Used 1998 Cadillac Catera Consumer Reviews
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Caterror!
dasmaedchen, 03/19/2011
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
19 of 19 people found this review helpful
This has been the worst car I've ever owned. I bought it two years ago when I needed a car badly. I'd read a couple poor reviews but was persuaded to at least come look at the car. It looked brand new, had low mileage, and a nice price. I now know that the reason it looked brand new and had low mileage is probably because it was parked, broken, more than actually driven. It is pure garbage. It has had a coolant leak since shortly after I bought it. I have taken it to several different places including a dealership and nobody has been able to stop the leak. This among the many other things wrong with it. It would also randomly refuse to start and then 30 minutes later would start.
Caterible
SgtJeep, 02/27/2002
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
It was in the shop at least twice a month having something repaired. At approx 40k miles the engine all but quit. I had problems with the climate control, moonroof, heated seats, steering, rear sunshield, and others. With 68k on the odometer the engine died. Even though GM told me it was my problem, the dealership is helping me get it fixed. Kudos to Martin Cadillac in Bowling Green, KY. They're the first automotive service center to ever gain my trust and respect.
1998 Cadillac Catera for sale near you
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- Base SedanMSRP: $6,988800 mi away
Low cost to maintain
Rich, 09/06/2008
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car cost me less to maintain over these past 10 years than any other car I ever owned.
A Piece of Junk
michella, 11/24/2005
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
I've had my Cadillac Catera for four years and it has been in the shop over 35 times for repairs. This car has been nothing but a pain in the rear and a waste of my money. Cadillac should be ashamed of themselves for allowing the consumers to continue to purchase this vehicle.
Great Ride! I just purchased another
Kevin like the Caddy, 10/13/2008
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have 1998 Catera which was purchased with 74k miles and has preformed flawlessly for 31k (I enjoy this car so much I purchased a 2001 also). All normal maintenance has been preformed by an independent shop (I have never been to a dealer). My mechanic is a trusted professional that checks the Cadillac service bulletins and keeps it on the factory service schedule. He also checks the built in diagnostic tools by connecting a little computer to the car. This seems to be the most important item done to the car. The Catera's operating costs are less than my previous car, a brand new 05'Subaru STi, my same mechanic preformed service w/ warranty items to dealer.
Keep AWAY from this Car
LeeinATL, 05/23/2006
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car has been a nightmare since I purchased it! The stack of paper from repair work is as thick as a book. The trade in value for the car is as much as the repairs it needs to be able to trade it. I have spent so much on the car that I could have bought another in the time I have owned it. I was even advised by the head of a local Cadillac dealer to get rid of it. This car has been a nightmare for GM and they are not standing behind it.
Absolutely the Worst Car Ever
olive, 05/05/2009
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
i bought this car in May of 2008 with 114,000 miles. First day i got the car, drove to someone's house, go to leave, car wouldn't start. Needed new starter, $334.Within a 11 months... rear main seal, $700. New battery, $100, new alternator $400. Cylinder missfire, $910. Speedometer and odometer went out. Power steering went out. Everytime i braked, steering wheel would jerk and pull car all over the road. Sometimes couldn't pull key out of ignition, have to keep shifting till it came out. Slow coolant leak. finally car would start again, engine problems. just parts estimated $1500. im junking the car. The list goes on. Do you need any more of a reason to NOT buy this car?
Stay Away
Stay Away, 03/23/2008
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Two weeks after I bought the car I found out the heat on the passenger side didn't work. went to get it fixed needed to replace valve cover gaskets bcuz of oil in the spark plugs $1,000. Rear caliper went out over $400 to fix, regulator in rear windows went out $800 for parts alone, short in electrical system moon roof opens and closes when it wants to. Radio and interior lights only work when key is in off position. All of the screws on the entire car have fallen out (i.e. the backs of the seats have fallen off the front bumper had to be re-screwed on the fog lights have fallen out some sort of blower has fallen out, the screws allowing the glove box to open and close has broken) cont'd next box
tel it
tel it, 04/05/2002
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought vehicle used, so far only one trouble with coolant leak.Rides good for small car and low profile tires.Has great pickup in traffic and is fun to drive.
Run from this one.
