Overview & Reviews

Blending all-American style with European-inspired handling, the Cadillac CTS has been a popular choice with luxury sedan consumers for more than a decade. Within that period, there have been three generations. Despite shortcomings in terms of interior design and quality, the first CTS is still a fair choice for a used luxury sedan. The second-generation CTS, which featured substantial improvements to its interior, is a much more appealing car. The most recent generation of the CTS has grown in both size and sophistication, and we feel it's the first CTS to truly be on equal footing with its European and Japanese competition.

Current Cadillac CTS
Debuting for 2014 and representing the model's third generation, the current Cadillac CTS sedan is larger and now competes more directly against midsize luxury sport sedans, leaving the compact sport sedan fight to its smaller ATS brother. The CTS coupe, wagon and CTS-V sedan carried over unchanged for this year. Improved in every way over its already respected predecessor, the latest CTS sedan has the looks, the power and the luxury required to go tire-to-tire against the world's best in this segment.

There are six main trim levels: Standard, Luxury, Performance, Premium, Vsport and Vsport Premium. Three engines are offered but trim level determines availability. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower starts things off, and it's matched to a six-speed automatic transmission and either standard rear-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive (AWD). Next up is a 3.6-liter V6 good for 321 hp -- it comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It's also available with AWD, though that version gets the six-speed auto. The Vsport comes with an exclusive turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 packing 420 hp, along with rear-wheel drive and the eight-speed automatic as the sole drivetrain setup.

Equipment on the CTS Standard trim includes keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen display and an 11-speaker Bose sound system. Upgrading to the CTS Luxury trim gets you xenon headlights, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats and added safety features. The CTS Performance is highlighted by its adaptive suspension, panoramic sunroof, head-up display and heated rear seats. The Premium trim is similar but adds adaptive cruise control and upgraded front seats and upholstery. Besides its engine, the Vsport is differentiated by its sport-tuned mechanical hardware.

The cabin of the CTS offers solid build quality and rich materials. Overall, there's a very luxurious vibe inside, and we think it's one of the most stylish designs you'll find in this segment. However, even though the latest CTS is larger than before, its interior space is essentially the same. As such, it's lacking a little for backseat and trunk space compared to its rivals. Another minor downside is the CUE ("Cadillac User Experience") infotainment system, which can be difficult to use and slow to respond.

We've only driven the high-performance CTS Vsport model thus far, so we can only comment on that version. As expected, acceleration is indeed impressive, as is the eight-speed automatic, which provides gearchanges that range from silky smooth to sports car rapid depending on the selected driving mode. Handling is sharp, composed and rewarding as well, providing the driver with an uncommon level of tactility.

Used Cadillac CTS Models
The second-generation Cadillac CTS sedan was produced from 2008 through 2013. Compared to the original CTS, it was notably more refined and powerful. In addition to the sedan, a coupe, a wagon and high-performance CTS-V variants (all reviewed separately) were also available. Overall body dimensions were similar to the first CTS, but wider-set wheels gave it a more powerful stance. The previous CTS's lackluster interior was remedied by a more attractive design, up-to-date electronics and the use of better materials.

Prior to the 2010 model year, the base engine was a 3.6-liter V6 with 258 hp. After that, the standard engine was a 3.0-liter V6 generating 270 hp. A more powerful 3.6-liter V6 was optional all along, and produced 304 hp until 2012, when output increased to 318 hp. That marked the last year that a six-speed manual transmission was available with the base engine. Subsequently, a six-speed automatic was the only transmission offered. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) being optional.

Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control and satellite radio; much later versions even came with heated seats and a rearview camera at no extra cost. Options included keyless ignition and entry and a navigation system with digital music storage capability. Two sport suspension packages were also available and we'd recommend noting if a used CTS is so equipped. Handling will be improved as a result, but the trade-off is a rougher ride.

Overall, the upgraded interior and spirited powertrains pushed this CTS into top-tier status for a luxury sport sedan. Highlights include a roomy cabin, an elegant interior design and capable handling. Besides the potentially rough ride, downsides included poor rearward visibility and for some drivers, an awkward driving position.

Notable changes made throughout this generation's run included, for 2010 only, the Eco Lux Collection option. Available only on the base 3.0-liter V6, it included tweaked aerodynamics and special tires that allowed 30 mpg on the highway -- a gain of 3 mpg. There was also a slight styling tweak for 2012, but otherwise changes were minimal.

The first-generation Cadillac CTS was sold from the 2003-'07 model years. When it debuted, the CTS was one of Cadillac's first cars to fully emphasize the brand's modern, angular styling themes. It was also a significant departure from traditional modern Cadillacs because of its rear-wheel drive, available manual transmission, stiff body structure and sport-oriented handling dynamics.

