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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  Water Pump broken and replaced at 46K - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By K Squared - June 29 - 11:42 pm

  At 46K miles on my 2005 3.6L CTS the water pump slowly leaked water and i caught it before it could overheat the motor. I also changed the cap for the radiator overflow water bottle. Stayin on top of it with oil changes and intricate transmission oil change.

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  Not what a Cadillac should be - 2016 Cadillac CTS
  By Bill Reese - June 29 - 11:41 pm

  We drove the 4 cylinder with turbo. The whole time there was a high pitched whine. The engine noise was extremely loud. THe vehicle had a great instrument package except that it was not working. This was a brand new car. The interior was very cramped. The selectable ride was not working probably the same reason the instruments were not working. Overall we were not thrilled. The price was in the 50 k range so it was average for what we were looking at. But definitely was not what we were expecting as far as value and comfort.

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  TESTED AND WAS HOOKED - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By SAINT - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I SAW ONE AND HAD TO GET A BETTER LOOK. TOOK THE WIFE ON A TEST DRIVE AND I WAS SPEECHLESS. IT HANDLED EVEN BETTER THEN ITS FRESH NEW LOOK! I ORDERED ONE AND NOW CANT SLEEP AWAITING MINE TO COME IN.MY WIFE HAS A MB-C-SERIES AND I LIKED THE LOOK AND RESPONSE OF THE CTS MUCH BETTER.

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  Good ole American Muscle! - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By welcomeperformanc - June 26 - 10:06 am

  I havent even looked at american cars in 27 years! Finally checked out the CTS with DI. Great looks and performance. I tired of my 04 Lexus with a terrible tranny problem that they wouldnt adddress. It had zero performance. I was missing my 1972 GTO! i bought the CTS 3 weeks ago and i love it! I would put the quality up against any of the foreign manufacturers. I have the thundergrey and had people come uo to me in parking lots and say"wow, what kind of car is that"? GM has hit a home run with this line.

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  A Very Very Nice Car - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By Bob - June 21 - 3:51 pm

  I have had my car now for almost a month and people are always telling nice car. It handles like a dream and very comfortable. I traded in a 2003 CTS which was a nice car but this 2009 CTS is a much better car, it looks so rich looking, more room in the front and the back. I love having the AWD, in New England you need it. All and All the CTS is a great car.

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  Oil burner - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By dawna - June 19 - 6:53 pm

  after having the car for 2 years, it started burning oil. I have taken it to 3 different dealers and because the warranty was almost up. Nobody cared to help get the warrenty company to pay for any repairs as they all told me there was nothing wrong even though I was going thru almost 5 quarts of oil every 3000 miles. other than that I love the car although the airbag sensor and the passenger seat went out right after the warranty was up.

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  HUGE Disappointment - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By Jim P - June 17 - 5:18 pm

  First it was a harmonic imbalance that was so bad it caused me to be nauseous when I drove the vehicle. This took months to correct. Then it was a rattle in the drivers’ sun visor and it needed to be ordered and replaced. Then it was seriously squealing brakes that need to be replaced with about 10,000 miles on the car. Then it was a rattle so bad in the rear it sounded like to roof was falling at times. And still I have the rattle in the dash area that is so annoying I actually hate driving my car. Driving a new car at the price point of +$40k should be a WONDERFUL experience. This car is pure JUNK! No wonder your going belly up! You deserve it.

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  03 CTS - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By travel guy - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Gave up a leased BMW and had my mind made up to buy a G35 sedan until I went to the NY Auto show and saw the V series CTS which attracted me to the car. This caused me to test drive it in additon to the G35 and liked it much more because of its luxury. More comparable to a BMW 525 in terms of size, but a much better value.

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  To think, I was looking for a p/u truck! - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Angela - June 14 - 7:29 am

  Saw a used CTS in a dealers lot - I was actually looking for a pick-up truck. I took a test drive, just for fun. Dismissed it at first, because I never saw myself as a Cadillac owner. From looking over many other vehicles, I bought the Cadillac. Biggest misconception is people think its an 8- cyl., which GM needs to highlight. Fuel efficiency could be better, but it IS a sports car, nothing like the whip your grandpa drove. One minor repair in seven months, but I got a good deal and an ext. warranty in a bad economy. The dark red looks sharp and Im happy. Remember, the WAY someone drives can affect the reliability of a car. Be good to it and it will probably be good to you. :)

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  sg - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By design - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I give this car an Excellent rating.Love the style of this vehicle very classy. a nice comfortable ride. An overall safe and easy to handle car. Appealing to all ages.