Used 1998 Cadillac Eldorado Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Eldorado, so we've included reviews for other years of the Eldorado since its last redesign.
The Best
MWA, 09/02/2005
1998 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Coupe
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
Oil consumption problems with Northstar engine virtually eliminated with what is termed WOT (wide open throttle)running. It appears ironic, but works. The finest automobile that I have ever owned and offers unparalleled luxury from top to bottom. OBD II system virtually checks systems and can be manually accessed for DTC's (diagnostic trouble codes) In essence, it diagnoses its own problems. Leather interior is exquisite. Ride is just like sitting in an expensive leather recliner- in a jet airplane. Sound system-CD changer & cassette player- offer flawless entertainment. MPG 24 city / 30 highway. Beauty, power and performance like no other I have ever driven................
My personal Time Machine
Larry, 02/27/2008
1998 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
22 of 24 people found this review helpful
I have a Black on Black 98 ETC with the optional SunRoof. What a "looker"! She was turned on by someone that owned her on lease and surprisingly, had very low mileage. Were a couple of maintenance issues, normal for the age and miles of the car and was cared for by warranty! She has been a dream to drive and always like a step into a different dimiension. Everything about her enhances the trip from the smooth ride, comfortable seats, well thought out instruments and Boise Stereo. I always enjoy driving this lady down the highways.
1998 Cadillac Eldorado for sale near you
Showing 3 of 11 listings
- Base CoupeMSRP: $5,500284 mi away
- Base CoupeMSRP: $10,995366 mi away
- Touring CoupeMSRP: $3,500476 mi away
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Eldorado ETC
MNazz, 10/13/2003
1997 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
My Eldo was purchased 3 yrs ago w/23k on it. I was 19 when i got it i am now 22 and the car just hit 90k. I have put a decent beating on this car buy flying around and flooring it often and the car has only needed brake pads&rotors. It still runs really strong and looks even better. I am very happy w/the way this car has treated me. No complaints here.
All cars have the goods and the bads.
RON, 08/02/2008
1997 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Coupe
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
My 97 Eldorado is showroom new. I live in Palm Springs California. The car over all has been exceptional. Period. I read these other reviews and Wonder about some comments. First its not really meant to be raced. I have not replaced all these items mentioned from other reviewers. The car has always been kept in the garage. It is the Pearl color with every option. The interior looks as if it just came off the show room floor. You must always take this type of car to the Cadillac dealer. Only they have the correct tools and replacement parts. It is taken once a year for its check up. It drives as if new. It always gets 28 mpg on the highway.
one sweet ride
SMILEY, 10/11/2004
1997 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
a stunning beauty with performance to match and fuel economy as good as many mid-sized 6 cylinder cars.
Eldo luxury
Dennis Shoff, 03/07/2017
updated 09/19/2024
1998 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Coupe
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Great acceleration and handling for a luxury car Most comfortable seats that I have ever experienced in the several hundred cars that I have been in.
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- Value
Very Very Very Upset
Very Disapointed, 10/20/2005
1998 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
18 of 20 people found this review helpful
When I first got my 1998 Cadillac Eldorado, I loved it no doubt about it. It is very classy and very comfy and the price was right. It gives a very nice ride. However after my first two years with it everything that could go wrong did. I completly replaced the cooling system in the engine I mean everything from the water pump to the radiator every hose and even the bucket the holds the coolent. It was just this great big money pit. Finally the head gasket went that was a mini fourturne to replace. The Northstar engine is the biggest joke 10 mechanics said the same thing. I'm also very upset with the way Cadilac treated me they were so rude and fought me on every problem.
Scott
SCOTT, 08/13/2008
1998 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Coupe
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for about 1 1/2, and had numerous problems. I had to replace my water pump then the radiator, and now dished out 1600 to fix the head gaskets. I think they messed up with the design of this engine because every mechanic I ask almost all of them refused to work on them including the dealership. It has great horsepower and good on gas, but seems like if you have any problems you should just junk them. There too expensive to work on them, and any major work you got to drop the engine just to get to the source.
Insights on Touring Coupe
spindoctor, 05/18/2003
1998 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Have black. Beautiful car when clean. Turns heads. Fun to drive. Worried about reliability however. Had to install $700 radiator, and using quart of oil every 1000-1500 miles.
How Do I Keep My Elle Forever?
Sue, 03/10/2008
1998 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
15 of 17 people found this review helpful
This car is the nicest car on the road. It can hit high speed (24 mpg) passing a caravan of trucks without even noticing it. The drive home was on roads closed by a winter storm. First stoplight it skidded a bit and stopped. The dashboard said, "Traction Restored." Right then I knew this car was for me! Great mileage on the road and not bad in town either. I won't be buying another Cadillac until they come up with something comparable.
