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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Finally a true American sports sedan - 2008 Cadillac CTS
By Todd K. - February 6 - 9:16 pmIve had my 08 CTS for about a month now, and the commercials are spot on - this car turns me on every time I fire it up. Its a real head turner, and Ive gotten more looks and thumbs ups than with any other car. Mine has the 6 speed w/ DI engine, and most every option available. I say most options because one that I really wanted - AWD, was not available with the stick. I test drove the G35X, BMW 335iX, Audi A4 Quattro and finally the CTS and it was love at first sight. The CTS is really that good, and a bit bigger than the others. I really wanted AWD and I might have a different opinion after the snow falls, but Im planning in investing in a decent set of snow tires. Well see..
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Its not great unless its a V8!! - 2003 Cadillac CTS
By muffin - January 17 - 10:00 amThe V6 falls terribly short of what a car that "Zigs" should be. Only a V8 will make this car Zig! Had to have the rear end replaced (less than 10,000 miles). Have had the tires replaced twice as the steering wheel shakes and quivers. Continual engine knock! Dealer has no answer. Poor engineering with the head lights. The black bar affect is dangerous on roads that are poorly lit.
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Cadillac CTS - 2004 Cadillac CTS
By John Collins - August 30 - 2:00 amGreat car, and fun to drive
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I like my CTS - 2005 Cadillac CTS
By Margaret - May 4 - 12:56 amI have only had my Cadillac CTS for 22 days, but I already like the way it handles. It has a short turn radius, and I like the way it responds with the speed I need when I need it. It is a pleasure to drive - a great car.
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I like my CTS - 2005 Cadillac CTS
By Margaret - May 4 - 12:56 amI have only had my Cadillac CTS for 22 days, but I already like the way it handles. It has a short turning radius, and I like the way it responds with the speed that I need when I need it. It is a pleasure to drive, a great car.
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First Year Glitches - 2003 Cadillac CTS
By deco drive - March 25 - 10:00 amI love the way the car handles, though has a blind spot in the middle of the auto when pulling out. The CTS has handled great but am discovering some mechanical problems with it after owning it for a year. It is now in the shop for 5 days for water intrusion into the interior of the auto from the a/c system. The passenger side set frame is rusted from the water damage and the carpet needs to be replaced. This is not something I consider a minor glitch and hopefully is in isolated manufacturing problems with the a/c system. I would consider a 2004 CTS but would not recommend a 2003 CTS.
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CTS #2 - 2016 Cadillac CTS
By broberts - January 25 - 10:39 amLiking the car so far (1month now). The fuel saving feature - where the engine cuts off at a stop - is a pain. Glad there is an override feature. The SUV does not have the override and that was at least one of the eliminating features for me to consider that vehicle. Very nice acceleration. Good gas mileage so far.
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my 1st. cadallic - 2005 Cadillac CTS
By Nantucket - July 19 - 10:00 amIv 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 amThis 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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my cad cts - 2005 Cadillac CTS
By ootch - March 28 - 5:20 amexcellent,not so great on rain..easy hydroplaning..awesome ride..great pickup..neat looks
