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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Out of this world - 2006 Cadillac CTS
By Andrea - October 15 - 2:17 pmThis car is a dream to drive. I knew it was a great car but I did not know what a thrilling experience it can be to drive a near sports car for that amount of money. I have owned a Cadillac DeVille before (1992) but the two vehicles cannot be compared. I also own an SUV (other brand) and am delighted with the CTSs comfort. I finally found a car that more nimble and more fun to drive and ride in than a BMW (which I still own and will get rid of) or my friends Mercedes. I test drove the Toyota Avalon before deciding to buy the CTS. My advice: Drive a CTS before buying the Avalon the handling will convince you - plus the CTS has style and character.
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so far . . . so great - 2004 Cadillac CTS
By steve - October 14 - 2:16 amMy 2004 Cadillac CTS becomes more fun to drive each time I take it out. The sport luxury package w/17 inch wheels, is smooth accelerating and handling. I just love this car. I also tested an Acura TL, but for some reason, I just wasnt that impressed.
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I love my car! - 2006 Cadillac CTS
By Karen - October 13 - 1:01 amI have had my 2006 Cadillac CTS for about nine months and everytime I get in it, I think about how much I love it. My husband laughs at me because I still say it after this many months.
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under rated - 2005 Cadillac CTS
By diver - October 9 - 1:43 pm2005 CTS with the perks will cost ya around 40000 but the car will exceed all the you have heard about. The 255 hp can push the car up to 130 mph not bad. Handling with the sport package is very good. The decor is not as refined as its german buds but the room you get inside the cab is great and more than makes up the difference. its my fist GM car in yrs
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First New Caddy - 2006 Cadillac CTS
By Glenn P - October 7 - 8:55 pmSo far I am quite pleased with my purchase. I just returned from Las Vegas, a 600 mile trip, and got 25 mpg running in the high 70 to low 80s most of the trip. The a/c works great, the car has has lots of vim for passing, and is fairly quiet on the road. I wish the interior was a little larger to support my 6 foot frame. My wife loves the car and shes the one who made the selection.
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my car - 2004 Cadillac CTS
By sanford - October 2 - 10:00 ami am suprised how well this car handles and operates, I traded an aurora (2001) for this car and so far it was a good decision. My only compaint is that the nob for the radio on the steering wheel should be recess a little more. I keep hit it when I turn the steering wheel using one finger. It might be that my fingers a too large?
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Mac Daddy Pimp Mobile! - 2008 Cadillac CTS
By ejmachad - October 1 - 7:40 amI picked up the ride on Saturday afternoon and spent the rest of the day "oohing and aahing" and getting lots of looks from other drivers. I went from a BMW 325 and was very surprised by how well the car handled. I expected a big drop off in handling and there was none. Oh, and this car moves. I had smooth power and plenty of torque. If youre not careful, youll eclipse the speed limit quickly. All this with an extremely quiet interior. The interior is beautiful--especially at night! The ambient lighting absolutely makes a huge impression. I like the HID steerable headlamps and if Im not mistaken the back up lamps are HID as well. This is my first Caddy and Im in love!
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CTS - 2005 Cadillac CTS
By Bill - September 29 - 10:23 pmI bought this car based on the style and a friends enthusiastic endorsement. Its a good riding car, but the engine runs much rougher than my Hondas ever did. I am kind of disappointed with all the plastic in the interior and with the low gas mileage. The cigarette lighter hasnt worked since I drove it off the lot. But...everyone loves the styling.
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A Great Ride - 2004 Cadillac CTS
By jaedog - September 26 - 10:00 amI am truly impressed with the styling, comfort and handling of the CTS. Not only is this car great in looks it performs well and I feel very secure driving it.
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KAD-CTS - 2004 Cadillac CTS
By DougKen - September 26 - 10:00 amMaintenance seems to be a problem, after 5000 Miles I need a $300 front end alignment! Ordered by the dealers handbook.