The car's larger-than-average exterior dimensions translated to a roomier cabin that could accommodate five adults. A fair number of features came standard, including antilock brakes and side curtain airbags. Upscale features were typically bundled as part of optional packages. Common options included a premium Bose audio system, a DVD-based navigation system, xenon headlights and a sunroof. A Sport package provided a sport-tuned suspension, bigger wheels and tires, and stability control.

In its first year, the Cadillac CTS came only with a 3.2-liter V6 good for 220 hp. This was joined in 2004 by a more desirable 255-hp 3.6-liter V6. At the time, the base V6 was available with a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. The larger V6 came with the automatic only. In 2005, however, the 3.2-liter engine was dropped in favor of a smaller, 210-hp 2.8-liter engine. Cadillac also upgraded the manual transmission to a six-speed unit and made it available for the 3.6-liter V6 as well.

User Reviews:

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  My first GM Product Ever! - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By RobertP - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I own a Mercedes CLK320 and a Volvo XC-90 and I must say that this car surpasses both in build quality and fun to drive factor. The 3.6 engine perfoms great, the car is vault-like and solid and the interior ergonomics are excellent. The interior is not as pretty as an Audi or BMW but I prefer this car to any german make I have owned.

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  YUm - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By SaNjU - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is out of this world!

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  Ya! Baby - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Anthony Clay - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I received the Cadillac CTS as a company car and it has been the most impressive company car that Ive ever driven. In the past I have had Volvo, Sabb and various General Motors, Fords and Chryslers. I really like the firm suspension without being considered bumpy. After driving the sob 9-5 I was surprised that he used more gas but I guess thats what you have to give up for the performance. The styling of the car is really progressive and is like nothing else on the highway. For those who enjoy being different this is just what theyre looking for.

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  Safety Hazard - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Alan51462 - September 10 - 10:00 am

  The design of the CTS windshield and dashboard creates serious reflections that can blind a driver, as happened to me, when the conditions are right. The dashboard is highly reflective and only a moderate amount of sunlight seriously reduces visability. I test drove the car on a cloudy day. Today was sunny, I got blinded and asked the dealer to rescind the transaction. Another problem, the ride. When I went over a public street that was suffering from a washboard effect, I bounced so high that I would have hit the ceiling if I hadnt been properly strapped in. AVOID THIS CAR AT ALL COSTS.

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  CTS Review - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Gary Schimmelpfennig - August 8 - 2:00 am

  More fun to drive than the 1999 Cadillac ElDorado Coupe I traded in.

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  Sweet Ride - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Satisfied Customer - July 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has incredible value for the price paid. I would most definitely recommend a CTS to anyone who loves to drive and get noticed for what they are driving. Cadillac has gone all out to provide a perfect blend of styling and performance using quality craftmanship and technology. I was more than a bit apprehensive about buying a new vehicle designed from the ground up in its first year but just had to have one based on its looks alone.

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  my 1st. cadallic - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By Nantucket - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Iv been an Alfa lover-driver.. Loved its performance, handling,looks.Due to an deer accident my 94 was totaled by the insurance co. Alfa is no longer available in the States.Was not sure about Cadillac, but after driving all that was out there under $40,000 I bought a 1994 cts. To date I find the car is not an Alfa performance wise,however more than holds its own.It moves when ever I ask it to perform. It satisfies me and Im pretty spoiled when it comes to performance.Like the size,handling,comfort..Dont understand consumers constantly berating interior finish.. I disagree.

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  CTS-- A big disappointment - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By MMRPharmD - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is a BMW/foreign car wanna be that will never happen. I bought it on first impressions and regretted every day thereafter (all 5 of them). I traded this in after 5 days of owning it (for a BMW 330i) and one trip lasting 200 miles. This is portrayed as a younger persons vehicle; however,I felt like I was driving my moms car the whole time! At 27, this is not the car for me yet, but maybe at age 57 it will be.

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  LOVE THAT CTS! - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Cadillacgirl - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I had to order my CTS from the dealership,It took 3 months for my car to arrive and I tell you once I recieved my phone call from Capitol Cadillac I rushed over and my CTS was ready for me to take her home. It was well worth the wait, I had so many people come to me asking can they look inside,that they couldnt beleive it was made by Cadillac.This car is very powerful it looks intimidating yet classy I am sold with Cadillacs forever just to think that I wanted a Mercedes C-class when I testdrove one I was not sold,then I saw a picture of the CTS I told my dad this is the car I want I didnt have to test drive it!!! lol.

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  Great Car - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Thomas Gazzola - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Great car to own and drive Better performance, handling and ride then the C class Mercedes and 5 series BMW. Caddy is back on top