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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  If I knew then what I know now - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Julie - August 9 - 6:59 pm

  Repairs that I had within an 18 month period: 1. Piston.$700 (67,000 miles) 2. Throttle motor.$1200 (84,000 miles) 3. Steering column replacement.$800 (86,000 miles) 4. Air bag $350. (80,000 miles) bad sensor.$250. (72,000 miles) 5. Another $400 repair I cannot remember what type because there have been too many. This occurred at 80,000 miles I dont even want to total up the money I have spent on car repairs. Im upset enough already. I will never purchase a cts again.

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  I am a CTS lover! - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By CTSluvr - August 4 - 11:39 pm

  I purchased my loaded, black on black CTS on my birthday last year and it is by far my favorite car and the best gift Ive ever given myself. I have a couple of extras like a color keyed black grill, small deck spoiler and larger E&G chrome exhaust tips that all work to round out the package. The nav is great, the ultra-view roof is expansive, the leather is nice, the Bose audio rocks, the engine pulls like a V8, the transmission is smooth and responsive, the handling with the FE3 suspension is like a sports car and the styling is like nothing else on the road. I shopped other cars in its class, but I felt the CTS suited me as the individual I am and not a follower. Try a loaded one, smile :)

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  Sporty Nightmare - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Z28west - August 2 - 10:40 pm

  Its very fun to drive, and fast for a V6. Looks great and turns heads. Great interior. However it gets terrible mileage for a V6. I get 24 on highway if Im lucky. It burns about a quart every 1000 miles! It is worthless in snow and ice. My transmission went out at 95,000 miles. $5000 for a new one installed at the dealership. When I step on my brakes the car shimmies and shakes back and forth. Had to replace a brake caliper at 75,000 miles $850! Basically its a unreliable gas/oil burning expensive piece of crap that I can only use half of the year if the transmission wasnt broken! Spare yourself a headache and steer clear! Its looks ARE deceiving!

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  Verdict still out - 2010 Cadillac CTS
  By first cts - August 2 - 9:39 pm

  Only driven it 100 miles so far but love the ride. Plenty of Power for a 3.6 sedan. Fit and finish are cut above most American made cars. Love the creature comforts. Stereo and nav are awesome. I would recommend anyone looking at a the infinity m or Lexus es300 or any other of those foreign makes to test drive the cts premium, you wont be disappointed.

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  First Time Cadillac Owner - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By JohnC - July 31 - 9:33 am

  This was my first upscale car, and Ive not been disappointed. Great look & feel inside & out, superior driving experience (even with base 3.6 engine). Bold exterior design and black cherry color has drawn lots of compliments. Mileage is about as expected, 17-19 mpg in mostly city driving. Seems pretty good to me for an AWD car. Like one other reviewer, I had major transmission problem about 3 mos into ownership, which eventually required total replacement and about 2 wks in the dealership. However, dealer handled great, provided free loaner CTS for the entire time, so whats to complain about? No problems since. Overall a great vehicle and certainly the best car Ive ever owned.

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  Six months, still satisfied - 2010 Cadillac CTS
  By Greg - July 29 - 1:23 pm

  Cant complain about this car so far. Ive already taken it on two long trips - including one on Amtraks Auto Train service to Florida without a problem. Sound system, bluetooth, navigation are all very good. Performance is excellent. Fuel economy is not too bad considering the car wasnt really designed for efficiency. Car is great for long trips (and passing on two-lane highways!). Quality seems to be better than my Oldsmobile Aurora which had a few too many problems compared to the Chevy I had before it. No rattles, weird noises, or warranty repairs yet like I had after 6 months of owning my Aurora.

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  Never buy again - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Shay - July 21 - 9:53 am

  I liked the looks of this car when it first came out so I bought one. I should have waited until they figured out the problems. I had instant problems with the check engine light. It took 5 trips back to the dealer before they figured out that it was the thermostat and had to reset the sensors every time. Now it dies when you come to a stop. The final kicker was the headlamp. It went out so I looked in the manual on how to replace it. Of course it said see dealer. They quoted me $1100 to replace it. How stupid is the design team at GM? I will never buy another GM car.

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  Love it - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By AZ driver - July 19 - 11:44 am

  I have had it four years and plan on keeping it for at least a couple more. Currently has 80,000 miles on it and has given me no trouble at all. And it is really fun to drive. It has spent minimal time in the shop. Drives best with Michelin tires, just makes it tighter.

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  Fun CTS - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By dtb2 - July 19 - 10:49 am

  We had this CTS since the month of December in the year of 2007 and this car still drives like new. The only problem on the car is that something is rattling under the hood whenever we take off fast or if the car is in park, but we love this car, and this car is so nice that ill pass it down to my son for his first car. We love CTS and I recommend it to anybody who likes them.

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  Cheap plastic upholstery - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By don N - July 15 - 9:36 pm

  I have a Cadillac since 1962 and this 2009 srs is the first one that I have had that didnt have real leather upholstery. I never thought about it at the time of purchase but I do now! I paid almost $40,000 for this car and at 15,500 miles the plastic upholstery on the drivers seat is already starting to stretch and fray. Im not a big person at 165 lb. So its not my size thats the problem its the cheap plastic crap they used for the seat covering. Not a bit of leather on these seats at all. What ever you do dont settle for anything less than leather. Remember Cadillac guarantee doesnt cover your upholstery. Gm should be out of business settling for this cheap upholstery material for a cad.