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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  Loved my car since dy 1 - no problems - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By stockcar33 - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Since day one, our CTS has been a blast. Plus, we have never received the compliments on other lux cars that we have on this.

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  Good to go - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By andy matt - March 18 - 2:52 pm

  The 2005 Cadillac CTS is pleasing for the driver who has a long commute, but when out on the open road likes to have a comfortable ride with acceptable performance. It has lots of room in the trunk. Its front seats are comfortable and have enough adjustments. I dont know about back seats, I dont use them. Its steering is taut, brake feel is good and handling is better than the average mid size sedan. The engine response is peppy and the transmission is one of the smoothest Ive driven. The drive by wire response sometimes feels a little wierd but feeds in what you want most of the time. This is a great car, but there already has been a recall to reset the ECM apparently on all 2004 and many 2005 models.

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  2005 Cadillac CTS - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By happy caddy - March 18 - 10:36 am

  Once I decided to purchase a Cadillac CTS, it was a very easy task. I picked the color with the sport and luxury package. What more could I want, besides a CTS-V of course? Well, was I surprised, once the snow melted off the roads, this is just a great car to drive. What fun is is to see eyes looking at my Cadillac zoom by. There are a few things that I think Cadillac could improve on though. I like hand brakes, I cant even see the parking brake petal when driving. Also, I know that this is minor but couldnt GM find room to put the date somewhere on the navigation systems screen. Overall Im HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY with my CTS. I cant wait for 2007 model with all wheel drive.

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  We love our CTS! - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By RR Fait - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the CTS for my wife. She feels so safe driving it thanks to the frame structure design that resembles that used by her favorite Nascar driver, Scott Wimmer and the Cat car!! I have to admit that I feel secure also but my review would go deeper by saying I really like the handeling on curves and in tight places, its excellent. I would like to have the instruement panel a little more visible, especially when the steering wheel is in my most comfortable position. This is (overall) a very beautiful automobile to own and operate. Hats off to GM on this concept..

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  Should have waited another year - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By sad Cts - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This car has been nothing but trouble. Its first defect was on the trip home from the dealer. The stabilty systems yaw sensor went right away. Next the sunroof, the A/C system leaked into the cabin and flooded the floors. The seat tracks rusted, the wires got wet, the oil cooler leaked coolant. 17 days total out of service so far and there are more problems, too many to list!

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  2004 CTS, 3.6L Luxury Model - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Mike Boyd - March 10 - 12:38 pm

  My 2004 Cadillac CTS is smooth and fast. It is a total joy to drive. When hitting a headwind or crosswind, you can hardly tell. It has no road noise and is a real head-turner. I have had absolutely no maintenance issues. Just change the oil every 10,000 miles w/Mobil 1, put in the gas and go.

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  Love it - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By Chaz - March 8 - 8:17 pm

  I have the 2005 Cadillac CTS Luxury Sport model w/navigation, and 5-speed automatic transmission. I actually bought my car used, (not a demo) w/4,100 miles. It is a blast to drive. My first choice had been a Chrysler 300C, but I had a Cadillac STS prior, and this to me drove so much better. The doors close solidly, and the fit and finish suprised me. This car is much quieter (wind noise) than my STS was. I highly reccommend it.

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  Red Hot 2008 CTS4 - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By anselmoc5 - March 7 - 6:03 pm

  We bought this loaded 2008 CTS to replace our base model 2004 CTS. What a huge step up! Ours is exactly like the Crystal Red CTS4 seen in all of the ads. This car draws a great deal of attention when we are out in it. An 800 mile road trip in the first week of ownership proved to be a most pleasurable drive. The car handles like a sports cars and the 304 HP V6 sure feels like a V8. The ride is Cadillac quality but with a nice sporty road feedback. All of the chatter about the sunroof letting in too much light proved to be a non- issue. Even with the light Cashmere interior the sun shade blocked out the suns rays just fine. This is a truely great car to own!

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  michael777s - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By michael777 - March 4 - 4:16 pm

  I love my 2005 Cadillac CTS. I wish that I had purchased the STS, or Deville, though. The CTS is too small inside for what im used to. Having said that, I enjoy driving my CTS every day 60 miles each way to work. I never have any problems getting around traffic with my CTS.

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  CAR TO HAVE - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By KARL DIEHL - March 3 - 11:56 pm

  GREAT CAR TO DRIVE