What is the Cadillac Fleetwood?
The Fleetwood was a large luxury sedan in Cadillac’s range. Its name had a long association with Cadillac coachbuilding and flagship models. During the period covered here, the car changed layout: the first generation used front-wheel drive, while the second returned to rear-wheel drive.
The Fleetwood represented Cadillac’s tradition of large American luxury cars. The first generation was part of the marque’s front-wheel-drive lineup; the later model became its full-size rear-wheel-drive sedan.
Fleetwood generations
The first generation ran from 1985 to 1992 on the C-body platform. It arrived as Cadillac downsized its full-size cars and adopted front-wheel drive, while retaining the comfort-oriented character associated with the Fleetwood name.
The second generation ran from 1993 to 1996 on the D-body platform. It returned the Fleetwood to rear-wheel drive and became Cadillac’s largest sedan. Production ended after the 1996 model year.
Engines and power
US EPA listings span 4.1 L to 5.7 L engines and include petrol and diesel versions. Canadian NRCan listings cover a 5.7 L petrol engine.
The two generations brought different layouts, from the front-wheel-drive C-body car to the rear-wheel-drive D-body sedan.
How economical is the Cadillac Fleetwood?
The best listed combined US EPA rating is 24 MPG, and the lowest listed consumption is 9.8 L/100 km under the EPA test. Canadian NRCan figures show lowest listed consumption of 13.1 L/100 km using the 5-cycle procedure. EPA, Canadian 5-cycle, and European WLTP or NEDC procedures differ, so ratings from different markets are not directly comparable.
US EPA listings cover model years 1984–1996, while Canadian NRCan listings cover 1995–1996.
Questions and answers
How many Fleetwood generations are covered?
Two: the first generation ran from 1985 to 1992, and the second from 1993 to 1996.
Did the Fleetwood change from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive?
Yes. The first generation used front-wheel drive; the second returned to rear-wheel drive.
What engines are listed?
US EPA listings span 4.1 L to 5.7 L and include petrol and diesel. Canadian listings cover a 5.7 L petrol engine.
What is the best combined EPA fuel economy listed?
The best US EPA combined rating is 24 MPG.
