1989 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham from North America

Summary:

Good car

Faults:

Engine light on and off, low oil light comes on yet goes away when I put on the gas. Just needs a tune up.

Wheel bearings had to be replaced.

The clear coat is coming off on the hood and trunk.

The back end seems to be lower when compared to other cars of the same year.

Headliner was falling down, I just ripped it out.

Still love it though.

General Comments:

Classic caddy look that they do not make any more. Big body, big grille etc. I love to drive this car.

I needed something quick and didn't have a lot of money at the time, I saw an ad in the paper and got it for $1,200. It's done me right so far.

I've tinkered with it and done belts etc. Yet I will take it in for a tune up, spark plugs, diagnostics etc to a mechanic.

It just has the good old feel, heavy doors, long hood. Smooth ride on the highway too. I wish that Caddilac would make a modern Fleetwood, yet it's all XTS and STS now. Anyway I love my 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood. Just something about it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd July, 2006

1989 Cadillac Fleetwood FWD 4.5 liter V8 from North America

Summary:

A nice affordable luxury car

Faults:

I replaced the front brake pads and had the front rotors turned at 69,000 miles. ($100)

I also had a broken transmission mount replaced ($45)

General Comments:

I have been very pleased with this car, having owned it since it was 5 years old. It was previously owned by a funeral home and was always kept exceptionally clean and well-maintained.

I drive it on trips occasionally and it delivers 23-25 mpg.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th October, 2002

30th Jun 2004, 19:25

I am looking at a 1993 Cadillac Eldorado, but it has the 4.9 and not the Northstar, how reliable and dependable is this engine?

17th Jan 2005, 15:18

I have a 1991 Cadillac Seville with the 4.9L and it is bulletproof! Not a single thing has ever happened to it and it has over 170,000 miles on it. Truly a nice small block V-8 by GM.

4th Dec 2010, 14:45

The 4.9 is much more reliable than the early Northstars. Routine maintenance and well over 200k is expected. Plus it has more torque down low, so it seems like it's never working hard; the star has to rev up to make power... if you ever do get a Northstar, get a 2000 or up, or there WILL be oil on your driveway/garage floor, as the oilpan has a crossmember under it, so the entire motor has to be pulled to change a 20 dollar gasket, and guess what --- nobody will spend the cash, they just live with it leaking.

In reply to 30th Jun 2004, 19:25

17th Jan 2014, 09:11

I had a 91 Eldorado with the 4.9... Do your scheduled maintenance; oil changes, filters, etc faithfully every 3,000 miles and don't beat on it. It will last a long, long, long time.