Is the Cadillac Catera worth investing in given its tag as an "entry level Caddy"?

People often associate the tag "entry level" with something cheap—an item whose quality is diminished somewhat in order to be affordable. But it's actually all relative. With Cadillac, it's worth remembering that the brand is marketed as one for luxury and class. The Catera was an attempt to make the brand more accessible without completely compromising the quality that Cadillac is known for.

When it came out, it actually garnered a lot of rave reviews and was rather popular among Cadillac's options. The "upgraded" model launched in 2000 featured not only cosmetic changes with the nose, tail, interiors, mirrors, and wheels but also some performance updates, which included a stiffer suspension system. It sported a 200-hp 54-degree L81 V6 engine in an FR layout. This revamped model sold well too.

What common problems should I note about the Cadillac Catera?

While many praised the performance of the Cadillac Catera, a glaring problem was noted involving the crankshaft position sensor. There were occasions when it could fail, leading to engine stalling—occasionally occurring during operation of the car. It also tended to cause failure to start when the engine was particularly warm. A quick solution was found in letting the engine cool off but relying on this "quick fix" usually results in rough running and really poor performance. A permanent and more effective solution would be to deal with the crankshaft position sensor—ensuring that it functions properly.

What characteristics set the Sport version of the Cadillac Catera apart from the original iteration?

As the name implies, much of the upgrades to the Cadillac Catera manifests in the upgrade's performance specifications. A calibration change was applied to the brake booster, resulting in firmer pedal feedback. It's noticeable, with its Bosch ABS capable of halting the sedan from 70 mph in only 177 feet—something not done before. Additionally, its tauter springs and revised damping has meant that the complained "sluggishness" of the original model is well compensated for. A particular advantage of the Sport version of the Cadillac Catera is in its turns: they come off as calm, smooth, and controlled even at higher speeds. There is little in the way of body roll and the track is always spot-on.

Should I be worried about the Cadillac Catera's reportedly heavy weight?

Many people have indeed said that the Cadillac Catera felt heavy to handle. But the reality is that it does not have too much effect on the performance of the car itself. In fact, much of the perceived heft has been proven to assist with the sedan's turning characteristics. Best of all, these tests were conducted in conditions that the vehicle is never expected to face in normal day to day usage. This only means that much of the experience of weight might take some getting used to, but overall, it actually contributes greatly to the car's performance. A lot of this is even down to the improved engine found in the 2000 upgrade of the car.

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