg on the highway and 22 in the city. It handles better than my last Mercedes, and is cheaper to fix. Yes, it has had some minor issues, but so do all cars. If this is a poor quality car, I want more like it built in the USA!!
This car could kill you
Garrie, 08/30/2009
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car almost killed me when the engine literally blew up on the highway(It stopped dead and I was in the middle lane with a huge truck on my tail.) It had 62,000 miles on it and was regularly serviced. Like a fool I replaced the engine. At 92,000, just after it had been serviced, the motor froze and stopped dead again. Rather than get a new engine, I gave it to a charity and watched my beautiful car being dragged away.
Buy Two for The Parts You will Need
caddyattack, 12/19/2003
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great driving car and still looks good. It is the worst mechanical nightmare ever designed. The engine has been rebuilt 2X by Cadillac at no charge after the warranty because they were so embarrassed. Every repair is serious, frequent and costly. Truly an engineer's disaster. Should never have been made.
Junk Car
allendr, 11/26/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Terrible workmanship. How many parts are there that could break.
Happy Catera Owner
morourke, 05/08/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A good German built Opel nicely dressed and rebadged as a Cadillac. It has very comfortable front and rear seats. Many good standard features: autolevel suspension, traction control, 4 wheel disc / antilock brakes, memory seats and mirrors, fold down rear seats or center (40/20/40), autolights, all windows auto up and down. I think this car is undervalued in the US market.
Mike's Catera
M CAngialosi, 12/12/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned this car since new. Aside from a recall or two it has been great. The Caddy dealer has been 1st class in servicing the car and has even added baby seat tethers to the 1997 model car during the last few months.
A Mixed Bag...
Jon v, 08/06/2006
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car two years ago with 66,700 miles on it. The Catera had plenty of power and was very fun to drive. Now at 90,000 miles, it has low compression and is definitely tired. I replaced the a/c compressor last summer, and the a/c is not working now again. I also have had to replace several front suspension parts. The biggest problem has been that the airbox (interior air) is located directly under the windshield and floods in rain when its drain plug clogs. The result: the passenger side interior floods with water! Overall though, the car has not broken down anywhere and has been pretty good. When it's right, it's very pleasurable to drive. It is so quiet, too!
NICE CAR
Hank123, 03/11/2003
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wow, I have been reading some of these reviews, and I cannot belive the problems you guys are having with your cars. I have had mine for 3 years and the only problems I have had are 1) broke the cupholder 2) front pitman arm bushings wore out 3) power door locks froze up a couple times. That really is not bad for 3 years of driving. I cannot believe how much these have depreciated though. Catera owners need to stop selling them for so cheap! Remember, these were $30,000+ cars when they were new!
LLLLLLLLLLLemon
phy, 08/04/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Waste of money big time. Last 8 months I spent $13,500 for repairs. Total time the car spent in the dealership- 71 days. Final result- I have a car with non-working transmission (after 3 transmission repairs in Cadillac of Las Vegas and total cost for them about $3,000) staying in my garage. I am tired of all this.
Caddy Fun
mike, 09/18/2006
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Catera has a quiet ride and Cadillac quality. It would be even better if it had more horsepower, but overall it makes a great graduation gift and after all, it is a Cadillac.
Catera
Addam MacDonald, 07/11/2004
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car has too many problems and too expensive to fix. I recently had to do some motorwork which ended up costing me $2,100. And 6 months later im having more problems with it.
lousy
a.nicol, 02/19/2003
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car was great to drive, however i had to install two timing belts, one transmission, the previous owner also rebuilt the transmission. The drivers side heat and heated seat did not work.The price and convience of repairs were ridiculous. So much for German engineering and quality, stay away.
A love-hate affair
chaplain, 08/25/2004
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Cadillac fiinally got it right with the new ones, then quit making them. One of the best cars I've owned, but fraught with electrical problems, an engine that had to be replace at 40M, and ignition and air conditioning problems. In spite of it I am only reluctantly giving it up. If you can find one that's had all the bugs taken out, it's a great car!
Replace car before Timing belt gets you
TheeWhitehouse, 01/21/2003
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Yes a great driver but unscheduled repairs will double the cost of ownership. With less than 35K miles, this car has had the following problems. Failed ignition coil, lost break lights twice, once was all the lights the other was just the $360 one on the truck. $230 wheel speed indicator to TCS/ABS. $2600, yes $2600 to repair/replace timing belt/tensionor and associtated damages. Ask Your Deaaler about it and pick out another car while you are there!!! Driver door leaks air and is annoying at highway speeds.
Cadillac Catera
ronjc, 06/09/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as a dealer demo with 5000 miles on it. The dealer delivered the car in mint condition even repairing small dings on the doors. I have not had any major problems with the car. I drove the car in excess of 20,000 miles a year and found the experience to be wonderful. The timing belt went out after the suggested 60,000 miles and was a covered item under my extended warranty. The dealer was great and took care of me and the car with uptmost service. The car has 80,000 miles on it and I have not had any other major problems with it.
Don't get caught
Mad as Hell, 08/31/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My father has purchased nothing but Cadillacs for as long as I can remember. You can imagine how excited I was to purchase my first. Low mileage and every feature I wanted. Well, it would be nice to drive the car instead of repairing all the time. Leaks in power steering, ABS, Traction control and to top it off $400 for brake pads. This car has been a nightmare. I want out and can't get enough for it to pay off the loan!
glassjaw
rainman, 07/09/2003
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It has had nearly all of the interior plastic knobs and parts replaced. Brake job at 23k mi. Door lock on driver side easily gets out of sync and freezes. Leaks oil currently. I have had it at the dealership just about every 3000mi for an oil change and something else that has gone wrong. But it was usu. under the extendend warr. With all of this I still love the car.
Great Catera
Dorothy, 08/24/2003
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had planned on replacing my Catera with the new CTS until I saw the CTS, then decided to keep the Catera. We like the exterior lines of the Catera much better than the CTS and we are completely satisfied with everyting about it, so concluded we had no reason to update.
Catera Schmera
Doug Qualls, 09/16/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I stopped counting Cadilacs at my fifteenth. This Catera I bought used has been very reliable and provided excellent service; so far. It has a crisp, taylored feel to it which is nice. The handling and performance and fuel economy are excellent. I normally use premium, but I have been buying regular gas for it and it has performed well, averaging 24 mpg. There are no squeeks or rattles and it has a solid quality feel: for a small car it does not feel cheap. While it is not as luxurious as other Cadillacs I own, it does have all the Cadillac features you would want the car to have. My overall feel of the car is that it has been very undervalued due to its plain styling.
Nice Car !!!
robappraiser, 08/25/2003
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i've had my Catera for about 8 months and love it. I have back problems and I find the car VERY comfortable. People are always asking what kind of car it is, everyone loves it. It's got style, class and all in a car that is not too big but extremely comfortable for even five adults.