Used 2001 Cadillac Catera Consumer Reviews
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Still perfect after 100,000 miles
Heckofaman, 04/08/2008
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
This has been a great car and a real bargain. Mine was purchased as a low mileage certified car and is still flawless after over 100k miles driven over some very rough Detroit freeways. I have every option including sunroof, factory chrome wheels, rear sunshade, and Bose system...and every thing works. The dealer has replaced small items like the headlights under warranty and has done a good job of normal maintenance without ever overcharging or suggesting unnecessary service [I've owned a BMW 6 Series that always needed expensive service]. The ride is firm enough without being harsh...good even over Detroit's rough roads, and the steering is still tight. MPG = 28 highway at 75 MPH+
It's my own fault
David H Myers, 02/18/2015
updated 02/21/2018
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
After my wife totalled my Chrysler 300, she bought a 2001 Catera from our mechanic. The sold it to us for $600 + $2,400 in repairs. It seemed OK at first. I suppose I shoudn't have let her buy such an old car. The water pump went, then the fuel pump, then the key lock. As stated by others, the sunroof has a mind of its own. I am spending, on average, about $600 / month to keep this thing on the road. It still needs from front end work. They don't make the part for the electronic anti-theft key anymore; mechanic had to order the part from MO. I have put my wife to task to do something about this thing. We have to get rid of it. Getting rid of it was one of the six happiest days of my life. They don't call it a Cadillac Caterrible for nothing. I dumped it.
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2001 Cadillac Catera for sale near you
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- Base SedanMSRP: $4,9502,508 mi away
PERFECT CAR - NO PROBLEMS
PAveL, 05/01/2009
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I bought cadillac almost year ago with 86k miles. sport package, winter package, xenon headlights, bose audio, 17 inch rims and many more. ABSOLUTLY NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR!!! Vehicle in great shape without breaking the budget. perfect car for every day luxury transportation. Reliable and comfortable.
What A Lemon
Eileen, 10/25/2010
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
This is by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned; and I've owned many. The engine blew at 77,000 miles and needed a total rebuild. Then the rear went, as did the radiator, and the battery. The radio goes on and off at will, the oil light does the same. The rear windows, if you make the mistake of lowering them, will come back up when they feel like it - sometimes it takes days. As of today, I have been riding around with a garbage bag covering my window and it's been down for 3 days! The rear lights, including the blinkers, also work when they want to. The electronics in this vehicle are a joke. What a piece of junk.
Excellent car!
car5car, 06/18/2014
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
9 of 14 people found this review helpful
It is a good car. People never change timing belts, check oil and antifreeze and then complain about engine failure. Some other problems, which were solved are very common for other cars: ignition coils die all the time on Fords and Nissans, valve cover gaskets need to be replaced on Toyotas. All reliability problems were solved by GM by 2000. 2000 and 2001 are reliable cars.
Expensive Blessing
Travis Lww, 08/22/2008
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this Cadillac very inexpensive with 112,000 miles and it was nearly perfect for a year. It is a NICE car! It is definitely the nicest car I've ever owned but it has taught me how to be a mechanic. I had some problems with Actuator motor on the AC, automatic levelers, ticking noise caused by me pinching a wire going to the hazard lights. It took me forever to figure that one out. Recently Motor went bad at 137,000 miles after a timing belt broke. Interference motor, terrible idea. I bought the updated replacement motor. Hoping it will be around a long time now. Still love the car and it's been worth the money. My biggest advice is by the DEALER manuals and work on it.
Disappointed Driver
catera cruiser, 01/09/2009
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This was my first Cadillac. Two year after owning this car nothing worked correctly. Every 3 months I,m spending $1000 in repairs at the dealer. Usually I have to make several trips to the dealer to fix the same problem. Currently,I have no heat in the car, the headlights have died (the dealer is charging $340 per bulb.) The odometer has stopped working, the light on the dash board has gone out. So far it's been to the dealer three time for this heating problem.
2001 Cadillac Catera
Patrick Kerwin, 03/18/2002
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is fantasic! The fit, touch and feel of a BMW 5-series (I traded in a 318 Convertible for it) at 60% of the price! A very comfortable back seat. Great handling, better than a 50-series, incredible 6500 rpm engine with standard 3.90 rear end. I used to drive an Omega in Europe with a 5 speed transmission, this is better.
