CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Cadillac Catera

Cadillac Catera — 1997–2001, 4-door sedan, 3.0 L ''L81'' V6. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine3.0 L ''L81'' V6

Transmission4-speed ''GM 4L30-E'' automatic

DrivetrainFR layout

About the Cadillac Catera

Cadillac Catera is a 4-door sedan in the compact executive car class, with source data covering 1997–2001. The available vehicle data lists 3.0 L ''L81'' V6 as an engine configuration, paired with 4-speed ''GM 4L30-E'' automatic and a FR layout layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Cadillac Catera guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 3.0 L ''L81'' V6 and 4-speed ''GM 4L30-E'' automatic transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Cadillac Catera specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Cadillac
Model	Catera
Model years	1997–2001
Body style	4-door sedan
Vehicle class	Compact executive car
Manufacturer	Opel (General Motors)
Production	1996–2001
Market / country	CA, NL, US

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Cadillac Catera includes 3.0 L ''L81'' V6.. Transmission information includes 4-speed ''GM 4L30-E'' automatic.. The listed drivetrain/layout is FR layout.

Engine	3.0 L ''L81'' V6
Transmission	4-speed ''GM 4L30-E'' automatic
Drivetrain / layout	FR layout

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase	107.5 in (2,731 mm)
Length	1997–99: 194.0 in (4,928 mm)2000–01: 192.2 in (4,882 mm)
Width	70.3 in (1,786 mm)
Height	1997–99: 56.3 in (1,430 mm)2000–01: 56.4 in (1,433 mm)
Kerb / curb weight	3897 lb (1,768 kg)

Cadillac Catera other specifications

Name	Cadillac Catera
Image	1997 Cadillac Catera, front left, 12-11-2022.jpg
Caption	1997–1999 Catera
Aka	Opel OmegaVauxhall Omega

Cadillac Catera generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
Cadillac Catera	1997–2001	3.0 L ''L81'' V6	4-speed ''GM 4L30-E'' automatic	FR layout

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Cadillac Catera

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load32 PSI front30 PSI rear

Fully loaded34 PSI front33 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	32 PSI	30 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	34 PSI	33 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Cadillac Catera

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Cadillac Catera have?

The available source data lists the Cadillac Catera engine as 3.0 L ''L81'' V6. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Cadillac Catera?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 32 PSI front and 30 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Cadillac Catera?

There is no single best engine oil for every Cadillac Catera configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Cadillac Catera?

The Cadillac Catera is classified as a 4-door sedan.

What years was the Cadillac Catera produced?

The available vehicle record places the Cadillac Catera in the 1997–2001 period. Exact availability can vary by market.

What are the dimensions of the Cadillac Catera?

The available source data lists length 1997–99: 194.0 in (4,928 mm)2000–01: 192.2 in (4,882 mm), width 70.3 in (1,786 mm), height 1997–99: 56.3 in (1,430 mm)2000–01: 56.4 in (1,433 mm), and wheelbase 107.5 in (2,731 mm).

What transmission does the Cadillac Catera have?

The available source data lists 4-speed ''GM 4L30-E'' automatic transmission options for the Cadillac Catera.

Is the Cadillac Catera FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Cadillac Catera is FR layout.

Who makes the Cadillac Catera?

The manufacturer listed for the Cadillac Catera is Opel (General Motors).

When was the Cadillac Catera produced?

The available source data describes production as 1996–2001.

How much does the Cadillac Catera weigh?

The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 3897 lb (1,768 kg). Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.

Where was the Cadillac Catera built?

The available source record lists assembly information as Rüsselsheim, Hesse, Germany (Opel Automobile GmbH).

What class of car is the Cadillac Catera?

The Cadillac Catera is listed in the Compact executive car class.

What platform does the Cadillac Catera use?

The available source data lists the platform/chassis as GM V platform.

Which markets or countries sold the Cadillac Catera?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Cadillac Catera with CA, NL, US. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What came after the Cadillac Catera?

The available vehicle data lists Cadillac CTS as a successor where applicable.

What cars are related to the Cadillac Catera?

The available source data identifies related models as Opel Omega. Relationships can vary by market and generation.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Cadillac Catera?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Cadillac Catera?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Cadillac Catera is fully loaded?

It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Cadillac Catera images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.