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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  Enjoyment - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By John Valles - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The car is a joy to drive. I have driven it for approximately 8300 miles with any trouble. Prior to owning this car I drove a Honda Accord, primarily because of the Hondas reliability record. However, the Cadillac has been trouble free and more fun to drive. This is my first Cadillac and Id buy another without hesitation.

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  Buy One - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By caddy man - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Car blows away competition! Better than a BMW or Audi or Mercedes (small models) Buy it!!!

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  CTS REALLY ROCKS - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By FLORIDASNATURAL - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I RECENTLY WENT FROM A JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, AND AFRAID THEHIGH RIDE OF A SUV WOULD BE MY ONLY COMFORT, WELL LET ME TELL YOU I AM SO HAPPY WITH MY COUPE TOURING CTS THAT FEEL OF EVERYONE WOUNDERING AND ADMIRE THE DESIGN ..AND ITS A CADILLAC

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  Great Ride for the Bucks - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By CTS Fan - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely terrific package for the money. Great performance, room, handling, and looks. Beats all those "boring" Lexuss and overpriced German autos at their own game. Only wish I could step up to the CTS V!

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  Richys Ride - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By rfridline - February 29 - 2:00 am

  Probably the best, sterio system I have ever owned from a production car. The VVT6 is also a performer powertrain I can not compare. Well done, one can tell there is a Geramn touch on this vehicle.

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  Boomers Baby - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Jazz Mon - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Most impressed with reliability, fuel economy, and drivability. This car handles great on the open road. It takes the turns like a true sports car. This model offers allot for the money.

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  This aint your daddys caddy - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Caddy gone perfect! - February 18 - 7:50 am

  Be prepared to be impressed - from putting on some of Cadillacs color options - to the extensive standard equipment, all are better on this car. If the same level of attention paid in planning then building this car can be transfered to others in the GM Family - watch out world for market share will return back to the USA!

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  CTS Rocks - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By USMFG - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This car brings me back to the muscle car days. It performs, turns every head in the crowd, & is great to drive. After more than 9,000 miles, I still look forward to being asked to run out & pick something up from the store. This is truly a breakthrough car that resets the bar. GM, you own the edge now -- Keep resetting it!

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  Before you purchase, please read - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By TexasCTS - January 30 - 2:00 am

  We waited months to receive our new car Pros: Great ride & comfort. Cons: The whole sterring system failed the first 180 miles on the vehicle (3rd day). It took three weeks to get the parts. Poor handling on snow or ice. We could not get in our driveway when there was more than a half of an inch of snow. We also were involved in an accident on wet payement due to the car over correcting when avoiding debris on the road. It took 10 full weeks to have the car returned due to parts problems with Cadillac. To make matters worse, OnStar never sent a tow truck.

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  THE ULTIMATE CAR - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By BARBARA M. JOHNSON - January 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a truly beautiful vehicle. Great design appeal.I am amazed by the numerous comments that I receive from fellow drivers and walkers-nods of approval, thumbs up and requests for me to describe the cars features. The ride is smooth and it handles well. What a great choice for a 70 year old adventurer. Cadillac has a winner in the CTS.