Eldorado was the first large luxury car to tout the advantages of front-wheel drive since the late 1960s. Things haven't been the same since, and most of the Cadillac product line was now front-wheel drive, as were most cars in general.
Buyers of this vehicle were probably cross-shopping for a Lincoln Mark VII/VIII or the slightly smaller Lexus SC 300/400.
The Eldorado featured a clean, readable dashboard and instrument panel, a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transaxle. There were many standard features befitting a personal luxury car, including a sophisticated computer-controlled suspension that used steering-wheel angle sensors, wheel-position sensors and accelerometers to vary shock absorber damping rates. The improved control provided a smoother ride and better traction under braking and cornering. On a more mundane note, a 3-channel garage door opener built into the overhead console was also available.
There was a convertible, but it was discontinued since the 1986 model year.
Audio was via a 6-speaker system from Delco Bose, with trunk-mounted compact disc changer optional.
Year-to-year changes[]
1991[]
The 1991 Eldorado's engine was upgraded to a 4.9-liter V8 with 200 horsepower, which was carried over to 1992.
1992[]
The Eldorado's tenth and last generation began with this model year.
1993[]
A new optional 4.6-liter engine with 295 hp was released in 1993.
1994[]
As of 1994, there were two quite different variations on Cadillac's 2-door luxury car theme: the Eldorado and the Eldorado Touring Coupe. Although they shared most body, trim and major mechanical components, the Touring Coupe benefited from a 300-hp version of the 4.6-liter Northstar 32-valve dohc V8, which is 25 hp more than the base Eldorado.
Complementing the Touring Coupe's extra power were stiffer antiroll bars and tires with a higher speed rating, both of which gave a slightly firmer, more European ride.
With the DeVille coupe discontinued, the Eldorado becomes Cadillac's only 2-door coupe from this model year onwards.
Retail prices[]
Model year | Trim level | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
---|---|---|---|---|
1991 | Base | $31,245 | February 10, 1991 | |
1991 | Touring | $33,295 | February 10, 1991 | |
1992 | Base | $32,470 | October 13, 1991 | |
1992 | Touring | $34,970 | October 13, 1991 | |
1994 | Limited Edition | $38,315 | $625 | January 1, 1994 |
1995 | Base | $38,220 | $635 | August 1, 1994 |
1995 | Touring | $41,535 | $635 | August 1, 1994 |
1996 | Base | $39,595 | $640 | September 1, 1995 |
1996 | Touring | $42,995 | $640 | September 1, 1995 |
1997 | Base | $37,995 | $665 | July 27, 1997 |
1997 | Touring | $41,395 | $665 | July 27, 1997 |