2001 Catera disaster
Albert Bright, 07/22/2009
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
2001 Catera, 2nd owner, 8K from local GM dealer bought with only 31K original miles on it. Mechanical nightmare. Two weeks after purchase: all seals went, entire cooling system replaced and engine stripped and rebuilt under warranty. All due to GM's Dex-Cool. It eats the seals. March '09: replaced radiator and water pump, again under warranty, and again due to Dex-Cool. At 45K rear third brake light strip burnt out, not warranteed. Replaced by dealer, part cost 400.00 alone. July 09: back to dealer for coolant leaks, transmission hesitation, and all- around 'groaning' whenever car turns a corner. The Catera is a nightmare. No more GM's in my driveway.
Disappointed!
Tina, 10/18/2009
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this car because it was a beauty and had the sporty look I wanted. Thought "Wow! A Cadillac! This should be a great car. Well, its has been nothing but a money eating nightmare. Was so excited to get it paid off and its still killing my pocketbook! Don't want to go back in debt for a car, but I don't know how much more of this lemon I can take. Looks great but unfortunately the mechanic sees it more than I do! Had the transmission replaced 2 years after I bought it, thand God was still under warranty. Now no heat and its getting cold outside.
Money Pit
DJ, 05/05/2010
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have had nothing but problems with this car. I had to replace a computer chip, transmission, water pump, axel, springs, sway bars. The tires are expensive and break easy because they are so thin. Parts for the car are expensive. The time belt needs to be replaced and its going to cost me $500! It has been in the shop more than on the road and I'm afraid to drive it because I cant afford keep putting money into it. It's terrible in the snow but great in the rain. I love my car when it works but that's not too often. :(
2001 Base Catera
Good Car, 02/03/2008
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Runs great, smooth ride. For under $6000 with 58,000 miles, it is a great car for the money. I would have never spent $30,000 for a new one.
Catera is simply an Opel Omega MV6.
euro-dan, 04/18/2005
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
The Cadillac Catera is an export version of the Opel Omega MV6. All U.S. Cateras were built in Germany in Russelsheim near Frankfurt/Main. Opel, the German auto manufacturer is owned by GM. It's shame that Opels aren't sold here, in the U.S. since GM owns the company. Well, at least I have the chance to drive my OPEL OMEGA (Catera).
WORST CAR I'VE EVER OWNED!!!!!
SCOTT NELMS, 04/14/2003
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
THIS CAR HAS LEMON WRITTEN ALL OVER IT! BEEN IN SHOP OVER 30 DAYS WITH MAJOR PROBELMS. HASN'T STARTED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, MAJOR A/C PROBLEMS, HEAD GASKET BLOWN OUT, FRONT TIRES WORN OUT AT 10,000 MILES, INJECTOR PROBLEM, TERRIBLE GAS MILEAGE. AND ZERO ASSISTANCE FROM CADILLAC IN TAKING CAR BACK!!!! DO NOT BUY ONE
This Car Stinks!
mo, 09/26/2006
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
Do not buy the Catera! It is the absolute worst car ever. I have had problems from the radio not working to replacing head gaskets. The car has probably been in the repair shop at least twice a month since I got it. Please do not purchase this car!
Great
Natedoggnt, 11/27/2002
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
I LOVE THIS CAR
Overall an Enjoyable Car
ricks, 11/26/2003
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had my 01 Catera since purchasing it new in 9/01. I traded a 97 Catera that had developed several problems a local Cadillac dealer did not satisfactorily repair. I changed dealers and bought the 01, and basically have been satisfied during my 26 months of ownership and 26K miles. There have been a few minor problems, but the dealer has taken care of them and treated me well.
Ok, if you can keep it on the road
JD Gann, 03/10/2003
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car is fun to drive and has great brakes. The main thing is, the dealership has had the car almost as much as I have. I am just getting my third waterpump today and I am dumping this thing. It would be a good car if it was just reliable. The dealer is of no help either. If you don't drive one of the big Cadillacs, they don't want to give you the time of day.