Dorothy, 03/15/2009
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this car from dealer as a certified used vehicle with 42,000 miles. Service engine light on and off as well other indicator lights for no apparent reason. Long story short, at 80,000 miles everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. With a loss of apx. $4,500.00 in repairs, parked the thing, using it as lawn ornament. Engine and cooling system is crap. Cadillac offered $1000.00 rebate if we would buy a new cadillac. Needless to say you know what I told them. The Bose radio is great...What can you say. Run run run even if someone tries to give you this car, you will be doing fix and repair daily.
German piece of...
German piece of...., 12/19/2008
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've always liked the body style and actually fell in love. This car changed my driving habits (I actually became more patient and more aware of other drivers) but it didn't last long. I only got to enjoy my Catera for a year. After I bought it is when I found out is worthless. To this day I'm still paying on it but can't drive it. Overheated five days after I bought it (dealership paid for repair) transmission was slipping, engine started knocking, A/C quit, low gear would kick in automatically while stopped, and first battery died all of sudden for no reason.
Terrible Nightmare
Cadillac Catera, 03/15/2007
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This was the worst car I have ever owned. I have had nothing but problems with it. I have had to replace every part imaginable on it. I came from a Toyota Camry and I am going to hand deliver this Catera back to the dealer. Do not buy this car, ever!
WORST CAR EVER MADE!!!
GNico09, 07/03/2009
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Alright, Ever since I was in highschool, I loved this car. Finally found one and have spent more than I purchased it for ($4,500) on repairs. Its an electrical and mechanical nightmare. The engine is basically shot (needs new heads) Body control module (brain of the car) is shot, control arms are shot, differential is shot. Misc. electric options cease to work. The a/c barely works and the heater doesnt work at all even though ive spent hundreds of dollars trying to remedy it. Its over-heating and low oil pressure (more than likely b/c of the heads). And all that is just to name a little!! The sad part is I bought the car certified and have pampered this car with no love in return.
DON'T BUY THIS CAR!
Maze, 10/05/2007
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
When I got this car, it had 144,000 miles on it. A few hundred miles later, I had to replace the alternator. Not long after that, I had to replace my alternator again! The car had sever electrical problems. It also had problems with the transmission. In fact, my transmission went bad while I was driving the car; this caused the wheels to lock up and the brakes to become unresponsive. To make the long story short, the vehicle could not be controlled, and I ran into a tree. I spent 2 days in the hospital because of this PIECE of CRAP! I suggest that you not even think about buy this CAR! It would be a painful mistake.
Actually a very good vehicle!
nocovberage, 12/27/2003
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased this vehicle when it came off a friends lease. I was wise to purchase the vehicle as certified to extend the warranty as the battery has failed twice both covred by warranty, two electrical problems and a cooling problem.
98 Catera
Louise, 07/07/2002
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A solid car, reliable and fun to drive. There were a few gliches initially with the AM radio & tires. After those were addressed by the dealer, all has been fine.
'98 Catera full of problems
noxoc, 01/21/2004
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very disappointed in this vehicle. Expected better quality. Feel like I bought a Yugo instead of a Cadillac. Problems include door hinge straps coming unwelded from door frames, cigarette lighter falling out of console, cup holders broke first time used, stereo speaker covers fall off, coolant leak somewhere near intake manifold, battery goes dead when vehicle sits unused for more than 2 days, wheel jack & tools made from cheap materials - bent into unusable shape used. Poor customer service from Cadillac.
catera 1998
dwp, 03/31/2004
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like the vehicle except for maintenance is very expensive. I also had a SAFETY incident where the front passanger seat caught on fire contacted GM and they were not willilg to fix it or look into the safety issue I am taking it to an independant dealer will take pick and get an estimate an well have to fight this one in court. My opinion GM as all american car makers lack committment and quality I would never purchase a GM product because of the above.....
Catera, A Nice Preowned Vechicle
MikeMann, 04/08/2004
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a 98 Catera in 2001. I have always like GM cars and I still do. By far the Catera is probably one of the best handling cars in recent years but I would have never bought this vehicle brand new. I think this is an excellent car for say around 16K. The other reason I chose this car is because in sea audis, bmws, and mercedes, the catera was a breath of fresh air in the entry level sports sedan market.
