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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  I Love My CTS - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Detailman - January 10 - 2:00 am

  This has been the Best Car I have ever Driven. The Handeling is great and the power is, ( well, lets just say, IT HAS HORSES). The interior is a little plain, but for the money, ( fully loaded, is under $40k), its great. The cars computer tells when the gas cap is not tightened properly, all the gauges are digital, it tells you hown much oil life, how much trans life left etc. The only thing thats missing is the gauge options that can actually talk to you!!

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  One Year Later - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By CTS Owner - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Have driven the 03 CTS for one year now. Been back to the dealer for steering rack, sun roof and tail light assembly, all covered under warranty. Still love to drive this car. Resale value has dropped $10k in one year from invoice price, disappointing. Overall a great drving experience but I shutter the fact of when this car comes out of warranty.

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  Cadillac did a great job with this one! - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By mickeycts - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I just boought the CTS and man it is a show stopper as far as looks go. The performance of it keeps up with the BMW 3 series that I also drove. It has the looks and feel of a more expensve car for a great price!

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  Whats Not to Like? - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Love it in Wichita - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Had my CTS a week now after careful study of everything even close to its class, including Beemers, Acura, Lincoln LS, etc. Nothing compared to the unique look, yet still delivered great performance. Doesnt have as much juice as some of the others, but overall a great ride.

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  Best of all my cars. - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Marene Coye - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car, great drive andfuel eeconomy.got a lot of compliments about the car.

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  i have a cts - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By kryst - December 30 - 2:00 am

  this car is sooo nice,especially for my first car.

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  real Nice Car - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By seeker1026 - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle tho small, has a big performance. It is FAST. It handles the corners very well. In comparison to the Benz Kromer the Cady beats it hands down. The performance is awsume. Its not a very roomy Car. But it is very sporty and handles like a VET. I use to have an Escalade, and this car out performs it. So giving up the room the Escalade had, I traded in for Power and Speed. Believe me it is an EYE CATCHER.... Heads turn.

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  Not the Caddy Im used to driving. - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By DonC - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had Cadillacs for many years and this car does not exude the comfort of previous models. I guess thats my main disappointment. Also, I have a rattle (normal for American built cars) in my dashboard that drives me crazy.

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  surprise - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Arty3591 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This car was chosen to replace a previous lease; when we went for the test ride, it took only a short spin to realize that this was a different Cadillac. It not only looks great, but it drives like a sports car, handles really well, and gives good mileage in the bargain. It has most of the luxury features that I look for, and I have had only one problem with it; the plastic cover on the head lining that holds the controls for the courtesy lights and the sun roof is faulty; and it is continuing to be a problem; otherwise, a great car!

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  Awesome Car!!!! - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By jar jar binks - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I love this car more than any car i had in the past. It drives like a sports car but still has that famous cadillac drive thatll win over any consumer. I would recommend this car to anyone whos getting older becasue this car would make anyone my age feel like they were a kid again.