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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  CTS by JFD - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By JFDCPA - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Got tired of waiting for the new Acura TLs to be released and so I bought my CTS instead. What a great move! It rides well, looks great, and is fun to drive. And all of this for a reasonable price. My past experience with Cadillac was not a good one (I owned an 87 Eldorado). However, this one is looking like it is going to be much better.

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  Got A Lemon - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Rick - February 13 - 9:27 pm

  1500 miles, rear axle seal bad, check engine light on, and ABS sensor bad, no sensor available, car in shop for 8 days tillone became available. 1800 miles 2 months old check engine light on again. Water getting in two cylinders, GM wanted to repair the motor, I wanted a new one. Local dealership finally told GM it was a block problem couldnt be fixed. Been in the shop 3 weeks, might get it back in a couple of days. Caddy talks the talk but certainly doesnt walk the walk as far as customer service goes. This is my 17th new GM car and the last. They should have replaced the car instead of hassling me about repairing the motor.

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  We are buying a 2nd 08 CTS! - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Karen Toone - February 11 - 11:21 pm

  My husband purchasd this car through a company car leaseback program which does not allow anyone else to drive it. After sneaking around in this vehicle for the last month, all I can say is "wow". I became obsessed with the ride of this car, and we are now leasing a silver/black fully loaded unit due to arrive in March.

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  CTS v. BMW 328i - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By Cadillac Jack - February 10 - 7:21 am

  Ive had this car for about six months now and I love it even more than I did on day one. Its my second car in the entry luxury market, with my first being the 98 328i. I know how much I really love this car because all I want to do is "dress her up" and take her out on the town. My only complaints are related to comfort and interior design. After about one hour in this car I want stop and fix the pain in my back, no matter how I adjust the seats. Our 2002 Camry XLE seating and interior features are superior to the Cadillac which is a shame. Well never use this car for road trips. This car was a poor choice with two young kids in the back seat. In so many ways, it reminds me of the 328

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  Look forward to driving to work - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Bill Miller - February 8 - 3:17 pm

  Sometimes you have buyers remourse when you buy a big ticket item. I have colleagues who have indicated such with their Lexus, Mercedes and BMWs - but definitely not the case here. Ive found that I look forward to going to work because I get to drive this car! Ive had it for 3 months and its been fantastic. My friends with different luxury nameplates are envious and for the 1st time - considering a Cadillac. I love it.

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  Blue Chip - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By cz6ndv - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Navigation system, memory positions and misc. presets are difficult to program. Memory positions do not always go to the positions determined by the key fob which is used. Cumulative odometer and trip odometer do not show the same mileage.

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  Love my orphan - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By jeffE - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my CTS. Great handlng, could use more power. The manual 5 speed is great, definetly not my grandpops Caddy. My only regret is that I spent 32K on the car and next year it is going to have a restyled interior, bigger V6, and an optional V8. Kinda kills the resale value of mine. I only wish GM could have sorted some ofthesethings out for the first model year.

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  Reliability in question - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Mike MC - January 31 - 12:03 am

  I loved this vehicle for the first 2000 miles and then it began idling roughly when in gear. Then the passenger window regulator went out with the window in the down position. The dealer has had the car for two weeks without being able to find parts anywhere. Cadillac, it seems, has failed its dealers and customers.

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  CTS beats 535 hands down - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Doug - January 21 - 6:00 pm

  I drove BMW, Lexus Acura and Lincoln MKZ. After owning this car for 4 months it has proven that it exceeds the others in every aspect. Fit and finish in and out is superb plus it gets 30MPG on the road on regular gas. I just need more reasons to open the garage door and go for a ride. Thanks Cadillac for building the best!

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  Very Reliable! - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By Trey - January 21 - 1:28 am

  Enjoy driving this car. The engine uses NO oil & is changed per the oil life monitor. It is Black Raven with option package 1SB. AC/heater extremely efficient. Very good steering & braking.