My biggest Mistake.
kymika01, 02/12/2009
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My husband and I purchased this car thinking that it was a cadillac, it had to be worth the money right? WRONG!!!! It has been a nightmare from the first week we owned it. We have put enough repair in it to have bought another car. It had a rebuilt engine only a couple of years ago and now we are junking it because yet again there are over 1k in repairs needed. I can not believe Cadillac ever allowed such a car to scar their name. I would NEVER own a cadillac again EVER!
Reliable Review 85000 miles and counting
sandman, 10/17/2002
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has a safe, well controlled ride that inspires confidence. It is a little expensive to maintain (ie, tires, brakes every 40,000)if you drive alot of miles. It has been very reliable. Maintainence is important with this car!!! I have had several German cars and this 1 is no different. Early models 97's early 98's had some electrical issues. If buying used look for late 98 or newer. Car rivals small BMW, Mercedes if you get one without eletrical glitches. Excellent room comfort and ride. Good used car buy resale is poor due to early eletrical issues. Recall Out for timing belt issue. Be safe change timing belt every 75,000miles.
not a good buy!
blokespeed, 07/25/2004
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The worst vehicle I have ever purchased,went back to the dealership too many times.Heated seat on drivers side burnt through leather and through my jacket!Both were replaced by GM but dealership did not seem to care too much.Steering rod ends last 45K miles this is why tires do not last also alot of tire shops cant do alignment because of no lip on wheel.Check engine light came on every 2 weeks.Trans module failed $650.00 fix.Hated this car with a passion just traded it in for a toyota,value of cadillac depreciated $15000 in 3 years!No more GM for us.
Catera is totally unrealiable
Heavenly, 10/29/2002
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my transmission replaced already. The car still seems like its struggling to accellerate. The antifreeze leaks constantly. Imperial Leasing refuses to let me turn the car in early. My mom's friend had one she purchase brand new she had so many problems she got rid of it after 18 months but she took a huge loss because she had put a sizable down payment on it.
Bull on Wheels
D Bolden, 10/07/2004
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has given me nothing but hell since the day I bought it. From the beginning I had cooling, elctrical, and small performance problems. I've spent over $4,000 bucks, and as I speak I'm looking for another car.
Don't buy Catera or any other GM product
Alex, 09/01/2005
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been absolutely terrible. Although the car is a nice drive when running right it rarely runs right. Lucky I bought an extended warranty that has paid more than $10,000 in repair costs. My problems range from a faulty seat heater to a broken transmission and bad control arm bushings. Also, during my frequent dealership visits I have received crappy service. Don't buy this car or anything else GM makes.
The '98 Cadillace Catera is a great car!
gsemaj, 05/28/2002
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car yields a solid ride with a big car feel. It has a usefully tight radius of turn and always feels under control. It does well with regular fuel, with a feeling of plentiful power. Cruising at highway speeds is deceptive, easily achieving high speeds. The cruise control is accurate, easy to use, and very worthwhile at all speeds
Turns on a Dime
Kelly, 03/15/2009
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from my parents with 105,000 miles on it. It has been fun to drive. The major problem has been with oil leaking. I found a good mechanic who likes to work on this one. He said the engine is a really good one. It is so quiet and smooth you can hardly tell it is running when in idle at a stop light. I am selling for a newer 4x4 but will always like this car. I know it doesn't get the best reviews, but there are alot of nice features about this car. It is heavy and you feel safe and secure in it.
disappointed
gpl96, 11/26/2002
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased the Catera without doing our homework, big mistake, it seems like we were in the shop every few weeks getting something fixed, fortunately the car was under warranty so we were able to get a loaner each time. after the warranty ran out, it seems like we left the car in the shop, at this point we are paying for the loaner out of our own pocket, the transmission was terrible- didn't shift right, the moonroof gave us problems, stereo was great when it worked, loved the look, loved the ride, too bad the engine was a nightmare, beware before you buy!
