1987 Cadillac Brougham 6 door Limo 5.0 liter V8 from North America

Summary:

Not many of these on the road today

Faults:

At 77k miles, the A/C compressor seized.

Power steering pump squeal at start up.

Resonator pipe after the muffler had many holes, and the hot exhaust heated up the trunk and melted friend's luggage on the way to Reno Nevada. It was an easy fix at the muffler shop for $45.

General Comments:

Very smooth.

Very comfortable.

Very reliable so far.

Very quiet for 1987.

Engine and transmission are still smooth.

The 307 cubic inch, V8, 5.0 liter is a little underpowered for the limo.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th July, 2011

1987 Cadillac Brougham 5.0L gasoline from Germany

Summary:

Great feel and good looks

Faults:

Transmission was replaced after 100.000 km.

Torque converter clutch solenoid was sticking after 200.000 km.

Catalytic converter heat shield did not shield, and caused the transmission oil pan to leak; the cat is too close to the transmission case.

Gas tank was leaking due to rust after 190.000 km, and had to be replaced.

Intake manifold gasket was leaking and had to be replaced at 190.000 km.

General Comments:

The car is very reliable.

Starts easy, even in the cold. Car sits outside for its whole lifetime because it is too big for German garages.

I would not like to get rid of this car, it has a very nice feel driving it and is very comfortable for long rides.

It is great if you like old-style car design.

Never had a problem parking it, the steering is very easy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 22nd May, 2009

22nd May 2009, 17:15

That's not bad for a car with 170,000+ miles on it. My grandfather's 85 Fleetwood Brougham went 350,000 miles or so when he sold it to my neighbor who then drove it for another 100000 or so before they moved. These old cars were built to last back then. My grandad had a few problems with it, I don't recall all of them because I was young when he owned it, not thing major I think. All I knew of cars was vroom-vroom!! Ironically I'm an auto Technician for random Korean automaker # 3 (the one with the crooked H logo) now.

1987 Cadillac Brougham 5.0L Olds 307 from North America

Summary:

The performance of these 8 cylinder engines make me want to pull my hair out

Faults:

Gaskets leaking oil in several locations, leaky fuel pump, bad carburetor float, Overdrive clutch faulty (NO 4th Gear), no downshift due to low HP ratings.

General Comments:

Nice American luxury, that's very cheap & reliable. However with a curb weight over 4,400 lbs the engines of the time were far less than adequate to propel the beast to 60 mph. 0-60 times are almost diesel-like at around 12-15 sec. Car may perform better with polution devices removed, but will produce pungent exhaust odors & will consume more fuel.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th December, 2006

14th Dec 2006, 17:20

Taking the emissions equipment out makes little to no difference. It was done to the 305 in my '87 Caprice and it performs no better.

25th Oct 2010, 00:55

The 1980-1984 Oldsmobile 307 V8 was a fairly decent performer.

The 1985-1990 Oldsmobile 307 V8 was total garbage as far as performance and acceleration goes. It's too bad Cadillac decided to use this motor under the hood of a 4000 + pound car. Some of the Oldsmobiles had a higher output version that was much better (Cutlass Salon and 442 used them), and I think a few went into some of the big body Cadillacs too.

A little known fact about the 1985 and newer 307 V8 was that they used different cylinder heads than the older models. The newer heads are stamped 7A instead of 5A. They had roller valve lifters that made the engine smoother, but even smaller intake and exhaust ports, making the engine even more anemic. It was nearly as bad as the early 1980's low torque 4100 Cadillac V8 boat anchor.

I had a 1986 Cutlass Supreme with a 307 20 years ago, and one of my neighbors had a 1981 Buick Estate Wagon with a 307. The Buick was nearly 1000 lbs heavier, and would run circles around my Olds.

If you are looking for a big body Rear Drive Cadillac Brougham, De Ville, or Fleetwood, look for a 1977-1979 with the Big Block 425, or a 1990-1992 with the Fuel Injected Chevy 350 or 305. Even the 305 is a world of improvement compared to the 307. Avoid the 6.0 liter 368 (V-8-6-4), the Oldsmobile 307, and the 4100 Cadillac V8 at all costs.

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