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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  Wheee! - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Rosemark - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Flat cornering. Peppy acceleration. Oh, so comfortable and quiet. The manual trans shifts smoothly through the gears. Bought the CTS for the Cadillac comfort reputation. Found a great handling car underneath the comfort.

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  Optional wheels - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Jrhemp - January 3 - 1:48 pm

  I tried everything from an Audi to a Lincoln in this syle and class. For the price, it is a value. The only thing I dont like is the 16" rims. I asked the dealer for an upgrade to 17" or 18", (whatever is on the cts-v) and they told me it was not available but I could purchase the tires, rims and the equipment after I bought the car for $900.00 each rim and $200 each tire. I did not even want to know about the other stuff I needed after that. It is a great car but looks much better with larger tires and rims. I do like it better than my Audi S4 except for the speed of the S4 was unreal!

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  Are my problems yours too? - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By lisah - January 1 - 5:14 pm

  Bought my Cadillac CTS in March 2004. I love the design but hate the dependability. I have been in the shop 4 different times with the same problem: the engine light goes on and there is no power (the car hesitates). The dealership has been wonderful but cant find a problem!!?? I am paying for a Cadillac, but driving a loaner more often (30 days +) I am thinking of looking at the Lemon Law quickly to get out of this mistake before we are out of warranty. I shouldnt have purchased a first year model I guess. But I must say the dealership has been wonderful.

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  i love my cts - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By norma s. - December 31 - 2:00 am

  its a beautiful car, its the best looking car on the road for 2004.

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  cts - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By rwb - December 24 - 10:00 am

  drove 5 lincolns on same day bought cts car is actually for wife. she fell in love with car after first drive. after owning ford products all our lives we now drive a cts

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  Took me by surprise - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By ringsoft - December 19 - 7:13 am

  Drove lots of the top-of-the line imports, then after driving a top-of-the-line Saab spotted the CTS on the lot of the same dealer and asked to drive it. Cadillac was not on my list of cars to test so imagine my surprise when I was amazed by the performance. Continued on my new car quest with more import test drives, and after all was done ended up back at the Cadillac dealer and purchased the CTS. Not only did I get a fantastic car I got a fantastic deal ... with the current weakness of the dollar against foreign currency (esp. the Euro) I saved many thousands. The CTS is a true "Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde" car ... a luxury car that turns into a raw sports car at the whim of the driver.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Steve - December 19 - 3:16 am

  Fun to drive vehicle with excellent build quality. Tight suspension, but not uncomfortable. Holds to the road.

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  Dont Buy the CTS - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By patpatcadillac - December 13 - 7:38 pm

  I have oened 1983 and 1989 Cadillac Fleetwoods and a 1999 Cadilac Deville The CTS isnt as nice as any of them, luxury-wise. I also have a 2000 Mazda 2k Miata LS. The CTS isnt even as sporty as the Miata.\ Well, maybe it can keep pace with it on a straightaway but the Miata would kill it in the curves. Make no mistake the CTS is NOT an all weather Corvette. THE GOOD: The new CTS has great looking sheet metal, ergonomic steering wheel and console controls shiftable automatic transmission w/sport and snow options. It does have a trip computer. It’s a dry pavement 0-100 monster. THE BAD: It felt drifty on the highway at first-feeling passed. It needed to have an alignment before 5,000 miles. The dealer couldnt do it the same day and the fix cost me $50 at an alignment shop.

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  Great CTS - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By cts man - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Once I drove it I had to buy it. The car is fun to drive and looks awesome I only wish it had a few more horsepower. Very comfortable interior and the CTS handles great.

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  Solid car - no problems - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By CTS owner - December 3 - 11:34 am

  My 2003 Cadillac CTS is a good car. I purchased it two years ago with the Luxury and Sport packages. I really cant complain about anything, other than the fact that the plastic caps on the wheel lugs fell off (dealer/warranty fixed). Other than this I have not experienced any mechanical problems in 20,000 miles. For those who want an American car, this is a serious competitor for the German imports.