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:

• 

  A great American auto - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Star59 - July 2 - 9:49 pm

  I drive this car through the streets of Las Vegas and it looks great and gets plenty of stares. The car pulls away fast at intersections and even in this summer heat is always comfortable inside. I thought the sunroof would be a problem but it has not been an issue. Sometimes Ill just take it out on the road for the sheer fun of driving it.

• 

  Used to Drive a Honda - 2008 CTS Rocks! - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Brian S - July 2 - 2:54 pm

  Having owned Honda Accords for the past 18 years, I never saw much reason to consider an American car until this one. Never in a million years did I think I would own a Cadillac! Having said that, this car should cause any reasonable person to change their opinion on GM. Clearly, Bob Lutz and the Caddy design team deserve a lot of credit for bringing a legendary brand back to life. This is a no apologies sedan that brings a watermelon smile every time I look at or talk about this car! Nothing looks like it on the road and it looks great! Tons of compliments from everybody that sees it. The interior materials and features are great. A lot of thought went into engineering this vehicle

• 

  One week and Im in love - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By c6vette - June 30 - 2:35 pm

  I think I may be one of the first people to take delivery of an 09 CTS. To start with I have driven BMWs before and like them, but they are expensive and dont look as good in my opinion. I got the fully loaded DI with the summer performance package. This car is amazing. It is amazingly agile and has lots of room. The car stands out as very bold and the interior look, fit and finish is first rate. Much better looking on the interior than a BMW or Mercedes. The electronics are great and a lot of fun and I have to say I have never been in a car more elegant at night than the CTS. The lighting is amazing.

• 

  Affordable Luxury - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By michelsauve - June 28 - 10:00 am

  The car is a great looker. It attracts looks from almost everybody and regularly from more expensive car owners such as Mercedes E320 and the likes. It is a fun car to drive with an intuitive console easy to read and use. It offers great comfort and is fun to drive. The car is perorming flawlessly and all that at a very reasonable price for a car of that class.

• 

  Solid Performer - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By RW - June 23 - 11:09 am

  Had some problems in the first 35,000 miles, but not since then (now at over 70,000 miles). Its been reliable since then and still fun to drive.

• 

  Sweet Cadi - CTS - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Carlos D - June 22 - 1:25 pm

  Wow, this car has exceeded my expectations and you must drive the direct inject V6 with 305 HP to truly appreciate it. Ive owned new BMW 5, new BMW 3, and new Audi 6 and the new 2008 CTS not only belongs in this class but outshines them all with ext/int design and features. You definitely get more and more for your money. The direct inject 304 hp engine is there to perform when needed. The sport suspension package with 19" wheels has the CTS hugging the road and gives it the tight feel. I love this car...its the best 4 dr sport sedan Ive owned and if Cadillac continues to deliver quality and VALUE theres no reason to go back to BMW, Audi, or consider others like Lexus.

• 

  Cadillac CTS - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Michael Honigfort - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Great car. My wife and I both love it.

• 

  Everything is better than the previous CTS - 2016 Cadillac CTS
  By Next2pool - June 22 - 2:59 am

  If you owned a Gen II CTS, this one will be better in every category. The new V6 is very strong and Im averaging about 26 MPG in all around suburban driving. The interior is very quiet but the road noise from the front is the only complaint I have. There is almost no wind noise. The interior material quality is excellent and the fit and finish is superb. I am disappointed in the autostop performance. When it does activate (when is hard to predict) the engine has an annoying shudder when it stops as well as restarts. I have driven other GM models that are much better. The transmission shifts very well and doesnt seem to have a problem managing 8 gears. Although I like the hard inside cover for the sunroof, the roof itself does not seem to open as far as the previous version and it looks a bit clunky from the outside when open. The Cue system is much faster than before I have no problem with the controls at all. I did expect the Navigation system to have a more colorful display and I cant see how to name a route for future use. The gooseneck trunk hinges seem to be a step backwards from the articulated system of the Gen II model. The front seats are better than before but still not all that great for longer trips. Overall, I am very satisfied by this new CTS.

• 

  Fun to drive if you like rattles - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By CTS - June 15 - 12:45 pm

  This car is fun to drive, with the 5 speed manual and the 3.2 liter dohc v6 makes a fair amount of power. The interior is comfortable but is a little boring and kind of cheaply made. I am very disappointed with the stabilatrack which has gone haywire on me after 45000 miles and a rattle coming from the engine somewhere, after about 30,000 miles. other than that the car is wonderful, turns on a dime, good acceleration, handles good, and brakes good.

• 

  Design Caught My Eye - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Joe Jo - June 13 - 10:39 pm

  I recall the day I first saw the CTS and I claimed that I would own that car and within a few months became the owner of the CTS. I had betrayed Toyota, specially the Camry (the best by far). I loved the WoW factor, even 5 yrs later people still comment about the design of the car. Even the commercial was a blast, the one where luxury cars were wasping around and the cts came into the ballroom and stole the spot light. 5 yrs later at 80,000+ miles, my CTS is showing its age. I have take excellent care. I have not missed one scheduled maintenance but the window motor went out, air compressor must be replaced and there was another $1000.00 job that I cannot recall.