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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  My Caddy - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Janet Reeves - May 2 - 7:20 pm

  Driving the Cadillac is a dream and owing it is even better.

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  This CTS is best car ever purchased. - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Conner - May 1 - 1:00 pm

  The ride and interior of this car are truly outstanding! Never in my wildest dreams did we think of owning a Cadillac, however "WOW" are we in love with this vehicle.

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  good car - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Carolyn - April 29 - 9:05 pm

  I just bought a black 2008 Cadillac CTS. I Love it. It is a great car, but it has had a sensor break about 2 months after I bought the car. Luckily my warranty covered that. The build quality is pretty good but there is a bunch of cheap plastics. Overall its a great car and I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Just ok - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By ok - April 21 - 8:02 pm

  I leased this about 18 months ago and it has been a very reliable car. It handles poorly with just the smallest amount of snow or wintry precip on the ground. The gas mileage is around 23 mpg with all highway driving.

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  my broken car - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By calsnakes - April 21 - 10:59 am

  I was excited to get this car, however now after 6000 miles and two trips to the shop for MAJOR issues, I am not so happy. First the cooling system failed and it had to be towed, now is a week in for a new camshaft and cylinder heads, if this is what GM is making, this is my first and last.....

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  best cts yet - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By John Ipson - April 20 - 7:30 am

  I bought a cts-v in 2005, and I thought that car was a blast to drive. The 2008 cts, 3.6 d.i., all wheel drive, handles as good, and ride quality is superior to the V. I have to admit, that I love this new cts better than the cts-v. interior is comfortable, the exterior is beautiful! I am in love with my cts!

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  First American Car In 26 Years - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By wuffb - April 15 - 11:56 am

  Have not had an American Car since early 80s. Had Audi, Acura, Toyota, etc. Was planning on getting a TL or ES350 then I took a close look at this while renting a car in Florida. Note to Detroit: You have finally got something here. LEARN FROM IT!!! This car has style, performance, safety, ergonomics, reasonable fuel economy. Everything. I got the 3.6 with Premium Lux Package and all season 18" wheel Package. Absolutely LOVE IT! Just enough space, speed, sport and style to make driving a pleasure. It really felt good to buy an American car and actually be proud of it! Way to go GM. Dont let us down again.

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  Nice to Look At, Not So nice to Own - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Debbie - April 14 - 12:50 pm

  My 2008 CTS was shipped from the factory without grease in the axle, needless to say at 72 miles it was back in the shop. Cadillac told me that it may be a month before they had replacement parts (a new car shouldnt need replacement parts) well I insisted that they take one off the assembly line and ship it to me, which they did. There is a noise in the instrument panel (sounds like a fan running all the time) they say it is normal (the other 4 didnt have it!!!) Also I was told at the dealership that they found no insulation in the dash. There is a rattling noise in the sun roof. I am in the process of trying to get Cadillac to replace this LEMON!!!

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  THE RIGHT CHOICE - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By D.L. SMITH - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Slected the CTS after comparing it to the BMW 325. Price wise it was not even close and the wife from the being was pro CTS. We have had this car for 8 months now and we still enjoy just riding around town in it. I always thought of Cadillacs as too large in size and only a car my father would like, well this CTS covers all generations.

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  Meant To Be Driven Until End of Warranty! - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By wm - April 6 - 5:35 am

  The cts is absolutely the sexiest car Ive ever driven. Bought it used w/ 35k - certified. Styling, comfort and handling were outstanding. Consistently 30 mpg hgwy! I drive 30k a year, but I baby my cars... Many annoying little things (costly w/o warranty): oil leak, sunroof Glass, loose interior panels, tie rods all before 60k. Worse off at 90k: 2 thermostats. As soon as the warranty ended (a month later): coolant check valves and hoses, head gaskets, rear bearings, etc. "certified" is the best! Buy this car because its excellent... Trade it before the warranty is up... I took a $12k loss and went back to Japanese quality. FYI even the base model accord offers the same options as a CTS.