Avoid at all Costs
AVOID AT ALL COSTS, 06/14/2006
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car 3+ months, it only had 67,000 miles when I bought it. I have already spent $900 for a new radiator becuase an electrical short caused the fans to quit, causing the radiator to fail. I've put a new battery in it, costing $150. Today, I am spending $600 on new brakes, rotors, and sensors. Possibly more once they have had to look at the back brakes. The AC doesn't work, power steering fails on twisty roads, and there is a short in the electrical system causing the radio and interior lights not to work unless the key is in the off position. And the vehicle now only has 71,000 miles. Not to mention the heated seats are out as well. What's next, I;m working two jobs just to pay for repairs.
catera fun
lindalou, 12/25/2003
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car holds the road! It is fun to drive and effortless. Miles sail by without exertion with pure fun handling of the road. The bad weather has not been a challenge using common sense. The interior is comfortable and was upgraded in later years - but it is a shame this vehicle was discontinued.
german caddy
qman, 07/06/2002
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
car is fun to drive.passes better than any other vehicle that I have driven and I have had goats and 5l mustangs. I use mobil1 oil in every thing I drive and all my vehicles are trustworthy.
Good Ole GM
ooouch!, 08/26/2005
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
GM had a recall on water pump and pulleys on this vehicle. At 44,000 miles this was done by my dealership. The failure occured at 61,000 miles. Cadillac said sorry for your luck but it is only warranted for 12 months. I think it would probably have lasted longer if they didn't do the "fix" (and then charged enough to do both repairs). Not a good marketing ploy. My wife wants a new Caddy but it'll be an import now. Thank heavens for Japanese automakers.
Stay away from GM Products
please buy my catera, 12/25/2008
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Consumers Reports has described this as a car as one to avoid. And now the subsequent CTS model is beginning to show the same reliability shortcomings. I've owned Honda and Toyotas in the past, and the difference in reliability is a stark contrast. Unless you have unlimited funds and patience, I'd suggest you avoid this car at all cost. This car is a perfect example of why GM is on the verge of bankrupcy, and why it's best that the American taxpayer should not be responsible for bailing them out!
98 Catera Nice German/American Car.
MarkJU, 09/12/2002
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Solid feeling car, handles extremely well, great sound system, well crafted. Conservative style yet classy and understated. Completely overshadows the 1998 ES300 Lexus, or Camery, in luxury and feel but that does not take alot to do with boring Japanese cars in this price range. It may be true that you can drive japanese cars harder only then to toss them away, but if you want a nice car to own and you drive responsibly, Catera is a good choice. A great value in the used market.
Well balnced vehicle comfort/performance
hushsh, 08/15/2008
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had the car a short time and had no problems so far. I am typically a European car driver and it feels the way I like it to. Solid handling (like to turn off the traction control and go with sport mode) I had the same problem with the water on the floor, it was a very simple fix anyone can do. It is the drain in front of the passenger side for the air intake. You have to remove the plastic grate just behind the hood there is a basin underneath that has a drain at the bottom that (leaves and stuff get caught down there, the water fills up and spills in the fresh air intake) other then that it has been great
At first yes and now NO
ASUPATCH, 06/23/2004
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had numerous problems when I got it for a honda dealership the first 2 or 3 monthes I thought I got a steal. Have experience many problems since. Interiors light behind the panel go out. Cruise control is out. Tranny is starting to slip and the AC just died at 59Kmiles. If it were more reliable I would love it. But I am afraid daily the thing is going to brake down. Oh yeah I know have a small oil leak and the engine will occasionally smoke.
I love my caddy
Sooooooooh, 07/25/2004
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The caddilac is a sports car that performs great and i love it. It is also a luxury car .
Lots of Problems
Cassie , 12/04/2006
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned a Catera for about two years and it's been in the shop almost as long as it's been on the road. It has had several problems, including overheating and electrical.
Don't Waste Your Money
Nicholas, 01/05/2005
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Cadillac Catera may be one of the worst cars ever made! Although it has a smooth drive and a sleek sexy body, the repairs on this car will drive you to the poor house. Please, don't make the mistake I did by pumping cash into this poorly made car. Go get a dependle Honda, Acura, or Toyota.
Luxury and speed
mr. schmidt, 11/25/2002
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ok the Catera may be Cadilac or is it. The leather seating adds a nice touch but is not very soft. One of the few to offer a v6 with a lot of punch. It's fast off the line and rides smoothly at hwy speeds. Compared to my previous Grand Prix it has more punch but the seating is not as comfortable.
Great Car!!!!!
