1981 Cadillac Fleetwood review from North America
"It is smooth, good handling and comfortable, but lacks acceleration with original engine"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
When I bought the car, the original engine ran very rich due to a defective electronic fuel injection unit. This engine model was also notoriously unreliable due to its variable displacement feature. GM called this the V8-6-4 engine. It was cheaper to replace the engine with another, more conventional unit. I installed an Oldsmobile 455, with a carburetor, an easy bolt in swap with much more power.
I also had to replace the front suspension ball joints and drag link.
General comments?
The car is very comfortable and has superior handling to Lincoln and Chrysler products from the early 1980's.
Parts and service is inexpensive and easy to find.
The power door locks and factory alarm system have never worked properly. All other electrics seem to be reliable.
The rear springs for the car are too soft, even when new. The rear of the car sags, unless the factory air shocks are inflated. However, even they are inadequate with a full load of passengers and luggage. I installed rear springs from a GM full size station wagon to give it a better load carrying capacity.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1981 |
| First year of ownership | 1995 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 368 cid V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 165000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 197000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 10th May, 2003 |