1988 Cadillac Cimarron problems

Common 1988 Cadillac Cimarron problems

The Cadillac Cimarron, produced from 1982 to 1988, is often considered one of the worst cars ever made due to its poor design, low-quality construction, and high price point. Here are some of the common problems with the Cadillac Cimarron 1988, based on complaints from owners:

• Transmission: The Cimarron had issues with its automatic transmission, which often failed or required expensive repairs. The transmission would sometimes slip, causing the car to jerk or hesitate during acceleration. Additionally, the transmission would sometimes fail to shift smoothly, leading to a rough and uncomfortable driving experience.

• Electrical issues: The Cimarron was plagued with electrical problems, including malfunctioning gauges, faulty wiring, and blown fuses. These issues often resulted in the car's electrical system failing, leaving the driver stranded. The electrical problems were so prevalent that they were one of the main reasons for the car's poor reputation.

• Build quality: The Cimarron was built to low standards, with cheap materials and poor construction. The car's interior was made of low-quality plastics and fabrics, which quickly wore out and looked dated. The car's exterior was also poorly constructed, with gaps in the body panels and uneven paint.

• Price: The Cimarron was priced much higher than its Chevy Cavalier sibling, despite being virtually identical in terms of design and construction. The high price point led to sticker shock for many customers, who felt that they were not getting the value they expected from a luxury car.

• Design: The Cimarron's design was criticized for being too similar to the Chevy Cavalier, which it was based on. The car's exterior and interior were virtually identical to the Cavalier, with only minor cosmetic changes to distinguish it as a luxury car. This led to the car being derided as a "badge-engineered" version of the Cavalier, rather than a true luxury car.

• Reliability: The Cimarron was not a reliable car, with numerous mechanical and electrical issues that led to frequent breakdowns and expensive repairs. The car's poor reliability was one of the main reasons for its poor reputation, as customers expected more from a luxury car.

In conclusion, the Cadillac Cimarron 1988 was a flawed car with numerous problems that led to its poor reputation. The car's engine, transmission, electrical system, build quality, price, design, and reliability were all criticized by owners and automotive experts alike. The Cimarron is often considered one of the worst cars ever made, and its failure is a cautionary tale for automakers about the importance of design, quality, and value in creating a successful luxury car.

What platform was the Cadillac Cimarron from?

General Motors' J platform

Based on General Motors' J platform, which also underpinned the lowly Chevy Cavalier, the Cadillac Cimarron was an attempt by the division to woo younger affluent buyers away from imports.

What kind of car is a Cimarron?

The Cimarron was, of course, a Cadillac and not some plebeian Chevy, but aside from badging, all that really meant was you could get the inside slathered in leather.

What was the Cadillac version of the Chevy Cavalier?

Cadillac Cimarron

Initially a divisional counterpart of the Buick Skyhawk, Cadillac Cimarron, Oldsmobile Firenza, and Pontiac J2000, the Cavalier was primarily marketed alongside the Pontiac Sunbird (renamed the Pontiac Sunfire for 1995).

Why did the Cadillac Cimarron fail?

Forbes placed the Cimarron on its list of "Legendary Car Flops", citing low sales, poor performance and the fact the car "didn't work, coming from a luxury brand." CarBuzz called the Cimarron a "textbook example of what goes wrong when a carmaker tries to badge engineer an economy car into a luxury car."

What platform was the Cadillac Cimarron from?

General Motors' J platform

Based on General Motors' J platform, which also underpinned the lowly Chevy Cavalier, the Cadillac Cimarron was an attempt by the division to woo younger affluent buyers away from imports.

What kind of car is a Cimarron?

The Cimarron was, of course, a Cadillac and not some plebeian Chevy, but aside from badging, all that really meant was you could get the inside slathered in leather.

What was the Cadillac version of the Chevy Cavalier?

Cadillac Cimarron

Initially a divisional counterpart of the Buick Skyhawk, Cadillac Cimarron, Oldsmobile Firenza, and Pontiac J2000, the Cavalier was primarily marketed alongside the Pontiac Sunbird (renamed the Pontiac Sunfire for 1995).

Why did the Cadillac Cimarron fail?

Forbes placed the Cimarron on its list of "Legendary Car Flops", citing low sales, poor performance and the fact the car "didn't work, coming from a luxury brand." CarBuzz called the Cimarron a "textbook example of what goes wrong when a carmaker tries to badge engineer an economy car into a luxury car."

1988 Cadillac Cimarron car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Cimarron problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Electrical system problems
• Seats problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Cadillac Cimarron vehicle components and the number of complaints received.