Segment Placement:
Cadillac's entry into the compact executive sedan market, aiming to attract younger buyers and compete with European imports.
Brand Strategy:
An attempt to broaden Cadillac's appeal beyond its traditional luxury segments.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Acura TL, Lexus ES
Driving Dynamics:
Focus on sportier handling and a more contemporary driving experience compared to other Cadillacs of the era.
Platform:
Based on the Opel Vectra platform (GM's European division), shared with the Saab 9-3.
Design Philosophy:
Aims for a European-influenced design and driving feel.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system overview
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation, drivetrain components overview
Chassis:
Brake system operation, steering system overview, suspension overview
Electrical:
Lighting controls, instrument cluster, warning lights, basic electrical features
Body And Interior:
Door locks, windows, seats, climate control, audio system, interior features
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, ABS operation overview
Basic Operation:
Starting and driving, parking, using controls
Maintenance Checks:
Fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade inspection
Maintenance Schedules:
Recommended service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diy Activities:
Basic tasks like checking and topping up fluids, replacing certain bulbs
Emergency Procedures:
Tire changing, jump starting, emergency towing instructions
Depth:
Consumer-level; focuses on operation, basic maintenance, and owner-level troubleshooting.
Diagnostic Focus:
Interpretation of dashboard warning lights and basic troubleshooting steps.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick keyword lookups.
Printability:
Designed to be printable on standard home or office printers.
Binding For Physical:
Original would be perfect bound or stapled booklet.
Paper For Physical:
Standard paper stock, often glossy for images.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V6
Engine Code:
L31 (primarily)
Displacement:
3.0 L (181 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
89.5 mm x 77.5 mm (3.52 in x 3.05 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 5,400 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by source)
Torque:
203 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (R+M)/2
ECM:
GM's OBD-II compliant Engine Control Module (ECM)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (typical for this era, specific 2001 ratings may vary)
IIHS Ratings:
Good (typical for frontal impacts)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners in front seats
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, ISOFIX compatible
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player. Optional premium sound system may be available.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (ACC) with digital display.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Cellular Integration:
No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity as standard.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving environment.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 100,000 miles with platinum-tipped plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Initial flush at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30, API Service SJ or SL, ILSAC GF-3 certified (Dexos is not applicable for this era).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter change.
Coolant:
GM P/N 12346132 (Orange) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
GM P/N 89021742 (Type A) or equivalent power steering fluid.
Ignition Coils:
Early models were prone to ignition coil failure, leading to misfires and rough running.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket leaks can occur over time.
ABS Sensor Failure:
ABS wheel speed sensors can fail, triggering ABS warning lights.
HVAC Blend Door Actuators:
Failure of the HVAC blend door actuators can lead to incorrect air temperature distribution.
Struts And Shocks:
Suspension components, particularly struts, can wear out, affecting ride quality.
Cadillac Legacy:
Cadillac is an American luxury automobile manufacturer, part of General Motors (GM).
Catera Introduction:
Introduced in 1997 as Cadillac's first compact sedan, designed to capture a younger demographic and compete in the import-dominated segment.
Catera Development:
Developed from the Opel Vectra B platform, with significant tuning for the North American market.
Catera Facelift:
Received a minor refresh for the 2000 model year, with subtle styling updates and powertrain enhancements. The 2001 model is part of this refreshed generation.
Production Years:
1997-2001
Manufacturing Location:
Rüsselsheim am Main, Germany (by Opel AG)
Market Segment Replacement:
Succeeded by the Cadillac CTS, which maintained the rear-wheel-drive platform and more traditional Cadillac styling.