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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  08 CTS - new standard for the world - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By 08 CTS - well done ! - November 23 - 9:30 am

  My 2005 CTS was a step up from my two previous STS Caddies. Build quality was excellent and I experienced only minor repairs over 35,000 miles. It still is a real "looker". But my new loaded Crystal Red 08 CTS is about the most perfect car I have ever had. It blows away just about every BMW, Audi and Mercedes on the road today. It is stunningly beautiful, excellent fit and finish, with options galore and the handling is remarkable. The styling and performance improvements in the 08 are obvious, but it is the subtle nuances and thoughful engineering that make the car a standout for me. I cant tell a Lexus from a Camry until up close, but theres no mistaking this Caddy at any distance !

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  Great car - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By mgoblue2 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Our first caddy. Love this car. Handles great an overall wonderful car

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  womens point of view - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By Mary Red - October 26 - 10:00 am

  Classy all around vehicle! Gets lots of looks and comments. Has ample accelration when needed. Many useful features including Onstar. We are a first time buyer in this style and will consider as a first choice when buying again. But happiness with this car is to extreme; and driving adventure is just plain estatic!

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  Great Car - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Bugsy - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Have been driving my CTS for 3000 miles and loved every one of them. Great styling and a comfortable interior. People stare everywhere I go. Lately, BMW 3-series and like bellybullons (everybody has one). I also test drove a 330i (Lately, BMW 3-series and like bellybullons, everybody has one, a C320 and an A4. For the money, the CTS beat them all hands-down.

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  its the bomb - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Lynne sanchez - October 12 - 10:00 am

  i like it very much

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  fun to drive - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Vivian Jew - October 6 - 10:00 am

  i traded my 1997 seville sts to a 2004 cts. big difference in size and price! cts is alot more practical for my needs and pocketbook. its a fun car!!

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  CTS Hits the Mark! - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Tom Hayes - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Just got our CTS and its everything wed heard about. What an experience! The handling, ride and performance are better than Id hoped for. This car will definitely bring down the "average age of a Cadillac owner!"

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  love this car - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By cadillac lover - August 18 - 2:00 am

  very comfortable. great handling. traded in my s-type for this car. love it. cant wait for the V8.

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  A car that fits - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Kiran - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I have been shopping for a new car for over a year now. yes that is anal but I need a car to fit like a glove in terms of performance and style. The car you drive says a lot about who you are. After I test drove a CTS I knew this is the vehicle for me. Flashy "new age" styling unavailable from anyone else, quick acceleration, tight handling, nice ride that combines comfort and performance. Some people have been complaining about the style of the interior but I totally disagree. It is well thought out and has a cool look to it. Why have another car on the market that has a flat center to its dash. Power is great for me with my 5 speed. I never feel like there is a lack of power.

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  2005 CTS - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By bmarkdc - August 12 - 9:53 am

  I love this car. Had to order it, couldnt find the 6 speed anywhere. It took about 8 weeks to get, but was well worth it. I get compliments all the time.