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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  Sexy-Dumb Blonde of the Car World - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Molly7601 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I have decided that this car is definetly the "dumb blonde of the car world." It is incredily sexy, however, its substance is yet to be determined. I am secretly hoping it will prove me wrong, since I am somewhat blonde myself. Maybe this will be the first time in history a manufactirer has made a sexy car that is reliable...then again, I will not hold my breath. I can not even begin to tell you how many "heads" my black sport model has turned. Having owned a number of German imports, I am definetly impressed with its handling. I really want this baby to prove all the import snobs wrong...come on baby...lets go!

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  Our New CTS - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Barney G - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Before the 2004 CTS, we owned two Cateras. The first one had a few problems, the second virtually none. We shopped around and drove other cars in the same class. We ended up with the CTS, Cadillacs owner loyalty incentive was the financial clincher. We love the way the car drives. With the new, larger V-6 and less weight than the Catera, combined with the 5- speed automatic, it is very quick. The handling is very tight and precise. It is fun to drive!

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  CTS A FUN RIDE - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By LE - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Interestingly, people have rolled down windows at stop lights to comment or question inspected by walking around my car in parking lots stangers asking at gas pump "would you buy it again? does it measure with your deville? Whats it really like? Never before have I had a car to get so much attention. Additionally it handles well, drives almost as smooth as a heavier car. We tried the volvo, lexus and many other cars in its category and found cts to offer more.

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  not a bad car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By blckriv - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE the looks of the car, gas economy is mediocre at best, but have have had a lot of compliments on the appearance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  The 2003 CTS - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By jooh kool - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this for my wife & I have been trying to get it from her ever since. The leg room for passengers is very tight and for a luxury car there is to much noise. (wind & engine) I have made two long rode trips an enjoyed each one, handles very well,love the navigation system. Most of all,the "LOOK" of the CTS is outstanding.

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  Great sports/luxury car - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By sbsmia - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Great, fun ride. Somewhere between Lexus smoothness and BMW sportiness. Nice features in the interior. Air conditioning system needs work. Not as quiet a ride as I would like. Handles beautifully! Great lines. Standard sound system could be improved. Good room on the inside. Relatively small trunk. Overall - Id rate it a solid 8.

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  2004 CTS Nav Scrn Blinds Driver w/sun - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Ken Poland - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2004 Cadillac CTS with navigation system. The screen is so poorly shielded that the sun will cause a blinding light in the drivers eyes when it hits the screen in the moring or evening and reflects to the driver. I almost wrecked the first time this happened to me. I have since had the back windshield tinted very dark. My dealer and Cadillac ignorned my problem and complaints. Be careful if you have this configuration. The tint seems to help. Ken Poland

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  Problems with reliability, fun to drive - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By carman - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I was very excited to own this car, and loved it the first few months I had it. But then things started going wrong. It cuts off in the middle of traffic, and they cant seem to tell me why when I take it to the dealership. It also warned me that there was no oil in the engine during a horrible rain storm, forcing me to call a tow truck, but it turned out it was just a faulty monitor in the engine. There have been other problems with the electrical system. The car has been "buggy," taking some of the fun out of owning it.

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  First Caddy...Great Ride! - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By James Grant - June 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Cadillac, so far so good. I love the way this car handles! The CTS handles just like a sports car. I am also pleasanlty surprised with the power of the 3.6 V6. The drivers seat is very roomy, I am a 6 280lbs power lifter and I have plenty of room.

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  CTS analysis - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Henry wasmuth - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Great performance, great ride, good economy,super styling and excellent workmanship. Had a Benz before but love this vehicle. Cant wait till 07 for my next CTS.