The Cadillac Catera was a mid-sized automobile that was largely a rebadged version of the Opel Omega MV6 made in Russelsheim, Germany. It was marketed in North America and other markets worldwide as an entry-level Cadillac. Cadillac's engineers made a number of luxury and safety modifications for the U.S. market, adding significantly to the MV6's original curb weight, as well as softening the car's suspension. Since the demise of Cadillac's top-of-the-line Fleetwood in 1996, Cadillac wanted a third sedan. The Catera was brought to North America, and the Seville became a top-of-the-line sedan, moving the DeVille as Cadillac's middle-class sedan. Also, it was the only Cadillac built outside of the United States to come to North America by that time (the earlier Cadillac Allante roadster was partially assembled in Italy).

The Catera, due in part to reliability problems including initial tire wear issues caused by an "autobahn-friendly" alignment specification, and engine failures (for which a recall was eventually offered by GM) as well as a disappointing marketing campaign, was dropped after the 2001 model year.