This Car is Junk
This is No Cadillac, 03/02/2007
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle and it has been in the shop more than on the road. Even the people at the auto parts store said, you didn't buy one of these. It's not a Cadillac, it's a piece of junk. Everything is going wrong with it, and it has cost us just about as much in repairs as the car did to begin with. And today we found out that a oil sensor is bad, but they tell us that if they try and replace it at the Cadillac dealer, there is a chance that it will mess up the entire engine, and the engine will have to be replaced. And Cadillac does not cover this, even though it is a design flaw. Do not buy this car. I have had other Cadillacs, and by far this is the worst.
Love the car !
William H. Helfer, 04/16/2008
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car looks great, drives great and has gives me excellent gas mileage. The engine should have more pep. The engine should run a bit more quietly.
Utter Disappointment
soren919, 01/16/2011
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 16 people found this review helpful
My very first car turned out to be a lemon and a stressor on my mother. Seemed like a nice, clean car that wouldn't cost me a lot because it was a Cadillac and Cadillac's usually are pretty dependable. But this car, just was an EPIC FAIL. Now I'm trading it in and getting this burden off of me and my mother! Engine repair costed $2000, then the brakes, then tires, then transmission (which has to be injected into engine which is even more money) sunroof works when it wants to, back wheel drive stinks (especially in snow and ice), power locks on driver side went out, and on top of all of that, CRAPPY gas mileage...please don't ever buy this car...all of these cars should be set on fire!!
WORST cadillac ever to be made!!!!
Dustin, 06/24/2008
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had this car since 2004 and have had nothing but problems. It had between 20 and 30k miles on it when I got it. Thought I was getting a steal at 14k. Now that I've had it a while, I realize why it was only in production for 4 years. Since 2006, I have replaced not only 1 but 2 engines and now this one quit yesterday. There are problems with the electrical system in it. The sunroof opens and closes when it wants to, the car is definitely a lemon and Cadillac should do something to alleviate some of the cost since it was their bright idea to sell an American made car that was produced in a foreign country. All together I'm at $9,000 in repair costs. And it's not paid off yet.
oil fire!
oil fire!, 09/08/2009
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
My car caught on fire from a leak in the valve cover, and the fire messed up the wiring. Since then all kinds of funny things happened. The radio worked when it wanted, the gas cap and the trunk switch locked and would not open. I liked my car because it was small and supple to operate, but when the expense of fixing it became too much, I traded it off for a Buick. The final straw was the failure of the engine module which left me without a running car, and a wait for the new part. I have pumped a lot of money into maintenance but this was too much. The reliability was not good so I sold the car... Hated to see ol flame go, but it has gone to the great beyond now
Der Mighty Opel
Merckx, 03/07/2002
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
What a checkered past this car has had. GM has been forced to give them away-mine was a little over $10,000 off list. So any problems pale in comparison. It's a real joy to drive-really pleasantly stiff steering. Everything has that satisfying German "thunk" to their operation. I could heartily recommend this car,if there are any left on the lots. so far,it has been magnificient!
CLEAN & CLASSY RELIABLE CADILLAC
Michella Amonson, 09/18/2016
updated 03/20/2017
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 6 people found this review helpful
Motor installed July 2013 w/ 43,000 miles. Now has less than 79,000 on replaced motor. Have documentation with receipts showing $3,000 in replacement costs of motor, timing belt, radiator, etc. (fan belt broke & mom in law ruined motor but loved car so much we replaced it). Replaced tires 9/16 and repaired AC. Very clean car, very good interior, very good paint, very good air conditioning, glitchy radio but sound system phenomenal w cd player, mp3 or cassette. I plan replace K134 to fix radio sound
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2001 Catera review
skubik, 02/27/2002
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought my Catera in October of 2001; the deal I got combined with 0% financing for 5 years was too good to refuse. Overall I'm happy with my Catera. It's cleanly styled both inside and out, and my car is tightly and solidly built. Power is strictly average considering the car's weight, but for routine driving it's fine. Handling is quite good, and the seating is roomy and very comfortable. I've had two or three minor problems, but nothing major over the car's first 5,000 miles.
US and quality, just does not exist
SrMast, 05/08/2009
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car because it was built in Germany. Shortly after I found out that many components have been altered to fit GM's US-requirements, which do not include quality. I have the same issues as many posted here, electrical issues (US version has an extensive OBD-II emission system which is not even cleaner than Europe's)and mechanical issues (rough running engine, stalling).
Never Again!!!
