Cadillac Models & History 1997
This year marked the first time since 1988 (when the underachieving V-6-powered Cimarron was discontinued) that Cadillac offered something other than a V-8 engine.
- The all-new Catera used a 200-horsepower dual overhead cam V-6.
- The DeVille ranks were bolstered with the addition of the d’Elegance sedan joining the existing DeVille and DeVille Concours sedans.
- All DeVille and Catera models now featured side airbags as standard equipment and the exclusive-to-Cadillac OnStar communication system also debuted as an option on all front-drive models in 1997.
- All Cadillacs also received improved anti-lockout protection.
V.I.N. DATA
| The 1997 Cadillac had a 17-symbol vehicle identification number (VIN) stamped on a metal tag attached to the upper left surface of the cowl visible through the windshield. The code was as follows: | ||
| POSITION | DIGIT | MEANING |
| 1 | 1 or 4 | manufacturing country (United States) |
| 2 | G | General Motors |
| 3 | 6 | Cadillac |
| 4 & 5 | car line series |
|
| 6 | the body style: |
|
| 7 | the restraint code |
|
| 8 | the engine |
|
| 9 | check digit | |
| 10 | model year | V = 1997 |
| 11 | the assembly plant | |
| 12-17 | the production sequence number | |
HISTORICAL NOTES
1997 Cadillac Notes
- Cadillac’s model year production totaled 159,820 compared with 174,406 the year previous (this figure does not include the 25,411 imported Cateras).
- Based on sales of 182,624 automobiles in 1997 (vs, 170,379 the year before), Cadillac’s share of the U.S. market was 2.2 percent compared with 2.0 the year previous.
- In May 1997, Cadillac announced the Catera would be produced domestically at its next redesign.
1997 Automotive Notes
- John F. Smith, Jr. was president of GM
- John F. Smith, Jr. was chairman of the board at GM
- Top model year production for 1997
1997 Automotive Notes
- GM news:
- Ford news:
- Chrysler news:
- AMC news:
- Other makes news:
- Top American Automobile Corporations for 1997
1. General Motors……………………………………………..? 2. Ford…………………………………………………………….? 3. Chrysler……………………………………………………….? 4. AMC……………………………………………………………? 5. Others…………………………………………………………?
- Top model year production for 1997
Ford……………………………………………………………………………………..913,440 Chevrolet………………………………………………………………………………650,820 Pontiac………………………………………………………………………………….600,506 Lincoln/Mercury…………………………………………………………………….376,348 Buick………………………………………………………………………………………287,655 Oldsmobile…………………………………………………………………………….277,086 Saturn…………………………………………………………………………………..271,612 Dodge……………………………………………………………………………………241,058 Cadillac……………………………………………………………………………..169,912 Plymouth………………………………………………………………………………155,563 Chrysler……………………………………………………………………………….44,096 Acura…………………………………………………………………………………106,844
Keyword: Cadillac History 1997