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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CADILLAC CTS - 2003 Cadillac CTS
By boobaby888 - August 23 - 2:00 amTHIS VEHICLE IS EXCELLENT. I LOVE IT AND I WOULD NOT CHOOSE ANY OTHER VEHICLE OVER IT. IT IS REASONABLY PRICED AND WORTH IT.
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CTS Walks All Over Avalon - 2008 Cadillac CTS
By marksecoshop - August 7 - 1:53 pmIm a loyal Toyota customer who is grateful for heeding the advice to test drive the all new 2008 Cadillac CTS after nearly committing to purchasing a 2008 Toyota Avalon XLS. The 2008 CTS is far superior in quality, performance, and handling. Thats right, the 2008 Cadillac CTS walked all over the Avalon for quality Three out of four Avalons I considered had very noticeable interior fit-and-trim problems. While the Avalon was very capable and pleasant to drive, there wasnt anything outstanding about the vehicle. On the other hand, the CTS provided me with an instant "WOW" experience in the road. This vehicle is fun to drive and the handling and suspension is outstanding.
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Cadillac CTS sharp, fun to drive - 2003 Cadillac CTS
By hgold1 - July 30 - 10:00 amGreat style, terrific handling, good power. I shopped the M/B c240, BMW 3 series, Lexus 300 series and Infinity I 35. The CTS was the nicest looking (if you like the style) had the best handling and more bells and whistles for almost the same price as the others.
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I Love This Car - 2008 Cadillac CTS
By Deb - July 27 - 5:50 pmI love this car so much now, I cant wait for good weather! We usually take a motorcycle trip every summer but I know this year well be traveling in style. No complaints at all! I love that GM has turned out a car like this! Im proud to drive American!
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The 2005 Cadillac CTS is One Incredible Ride - 2005 Cadillac CTS
By angelplo - July 20 - 8:50 pmThis car is incredible. It surely cant compare to the other other leading cars like BMWs or Mercedes-Benzs, but the fact that it is an American car lets me know that it is totally reliable. It has excellent acceleraltion, compared to the BMW 330i and in my opinion it is way more stylish than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. I almost purchased an E-Class just because of the emblem, but driving away with the Cadillac left me with no regrets.
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First American car Ive loved! - 2005 Cadillac CTS
By Skuuter - July 15 - 10:00 amI avoided owning American cars for about twenty years, only buying a Chevy Beretta in 95 (a mistake) and a Malibu LS in 99. This CTS, however, is a whole different animal. I really, really love this car!! Excellent handling, great get-up and go, superb safety features and peerless styling. The build quality is much better than the Camry I rented recently. I am finally proud to buy American again!
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CTS HAPPY OWNER - 2003 Cadillac CTS
By HAPPY CTS OWNER - July 6 - 2:00 amRIDES SMOOTH
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Kicks Butt - 2003 Cadillac CTS
By Vigla - July 1 - 10:00 amThis car is awesome! You wouldnt think this is a Cadillac at all... If this is the direction they are going then maybe we have something we Americans can be proud of other than just the Corvette. If Cadillac is looking to attract younger buyers theyve succeeded with this car. I have no complaints so far. The analog clock in the dash is unnecessary, would have liked more guages instead. Other than that, I just push the sport mode button and off I go!!!
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GREAT! - 2003 Cadillac CTS
By Ralph#$ - June 17 - 2:00 amGREAT!
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Cadillac CTS, a fun drive - 2004 Cadillac CTS
By wsag26 - June 12 - 2:00 amThe Cadillac CTS says drive me, and that is exactly what I did when I went hunting for a car in the spring of 2003. Cadillac was getting a lot of buzz, being that the XLR and SRX were getting ready to roll into the dealers, and that the CTs has been getting a lot of buzz. I checked out a loaded CTS and test-drived. I bought it that day, at the dealership, right there, right then. My Cadillac has a 220 hp V-6, but I will be getting either a V-Series or something else soon. I love the vehicle.
