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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  Worst I have ever owned - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By avguy - November 10 - 9:49 pm

  This is the worst car I have ever owned. I had to replace the entire valve train at 70,000 miles at $4500 and now at 87,000 miles a connecting rod went and now needs a new engine for $6100 and yes I changed and checked the oil. Thats how I knew it went through a quart about ever 2000 miles. If you are looking to buy one of these dont. I will never purchase another GM car, no wonder they are in so much trouble.

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  Foolishness - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By L. Hodge - July 1 - 8:17 am

  I purchased the pre-owned car in March 2006 with around 16,000-22,000 miles on it. The first few years were ok, except I had to purchased tires the next year!(gross), anyway, I have had problems after problems after problems! Now, for the fourth time on today I had to get a tow truck to tow it into the dealer in Greenbelt, MD. I need a timing belt, which will cost 1,500. Its has been the worst car besides the Volvo I had long time ago, that I have ever driven! No more cadillacs for me! thank god. Never will I purchase a cadillac again! No way, hosay!! No more cars, period!! Dissatisfied to death!! (Mad, angry, frustrated, whatever!!

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  Not what a Cadillac should be - 2016 Cadillac CTS
  By Bill Reese - June 29 - 11:41 pm

  We drove the 4 cylinder with turbo. The whole time there was a high pitched whine. The engine noise was extremely loud. THe vehicle had a great instrument package except that it was not working. This was a brand new car. The interior was very cramped. The selectable ride was not working probably the same reason the instruments were not working. Overall we were not thrilled. The price was in the 50 k range so it was average for what we were looking at. But definitely was not what we were expecting as far as value and comfort.

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  HUGE Disappointment - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By Jim P - June 17 - 5:18 pm

  First it was a harmonic imbalance that was so bad it caused me to be nauseous when I drove the vehicle. This took months to correct. Then it was a rattle in the drivers’ sun visor and it needed to be ordered and replaced. Then it was seriously squealing brakes that need to be replaced with about 10,000 miles on the car. Then it was a rattle so bad in the rear it sounded like to roof was falling at times. And still I have the rattle in the dash area that is so annoying I actually hate driving my car. Driving a new car at the price point of +$40k should be a WONDERFUL experience. This car is pure JUNK! No wonder your going belly up! You deserve it.

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  Its Just a Pretty Face - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By Mad from Beantown - May 27 - 2:53 pm

  Bought the car new in October 08 and just traded it in. This car was in the shop more than it was in my driveway... from rattles and squeaks to engine lights and a replaced transmission... the car looks great - but build quality is very poor. And GM/Cadillac apologized but were unwilling to step up and make it right (I repeatedly requested a replacement vehicle and I didnt want to go through the lemon law - nor should I have had to with this "flagship" product). I wanted to buy a GM with this purchase to help the cause... but they did nothing to reward my loyalty. Very disappointing all around. The car did look good while I had it!

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  BAd audio - 2012 Cadillac CTS
  By mel - May 9 - 7:29 pm

  The audio system is terrible. I swapped it out and now they say they cant reset the security alarm for it because it is not factory. What a crock [non-permissible content removed]. Im moving to a foreign made vehicle.

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  More Cadillac Junk - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By sucker - April 27 - 1:02 pm

  This was a very exciting purchase for my family because it was our first Cadillac. We bought it used because we couldnt afford a new CTS. We quickly found out we couldnt afford a used CTS either. These cars have a lengthy list of faults from engine design to creature comforts. The biggest fault the vehicle has would have to be the extensive use of electronics and other devices that are not needed, however if these units fail, the car doesnt run. Anytime anyone touchs a Cadillac for repair, plan on a minimum of $1000. Better yet, pass on the Caddie and buy a normal car. The Cadillac name is not made from quality anymore.

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  Nav/Radio Total Failure at 50 miles - 2008 Cadillac CTS
  By Rita - March 18 - 6:12 pm

  The navigation/radio system in my new CTS failed at 50 miles. It has been at the dealership for nearly 4 weeks and neither Cadillac nor the dealer can tell me when a replacement system will be available. Last response was that Cadillac would have to manufacturer more units.

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  Glad its only a Loaner - 2016 Cadillac CTS
  By Robert - April 18 - 3:33 am

  I received a 2016 CTS base model with 4 cyl as a loaner while my 2013 XTS Luxury is being serviced. I love the XTS, the most comfortable car Ive ever owned, ad thought about downsizing to the CTS Luxury as i like the exterior. Appearance is great, the interior is basically the same look as my XTS however it is more cramped and the quality is a bit less, but being a downsize from the XTS i was not put off by that. The ride is horrible!! Its like driving an old pick up. You feel every pebble, the engine noise is annoying. The front seat is very comfortable though, I am 6 ft. so had the seat back almost all the way, making the backseat behind me useless. Not a big issue for me, but thought id point it out. The biggest problem with this car is the price. They want more for a CTS and my XTS which is roomy, comfortable and rides like a cloud.

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  CTS is really a Chevy - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By FloridaJohn - March 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is more than a disappointment. I have had over 40 new cars and this is one of the worst. The car cannot stay in alignment and already have had six new tires in 10K miles. The car is noisy and the whine or howl in the transmission is getting worse. The dealer says it is comes from the rear end and Cad has no fix at this time. I have a 2004 Toyota Solara and a Lexus and they both put this car to shame. GM must do better to keep my business.