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 to drive but... - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By Paul Shorts - December 18 - 10:40 am

  Jumped into this after 4 years of driving a Buick Century. Couldnt resist the feel and performance, and fun of the 6 speed manual. Had great luck with the cheap old Buick so I figured Id be safe purchasing another GM product. Purchased the car with 92,000 miles and it looked and drove like new. Had all dealer service records so I thought Id be safe. Whoops! Pros - The car handles amazing, and is extremely comfortable and fun to drive. Cons - At 105K a grommet on the gear shift went out. Could still get 1st - 6th gears fine, but couldnt put it in reverse. $300 part, but Cadillac was out of them, and nothing aftermarket was available. Had to drive for 2 months with no reverse while waiting for the part. Sortly after purchase I noticed I was having fairly high oil consumption. Never had a car do this so I contacted Cadillac. Told them I was burning 2.5 quarts per 5000 miles. I was told by a mechanic at a Cadillac dealer that "thats really low consumption for the 3.6 motor". Now with 170K miles on it, its using 1.5 - 2 quarts every 1000 miles. At 126K the motor broke a valve. Needed a full valve / upper motor job. $3500! At around 125K the traction control / ABS started acting up. Traction control engages when not needed, and occasionally the ABS engages when stopping, which can be a little scary. Transmission started leaking at about 125K. Too expensive to fix, so just keep adding oil to the MT when I change the oil. At 150K the brake lights quit working. Turns out its a problem with the wiring loom. Repair was ridiculous so I just re wired it myself direct from the relay to the brake lights. Right catalytic converter now needs to be replaced. Cant get an inexpensive aftermarket cat in California. Going to be dumping this "beauty" as a non-op when its time to get it smogged. Still cant believe that my cheap old Buick ran so well and never had a problem, and the sweet Caddy has literally been a piece of junk.

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  BEWARE - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By Antonio - October 11 - 11:03 am

  This is one of the worst cars Ive ever bought a lot of problems with the computer I changed it twice, also bad motoralso, fuel injectors suck. Cadillac makes cheap luxury cars

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  Stay away! Keep family Away - 2012 Cadillac CTS
  By Dylan - September 15 - 12:08 pm

  I bought an 2012 CTS Lux. It was used with 11,000 miles on it by an one owner who upgraded every six months. In May 2014 I had to take it in due to my airbags randomly being deployed while it was parked in my garage. Under warranty Cadillac replaced both driver and passenger airbag and also said the wiring was messed up and they corrected it. November of 2014 the airbag light came on and I took it down to Cadillac (45 minute drive from where I lived. Same dealer that I bought it from) get there and was told they would get right on looking at it because it was a slow day. 4 hours later I get told they couldnt find out what was wrong with the car and just reset the light. April 21, of 2015 my car now has 32,000 miles on it and Im on vacation visiting family 900 miles away from home. i drove to a friends house to pick her up to go get my oil changed before I headed back home. My car is off and parked. My keys are in my pocket my wallet and cell phone along with a newer MacBook Pro is in my car locked. My cars electronics for the navigation and airbags and everything else catches fire and destories my trunk and everything in the back seat before the fire is able to be put out. My insurance totals the CTS but they get out of paying GAP of 5,000 dollars. Granted I paid a lot more on my car payments then my 500 dollar a month payment. I contact Cadillac and my insurance both because now Im stuck with a 500 dollar car payment on a car that is now torched. Cadillac want nothing to do with it since no one died and insurance said they dont care and not there job too. Weve always bought GM products and now I think we will be sticking with paying higher repair bills with European cars then with American anymore. So if you are serious about buying this car ask yourself is your life or families live worth the risk?

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  2009 CTS - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By Joan David - July 29 - 2:39 pm

  Sharp but expensive to repair which I have had to do frequently. Also, headlight problems and hard to get any support with a recalled wiring harness which now they are trying to say its discontinued maybe to avoid covering the cost on a recalled item? My advice, sell the car quickly and never buy another one. That is exactly my next move. I have had this car five years and thought after I paid it off it would last another five years. WRONG! Cant afford the repairs and hoping I can get rid of it.

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  2013 CTS Coupe the worst car ever - 2013 Cadillac CTS
  By aptiva1 - January 20 - 9:51 am

  Bought a CTS Coupe 2013, it was the worse car ever. The car didnt drive straight. The trans was very sluggish. The steering was too lose. The CTS was the worst car I ever got. Dtay away from this car, its a mess.

