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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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By barbara stoothoff - December 29 - 11:20 pm

  My previous car was a Jaguar. The Cadillac CTS matches or outperforms the Jaguar in ride, acceleration and handling. The Jag was already in for repair at this point. The Jag interior was a little more stylish though, the CTS is a little plastic even with the wood trim.

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  2004 Cadillac CTS - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Al - December 29 - 6:00 pm

  I posted about my Cadillac CTS back in early 2005. I raved about this car. I loved it. Until October 2005 a seal broke in the trunk and it took all of the 3 inches of rain from the sky into my interior. Everything was totaled inside. Since then Caddy installed a new interior. Every week I get a new rattle along with panels falling off the interior. It sounds like a Yellow school bus when you drive it. I reached out to service reps and GM in Detroit. All on deaf ears. As long I pay GMAC nobody cares. I strongly recommend you choose wisely. For the first time in my life after 25 years of driving Cadillac, I have to try other waters (foreign). What a shame!

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  My New 04 CTS - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By xtranaut - December 22 - 7:06 pm

  Now, you might think me sick. I just traded my 2001 Jaguar XKR for a 2004 CTS. Object: get practical and stay sporty. First drive on the car - great, smooth, and agile on the freeway. Around town, it is noisy and a little clunky though. I have the sport suspension. This car is loaded except for navigation. The interior trim is really American cheesy. Why can these automakers spend a little more to make a little more? You cant play with the Germans and Japanese unless you at least MEET their specs. The dealer did a faux CTS-V package with mesh grille, spoiler, and 18 wheels (from STS) with new Michelins. Plus the color is a premium red. It looks like a hot streak. It is only what Chevy should have done with Impala.

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  Drives like it looks - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By bill e - December 20 - 12:06 am

  The 2004 Cadillac CTS is a blast to drive. Its turning radius and power gives you a sense of dominance. It seems to turn heads with its short but big reputation. The big brother V doesnt hurt. One hundred thirty MPH is the fastest Ive gone, but want to go One hundred forty five. For the price it gives you speed, dynamic handling, some luxury, and a lot of fun.

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  Cadillac CTS 3.6 Sedan - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By jack - December 14 - 7:00 pm

  I have had my CTS for two months and I am ecstatic over this car! I tried out the Mercedes C230 and was amazed that the CTS was far superior in all categories...this vehicle has it all! By the way, I am a retired GM dealer, but I have an open mind...I had enough new-car demos in my career that I am not easily impressed by cars, but this CTS is a winner.

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  Great Bang for Buck - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By rpfromcp - December 14 - 2:14 pm

  I bought this car used with 40,000 miles on it. I have had it for a year and it has been a joy to own and drive. The suspension is firm but not punishing and it handles great. Its not super fast but it does move when you step on the gas. I have owned the car for more than a year and the only problem was an overactive stability control system. I drove to the dealership and they fixed immediately in less than 30 minutes. I do a lot of driving and so far it has been totally reliable. It even did pretty well in the snow. I have gotten a lot of compliments on this car. It looks and runs great and I would highly recommend it.

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  First American car in awhile - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By DanV - December 11 - 7:46 am

  Havent owned an American car in years, but after reading reviews, decided to give it a try. My previous car was an 06 Audi A6. Very impressed with this new Cadillac...the CTS has an amazing ride-handling combination, great power with the DI engine, and awesome looks. The perceived quality is on par (if not better) with the top German and Japanese offerings. Time will tell about long term reliability.

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  cts - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By cosmo_kramer - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the price!

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  THIS #1 CAR - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By DON CONWELL - December 3 - 10:00 am

  i love this car

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  Cadillac Builds a Winner - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By JHoss - November 28 - 11:22 pm

  My new 2.8L CTS rocks. The design, performance, and interior quality are extremely impressive. The 2.8L engine provides impressive acceleration.