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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  Cts great car - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Regal - July 3 - 2:00 am

  I love the Cts, the best car I have ever owned,,only regreat I didnt get the gps system. wont ever go back to the park Ave,

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  Excellent car - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By thomasrayw - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2003 White Diamond CTS Luxury Sport w/ NAV for one year and love it. Power is great at 225hp, but the 2004 has 30hp more. If you need more that that, go for the CTS-V w/ 400hp (Vette LS6 V8). Drove one for 24 hrs last week and its a rocket! Great styling and comfort. Theres no other car in its class that can match it.

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  Happy with CTS - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By ry1nik - July 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had it for two years now and cant complain at all. Got the Copper Sunburst color, which gets LOTS of comments. No significant glitches with it after 30,000 miles.

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  Is it too soon to love this car? - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By LuxoSport - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my CTS for a very short time so my enthusiasm is high. I have the 3.6 w/nav, XM radio. I was very close to buying a Chrysler 300C but found I could have the CTS for about the same price and opted for the Caddy. I love the secure, comfortable feeling behind the wheel,the power when called for,the techno gadgetry is awesome,the light platinum w/ebony interior gets raves from my passengers. Even the carpeting is plush and elegant. The OnStar hands free phone feature is a welcome addition to the overall pleasure quotient. Cadillac has regained its status in the luxury market with the new CTS and now appeals to a younger set as well.Even my grand

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  Worse car Ive ever owned! - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Trip Gore - June 28 - 2:00 am

  I was one of the first to lease a CTS in Kansas City, MO. Love the look, but have endured poor quality problems. Paint peeled on grill at 10k. Cadillac would not fix under warranty. (Dealer replaced as "goodwill") A/C condensation flooded interior at 20k. Trim pieces have fallen off in trunk and interior. Front rubber air dam fell off as well as small rubber flaps by rear wheels.Power lock failed at 60k ($400 out-of-warranty repair). Idles poorly when cold (hook shakes).Only good things are comfortable seats and good highway mileage. Poorly placed cruise control buttons on bottom of steering wheel and where is the glove box light????

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  A great alternative... - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By berne1 - June 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a great alternative to the usual suspects (3-Series, C-Class) with stand-out styling and performance to match. Cadillac really got this one right. The engine is flexible with lots of torque AND loves to rev. 5-spd auto is so smooth. This car has great turn in and response to input. Its roomy enough for two kids in car seats in back. I love the styling, although I know this is polarizing design. Ive gotten lots of "thumbs-up" and compliments in parking lots. Growing up with imports, I decided to take a look as Id heard great things about CTS. I could not be happier with my vehicle choice. RWD is back and Im lovin it!

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  Excellent - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By MY CAD CTS - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Have had the car for 1 week, excellent choice with the 3.6L V6, ride, handling, style, comfort, hardest part is learning about all of the gadgets, how to make them work, but that is not a problem, it is a pleasure to drive. On Star, the phone, and XM radio in additon to the 1SB package, with 6 disc Bose, and sunroof. Most fun I have had in my 40 years of driving, Thanks Cadillac.

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  The jurys still out - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By BWV565 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  After a horrendous experience with a 97 Catera (the CTS predecessor), I hesitated before buying the CTS but read great reviews and heard great things, so made the plunge. Black/black, Sports Luxury Package, Chrome wheels, tinted windows, etc., absolutely beautiful. One month into ownership, the DVD Navigation died. Fuel gauges inaccurate and fluctuate. Gas mileage is poor.

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  Loving It!!!! - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By vme1976 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I also drive a bigger SUV and was afraid I would feel cramped in this smaller vehicle but I dont feel cramped at all. I have room along with my passengers. Everything I need to use is right at my finger tips unlike in other cars I have driven. The get up and go on this car is great!! Ive actually been stopped by people thinking of buying a CTS and I havent had one bad thing to say about it.

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  2004 CTS Nav Scrn Blinds Driver w/sun - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Ken Poland - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2004 Cadillac CTS with navigation system. The screen is so poorly shielded that the sun will cause a blinding light in the drivers eyes when it hits the screen in the moring or evening and reflects to the driver. I almost wrecked the first time this happened to me. I have since had the back windshield tinted very dark. My dealer and Cadillac ignorned my problem and complaints. Be careful if you have this configuration. The tint seems to help. Ken Poland