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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  Piece of Junk - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By ej - April 21 - 7:15 pm

  Love the car when its not in the warranty service shop. Have 24,000 miles on it, and it has had two major repairs. First, at 12k miles, the cheap plastic clips that hold up the wiring harness broke in cold weather and the fan destroyed the harness. Then after the check engine light came on at 24k, and the inferior timing chain had to be replaced. Now, Im told the service codes indicate the cam/crank misalignment. Pretty sad for GMs "flagship" car line. Then theres been constant leaks in the door seals (repaired three times), which whistle above 40 MPH. The premium Bose sound is a disappointment This is my 1st & last Cadillac.

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  I love this machine!!! - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By CTS4ME - April 15 - 3:35 pm

  Ive owned the 05 and newer Accords and Camrys and the CTS is a far better vehicle for the money. It is a beautiful car and not just another "SEDAN". Its sporty and I love it. Not a single problem. Father in-law owns a 2006 and has never had any trouble. So, I decided it was my turn to have one.

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  great change of direction for Cadillac - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Rowley32256 - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Even better to drive than to look at - very comfortable but like a BMW to drive. Only two grumbles: quite a big blind spot caused by rear pillars and the glove box is ridiculously small.

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  Great up to 50,000 miles - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By GW - April 12 - 8:08 pm

  Purchased new July 2003. Loved the body style, American made, and fit my bad back perfectly (very little lumbar support). Great sound system with the Bose, complicated dash settings but ok, and after a Lexus 400 (new), Mercedes S series (new), and everything from Grand Prixs to Infinitis, I was pleased. At 50,000 miles the problems started. Cost $500 to replace a bad thermostat, and it seems the repairs increase every month. Im at 65,000 miles and ready to sell.

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  Caddy style!!! - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By Caddy style!! - April 5 - 9:00 pm

  Great car! I owned a 2003 CTS and this one is night and day! Test drove G37S, Audi A5, and Jaguar XF. This car compares to all except G37S which was fast and fun but rough ride. The Audi and Jaguar were overpriced compared to the CTS and features offered. The only thing that bothered me on test drives was the cooled seats (back hurt). Bought car without cooled seats. Other then this I love the car - cool look and great ride! Very good price for the features and quality provided. Also 0% finance and fantastic rebates you cant pass up.

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  Good try but going back to an Import - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By 2smooth - April 4 - 12:40 pm

  Wife crashed the toyota 4runner and my Honda S2000 was stolen off the drivway. So I decided to go with some class and give GM back a chance... WRONG CHOICE!!! The CTS 3.6L with Navi and 17" wheels was a good try for GM but this car still does not compare. Quality is poor as paint interior on knobs are chipping everywhere and my side skirt is loose, memory settings get messed up on the sideview mirrors. There are recalls on the CTS with the steering linkages. My alignment needs to be redone every year so far and now it is acting up with suspension noises. Brand new these cars are great, right up until you add some mileage on them. Overall,still fun to drive while looking good doing it

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  delivered as promised - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By gadgetgirl - April 2 - 11:24 am

  Love my cts. I still get compliments everywhere I go! Amazing handling, no more three point turns for me. Great power, styling and comfort. Love my nav system & OnStar saved me when i was in an accident last year. Black cherry color is unique and eye catching. love the pop up screen easy to read but not distracting. Addicted to XM love it !!

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  Luxury with Performance....Sweeeeeeet! - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By GOPENS - April 1 - 4:59 pm

  I never would have thought about buying an "old mans" Cadillac, a "new" car or an automatic transmission. However, a weekend at the Performance Driving lab in NY got me hooked! I drove several Audis from the A-4 and A-6 models, Mercedes, Dodge Charger and Challenger and the new Camero was on my list. The CTS with the Direct Injection, Performance Package, and AWD was the best car for the money and the combination of features. The Caddy has more room and a better interior than even the German cars, which surprised me since I grew up with Audi. The hopped up CTS is NOT AN OLD MANS AUTOMOBILE!

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  Love CTSs 6 Speed Manual Transmission! - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By JamesO - March 31 - 9:57 am

  Love to drive a manual transmission! The Cadillac dealership and the CTS were on my list of dealerships to visit, of those who had 6-speed manual vehicles. It was love at first sight on the car lot, with its excellent looks in its white tri-coat colour! The driving experience was great, with the FE3 sports suspension, +300hp direct injection engine, and with its 18inch wheels. The turning radius was real tight! I could not pass up on the price. With my trade in, a $42,000 car for less than $29K! The Catera Touring Sedan (CTS) is a great buy in my opinion, and with the excellent service Ive gotten so far from the dealership, Cadillac is one GM division that is making its vehicles right.

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  Almost a 10 - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By Dr Gino - March 30 - 7:40 pm

  This CTS is a good as any car I have owned and I have had most of the luxury ones. I could not believe the great ride and handling. Its like being in a vault. This car performs with confidence. Dont miss out on this one!