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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  Architectural Masterpiece - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By psdesertrat - February 23 - 3:36 am

  I purchased a AWD auto with all options. Ive owned 20 autos in 30 years. This is the best design and execution of what Ive owned and compared the CTS to. In two months, the CTS has been driven through heavy rain, ice and snow. It handles as well as any 4x4 Ive owned. I traded my STS V8 and never looked back. It is by far the most tactile, entertaining, and visually pleasurable vehicle yet. I drove the A4 and 325 AWDs. In comparison, the CTS controls are the most intuitive. I could not figure out how to turn the BMW/Audi radios off during the test drive! With the CTS as good as it is, we cannot wait for the replacement of our DTS perfomance sedan.

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  LOVE IT - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Larry Haugh - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had a Jag XJ6 in 92-94, Lexus ES300, BMW 5 Series and this CTS is by far the most fun and turns the most heads when driving. Great performance and FUN!

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  CTS ! What a fun car to drive!!! Wow ! - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Dr. M.A. Sharpe - January 29 - 10:00 am

  This is definately not your grandpas Caddy! This is the most fun car Ive yet to own. I got all the goodies, but with the 5 speed. Great choice! Much better feeling of control than the Lexus 3-series, BMW 5-series, and Mercedes 2-series, all of which Ive had. This is the first Cadillac Ive owned, and I promise Ill be back for more. Very impressive, great design, nice sport/luxury feel. TURNS HEADS EVERYWHERE !! Only complaint is foot parking brake, instead of a hand brake. Too many moves to get brake on and in 1st or reverse to park. GM should fire the guy who designed that, but everybody else gets a 50% raise, and a company car...

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  Dont Purchase a Cadillac CTS - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By carol cosentino - January 27 - 12:46 pm

  My 2005 Cadillac CTS looks great, but has a terrible ride. Going over a bump, the car shimmies and has bad tire bounce. The back seat is very uncomfortable due to the bouncing. I took it back to the dealer and was told that this is how the car rides, it has a sporty ride. Someone should have told us this before we purchased it. We cannot take it on long trips, it is too uncomfortable. Our Toyota Camry rides much better, for much less money. Also, Ive had to replace the passenger rear tire twice due to flats. People have gotten into the car and asked if it has shocks. I test drove the car before purchaseing it and it did not ride like the one we bought.

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  CTS 08 Could Save GM! - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Joseph Timlak - January 25 - 4:33 pm

  They finally woke up after 20 years in Detroit! CTS 300HP 6 Cylinder is an outstanding engine. Good power throughout, with better than expected MPG at 22MPG combined on CTS computer system. Seats and ride are absolutely above BMW and Mercedes. For the money this is an unbelievable buy! This car is outstanding, Congratulations to GM Detroit, they still have some talent left in those hallways!

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  So Far, So Good - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By vmartin - January 16 - 2:00 am

  In the 600 miles Ive driven it, I love the handling and the pick up. Fast car.

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  First time Caddy Buyer - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Epiphone - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Just took delivery of a CTS. THis is my first time in a luxury Sedan. Ive always owned Coupes before this. The ride and finish is superb. The leather seating surfaces are well stiched and should be rugged enough to last a lifetime. This car will turn heads and people will ask to see the inside at gas stations.

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  Finally a Luxury Sports Car from Cadilla - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By ACaliBabe - December 5 - 2:00 am

  It is a very nice car to drive with lots of power and comfort. I would suggest that you ask for tinted windows when you purchase it. I didnt think about it as I purchased the car when it was dark. The car handles the road beautifully and hugs the curves like a car should.

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  If you dont own one....dont review! - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Dallas Driver - December 5 - 2:00 am

  How can these yahoos spend 15 minutes in the car and make such crappy claims. I have owned BMWs, Caddys, a Vette and a Mercedes. Nothing holds a match to the fun I have in this car. It handles phenominally. It looks and feels great. The blow hards that speak poorly of this car have little to go on. I look for reasons to drive it, and I know I saved a ton of money over the bone heads that are hooked on te BMW. Caddilac is stellar in the way they take care of their clients. Much like a European dealership. Free rental, free service and attention unsurpassed.

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  The Standard of the World returns - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By CADMAN - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Finally a Cadillac for my generation. It doesnt have to make apologies or excuses. The car says, "I am a Cadillac, wanna make something of it?"