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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  Best Car I have owned - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Jon M - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a number of cars, including a baby BMW, but this is the car that is most fun to drive. I have to wrestle the keys from my 16 year old daughter who says everyone thinks she looks hot in it. Gave a ride to my sons 15 year old friend and could be rich if I had a dime for every time he said "this car is so cool". I have always wanted to be an American car owner...now I am without regret and without sacrifice

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  I HATE THIS CAR! - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By I HATE THIS CAR! - November 13 - 5:56 pm

  I purchased this car in Oct. 2003. In a year, this car has been in the shop 7 times. It first started out as "little" non-mechanical problems. The remote keyless entry quit working. Stereo has been replaced twice. Car was stuck in park (related to a problem with the brakelights, go figure!) Back carpet soaked from air conditioning drainage. Now car having problems starting. Dealer had for a week and couldnt figure out what the problem was. Said we needed to wait for it to become "more broke". Now besides the starting problem, car dies at traffic lights. Totally unreliable!! Have been stranded 5 times in the last week! Has depreciated $10,000 value in 1 year. Ridiculous!

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  GM Gets it right - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Steve - November 9 - 5:23 am

  Went to buy an STS but settled on the CTS instead. Love the sunroof with sunshade. The performance, economy, and handling are unbelievable in this car. Transmission very smooth. Got 26 miles to the gallon on first tank. Form and fit and interior design are way ahead of the competition. Thanks GM. Traded a 2005 SRX.

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  The 2003 CTS is a fun ride. - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By sue from virginia - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this car about two months and so far is it a fun car to drive. It handles curves and mountain roads with ease. The ride is so smooth that I can go over the speed limit if not careful. The Bose in dash 6 CD changer is wonderful. I put in some light jazz CDs and my 45 minute commute goes by very quickly. The angles on the design make it fresh to look at.

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  No-Comprimises - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By secondtimothy - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Upon trading in my Geo that I had driven for eight years, I was ready to buy a no compromises car. Also since 9-11, I wanted to buy American. I wanted something diffrent from the Blase Accord/Camry solid sedans and I wanted hi-tech. I got everything I was looking for in the CTS. The handling is what surprised me the most. I love the nav system and voice recognition controls. I smile everytime I sit behind the wheel.

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  CTS beats BMW - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By James Evans - October 23 - 5:46 pm

  My new CTS is awesome! Ive had it for just about a month and now have 2K miles on it. Its a thrilling ride and looks gorgeous. When I bought my CTS I researched and test drove all the major competitors (BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class, etc.) and the CTS beat them all in drive, HP, leg room (Im 6 2" and have enough room to even sit in the back) and in looks. This is my first Caddy but wont be my last.

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  Awesome Machine - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Love my CTS - October 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I had to search for the color combination (Garnet Red w/ Ebony interior) -- and it was worth the wait! I get so many compliments, I love to show people the car -- everyone has the same response "this is a cadillac? -- this is a hot car!"

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  about my stereo - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By lana ghiselli - October 16 - 2:00 am

  i love my car but ive had nothin but radio problems. gmc knew there was a problem with the stereo, its been in for servc. nermorous times. gmac said that they know of the problem and there is nothin they can do for me, its static and i can hardly get a reception. so im stuck with a 40,000 car that i just got. ill never buy another gm car again and thats sad cuz thats all ive ever owned.

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  unfortunately a poor investment - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By firstcaddy - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car with the intent of owning for at least 10yrs, and after less than two, Im worried it might not make it to 5yrs. Problems that have been fixed (thankfully under warranty): anti-freeze leak (bad cooler), fuel delivery problem (bad engine thermostat), no heat (bad vacuum to heater bypass valve), oil leak (bad oil pump), snapped clutch spring (replaced clutch assembly). Problems that the dealer says are "normal" and cant fix: random clicking of CD player, CD player doesnt work 100 percent, clocks not in sync, engine misses at random (not speed or gear dependent), and the clutch now pops/clicks at random while engaging in 1st gear.

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  Rock and Roll, part II - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Glenn RN - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I just took my CTS out for the weekend. It performed just as Id hoped. Fun, fast, and classy. Great handling and speed and decent gas mileage. Lots of interior and trunk space. The On-star system is nice but I have to think about the later costs of maintaining it. Original looks/design. Everyone who wants to complain about the outsourcing of jobs etc. should think of the foreign cars that they drive.