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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  Great buy - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By sunnycat - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Performance is tops. Quality is beyond expectation.Fun car to drive on the road or in the city.

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  Do not buy car in its first year. - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By jwindwer - March 23 - 2:00 am

  The car is nice looking a nimble. I have had the engine gasket replaced, the door pulls and window control panels replaced twice. The rear sail panel came loose. and the goodyear tires only laster 24000 miles. When replaced with michelins, the car was smoother and quieter.

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  CTS a Drivers Car - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Andrew L. - March 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my first step into the Luxury/Sport Car calss, and I couldnt be happier. I drove the C-Class Mercedes, the 525i BMW and the Audi A4. For the price and features the CTS was the best value. Unless you can afford to make the step into an E- Class Benz, a 500 Series BMW or the A6, the CTS gives you the best "bang" for the buck. It is smooth, powerful, and responsive, a real pleasure to drive.

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  2004 CTS 3.6VVT - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By billsteinhagen - March 22 - 2:00 am

  First drove in 2003 with the 3.2 V6 engine. I liked the car but a little underpowered with AT. Glad I waited for the 2004 with 3.6 V6 with variable valve timing and 255 HP. Great acceleration, very quiet and decent gas mileage. The 5 speed AT is the smoothest I have ever used. I purchased this over another BMW, although I didnt trade the Bimmer.

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  My CTS - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Fred Livingstone - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I entered the Cadillac marketin 1998 with a Catera. It was fun to drive, but not too dependable. I traded it for the CTS in 2002. the CTS was even more fun to drive and has been a very dependable performer so far. I really like this car. I have owned about 15 new cars over the years and this one is up there among the best.

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  Best car I ever had. - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Roy Anderson - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I have the base automatic .The only thing this car needs to make this car the best car I ever had is dual power seats.The driver seat is a power seat.This car has every thing else you need class ,style and sport car all in one.And I even like it when I take it into servicing.

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  CTS 2003 - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By ctsfan - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is an absolute joy to drive. It is sleek, sexy, and sporty. Handles very responsively.

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  CTS Surprise - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By hemiguy61 - March 9 - 2:00 am

  The automotive press is missing the boat on this one. The styling is distinctive and different and I like that a lot considering the sea of boring imports out there. The CTS has great power, gets good gas mileage, is comfortable, has a ton of storage and overall is a ball to drive. It has a great turning radius and is a snap to parallel park in the city. What more could you want? The best parts of my day are driving to and from work in this gem.

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  Best car I have ever driven - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By glauser2 - March 9 - 2:00 am

  My first Cadillac was the Catera in 2001 which I thought was a very well- built car. The new CTS leaves the Catera in the dust! Wonderful handling on the open road, and when you use the cruise control, you get a cruising range of 400+! The seats are extremely comfortable (both front and rear), and the temperature controls make riding in extreme heat or cold a non-issue. I am floored that this is not in the top ten list of "Best of..." cars. One drive will convince you.

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  I love it - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Vedo - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I got this car more as a joke than anything else (plus I got the best lease rates). Little did I know that I would fall in love with it. The car is a complete blast to drive (its alive). Acceleration is excellent (especially for the size of the motor), braking is excellent and handling is excellent. The car was flawlessly assembled. I have no complaints. I have even become somewhat enamored with the styling.