1997 Cadillac Catera from North America - Comments

Nothing is wrong with this car. Yet.

I just purchased this car two days ago. We had an agreement with the dealership that if we didn't like the car, we could return it within three days, no questions asked. I fell in love with the car immediately. Lovely interior; smooth ride... nice car. But I couldn't understand why the dealer dropped the price of the car so far so fast. I came home and began researching 1997 Ceteras. Oh my! The news was devastating. I came to this Web site and was horrified by what I read. So I called two mechanics who are friends of mine in two different cities. One is the service manager working on GM cars. They both told me to run - not walk - away from this car. They went through a list of things that will go wrong with my car and began giving me prices for what it will cost to fix it. So I took my car to the local Cadillac dealership - not the one I bought it from, of course - and spoke with five different people there who all said get rid of the car as quickly as you can. They knew what we had paid for the car, and knew they had nothing on their lot we could afford. So they knew we were not buying prospects. I then called people I knew who had purchased Ceteras in the past. They thought I'd lost my mind in buying this car. The horror stories just don't seem to quit. Tomorrow morning, I am returning my car to the dealership in which it was purchased. I have learned my lesson, and I have benefited from the wisdom of previous Cetera owners who have taken the time to add their comments here. Thank you for the Web site. You have saved me from making a horrible decision my family could not have afforded.

Try a well-cared-for used Lexus LS400.

They are fabulous.

The Grand Marquis and Crown Vic are nice too if you like a floating ride and don't mind the bulk.

I think this person is looking for a sporty mid-size sedan. The Crown Vic is to big a vihicle. try the Lexus IS or GS series cars. Or the Acura TL.

I've had my 97 catera for 2 years and I still love it!!! Sure it costs money to fix when it goes down, but what car doesn't???if you drive em nice they last a long time. it's a small luxury car not a sports car!