Cadillac's new entry-level model was based largely on the Opel Omega, a General Motors car built and sold in Europe. The Catera was offered in one well-equipped version, with limited options. It competed in the heavily contested entry-luxury sedan segment against such models as the BMW 3-Series, Lexus ES 300 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Catera first launched as a 1997 model in the fall of 1996, although it was rumored to appear in Cadillac showrooms sooner than scheduled.
Year-to-year changes[]
1997[]
True to its German roots, the Catera had rear-wheel drive, a fully independent front strut/rear multilink suspension and a stiff body structure. The car was designed for comfortable, secure, high-speed touring as well as around-town driving. It used a specially tuned version of the Omega's compact 200-hp V6 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission.
As an entry-luxury sport sedan, the Catera came off the assembly line with many engineering, comfort and convenience features as standard equipment. Included among the mechanical items were 4-wheel disc antilock brakes, traction control, automatic height and load-leveling control and power-assisted speed-sensitive steering. The comfort features included automatic climate control, power windows with express up/down, power seat adjustment, central door locking and cassette stereo system.
The few available options included a premium Bose stereo system, a power sunroof and heated front seats. Sometime after the car's introduction, side airbags for the front-seat occupants also became available.
2001[]
This was the last model year for the Catera. Production ended in late 2001.
List prices[]
| Model year(s) | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | $29,995 | $640 | September 2, 1996 |
Sales[]
- 1996: 1,676 (all 1997 models)
- 1997: 25,411
- 1998: 25,333
- 1999: 15,068
- 2000: 17,290
- 2001: 9,764
Gallery[]
