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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  Fun car, lots of problems. - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By Jeff - March 9 - 1:10 pm

  Let me start by saying I do like the car. However Ive owned it for nearly 3 years and its in the shop every other month. So far Ive replaced the catalytic converters, the oxygen sensors, the battery, the windshield (cracked for no reason), the dashboard, rear shocks, the water pump, tie rods and the passenger seat airbag sensor. This is in addition to normal maintenance such as brakes, tires (of which Ive need to put 2 sets on) and oil changes. Also it burns oil at about 1 qt every 2000 miles, I found this out after I nearly ran it out of oil and the computer shut the engine off (there is no light indicating low oil). I like the car, but I probably wouldnt buy another.

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  Best car I ever owned! - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By GolfKahuna - February 23 - 7:34 pm

  Bought my CTS used with 46000 miles. It is my daily driver so I am racking up the miles on it. I have the 3.6L V6 and the performance is out of this world! Traction in the snow has been great with the Goodyear Triple Treads. My plan is to put 1 million miles on this thing!

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  Great Sports Sedan - 2010 Cadillac CTS
  By inlets - February 21 - 8:59 am

  I tested a bunch of high end/high tech sports sedans and the CTS just has so much more bang for the buck, than the BMW or Lexus. I got a brand new CTS Premium for $7k of MSRP, and $2k more for my trade than it was worth. Performance is outstanding, tight and very agile. Front seat are very comfy and good support. The back is a little snug. 5.1 Bose sound system is sthe best great sound and lots of power for classic rock. Nav worked flawless touch screen or voice command, even Onstar downloads to your destination when you on the fly. Fit and finish is flawless. Rock solid ride.

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  Another oil burner - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By franko97 - February 16 - 8:12 am

  I agree with Dawna - bought the car used, goes through 5 qts every 3000 miles or so. Engine bucked on acceleration. Dealer charged me $100 to reflash the ECM which (unknown to me) was under recall and should have been free. Now it wont start and service airbag light is on. Center column plastic is peeling. Will never buy another Cadillac .

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  Caution, CTS may not be for you!! - 2010 Cadillac CTS
  By Gary - February 9 - 8:28 pm

  I purchased my CTS Premium AWD Cadillac two weeks ago. I traded a 2008 Cad.DTS. Would take my old vehicle back immediately. The seats are hard, the ride is so horrible my wife and I felt Ill when we drove from the dealer to our home (70 Miles).The cruise control will not hold within 3- 4 miles per hour.Service dept. said "thats the way the way it is" there are..no adjustments. The grille- bumper assembly on the front of the car does not clear the road by more than 3 to 4 inches. My wife turned off a main highway onto a service road, small dip, damaged and broke "plastic grille". Only 200 miles on vehicle. The position of this assembly is actually a safety problem in my opinion.

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  So Far So Good - 2010 Cadillac CTS
  By DubyaC - February 2 - 10:11 pm

  I selected the CTS for my first high end car. Born in the 60s, I can easily remember the days when Cadillac & Lincoln dominated the luxury market. So I was excited not just to finally have a Cadillac of my own, but one with modern styling, excellent fit & finish, and outstanding performance. As they say, its not your Dads Cadillac. I love the feedback I get through the tranny - whether the automatic or manual mode. Excellent balance struck between quiet ride and performance suspension. Handles the corners quite well, but road noise you typically get with such a car is absent - enough for passengers to comment on the quiet cabin. Acceleration is more than competent.

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  Cadillac no longer means quality. - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By Hate to love my CTS - February 2 - 8:51 pm

  Bought it used in Dec 2008 with 26000 for a DEAL. 6 speed manual, limited slip diff and luxury package for under 13000! 22 in the city, over 30mpg highway even in the smokey mountains in much lower gears than necessary! The perfect car...1 week before warranty went out took it to dealership in jacksonvilel NC, they said car was in tip top shape, 2 weeks later the water pump seals blew out, water pump seized up & the synchros for 1st and reverse stopped working. GM said sorry, this happens, a cadillac that was 4 years old and had 32000 miles on it that needed over 3000 dollars worth of repairs. but the dealership offered me an extra 50 bucks on trade for my trouble.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Cadillac CTS
  By Fertile12 - February 1 - 9:50 am

  Cadillac has degraded the CTS this year. Small conveniences have been remover, e.g. rain-sensing wipers, which are no longer available (and the dealer didnt even know about). The "easy-out" convenience rolls the seat back when the engine is stopped but the seat returns to the driving position when the door is opened, indicating poor, unthinking programming. That should be called easy-out but no easy-in.

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  CTS - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By swaz - January 29 - 8:12 pm

  I have owned my CTS since it had 8 miles. I got 75K miles out of the first set of brakes. I have maintained the car religiously. It is by far the worst car I have ever owned! I would not buy another Cadillac or any American car ever again. The quality stinks. The closer I have gotten to 100K miles the worse the car got. Was told by Capital in Atlanta, GA. "sorry, they didnt install an oil light in this year model". The car will alert you of everything, just not low oil.

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  First Cadillac - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By JLT - January 27 - 8:39 am

  My husband had been trying to get me to buy a new car, but I really loved my 99 Grand Am, and the appearance of the new cars did not appeal to me. Besides that, the Grand Am was the first new car that I ordered just the way I wanted it! But, even though the CTS is a used car, it beats the Grand Am hands down in almost all categories. Comfortable, easy driving, nice appearance, lots of amenities, could have better gas mileage, but overall, a really nice car. I am not sorry that we bought this car, especially since it is American made.