Scarab, 02/05/2003
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I can't believe what I'm reading in those other reviews. I have driven this car over 50,000 miles and NEVER had a problem. It is fun to drive, fast, handles great, looks great, is comfortable, and a pleasure to own. I think this car is an incredible value. I saw some in Europe not long ago and the people I talked to just loved them. I've also know other peolpe here in the states that have owned them and also loved them. I suppose any manufacturer can make a few lemons, and clearly those are represented below. I've never personally met anyone who did not like this car after owning one. Overall this car is fantastic and a great deal!
Nothing but Engine Problems...
Bill, 12/07/2006
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After many times in the shop and finally a blown head gasket I sent this car to the junk yard. The mechanic at the dealer told me "this is the worts car they ever made" Germany with an Opel engine.
The Caddy that Zigs
G Y, 07/14/2006
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Catera is reliable, cute, luxurious, has a smooth ride, fits like a glove, and has an automatic transmission and they don't make them with automatics now...just sticks. Mine has never hahd any mechanical problems.
I'll be glad when it's gone
Kcsmom98, 12/24/2002
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I found a really cute Catera for 15,000 with 24000 miles and thought I was getting a good deal. I was very wrong. Since the date of purchase, about 18 months ago, it's been in the shop numerous times. Once for recalls, then back again because the belts that were replaced were squeaking, the exhaust rattles, the steering wheel squeaks when you turn, it leaves a "mystery puddle" on the garage floor everyday, revs too high when casual driving. Overall I would NOT recommend this car to anyone. It is cute to look at but that is it not worth the headache.
The Cost of a Catera.
doujd, 08/24/2008
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car, however keeping it on the road has not been the cheapest of ventures. The head controllers, which control the A/C temp cost about $1000 a piece and the car has two of them, my radiator light is always on after much tampering, and the Air Bag light is always on, which could be the result of a $701 part. Last fall, 2007, the car was being driven from Memphis to Atlanta and the transmission gave out. A $3,000 fix, there was a leak in the A/C Tubing and that was around $80- $90, the way things are connected seemed random. I had a fuse blow out and it knocked out my radio, my interior lights, my automatic door locks, and my fog lights. Love to car, just high maintenance.
So, so
lidogirl, 05/06/2002
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
At 5'3", this is the first vehicle that I bought to fit me and not my 6'2" husband. I find the interior perfectly fitted to my stature. I find it fun to drive; it has nice pick up and it's great on curves. I am disappointed in the mechanics of the car. It has been in the shop for malfunctioning power seats, CD, and the serpentine belt broke at 30,000 miles, breaks replaced twice, rotars once, and three sets of tires. The Cadillac dealer tells me that the Catera is hard on tires. At 72,000 miles, the car intermittently refuses to start. This is a Cadillac; it should not have this type of problem at 72,000 miles, especially when I have had all of the scheduled maintenance!!!
Good overall Car
jonjon5000, 07/29/2003
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My car was pushed to the limit by the previous owner, so it's kinda loose. The armrest is taken up by the cupholder (pretty dumb to me), and the interior is too ugly, but otherwise this car has no complaints. Too heavy for good gas mileage. Really worth $8- 10k, though.
an under rated car
sgm, 10/28/2003
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
one of the better German built cars that I have driven. Compares favorably with Audi. Have had two. Handling and steering are the best qualities. It is true that the motor could have used a few more ponies, but who cares @ 220kph+ with great control. If you are going to buy one, make sure it is under 7 yrs. or 160,000 km. or make sure that the cam tensioner pulleys, timing belt and water pump have been changed under the GM recall. Otherwise, if they fail, at power, the engine is worth far more than the car to replace.
Worst Car I Ever Owned
Dale Allen, 01/07/2008
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Never have I owned such a terrible car! I had endless electrical and mechanical problems. There was something constantly wrong. GM should be ashamed for making such a piece of junk. I haven't bought another GM product since this experience,nor will I ever again buy one. Anyone who buys this vehicle is asking for BIG HEADACHES and in all probability LOTS OF REPAIR BILLS!
catera 98 issues
talari, 11/05/2003
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car has been a nightmare from day one....goes thru tires and alignments like crazy, can't let it sit while on vacation...battery goes dead...probably from some short in the system. have had numerous quality issues. would never buy another cadillac again