My '98 ETC
Whitey0012, 10/31/2004
1998 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Virtually maintenance-free with the exception of oil changes and tire balance/rotations. Just replaced water pump and left side power window switch 10/28/2004. Future water pump replacements at no costs when using AC/Delco part. The only downside of this model is the lack of rear passenger seating space and blind side visibility on rear passenger side. Performance is absolutely super!! Horsepower (300) and maneuverability are excellent. The car compares favorably with a BMW 745 Turbo I once owned. This would have made a tremendous two-seater sports car. I wouldn't trade this auto for anything else.
98 eldo
Vortec770, 02/16/2016
updated 02/17/2017
1998 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Ive owned this eldo for 6months now and its been a dream.I bought it as a weekend cruiser and it has lived up to its part as a very fun weekend car. The one thing I was very reluctant to do was the so called WOT wide open throttle. After reading a post from a gm power train engineer I now understand why this must be done.needless to say I tried it and not only was is good for the engine,it was fun
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Satisfied
hadrn, 08/24/2008
1997 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
My 97 Eldorado is beautiful. A Peanut butter-top on burgundy, with brand new 2008 Cadillac-Vove Rims, dipped in gold and of course brand spanking new Vove tires. I reside in Los Angeles, California, where everyone show and tell their cars, and although I'm refined my Eldorado holds its own against any fancy car, even Bentleys, in the looks department. I can't say much about my powerful motor, my Cadillac dealer takes care of that stuff, but I will comment on fuel efficiency being up to par and how well my Eldorado takes care of me when I'm out and about on the highways and by- ways.
The Best Car I Have Ever Owned
PAK, 12/24/2004
1998 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
The 1998 Cadillac Eldorado is the greatest car that I have ever owned. I have had three Mercedes-Benzes and they don't even compair with my Cadillac Eldorado. Not only is is a more comfortable car, but it is faster and more fun to drive. I get almost 25 MPG on the highway and an even 20 MPG in town driving all day long.
Best Caddie I owned
steve, 06/10/2007
1998 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I just bought this '98 and fist day I was a little uncomfortable till I found the right seat setting and I started a love affair with the car. To get in and sit down a smile from ear to ear comes across my face. Stomp on the throtle and the car flies like a 1970 Elderado. I am impressed. Handles the best of any Caddie I owmed. I have to watch the speed because I seem to do 80 pulling out on the highway. The car looks new and everyone loves the car and asks about it. She is a keeper for the long run.
A Dream Car With Baggage.
CaddyGuy, 03/21/2009
1998 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
20 of 27 people found this review helpful
My Cadillac ETC is my dream car. It has everything but OnSt*r. The exterior body design is unique and sleek. The interior design is Sweeping, modern and extremely attractive. But the Baggage is the NorthStar Engine. No one can afford to repair it unless you have Warrantee. It suffers carbon build up which requires occasional WOTs to clean out. Search the Cadillac forums and search WOT. Though toted by GM as the best engine ever, it is a night mare in costs when repairs come, even small ones, repair cost is excessive. My ETC was my dream car and I enjoy it emensly but I am concerned when that NorthStar should have a problem. You really need to weigh your need vs a junk NorthStar eng.
Loved Mine
Len, 10/04/2008
1998 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Coupe
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
I bought this car when I graduated high school in 2005 for $7000 with 70,000 miles, drove it for 3 years and loved it. It was relatively quick for a 7 year old car, handled like a boat, but had a soft cushy ride. It needed a $300 tune up, $400 radiator, $500 brakes, and had electrical problems, but it just kept running, never smoked or broke down. It had a great motor, but was a big heavy car, and I wasn't crazy abot the FWD. I traded it in January 2008 for $3500 with minor electrical problems
In Love
Patrick, 04/22/2006
1998 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
My buddy had a '92 or '93 Eldorado with some 20 inch rims on it. I was WOWWED with the styling. He didn't have the Northstar engine, but I do. I got the ETC Touring Coupe, and the whole car feels SINFUL. I waited over 5 years for this car, and I have not been let down. I am still surprised with things like the "Turn" lighting, presets, dual zone air conditioning / heat, blah blah. Also, I am super impressed with the acceleration. This car is super quiet, and super smooth.
Owned two Eldorados, Imagine that!!
Ben Leone, 10/17/2006
1997 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I owned an ETC, after replacing the trany for 2500 dollars, and it leaked so bad I had to finally trade it in.The strange thing was it was crimson red and it was as fast as a rocket, like riding in a living room with rocket power. I lost money on that one and bought another crimson red Eldo today. Three years later, I missed it so bad. I hope this one doesnt leak like the last one but if it does, I guess oil is cheap. Drive safely.
