2 Star Reviews for 2003 Cadillac CTS

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.46/5 Average
266 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

A replacement for the aging Catera sedan, the all-new CTS shares few parts with its German-built predecessor.

Pros:
  • Excellent handling, spacious cabin, alternative look.
Cons:
  • Average interior materials, considerably larger than its competitors, stability control only comes on most expensive model.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 266.00
  • Lemon - 2003 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    I am so sorry that I bought this car. I traded in a Ford Taurus for this thing . I have been sorry from the start. The airbags went first, then the entire sound system, then the door locks. The car just died again, while idling, for about the 20th time. Had to have it towed home for the 4th time in 6 months. It has 68k on it. What a giant disappointment. I have spent so much in repairs. I am done.

  • If I knew then what I know now - 2003 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    Repairs that I had within an 18 month period: 1. Piston.$700 (67,000 miles) 2. Throttle motor.$1200 (84,000 miles) 3. Steering column replacement.$800 (86,000 miles) 4. Air bag $350. (80,000 miles) bad sensor.$250. (72,000 miles) 5. Another $400 repair I cannot remember what type because there have been too many. This occurred at 80,000 miles I dont even want to total up the money I have spent on car repairs. Im upset enough already. I will never purchase a cts again.

  • Never buy again - 2003 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    I liked the looks of this car when it first came out so I bought one. I should have waited until they figured out the problems. I had instant problems with the check engine light. It took 5 trips back to the dealer before they figured out that it was the thermostat and had to reset the sensors every time. Now it dies when you come to a stop. The final kicker was the headlamp. It went out so I looked in the manual on how to replace it. Of course it said see dealer. They quoted me $1100 to replace it. How stupid is the design team at GM? I will never buy another GM car.

  • Foolishness - 2003 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    I purchased the pre-owned car in March 2006 with around 16,000-22,000 miles on it. The first few years were ok, except I had to purchased tires the next year!(gross), anyway, I have had problems after problems after problems! Now, for the fourth time on today I had to get a tow truck to tow it into the dealer in Greenbelt, MD. I need a timing belt, which will cost 1,500. Its has been the worst car besides the Volvo I had long time ago, that I have ever driven! No more cadillacs for me! thank god. Never will I purchase a cadillac again! No way, hosay!! No more cars, period!! Dissatisfied to death!! (Mad, angry, frustrated, whatever!!

  • More Cadillac Junk - 2003 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    This was a very exciting purchase for my family because it was our first Cadillac. We bought it used because we couldnt afford a new CTS. We quickly found out we couldnt afford a used CTS either. These cars have a lengthy list of faults from engine design to creature comforts. The biggest fault the vehicle has would have to be the extensive use of electronics and other devices that are not needed, however if these units fail, the car doesnt run. Anytime anyone touchs a Cadillac for repair, plan on a minimum of $1000. Better yet, pass on the Caddie and buy a normal car. The Cadillac name is not made from quality anymore.

  • Try again Caddilac :( - 2003 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    I have had nothing but problems with my Caddilac. I was the proud owner of a 97 DeVille and regret the trade. This CTS has been in and out of the shop numerous times already. The airbag light keeps on flashing. The plastic cupholder molding cracked. The passenger side glove compartment hinges broke. Its terrible. This is worse build quality than my winter beater car Chevy Cavalier. Thumbs down to GM. Now as far as the engine, its smooth as silk, but underpowered. Ive never driven a car this underpowered. My Cavalier feels gutsier. Caddilac, give me a V8 next time. Ill never buy another one. Im getting rid of it next month.

  • Cadillac CTS - 2003 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    My 2003 Cadillac CTS has been having problems every since I brought it in 2002. Now its having engine problems. I bought a lemon.

  • I HATE THIS CAR! - 2003 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    I purchased this car in Oct. 2003. In a year, this car has been in the shop 7 times. It first started out as "little" non-mechanical problems. The remote keyless entry quit working. Stereo has been replaced twice. Car was stuck in park (related to a problem with the brakelights, go figure!) Back carpet soaked from air conditioning drainage. Now car having problems starting. Dealer had for a week and couldnt figure out what the problem was. Said we needed to wait for it to become "more broke". Now besides the starting problem, car dies at traffic lights. Totally unreliable!! Have been stranded 5 times in the last week! Has depreciated $10,000 value in 1 year. Ridiculous!

  • All Bark, Dont get BITTEN - 2003 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    This is a feeble attempt by GM to build a car to compete with European autos. They fail in every category. The car is all sizzle and no meat! The over-all quality is typical of all domestic cars. It is filled with plastic and poorly fitted components that rattle, squeak and creek after the first month. It is surely one of the worst cars I have ever owned. GM has has no interest in correcting the problems I have had with my CTS. I made an impulse purchase, boy am I sorry!!! I never thought I would say give my Catera back!

  • CTS has Problems - 2003 Cadillac CTS
    By -

    I purchased this car when they came out and was excited. I thought that cadillac had finnally made a break Through. I experienced nothing but problems. Air conditioner leaks flooded the car twice. All the carpet had to be replaced. Battery went out. Warning lights coming on for no reason. And the service from the dealership was horrible. I called the Customer Assistance center thinking that they would help. Not only no help but rude. Cadillac will never regain market share with poor quality and even poorer service. They just dont seem to care about the consumer once they have purchased a car. Beware of the CTS unless you want migrane headaches

Cadillac CTS Reviews By Year:
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