Catera is built in Germany off of a successful Opel platform. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control are standard on the Catera. In addition to driver and passenger frontal airbags, there are door airbags available in the spring of 97. DeVille d'Elegance DeVille Cadillac has split the DeVille into three different packages for 1997. The 97 DeVilles gain more aggressive styling, front seat side airbags, numerous structural improvements, and interior modifications.
Individual models vary in trim and options based on their target customers.
Where the Concours receives a body-colored grille, its siblings receive chrome and optional gold accessories. The Concours also features Cadillac's ICCS traction and handling control system. Minor Eldorado ETC Eldorado receives the enhanced ICCS system for 1997 Seville Seville STS receives the enhanced ICCS system for 1997.