Nine Years and Counting
Joe, 12/07/2006
1997 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new with only seven miles on it. Today it has 176,000 miles. I have replaced the AC compressor twice, one power steering pump, two alternators, and the head gaskets. The blown head gasket was my fault for trying to drive to next exit ignoring the warning system; a radiator hose had burst. The piston rings were replaced and the heads rebuilt when the dealer replaced the head gasket. It cost $4,000 to repair and the car had 116,000 miles. All in all the car has been reliable. The car doesn't smoke, but does drink a quart of oil every two weeks. If Cadillac came out with a design I liked, I would probably buy another. The Northstar engine is a marvel.
Black beauty
Peter J, 05/15/2008
1997 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Well my father bought the car for himself in 2006 miles 138,000, put the 4.6 vin. 9 touring engine in then gave it to me. Put new rims an tinted dark. Looks sharp. The only thing that has happened to me was the ac went out. Which was very easy to fix all it needed was to be charged, still isn't colder than my sts but I'll live. The one thing I love doing is punching it in a tunnel, and hear that baby roar! The northstar is the greatest invention. But all in all this car is the best car I have ever had "mind you I'm 19". I would buy another, but probably the last year they were in production just to get the on star* car now has 165,000 on it an runs like a dream great mpg still! 17 city 29highway
This is a great car!
tsmichelle, 07/26/2003
1998 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is a great car! Even when driven hard (which for me means daily)it just performs. Cadillac's Northstar engines are just fantasic, If you have ever have the chance ot drive one, I highly recommend it.
Fantastic Ride
da, 09/11/2002
1997 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have the ETC. 300HP instead of 275. I drove both. It sure feels like a lot more than a 25HP difference! At 35mph I can break the front tires loose on dry pavement. I got 28.99mpg driving from OKC to Branson with cruise set at 75mph. Better than my brother's Mazda 323 4 cylinder!! 'course he had problems keeping the little bugger at 75 ;>) Only complaint I have is the power antenna broke. It's a Cadillac so you can guess the replacement cost... yep A BUNCH!
Caddy owner
Bdawg, 12/02/2003
1997 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Coupe
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
A few thing have gone wrong, The express down module is broken on the driver side door, Burns a lot of oil. not maintence freindly.
It's a Cadillac
car_man1, 02/21/2012
1997 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
My 97 ETC isn't bad. Of course what you expect for buying a used 16 yr old caddy at 126,*** Miles. New battery, wipers, new set of rims (one was cracked and I couldn't find a replacment, but got current ones from a junk yard for free off a 91 seville:).The Service Light came on for a few weeks then went off, it is a bad O2 sensor and I haven't had $$/time to fix it now. Once in a while, it has a hard WARM start, possible leaky fuel injector ( I hope!). I ordered the service manual (I advise DIY-ers to do this) and I can't wait to start seeing how my N* works. But with gas being over $4, it may become a weekend car and back to the 01 Civic LX for me.
10/10 would buy again
Anon, 11/11/2015
1997 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Coupe
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
I originally had a 1995 Pontiac Grand Am Gt Coupe with a bad head gasket, power steering pump, radiator and countless other issues. Leaked a quart a week. I traded that car and $500 and got me a 97 Eldorado. It's pearl white with a soft top and girls love it. Real head turner. It was a fixer upper, had a bad alternator and heater core and hoses, gas gage didn't work. I fixed the heater core and alternator for a total of $300. No complaints on performance except sometimes it takes a while to get going after stopping. Has 124k on it, I'm second owner and it came from Florida and has no rust at all. Premium gas gets it 16.5 mpg.
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I Love This Car!
Kevin, 10/12/2007
1998 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Coupe
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
I have loved this from the moment that I bought it. It is now 10 years old and it's still turning heads. The power is unreal. I was so impressed with the 300lbs of torque this car has. The beauty of this car is amazing and I think because there are less of them around people really miss old fashion American design. I am 21 years old and this car is a time capsule for me. It takes me to the stories my grandpa has told me about the 1950's when Eldorado's were the definitive of luxury. The history of America lives on in this wonderful Cadillac.
too many sensors
D. Green, 10/22/2002
1997 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
bought on ebay. car has high miles, otherwise nice. love the car, but many sensors have gone out or have intermittent problems causing computer to turn on warning lights. A/C went out 3 times this summer, $900 to fix, still not real cold
Good car for the value
redeldo, 05/12/2003
1997 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
1st Cadillac ever owned and it has been a very good car. Lots of comments about how good it looks. Don't know if it was worth sticker price new but I feel it was a good value at the used price. Rides like a caddy should.
Great car
Ken, 10/22/2017
1997 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Just do not let it overheat and it does have a big blind spot. This car is alot of fun to drive and a lot faster than I thought it would be. Mine is a 1997 etc.
