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:

• 

  Its a CADILLAC, what could be better - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By tnmbenson - September 25 - 2:00 am

  a wonderful vehicle that is fun for the whole family. It works well for my wife and I, seeing we have two children. There is plenty of room for them, I could use just a little more room seeing Im 65 and 300lbs, but even at that I have room.

• 

  Fun and Style - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By P.L. Williams - September 23 - 5:43 am

  The 2005 Cadillac CTS has the power in its V6 engine to accelerate when needed. Its handling is very smooth and seems reliable. Its a joy to drive. It is extremely sporty for the price.

• 

  Mixed Emotions - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By Chris DeWeese - September 22 - 7:07 pm

  My CTS handles like a dream and has plenty of power. 0-60 it is great, when in "sport" mode. I can take corners that are posted 35 mph at 55 mph. I have the 3.6L with the 5 speed auto and it is plenty fast. I have two beefs, though. The XM radio has static, which I thought was impossible on satellite radio, and apparently all CTSs with the single CD player do, too. The response from the dealer/GM to fix it was underwhelming to say the least. It still hisses. The battery was replaced under warranty today because it died twice and I had to jump it. Yep, the car has 7,000 miles on it and the battery died.

• 

  Finally a real competitor - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Aeryc - September 16 - 10:10 am

  Already owned 2 Cadillacs and had no intentions of replacing my 2004 CTS with another Cadillac. However, my dealer called me when the 2008 came in and insisted I drive it. Needless to say I feel in love and I couldnt pass up the deal. GM finally blew me away with this car and kept me as a customer. Purchased a fully loaded Crystal Red with the 3.6 Direct Inject engine. This is truly an amazing car and far succeeds the previous models and certainly is a competitor to BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, etc.

• 

  2004 CTS - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By markesbonne - September 8 - 10:36 am

  The 2004 Cadillac CTS is an excellent car. It is fun to drive and has a very quiet interior. It is a good value for the money.

• 

  A Great Family Sedan that ISNT Boring - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By fenwah - September 7 - 8:59 am

  Besides test driving the CTS, I test drove a Toyota Camry, Toyota Avalon, Acura TL, Infiniti G35, and a Mini Cooper. The Mini Cooper won hands down, but I have a wife and two kids...so the Mini didnt win. The CTS won. So why did it win? There was more room in the backseat than in its competitors...which the kids need. I love the exterior of the CTS. I was able to get a 6-speed manual with the CTS. The seats were great...they hugged the body. The interior was not as nice as the TL or the G35, but I just enjoyed the ride of the CTS more than any other car (besides the Mini). I got the CTS sport w/ 18" wheels...I would recommend this car to anyone in the market for a new car.

• 

  Glad To Be Back In A Caddy - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By Vic - September 5 - 1:07 am

  Cadillac has finally come out with a destintive looking car. I love the design. Inside and out this is a head turner. I get excellent gas milage on the wide open roads of Nevada. I was so impressed with this car that I traded in a 2006 Nissan Altima and took some loss on it.

• 

  cts - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By sillievo - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Definitely a overall fun car with the needed space for some people. I was going for the 350z but ended up buying the cts. It is obviously not as fun as the Z but for the space and comfort it offers, its a good trade off.

• 

  2003 CTS Tire Noise - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Paul - August 31 - 5:41 pm

  Ive had problems with abnormal tire wear and very annoying tire noise. The dealership says theres not a problem. I replaced the original Goodyear tires with new Goodyears because the dealeship said tire noise & abnormal tire wear was due to my not rotating tires every 6,000 miles. The new tires have less than 6,000 miles on them and are already noisy. I think theres an alignment problem that GM needs to address.

• 

  They really took me - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By kelsey - August 31 - 10:00 am

  My CTS is a joke. I expected much more from a Cadillac. 3 days after taking delivery the sunroff decided not to work. Then I found there was no power to the accessory plugs. Then a piece of body molding came loose. then the dome light cover fell off every time I opened the roof at freeway speeds, Then the clock decided to lose time, the presets would decide to change when they wanted-which isnt much fun at 70 mph. Now, every once in awhile the engine doesnt want to idle worth a damn when warming up. I really wish Ild have pruchased the Infinity. General motors really let the qua;ity control slip on this one.