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  Dont ever buy or lease a cadillac from Moss Robertson Cadillac in Gainesville, GA - 2011 Cadillac CTS
  By donnaraef - December 31 - 12:52 pm

  Two weeks after leasing what we thought would be a wonderful car the cadi started making a terrible knocking noise when started! Brought it back twice and was told BOTH times that it was manufactured that way and for us to just DEAL WITH IT! Tried to turn in our cadi for another model and Nick Jones, our original sales rep, did NOT even have the courtesy to call me back! So disappointed with this dealership in ALL regards. We turned in the Cadi and r now driving a 2011 ES 350 Lexus!!Guess what! We turned the car in and now own a brand new Lexus ES 350! So disappointed with this dealership cannot even put anything else into words except that they need to be ashamed of themselves.

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  This Vehicle Might Become Your Casket - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By nothappy2010 - December 14 - 11:38 am

  My Navy son was involved in a serious 5 car collision involving my 2005 CTS. The AT-FAULT driver hit my son from the rear, causing him to hit 3 more cars. ALL safety features failed, causing injuries to my son. NONE of the airbags inflated and the seat belt failed to restrain my son. General Motors will not return emails and/or calls-after spending countless hours with my car. They are skirting the accident, which is why I filed a formal complaint with the Consumer Safety Division. Now GM will be required to supply my family with answers. Had my son been hit a mere 10mph faster - he may have suffered severe injury, maybe even death! Thank God he is okay.

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  5 Years Later - WARTS come out - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By Julius - June 21 - 6:49 am

  Like a bad case of herpes - that night with that attractive someone later came back to haunt. Purchased a low miles (35K) 2007 3.6L sedan based partially on my local mechanic stating that the 3.6L engine was bullet proof. I purchased from a Cadillac dealer (Val Ward in Ft Meyers FL) in 2012. It was an attractive car that rode extremely well with decent acceleration and very good handling and braking. Checked all the blocks by checking reviews, car fax, prepurchase check with independent mechanic. Within months I started having problems. First the ABS started going off (intermittently), making braking horrendous and dangerous. Then noticed the engine started eating oil. There was no (blue) smoke from the exhaust, but my mechanic suspected the emissions system (CAT, etc) was absorbing the oil leaking out prior to the bypass. [Note - I should have cut my losses and sold this thing at that point, but the wife loved the car & the Mech thought it wouldnt get any worse.] Later the check engine light came on. Code said it was a Cam sensor - which was replaced (not cheap). The light later came back. Heres where it gets bad -- in year 5 of ownership at 100,000 miles the engine essentially went. (All kinds of noises that was most likely timing chains / guides and perhaps other bad items from the crank case. Keep in mind this car was driven easy by a female and I believe the first owner was elderly.) Replacement REMAN engine is over $5K installed and rebuilding the existing engine with duel Cams is about the same. Trade in value without major problems is currently extremely low around $3,000 thanks to Cadillac flooding the market with these vehicles. My Mech (who sold his SRX with the same engine) said that Cadillac knew about these engine problems and has done nothing about it other than quietly fixing the problem in a later model year. He also believed fairly early that Val Ward knew there was a problem with this vehicle before selling it. Careful sleeping with this pretty babe.

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  Money Pit - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By Rafael - June 7 - 1:57 am

  I bought this car when I was 18, 7 years ago. Its been a money pit ever since I got it. Poorly made. Engine seized up 9 months after I got it (is always made sure oil changes were ahead of schedule). Luckily the warranty covered it....cool. It started making a noise in transmission, so I had to replace the flex plate and torque converter. Now my check engine light turned on and I have multiple cylinder misfires. Awesome, had to fix that. Now due to all the rain weve been getting, Im finding at least 2 leaks and theres water EVERYWHERE! Now I have to drain all the water out and clean all the mold thats growing in my trunk and passenger side. Stay away from this car! You might have the same bad luck like I did.

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  Huge Disappointment! - 2007 Cadillac CTS
  By Nicole Van Meter - August 17 - 11:28 am

  My mother-in-law purchased this car used (1-2 years old 8k miles). She is a senior citizen and wanted a reliable car for her remaining years. She had several Cadillacs in the past and always liked them. From the beginning it seems like this car was always in the shop with electrical and emissions issues costing my mother-in-law a lot of money (fixed income). She has maintained this car perfectly and always brings it to the Cadillac dealership for all work including oil changes. She has just turned over 80,000 miles and after hearing a "knock" brought the car in yet again and was told (by 2 mechanics) the low end of the motor is ready to blow! The dealership wants $6,600 to replace the motor. Wow.... really? It doesnt even have 100k on it.... What a hunk of junk! I personally will never purchase a Cadillac after her experience. If 0 stars was an option, thats what Id give!