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Sweet Ride
e8retired91, 09/05/2002
1998 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Purchased about 5 months ago and put on 5000 miles so far. This is an impressive car especially with the Crimson Red Pearl paint. I get lots of favorable comments from almost everyone. Awesome power and very good fuel mileage for a 3900 pound car. Very comfortable and fun to drive. Have noticed it uses about 1/2 quart of oil every 1000 miles but no smoke or leaks. Not pleased about rapid depreciation...it's worth much more.
Great car
10/03/2002
1998 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Fine performance.Quality ride quiet and excellent fuel MPG
Hidden Performer
ghiadillac, 03/23/2005
1998 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've always been a big fan of Cadillacs, especially used ones. Many people seem to be scared off by these cars, but I've always felt they're quite a value after taking the initial depreciation hit. This '98 Eldorado was no exception. The power of this car has amazed everyone who's rode in it, and the exterior is a nice "Cadillac interpretation". Considering the compliments and head-turning ability, it's a rather impressive vehicle for the sub-$10,000 used car group. However there are some hidden costs such as the high-octane fuel and a few extra things to go wrong, but if one doesn't mind a doing little tinkering and is in the market for something nice, this is certainly a car worth a look.
Never again
buffy, 07/17/2002
1997 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Coupe
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Beautiful car ,sporty car and full of speed, but things happen to it and there is no explaination. The problems are evidently fixed with just luck. The service personnel work digilently and it is apparently a lot of experietmenting to solve the numerous problems. The first problem was a whinning sound from the front of the vehicle. The second problem was the car dies at any speed it was fixed after 2 months but the problem has returned. The car has had a cracked head and the steering broke on a trip.
Great car for the money
caud37, 09/24/2004
1998 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Coupe
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
The Eldorado is a timelessly stylish looking car with great power and agility. Just 1 mechanical problem in 7.5 years and GM covered 1/2 the cost even after the warranty expired. Northstar engine is strong and reliable, and the power steering is easier than any car you'll find. I tested the Eldorado against a Mercedes CLK430, a Volvo C70, a Jaguar XK8, a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, a Ford TBird, and the choice was easy. The Jag is the only 1 that looks better, and it cost over twice as much. None of them had the Northstar's quickness. Cadillac quality is back. If you need traction, front wheel drive still rules.
Eldorad OH NO!
therob, 04/30/2003
1997 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought it used.Seemed like a solid dependable car,but the radiator started leaking(cheap plastic).Then the check engine light came on.While waiting for the diagonsis the mechanics guessed that it might be a big problem with some oil valve something.It wasn't, just a clogged EGR tube which they said was typical.It uses oil, gets less than anticipated mpg,A/C cools less than a Caddy should,and warning lights go off and on without rhyme or reason.The A/C conked out in midwinter and I may not bother with fixing.The turn signal lever needed to be fixed,too.I am not satisfied and wish I had heard about these problems before deciding on a Caddy.
NORTHSTAR OIL CONSUMPTOION
jr, 03/30/2002
1998 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
4 of 11 people found this review helpful
AFTER 45000 MILES THE CAR IS USING 1 QUART OF OIL PER 1000 MILES! THE CADILAC SERVICE CENTER HAS TOLD ME THAT GM IS AWARE OF THIS PERTAINING TO THE NORTHSTAR ENGINE. I AM NOW SCHEDULED FOR A GM AUTHORIZED "DECARBONIZATIN" SERVICE (ABOUT $500). ANYBODY ELSE?
Fantastic Ride
DA, 09/11/2002
1997 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have the ETC. 300HP instead of 275. I drove both. It sure feels like a lot more than a 25HP difference! At 35mph I can break the front tires loose on dry pavement. I got 28.99mpg driving from OKC to Branson with cruise set at 75mph. Better than my brother's Mazda 323 4 cylinder!! 'course he had problems keeping the little bugger at 75 ;>) Only complaint I have is the power antenna broke. It's a Cadillac so you can guess the replacement cost... yep A BUNCH!
Be careful of oil usage
Smendrick, 04/18/2003
1997 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Exceptional performance and handling, but the Northstar engine is a pig when it comes to oil consumption. Be aware that the fix is more than the car is worth.
Nice to look at, thats all.
TMC, 07/07/2003
1997 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I own an Eldorado touring coupe, and trust me the looks are the only good traits. Since I bought this car the AC has went out three times and living in Florida AC is a must. Service Engine Soon Light goes on and off wheneever it wants, so do the digital sensors. The water hose belt gets tangled at least once a month and causes car to overheat even aftertaking it to the dealership to replace the belt and pulleys. I am disappointed in Cadillac for this one.
My Cadillac
Da17, 09/14/2005
1997 Cadillac Eldorado Touring 2dr Coupe
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
My 1997 Cadillac Eldorado is elegant, classy, and attractive, but has terrible gas mileage.