Overview & Reviews

For 2004, the CTS adds a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 in addition to the standard 3.2-liter motor. The base suspension has been modified with new shocks, while the Sport package is now available on all models. The interior receives a slight refresh in the form of a color-keyed center console, additional chrome trim and white lighting. Lastly, an engine water temperature gauge replaces the clock on the dash.

• Excellent handling, spacious cabin, alternative look.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 200.00

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  2004 CTS 3.6L - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Mike - May 13 - 4:00 pm

  My initial excitement with this car was replaced by disappointment. Rear Shocks went at 37K, Wheel hub bearing at 50K (900 USD to replace), timing chain at 43K (1800 usd), airflow sensor @ 62K (450 usd), uses 1quart of oil per 1000 miles. This american luxury did not impress me. No wonder consumerreports rates it at "below average". GM: please wake up

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  Problem with Timing Chain - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By ppilsner - January 14 - 12:25 pm

  So excited to buy my first Cadillac. Certified pre-owned and have had regular oil changes. Manual says nothing about replacing this chain for the 3.6 engine, but does so for the 3.1. Just out of warranty, and paid off early. Chain broke with no warning whatsoever. Research and mechanics have said this should not have happened at this mileage. In the shop right now and were up to $2100 and counting. Anyone else had a problem with timing chain? Its just wrong! Dealer is not wanting to make any adjustments, passing me off to corporate office.....very unhappy with my decision to purchase this american car. Between brake and shock problems, its a regret.

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  Timing Chain Repair at 70K miles=$2500 - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By rcwilbur - July 9 - 1:05 pm

  I love driving this car. When purchasing I opted for the 3.6 liter engine, in part, because it has timing chains that are supposed to survive the life of the car, as opposed to the 3.2 which the owners manual suggests replacing at 100k miles. The owners manual even states that if you dont replace the timing belt on the 3.2 liter you risk severe engine damage. Well the timing chain broke on my 3.6 CTS at 70K miles and the dealership estimates that the repair costs will be about $2500. Dealership also told me they had another 3.6 CTS in at the same time, for the same problem.

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  Fun to drive if you like rattles - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By CTS - June 15 - 12:45 pm

  This car is fun to drive, with the 5 speed manual and the 3.2 liter dohc v6 makes a fair amount of power. The interior is comfortable but is a little boring and kind of cheaply made. I am very disappointed with the stabilatrack which has gone haywire on me after 45000 miles and a rattle coming from the engine somewhere, after about 30,000 miles. other than that the car is wonderful, turns on a dime, good acceleration, handles good, and brakes good.

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  Do Not Buy, Definitely Dont Lease - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By sawuscoming - March 14 - 10:29 am

  Obviously, most positive reviews are looks and fun. It does look good, but is only fun in optimal driving conditions. If sliding (from a stop at slow acceleration) on slightly wet pavement is is fun, its fun. Ive driven in Illinois winters for sixteen years this is the only car Ive ever slid off the road in. Interior looks good for awhile, but black finish on control buttons has chipped off. Interior lights dim off and on, and the cruise control has been disengaging--it only has 18,000 miles on the car. To this date, it has had three recalls. Dont waste money on a tired name when there are car quality companies producing luxury vehicles built with the driver in mind.

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  Do Not Purchase This Vehicle - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By ceranic - January 4 - 12:26 pm

  Think twice before purchasing a 2004 Cadillac CTS. Due the fact that front and rear tire sizes vary, it is not possible to rotate the tires. Consequently, the tires will feather (cup) and produce an irritating, noisey ride. According to several tire dealers, plan on replacing tires after approximately 15,000 miles. I would seriously question any rave reviews on the fun aspect of driving this vehicle, or any vehicle, whose tires remain in place without proper periodic rotation.

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  2004 Cadillac CTS - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Al - December 29 - 6:00 pm

  I posted about my Cadillac CTS back in early 2005. I raved about this car. I loved it. Until October 2005 a seal broke in the trunk and it took all of the 3 inches of rain from the sky into my interior. Everything was totaled inside. Since then Caddy installed a new interior. Every week I get a new rattle along with panels falling off the interior. It sounds like a Yellow school bus when you drive it. I reached out to service reps and GM in Detroit. All on deaf ears. As long I pay GMAC nobody cares. I strongly recommend you choose wisely. For the first time in my life after 25 years of driving Cadillac, I have to try other waters (foreign). What a shame!

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  Dead Batteries and Dies Out When Driving - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Scott - October 23 - 12:01 am

  I have been having problems with my 2004 Cadillac CTS since 7/2005 with the car dying out while driving on three occasions and I have had to have the battery changed twice. My car has been in the dealership for roughly one month while they are trying to figure out what is going on. They are not having much luck. They are only working on the dead battery problem. They gave up on finding out why the car dies out while driving. After my experience with the service level of the dealership and the Cadillac corporate people I would never buy another Cadillc. Buyer beware.

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  Lemon Caddy - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Vivian Flusche - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I have problems from day one! Brake rotors have had to be replaced, power steering pump replaced, have had an ongoing problem with wet floor mats due to water from the air conditioning leaking into the cabin. The last Caddy I purchesed was a 1981 six cylinder Deville. Junk!!! The CTS is not much better.

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  Unreliable and Dangerous - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By FredG - October 18 - 2:00 am

  On August 9, 2003, I purchased a new 2004 CTS. In September, on a short road trip, the master cylinder failed and I had no brakes. It was replaced after 11 days under warranty. On October 26, on a longer trip, the engine died while doing 70 mph on the interstate. The car was towed to a Cadillac dealer and he could find no errors in the cars computer, but tweaked some things and said the car was fine. On November 1, the car again died on the interstate and was towed to the nearest dealer where we left the car for good! After three dangerous failures in this car, we are now driving a Lexus, after receiving our money back from Cadillac.