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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  Surprise - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By wfk - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Very surprised with the overall handling and comfort of the CTS. My past Cadillacs have been a 1999 STS and a 2001 DTS while the other two Cadillacs have been out of the CTS category I am really impressed with the smaller just as agile CTS

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  2006 Cadillac CTS-fantastic! - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By Shirley - June 3 - 8:57 pm

  Every time I drive this car, I become more impressed with it. The style is sharp and distinctive. It stands out from the others that all seem to resemble each other. The performance, acceleration, steering control, and comfort of the ride are incredible. Its fun to drive! I bought mine in "Infrared", which is gorgeous. This is the best car I have ever owned.

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  Bombdigidi - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By Joan Morency - June 3 - 3:56 pm

  The Cadillac CTS is smooth like butter, quick, aigile, good on fuel and looks good.

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  Fun till 47,000 Miles - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Lynne Barr - June 3 - 2:40 pm

  My CTS developed a problem with the computer. Neither the dealer nor the factory could find the problem until the 13th try. They claim its fixed, but the problem put me and my family at risk. It is now parked. I will payoff the lease, as they did not offer to take it back. I dont have the time to get a lawyer to fight with them to terminate my lease. GM has lost another customer. I did get credit from my new dealer to pay them off.

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  CTS - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Mark - June 3 - 8:31 am

  This car is comfortable both in city and highway driving. For the size, comfort and power I think that the mileage is respectable. I have had two E-Class Mercedes, a Lexus SC400 and LX470 and three Corvettes in the last 10 years but for some unexplainable reason I like this car best.

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  Love the caddy... - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By Peter - June 2 - 2:07 pm

  Ive had my new Cadillac CTS for a little over a month now. I love the acceleration, power and styling. I made the 4 hour drive to Vegas from LA and I didnt want to stop driving it was so comfortable. My girlfriend was able to sleep the whole way there she was so comfortable, which made the ride for me that much more enjoyable. But this car is quick, fun and roomier than it looks. I highly recommend at least a test drive.

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  Not Your Daddys Caddy! - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By NotDaddysCady - May 31 - 8:52 pm

  The Cadillac CTS was built on the new sigma platform (using Japaneese style manufacturering). It has aggressive styling and lots of power. Its handling is superb - it feels like is is on rails around corners. Its seats and backseat leg room are great (better than in the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class and the Lexus IS250). Having driven all of those I have zero regrets about my purchase. My only negative is that the dash could have a little better design (especially if you have the base stereo and no navigation). Cadillac service is superb as well and they really take care of you.

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  Very Disappointed - 2016 Cadillac CTS
  By Terry Gosser - May 28 - 3:26 am

  Found the new Luxury Cadillac CTS 4 (all wheel drive) disappointing. As usual still rides the same as 25 years ago. Noise from tires, exhaust, engine come right through with the stereo set on low, requiring music to be turned up. Lacks innovation, and technology, poor aero dynamics causing poor mileage. Very heavy for no obvious reason except theyre stuck in 90s. Mercedes comes out with touch shift, GM will have to copy it. Lexus are perfectly quiet on the inside, Cadillac has yet to copy. Just seemed like a poor performance from all angles with little innovation. I will go with Mercedes or Lexus over this manufacturers offerings. Priced at 65,000 and told it rides like a Cadillac. If you want poor quality still from a U.S automaker. Test drive after driving a lexus or Mercedes and you to will be disappointed in a Cadillac just as I was. Probably be another 15 years before I give them another chance with such poor planning and innovation.

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  Great American car - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By DIDO - May 26 - 1:52 pm

  The Cadillac CTS drives and handles great. I have a lot of confidence in it. I have the performance package with a chrome tip exhaust, 18 inch wheels, and a spoiler in red. The car turns heads.

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  Thank You Cadillac - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Alvins The Answer - May 26 - 10:00 am

  GM, you finally beat the Europeans at their own game. A fine vehicle that has it all. Keep it up.