Image of 1982 Cadillac Cimarron, sourced from www.caranddriver.com , Image Link.

Unveiling the 1982 Cadillac Cimarron: A Study in Ambition and Controversy

The 1982 Cadillac Cimarron emerged as a bold attempt by Cadillac to enter the compact luxury market, a segment that was rapidly gaining traction in the early 80s. As a division of General Motors, Cadillac has long been synonymous with American luxury and opulence. However, the Cimarron's introduction was met with mixed reactions, marking it as a contentious chapter in automotive history. One of the most intriguing aspects of the Cimarron's story is its positioning as a luxury vehicle built on the J-body platform, which it shared with less prestigious GM models such as the Chevrolet Cavalier.

Design and Innovation: The Cimarron's Aesthetic and Technological Endeavors

The exterior of the 1982 Cadillac Cimarron was conservative yet attempted to exude a certain level of sophistication. With its rectangular headlamps and classic grille, it echoed Cadillac's design language but on a scaled-down frame. The interior aimed for luxury, featuring plush seating and an array of amenities that were intended to justify its premium positioning. Materials such as leather were available, aiming to provide a sense of upscale comfort. Technologically, it offered features like electronic fuel injection and a four-speed manual transmission, which were notable for Cadillac at the time.

Color options for the Cimarron included traditional hues that appealed to conservative tastes while also offering bolder choices for those wanting to stand out. The sedan body style was the primary offering, targeting those seeking a compact executive car experience.

Historical Significance: The Cimarron's Legacy in Automotive Evolution

The 1982 Cadillac Cimarron is often cited as a misstep for the brand, but it also serves as an important lesson in understanding market demands and brand identity. Its attempt to blend luxury with compact efficiency set it apart from contemporaries but also highlighted the challenges of cross-brand platform sharing without sufficient differentiation. Despite its controversial reception, the Cimarron contributed to ongoing discussions about what constitutes a luxury vehicle and how automotive brands can effectively diversify their offerings.

Performance and Handling: Behind the Wheel of the Cimarron

The performance of the 1982 Cadillac Cimarron was modest, with acceleration from 0-60 mph being far from exhilarating compared to today's standards. Its top speed was adequate for its class but did not push any boundaries. Handling wise, it managed everyday driving conditions reasonably well but lacked the refinement expected from a Cadillac. Drivers noted that while it provided a comfortable ride, it did not offer the spirited performance or handling prowess found in some European competitors.

Ownership Experience: Living with a Cimarron

The Cimarron found its niche among those who sought a daily driver with Cadillac branding but in a more compact package. Maintenance and reliability were typical of GM vehicles from that era—serviceable by most mechanics but not without its quirks. As time has passed, finding parts can be challenging due to its relatively short production run and limited following.

Fun Facts: The Cimarron's Unique Place in Automotive Lore

Despite its rocky history, the Cadillac Cimarron holds some interesting trivia. For instance, it was one of the first Cadillacs offered with a manual transmission since World War II. While not known for breaking records or celebrity endorsements, it has become somewhat of an oddity among classic car enthusiasts. Criticisms often centered around its perceived lack of distinction from cheaper GM models and underwhelming performance credentials.

Collector's Information: Assessing the Cimarron's Market Today

Today, finding a 1982 Cadillac Cimarron can be quite rare; production numbers were not exceedingly high due to limited demand. It's estimated that fewer than 100,000 units were produced during its entire run from 1982-1988. In terms of value range, well-preserved examples could fetch anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 or more depending on condition and mileage—though these figures are speculative given their scarcity on the market. The model hasn't seen significant appreciation over time and remains more of a curiosity than an investment.

Conclusion: Reflecting on the Cadillac Cimarron's Journey

The story of the 1982 Cadillac Cimarron is one filled with ambition and lessons learned. It stands as a testament to an era when automotive brands were exploring new territories—sometimes successfully, other times less so. While it may not have achieved the status that Cadillac hoped for at its inception, it remains an intriguing piece of automotive history worthy of discussion among enthusiasts and collectors alike.

1982 Cadillac Cimarron Front coil-spring insulator-BN 110Front coil-spring insulator. Fits '41-'60 Oldsmobile and '50-'83 GM passenger models. 5-3/8 in. OD x 3-3/4 in. ID x 3/4 in. high with 13/16 in. wide bottom flange 1/4" thick, 12 flutes. Each.

1982 Cadillac Cimarron Automatic brake pedal pad fits '78-88 GM A, Spec A, G Body-CB 101-DCB 101-D replaces the automatic brake pedal pad on many 1978-1988 General Motors A, Spec A and G body models. Also fits many 1982-1991 GM J, L, N and P body models. 4-1/2" wide X 2-1/2" long. Each

1982 Cadillac Cimarron Extruded door seal (imported). Universal replacement part-IS-MW00100Extruded door seal (imported). Universal replacement part. Made with flexible steel core. Fits front or rear and either side on passenger doors. Does not fit slider/cargo doors and liftgates on vans and mini-vans. 1-3/16 in. X 3/4 in. X 13 ft. 4 in. Each.

1982 Cadillac Cimarron Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide-M 30Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide. Sold by the foot

1982 Cadillac Cimarron Brake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861-RP 2-EBrake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861. 5" X 2-1/2". Each

1982 Cadillac Cimarron Windshield Reveal Molding, 82-92 GM F, 82-88 GM A, 82-89 GM J, 85-91 GM N Bodies-VWS 1967-LWindshield Reveal Molding, 82-92 GM F, 82-88 GM A, 82-89 GM J, 85-91 GM N Bodies, Each.

1982 Cadillac Cimarron Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 211Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 15/16" X 3/4". Each

1982 Cadillac Cimarron Lower Side Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of nylon-WF 214Lower Side Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of nylon. 1-1/4" x 3/4". Each