WayneW, 04/22/2020
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new. Spent half again +++$ for repairs. Kept the car 19 years. The car was built by Opal. I've owned cars , some new, mostly used, and this car was the biggest pile of JUNK I've ever owned. Period! Bar none! Not even close with anything. JUNK. GM really screwed me (and any one else) by selling me this "car". Because of this car, I will never again buy a GM product!
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Great car... very under-rated!
Downsize, 07/05/2003
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
The person who posted on 4/13/03 must be nuts or probably drove the car into the ground. Giving it "4"s on the interior and exterior design--why'd you buy it? I recently purchased mine used and found it to be a GREAT buy. Orignally 36K and got it for $18K with only 9000 miles. Runs great, rides great, has a ton of features I didn't expect and never had a problem but then again I respect and take care of my vehicles.
Worst Cadillac - EVER!
Albert, 08/07/2009
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is a reliability disaster - a breakdown waiting to happen - it can be downright dangerous. A Cadillac-ized Opel isn't worth a dime. In less than two years 12K worth of warranty work. When the warranty is up this car is toast.
catera review
mach2rio, 11/26/2002
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
We have had nothing bue excellent service from our Catera. Personally, I feel that the auto people of the world initially gave the car a bum rap and just could noe bring themselves to admit they were wrong. Such as the editor's review here on the Edmunds site. The only thing my wife does not like is having a CD changer in the trunk.
2001 Catera Sport
Great Car, 06/29/2005
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great Car, comfortable ride, pleasure to drive during trips. It really has the Zip Cadillac used in their marketing. Too bad after all the fine-tuning they did and then discontinued the model.
Best Car I've Ever Owned
Koka, 05/09/2006
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is the perfect vehicle for my wife and I. We are both senior citizens and are retired. Driving it gives us a sense comfort that no other vehicle has given us. It's truly a fun car to drive and has lots of pep.
Devil Vehicle
Chris, 12/25/2004
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The 2001 Cadillac Catera may be the most poorly built car of all time. I had two seperate lemons involving the A/C and engine. Honestly, I loved it the first few months I had it, but the dealership and frequent problems with the car turned my feelings in the other direction. This car is total garbage.
My first Cadillac
Sam's Catera, 08/23/2005
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Well I just bought this car and so far so good. I love the color, the ammenities and everything that Cadillac is legendary for. I am having some issues, the front end shimmies and one of my fog lights have blown out. The dealership is fixing it, even though they do not have Saturday hours.
Great Cadillac
Ken Bott, 05/23/2007
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had my Catera for two years now and except for an oil leak it has ran flawlessly. From minus 30 to 120 degress all acros the nation not problems.
Fun and Reliable Car!
andy9483, 04/24/2003
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Have owned Cadillac before, but first time in a smaller model. Am definitely impressed by the great handling, ride, performance, and reliability of this car. In two years, have only had one warranty repair of a radiator hose. Body styling is a bit non-distinctive, but good looking none the less.
Better then Hyundia
Tamerack, 07/09/2003
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Traded it from a Elantra for a bigger family car. The key already broke and the battery already died. The cheap Korean car didn't have those problems.
Great Bang for the Buck!!!
mutbreath, 03/25/2002
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for several factors including I must say the 0% interest and the deals that were to be found due to the fac that this car was discontinued. I have had no major problems over the first 7000 miles and it is truly fun to drive. It could use a little more off the line acceleration but it is truly the "Caddy that Ziggs". I would reccommend testing one for your self if you can still find them. Especially the Sport model. The larger wheels and stiffer suspension makes this car long for the open road.
Great interior,unreliable engine area
dcmertz, 04/19/2008
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
My husband and I purchased this car 6 months ago. We have since then had the spoiler fall off (without the dealer taking ownership of this) the headlights are already clouded, replaced the front tires, and these are not inexpensive over $200 each. We have also replaced the idle arm, the coolant leaked behind the engine and only one place to get the part, and not inexpensive to fix, We paid 6000. However have in 6 months put in 2600 in repairs. whats next? The car handles great in the winter with over 6" of snow, no complaints there, it's just the maintenance is not what we paid for and for the Cadillac name this is very disappointing. Wish we would have read up on it more. Buyer beware.
Worst car I've ever HAD!
Jason, 04/26/2018
2001 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
For me the Range Sensor was the worst always went bad 3 weeks to a month everytime it was either in the shop or in my driveway not drivable its a good car when its on the road but that was barely the case
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