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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  I Love My CTS - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Ryan Nelson - March 2 - 10:00 am

  The new CTS is one of the best GM products EVER! (XLR is the other). The car is so refined and comfortable. The new 3.2 liter V6 is so quiet that when i turn the car on, i cant even hear it. I looked at the BMW 330i and the Audi A4 3.0 CVT and they could not compare. If you do get the CTS get the sport Luxury Package, the only way to go.

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  A Cadillac for young people - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By AJ Viper - February 26 - 12:40 am

  My Cadillac CTS V6 with navigation has an MSRP of around $44,000. loaded. Its ride is smooth, inviting, and responsive. The engine has a nice American roar to it when you accelerate through a yellow light. Its exterior leaves nothing behind except for the people staring at it, of course. Its interior with heated lumbar seats is accomidating, welcoming, and deserves your cruisin time. The Bose sound sytem is excellent. You cant drive this car without the music blaring. The navigation system helps if you stink with maps, or are just lazy like me!. I replaced the wheels and rims for 20". I guess automakers haventcaught up yet in the tire department. My new tires were an extra $5,000 out of my pocket. I have not had any problems with the vehicle yet and I hope this will continue.

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  2005 Cadillac CTS - Great Car - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By cts cadillac 2005 - February 25 - 1:01 am

  I love my Cadillac CTS. I had a BMW X5, but I like the CTS even better. My father had one and I always thoght Cadillacs were an old mans car untill I test drove the CTS and I really loved it. The look is great and it is very comfortable. Go test drive one yourself. Believe me you will buy it.

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  BMW Killer - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By jeff - February 18 - 2:26 pm

  When I was in the market for a new car, I was looking extensiviley for the best midsize luxury sedan, and did not care one bit about brand or price if I felt that the car was a good value. I ended up purchasing a 2004 Cadillac CTS. The best car to me means, in the highest 5% class of all cars made for safety, comfort, drivablity, performance, reliabilty, operating cost, and total value. Spending months investigating automotive publications and internet reviews, comparing detailed specification data, and driving many of the cars that met my stringent requirements, only two cars remained out of all the competitors. They were the BMW 5-series and the CTS. The one area that seperated the cars by a wide margin was CTSs high value/lower price for the better overall offering.

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  Best Car Ever - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Scott - February 18 - 3:57 am

  I love my 2003 Cadillac CTS. I have had no problems with it. It is fun to drive and handles great. It is a little light on horse power, but it looks like they have corrected that in the newer models.

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  CTS 2004 - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Wideglide - February 18 - 2:00 am

  We test drove the competition, Audi, BMW and the Lexus. The CTS has them all beat for value and quality. The craftsmanship is excellent. I have examined the car inside and out and the fit and finish is as good or better than the much higher priced German and Japanese cars. We thought the Japanese interiors and to a less of a degree the Europeans, were a bit on the "tacky" side. Their interiors reminded us of a Las Vegas Casino, just "too" much. The CTS interior is very tasteful, clean and very pleasing to the eyes. It is not so cluttered with the tacky plastic-looking-wood trim that youll find in the Lexus.

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  Awsome - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By koclanis - February 18 - 2:00 am

  My C.T.S. gets even more impressive every day I drive it. I love the handling speed and smooth ride it give me,

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  car with style - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By louis ferrara - February 18 - 2:00 am

  picked up car thought for the price it would not be that luxurious dont have all the gadgets that we never use anyway .car rides very well, solid like a big sedan very happy with the car

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  A real head-turner! - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By BWV565 - February 17 - 6:31 pm

  I bought my 2004 Cadillac CTS 3.6L black beauty in March 2004. It is loaded with the sports luxury package, DVD navigation, etc. My only complaints are the lack of a locking gas cap and the DVD Navigation system is not 100% reliable in midtown Toronto. Otherwise the car is spectacular. I wouldnt give it up for the world.

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  Cadillac is back - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Caddyman - February 11 - 11:03 pm

  What can you say... Cadillac is back. I give my 2003 Cadillac CTS five stars all around. It blows away the imports. I have never had any problems with this car. It is a blast to Drive. I can’t wait to get the V-Series. I can’t imagine anybody not loving this car or having any problems. It is simply the best.