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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  CTS leaves some things off - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Jack Watters - November 20 - 10:00 am

  After getting use to more engine noise and tighter suspension and steering Ive begine to like to drive this car. BUT Caddy left some things out: the glove box light with no option for one and the right hand wiper stalk is too close to the steering wheel. Its too easy to start the wipers when you dont want to. They also decided that double sun visors for forward and side werent necessary. WRONG! It would also have been nice if the insterment panel had back lighting all the time. It is hard to read driving into the sun with no back light. Rough pavement noise is louder than it should be for a Caddy.

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  1 Year Update - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By CTS - November 18 - 11:39 pm

  This was my dream car. Or I thought it would be. So many things have gone wrong with this car. The battery died stranding us 4 times. The steering wheel squeaks been taken to dealer twice. Steering coulum replaced. It still squeaks. The cooled seats broks. the lumbar support broke, There are some rattles. The key stopped working. The brakes squeal. For a 53k car none of this should happen. Dont get me wrong this is a beautiful car. The interior is top notch. Even though there is too much lumbar support on lowest setting. The interior/ exterior design is amazing. The speakers, navigation, leather, panoramic sunroof, heated/cooled seats are great. Great car, way too many problems for price.

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  Would not buy this car again - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By New Caddy owner - November 18 - 5:08 pm

  The car is advertised as getting 18 MPG in the city but Im only getting between 13 and 14. Am thoroughly upset about this.

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  BEST OF CLASS - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By tomokie - November 16 - 2:00 am

  WE RESEARCHED AND DROVE THE MAJORITY OF ITS COMPETITION.....THIS CAR WINS IN EVERY EVALUATION!

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  3.6 VVT base model CTS rocks! - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By randlsa - November 16 - 2:00 am

  To buy this car, I had to sacrifice some options to keep the price down. Im overjoyed at how amazing this car is still. I bought an 04 CTS with only one option... the engine upgrade/auto trans. The car literally floors me with its bold styling and performance. I thought Id regret dropping the options, and although Id rather have a V or a loaded model, Im extremely satisfied. I do not feel that the editors rating on Edmunds gives this car justice at all.

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  What a Nice Car This CTS Is - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Dewsweeper - November 14 - 10:00 am

  We have had our new CTS for two weeks. This CTS is the lux/sport package with sunroof, auto, heated seats (wont use this much in the "Big Easy"), HID, and white diamond paint. It really sticks to the road and is a hoot to drive, but the enthusiasts will want another 50 HP. The standard audio system is fine. Rear seat passengers have more leg room than you think, but headroom is slightly cramped for the six footer. The dealership was very price conscious and sold us the car for $300 over invoice found on the Edmunds site. On top of this, I was able to apply another $1000 off using my GM card earnings. Sweet.

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  Worst I have ever owned - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By avguy - November 10 - 9:49 pm

  This is the worst car I have ever owned. I had to replace the entire valve train at 70,000 miles at $4500 and now at 87,000 miles a connecting rod went and now needs a new engine for $6100 and yes I changed and checked the oil. Thats how I knew it went through a quart about ever 2000 miles. If you are looking to buy one of these dont. I will never purchase another GM car, no wonder they are in so much trouble.

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  Great car, Fun to Drive - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Dan - November 10 - 9:47 pm

  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.

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  Love my CTS - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By cwilson - November 8 - 2:30 pm

  I had been looking at the CTS since 2007, but the reports I read did not convince me it was the car for me. This year, however, everything I read was encouraging so I took the plunge and have very happy I did. My CTS is by far the best car I have ever owned. It does not get the best gas mileage, but thats not why I bought it. It is fun to drive, very comfortable, and the perfect size. It is the best looking car on the road (in my humble opinion!) and handles effortlessly. My next car will be another CTS if Cadillac maintains the integrity of the car.

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  2009 Cadillac CTS 4dr sedan 3.6L - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By jon - November 3 - 11:34 pm

  Previously owned Mercedes Benz E420, BMW 328i, BMW 325i, Lexus LS 430. Never thought about ever owning a Caddy. Was considering buying BMW 525i or Merc E350, but felt that it is too common. Finally, gave the CTS a shot when I saw it in the showroom. Beautiful cutting edge design on exterior and interior and what an incredible driving experience, rival that of my previous BMW and Mercs.Way better than my Lexus in handling. Much quieter than my 2007 BMW 3 series on highway. Proof that GM can make good car if it wanted too. Highly recommend the new CTS, best bang for the money! One other bonus, dont have to use premium gasoline.