2004 Cadillac CTS Research & Reviews

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.

  • Awesome car - 2004 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    First of all there is more than one trim level and engine option. I have the top trim level one with the upgraded 3.6 L and all wheel drive with the gold emblem package. Love every thing about the car I have bought other cars since this one but love it so much I kept it and still use it. Here 9 years later and about 180,000 miles she is still running strong and fun as hell to drive. I remember when I first test drove it I was in disbelief it was a caddy. Ive owned and remember the devilles, sevilles, and fleetwoods big floaty land yachts, but this is small and sporty, something I used to think wasnt in Cadillacs vocabulary.

  • 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.

  • Car from HELL - 2004 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    I purchased a new 04 cts which was my 15th new auto. It came from a Stephen King flick i think. Everything was changed out on it but the paint job and it had to be redone. I never had a car that had the instrument panel replaced before. I gave GM so much trouble they even made a monthly payment for me. Cadillac is the most overpriced car made. I would not buy another Cad at ANY PRICE. I dont have time for the problems. The dealer kept it more than i did. After 40,000 I finally justified getting rid of my problem. I traded the car from HELL. It actually made it to the new car dealer that i traded it to.

  • 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!

  • 2004 CTS 3.6L - 2004 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    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

  • 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.

  • Amazing American Car - 2004 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    Ive had this car for about 2 and a half months and this is absolutely amazing. I have the 3.6 L engine and acceleration is great and handling is also quite sharp, not to mention the turning radius on the car is one of the best out there. This car is super smooth at fast highway speeds and is a good looking car. When you compare it to other European cars in its class, this is hands down the best bang for the buck. This sure isnt just an old mans Cadillac. Im in college and I love it. This is proof that Americans can make superb quality cars. The newer generation models look 10 times as amazing. The CTS is definitely the greatest American car on the market today.

  • Best car I ever owned! - 2004 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    Bought my CTS used with 46000 miles. It is my daily driver so I am racking up the miles on it. I have the 3.6L V6 and the performance is out of this world! Traction in the snow has been great with the Goodyear Triple Treads. My plan is to put 1 million miles on this thing!

Cadillac CTS Reviews By Year:
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