2001 Cadillac Catera Review
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By Bob Plunkett

Overview

To the members of a certain generation, who grew up when all the competent road cars were imported, a pukka sports sedan from Cadillac is just about unthinkable. Well, my brothers and sisters, think harder. If the Berlin Wall can crumble, and the Soviet Union behind it; and if you can hold more computing power in the palm of your hand than went to the moon with Neil Armstrong, then maybe Cadillac might offer an authentic road car.

The Catera deserves a chance.

This new-generation Cadillac certainly packs the right credentials. Designed and developed in Europe (the Holy Land of Sports Sedans) Catera has a powerful six-cylinder motor, rear-wheel drive, and a taut independent suspension, just like a BMW 3 Series or a Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Catera is balanced and predictable when navigating a snaky set of curves, but energetic at high speed for long stretches on a freeway.

Catera also has the plush interior features of an American luxury car along with a lot of sophisticated safety hardware. In many ways, it can be considered a unique car.

Model Lineup

Just one model is available. For $31,305 the Catera comes with a 3.0-liter V6 and all the standard equipment expected of a luxury sedan.

A $995 Luxury Package adds a power passenger seat, upgraded alarm system and a garage-door opener. A $2510 Sport Package includes all that plus heated seats, a matte silver grille, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, rear spoiler, and a heavy-duty suspension riding on ultra-aggressive 235/45HR17 all-season tires and aluminum wheels.