For 2000, Cadillac wanted to convince the buying public to purchase a Catera claiming it is a real Cadillac. "Great cars turn driving into a magical experience. In a single moment, you feel stimulated, even exhilarated by the ease with which even challenging maneuvers are accomplished. Yet thoroughly confident, thanks to the tremendous competence of the vehicle under your command. Perhaps you've never felt that way about driving before. If so, it's time to put a little magic into your life. With the 2000 Catera from Cadillac. That's right. Cadillac."

The badges said "Cadillac" but the car was just a German Opel.

Cadillac claimed that the 2000 Catera Sport was "an uncompromised sports sedan and a highly rewarding driver's car." Instead of a woodgrain trim, the dash was trimmed in brushed aluminum. The front seats were leather, heated, and had a 10-way manual adjustment (after all sports cars wouldn't have power adjustments). The suspension was specially tuned and the wheels were 17" with high-performance tires.

The stereo accommodated both cassettes and CDs as well as the "Weather Band" and "Radio Data System." It also featured the Bose 8-speaker sound system. A trunk-mounted 12-disc CD changer was optional. Taking a page out of Buick, the automatic climate control allowed the driver and front passenger to select different temperatures.

Cadillac had long since abandoned the front-engine, rear-wheel drive setup, but with the Catera, the arrangement was back with 4-wheel independent suspension, rear automatic level control, Bosch ASR5 traction control, anti-lock braking, and large disc brakes at all four wheels.

The engine is a 3.0 liter, double overhead cam V6 producing 200 horsepower mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission with a choice of Normal, Sport and Winter shift modes.