4 Star Reviews for 2004 Cadillac CTS

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.69/5 Average
200 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Excellent handling, spacious cabin, alternative look.
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 200.00
  • Heavey maintenance car with many pattern problems - 2004 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    When this car gets over 75,000 miles there is a 50 percent chance that the headgaskets will fail and need replacement. 741 coce on the transmission, that is an intermittent or stuck off position of the shift selnoid in the transmission. $ 20.00 part $ 2000 dollar job. 171 and 174 codes . 174 most likely will be an intack leak after the throttle body. You will need to get a gasket set and replace the throttle body coupler as well. Cheap but labor intensive. You have to remove the plenum for the gaskets first taking off the Fuel rail etc etc. When you do this you will see were your starter is located. After 100,000 miles or 150, stretching it you will have to replace the double plat plugs. Front is ok to to do , the back by the firewall could be a pain in the butt. While your at it change the coils if you could afford it. You may start to develop oil leaks . Many of the O rings around the sensors dry up and start to leak slightly. The oil filter adapter leaks on these cars, usually needing a new gasket or possible new adapter and gasket. While u have that off, u might as well change the crankshaft sensors located in a tough spot right above the oil filter adapter using new o rings to stop those little oil leaks that are starting at this mileage. Also changing the crankshaft position sensors will assure you that they wont fail and leave you stranded without notice. Piece of mind. The cars are just heavey maintenance. im a mechanic that changes the oil regualrly using good sythetic oil and filter. I use my caddy, but it could be a pain in the u know what. the parts are made realy light of aluminum and these days they are not even madein the states. Many now are made in asian countries and many mechanics will tell you they are having problems with the quality and reliability of the electronic sensors etc. Even a/c delco is stamped made in China etc. Timkin Hub bearings are now made in Korea. Not bad but the old american made lasted longer. Just be ware what is going on in this industry. Be cafeful. Its not just Cadillac its all of them. Make them cheap and light and sell them for high profit. Be well everyone good luck. Write to Gm in Detroit and tell them to make their cars here parts here putting American men and women back to work.

  • Lots of Perfomance for the Dollar - 2004 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    Im very happy with this car! The V6 the 5-speed is a blast. Everyone who rides in it is surprised with the style, ride and sportiness. Driving is fun again

  • Fun Ride - 2004 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    Bought the 04 CTS Sport used in June 09. Had 86k at the time. Fun car to drive. Great performance. So far had to replace the water pump, and throttle body at about a $700 a clip. Seems to go thru tires pretty quick too. Put a new set on about 12k ago and they wont last until next inspection April 12. Overall, got a great deal on this car. Paid about $11k. Still cant believe I paid that amount for such a sweet ride. Very reliable. Have taken on long road trips and love the performance.

  • Sporty Nightmare - 2004 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    Its very fun to drive, and fast for a V6. Looks great and turns heads. Great interior. However it gets terrible mileage for a V6. I get 24 on highway if Im lucky. It burns about a quart every 1000 miles! It is worthless in snow and ice. My transmission went out at 95,000 miles. $5000 for a new one installed at the dealership. When I step on my brakes the car shimmies and shakes back and forth. Had to replace a brake caliper at 75,000 miles $850! Basically its a unreliable gas/oil burning expensive piece of crap that I can only use half of the year if the transmission wasnt broken! Spare yourself a headache and steer clear! Its looks ARE deceiving!

  • Mixed Emotions - 2004 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    The CTS does not enjoy slippery conditions. Not a car to drive in Maine. While a great fun car to drive, it is a very expensive car to maintain. Tires will last about 24,000 miles, and dont hit a bump or youll blow out a $650 rim. We did have significant electronic problems, which may have been due to dealer incompetence.

  • Great car, Fun to Drive - 2004 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    I have had my CTS for two years, and had read several reviews before my purchase. I saw that there were several complaints about the batteries dying on this vehicle. I also had this problem, not because of a faulty wiring system like many of the reviews said, but because of the bose sound system. When i bought the car i knew bose made a cheap product and expected this to happen, due to the lack of a remote wire on their amp. I replaced the amp and speakers (the bose speakers are made of cardboard) with a better product and it fixed the issue. This car has great handling and plenty of power.

  • FINALLY GOOD CONSTRUTION!!! - 2004 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    This is my 3rd caddy and I always felt they needed to be more tightly fitted. This cts has a good solid feel. Not as much fun to drive as my 99 Eldorado though. If maintenance wont become a problem then Cadillac has a winner.

  • Good try but going back to an Import - 2004 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    Wife crashed the toyota 4runner and my Honda S2000 was stolen off the drivway. So I decided to go with some class and give GM back a chance... WRONG CHOICE!!! The CTS 3.6L with Navi and 17" wheels was a good try for GM but this car still does not compare. Quality is poor as paint interior on knobs are chipping everywhere and my side skirt is loose, memory settings get messed up on the sideview mirrors. There are recalls on the CTS with the steering linkages. My alignment needs to be redone every year so far and now it is acting up with suspension noises. Brand new these cars are great, right up until you add some mileage on them. Overall,still fun to drive while looking good doing it

  • Ameri-cant - 2004 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    It handles great in dry conditions, but not in snow, which is miserable. Fuel economy is disappointing for a V6 with VVT. The transmission makes a whinning noise, and the car is known to have issues with trannies. Comfortable, stylish, and fun, but not quality, reliable, or practical. Overall a decent value IF you get it at a cheap price, but Ill never buy another caddy again- HIGH maintenance costs, and not great quality. Get an Acura- 10x the quality for about the same price. Do not even consider if you drive in winter conditions.

  • My Cts experience - 2004 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    Rides with comfort, good driving view

Cadillac CTS Reviews By Year:
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