1977 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham review from North America

At the time of purchase, the right rear brake caliper needed replacing, so did the water pump.

The suspension makes a whining sound when the wheels turn to the left, possibly a ball joint.

Some minor things that are cheap and easy to fix:

- Cruise control light blew

- AC relay blew

- Washer motor blew

- Rear left power window switch blew

- Some vibrations to the cabin from the colliding parts in the engine. That's just a problem of age.

This Cadillac is actually my first car. I bought when I was only seventeen for $1,500; and about another $1,000 has been invested to it. Originally, my parents didn't want me to buy a Cadillac because they weren't "reliable". They wanted me to buy an Accord or a Camry, but I'm glad I persevered and rejected those spartan, austere cars.

Overall, I'm satisfied and very happy to own this big boat. She provides a comfortable and smooth ride. Old Cadillacs are drivers' cars. They just spoil the drivers.

So many things in this car surprise me. Little, quaint luxuries that would seem silly today fill this car. For example, the foot rests in the back and the reading lights. This car's performance also surprises me. I recall punching it at a stoplight out of curiosity to know how fast it went from 0-60 MPH. I couldn't even clock the time, because I was pulled to the back of my seat and the rear tires let out a banshee screech -- something I've only seen muscle cars do on old car reviews.

And this car makes daily driving such a pleasure. The brakes healthily stop this 4300 pound car and the car politely reminds you that your lights or on or that you have left the key in ignition, and when people say Cadillacs "float". They really do. You seriously can't tell what speed you are going until you look down at the speedometer. The Fleetwood also takes bumps like a champ. It's almost as if the car's a tank. The power steering too, is the best! I love having the option of turning this massive brute of a car with a single finger.

A few years down the road, I hope to repaint this car and restore it back to its former glory, and probably get another GM car from the 60s or 70s (probably a 1972 Cadillac Eldorado or a 1973 Buick Centurion). I'm still astonished that GM made cars like these with such amazing quality. I wish they still did. Take a hint, American auto manufacturers, from your past models.