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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  Great Car to Drive - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By dennispalmer - August 28 - 8:46 am

  The Cadillac CTS has very good quality. Cadillac has done it right with this vehicle, from the styling to performance. The ride is very comfortable and there is easy access to all of the technology. I have had no problems what so ever with this vehicle would reccomend it to all.

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  My Lemon CTS - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By jefferdmann - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I loved my car at first but between 2000 and 6000 miles it has been in the shop 6 times, the last three for a coolant leak. Cadillac has refused to replace my car insisting that they can repair the cracked head. I have retained a lemon law attorney who assures me I have a very strong case. Bob Lutz seemed to be making a difference with GM and especially Cadillac, unfortunately their quality problems appear to me to be reminisent of the 80s. I am so disapointed. I just turned 40,and I bought my first cadillac. Next time I will go with the BMW or Lexus.

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  The Perfect Sedan - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By 9mm - August 24 - 10:47 am

  I used to own a Mercedes and let me tell you, is fantastic. The Cadillac CTS looks, performance, build quality, and comfort, are all superior to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

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  Overall Pleased - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Ray - August 21 - 1:27 pm

  This vehicle was the largest of the entry-level sports sedans that were available, and Im glad that I got this over smaller competitors (G35, Audi A4, etc.). The ride is excellent. I had a few reliability problems, but the dealer took care of them.

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  Excellent, Love it! - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By Ali - August 20 - 10:32 am

  I used to buy Nissans and Hondas for all these years. I am very happy with the decision that I made to buy a Cadillac CTS. It is just excellent.

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  Great On All Roads - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By John Morookian - August 20 - 2:17 am

  Im retired. Other than local driving, I take long trips with one or no passengers. My CTSs sport suspension, Stabilitrack, traction control, 17" Wheels, etc. make it handle great on Interstates and secondary roads. The seats allow comfort for 8 - 10 hours behind the wheel. I drive from Prescott, Arizona to both Southern and Northern California often. I have enjoyed separate drives to: the Canadian Rockies, Branson MO, Durango and Salida CO, Washington, D.C., Roswell NM, and Tombstone, AZ. I have installed a dashboard mounted GPS Navigation Unit that has proven invaluable. The fold-down rear seat-backs allow me to carry my Mountain Bike to nearby bike trails. It does what I want it to!

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  CTS is a Great Car! - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By Jeff - August 19 - 8:57 am

  I wanted to buy American but haved owned Mercedes, BMW, and Audi in the past. I shopped all those but purchased 3.6 CTS with the sport and lux package. What a great car! The center stack is a little odd, but truly functional. The stereo needs autospeed adjustment. Those are the two little problems that I have with this car, other than that it is great. Its quiet, firm, and has a good ride at speed and around town. Its edgy looks and Cadillac emblem now command interest among all ages. I wish it had external speakers so it could broadcast Led Zep while driving down road. Good job Cadillac and GM! Dont be surprised, this car uses synthetic oil.

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  BMW 330 DESTROYER!!! - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By CADILLAC - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I can say you can not get a better deal for the money. It is a sports car and a luxury car at the same time and nicely balanced. I drove a 330 and C320 and CTS is way better. It offers a spacious interior alot of luxury features and has handling of a Corvette.This is the best Cadillac ever.THIS IS A TRUE LUXURY PERFORMANCE CAR. IF YOU BUY IT YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.

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  CTS Sport - Luxury, Performance, Value - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By mjdart - August 18 - 11:13 pm

  The power is supplied by a 255 HP 3.6L VVT (dual overhead cams) all aluminum V6 engine coupled to my optional 5-speed automatic transmission. It ts a very smooth combination. The auto features a very nicely incorporated manual shift mode that is accessible with a right flick of your wrist. Pull back and it down and it shifts to the next lower gear. Push it up and it up-shifts. All five gears are accessible this way. This car is rear wheel drive with a 3.42 drive ratio. I have found 70 mph yields an engine speed of 2,250 rpm, which is good for less engine wear and highway gas mileage. The interior is well laid out with the exception of the glove box which is big enough to hold gloves and not much else.

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  My Caddy - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By Cathleen Snyder - August 13 - 11:37 pm

  I have enjoyed every minute of driving my Caddy. I took it to Pennsylvania last week and it handles the road beautifully. I am completely satisfied. Other perople come to me and ask me about its performance. Others that own a CTS come and tell me how much they enjoying owning this car. This is a beautiful car. I am just thrilled that I have it. My friends like riding in it too.