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:

• 

  Smooth Operator - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By catmike - July 19 - 9:23 pm

  This car handles and rides very well. It accelerates quickly and has the power to maneuver yet its easy on the gasoline. We do a 50/50 mix of city/hwy and get about 25 mpg average. The interior is not plush but is solid. There is good leg and head room for tall front seat passengers.

• 

  After a long look, I bought a Caddy - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By vj - July 16 - 5:24 pm

  I looked long and hard for a new ride. We test drove a Toyota Avalon, Infiniti, and Ford 500. I went to this Cadillac because of the exterior styling and a little improvement in fuel economy over my Tahoe Z71. We love the performance Ive also owned a Corvette and the ride and handling of the CTS are comparable and in some respects better given that the Vet blows you away with power. But I always wanted a powerful, comfortable family car that had some style and looks like I found it. The interior is roomy enough for the men in my family, all of them over 6 feet and 200+ lbs. But is quick and agile for me by myself.

• 

  Before the Change - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By Alan Bradford - July 15 - 6:21 pm

  This car is the perfect size and fit for tall drivers and suits smaller drivers as well. When the change comes in 2008, may the same be said about the space.

• 

  I Love My CTS - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By jordanw - July 14 - 12:02 pm

  I love my CTS. I bought the 3.6L with a 5 speed automatic transmission. The car is so good looking and gets many stares because of its polarizing looks. It is suprisingly roomy and comfortable. As for the performance the V6 has plenty of power, however I now wish that I got it with a 6 speed manual because with the automatic (even with manumatic) it does not feel sporty enough. The leather is top notch and is softer than new BMWs and Mercedes I have been in. Cadillac has almost hit a homerun with this car, it only needs richer plastics in the cabin (mainly on the console). This car is a great value too, much cheaper with more options compared to BMW 3- and 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, and Audi A4.

• 

  Great Car! - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By Kevin - July 13 - 3:55 pm

  I purchased a 06 Cadillac CTS for my mother a couple of weeks ago. I drove the car 135 miles to drop it off with her, and by the time I got to her house I wanted to keep it myself. This car is the best driving car I have ever driven! The features were excepional and the look is out of this world. My mother was so happy that she cried for an hour. What a great car!

• 

  What a Car!! - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By clish3 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding!! I looked and looked beforeI settled on th CYs over a Benz. The car has lived up to my expections. It is a great ride , great performance and most importantly great craftmanship. This is my first GM model in 15 years and Im back!! A classic car.

• 

  ?? - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By R W Becker - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Difficult to master the electronics. Navigation system absolutely requires the instruction manual and is still difficult. OnStar cellular telephone service doesnt make sense at $ 1.00 per minute and a separate telephone number. The OnStart 30 minute demo time had nothing that worked correctly. Rear visability is very poor. Automatic Speed control buttons at the bottom of the steering wheel are not convienent.

• 

  All in All a Great Choice! - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By JFB - July 12 - 2:17 pm

  I have owned many cars in my life and I must say this is the nicest. I bought my CTS for the Caddy logo and style. I have owned it 2 weeks and it lives up to all my expectations. The dealership was professional and efficient. They certainly performed up to the Cadillac standard of excellence. So does the CTS. The car has great standard features and great appointments. The fits and trims are every bit as exacting as the foreign competition. The OnStar and XM radio are a great addition. This car makes my long commute enjoyable!

• 

  2007 CTS 3.6L Sport Sedan is Awsome - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By Doug - July 10 - 9:53 pm

  The 2007 CTS 3.6L Sport is the most fun I have had since I drove Porches 15 years ago. I didnt know a sport luxury car could be this much fun. The OnStar and XM radio features were unexpected fun and insurance in the case of OnStar. Getting into the car and having the seat and mirrors go to my preset postions is a nice feature. The car has more than enough power @ 255hp ( I didnt get the CTS-V - V8 because of gas mileage).

• 

  2003 CTS - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By theboilermaker - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Two major fabrication problems. It took the dealer 4 tries until fixed: (1) Air Leak in Sun Roof seal---eventually replaced the entire glass unit. (Why have a $2000 Bose Sound system if you cannot listen to it?); and (2) Firewall gap that let all the windshield rainwater into the drivers compartment resulting in 2" water inside the car. (Fixed on first try by the dealer).