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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  Caveat Emptor - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Acadian - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car in March 2003...mechanically, very sound...however, after a couple of months, noticed that the digital clock in the dash was not synchronized with the analog clock in the instrument panel...returned the car and they replaced the "cluster"...couple of months later, same thing....replaced cluster again...now the same thing again but they have acknowledged that Cadillac will not replace (still in warranty)...also, you will note around the rear plate and backup lights a lens...when you wash the car, the lens allows water in...

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  what quality control? - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By shirley - August 5 - 2:00 am

  what a piece of junk. Quality control almost non existant. interior parts falling off. sun roof and power points failed to work. engine idling very rough. water leaks in exterior lights.wouldnt recommend this to anyone.

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  Worse car Ive ever owned! - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By Trip Gore - June 28 - 2:00 am

  I was one of the first to lease a CTS in Kansas City, MO. Love the look, but have endured poor quality problems. Paint peeled on grill at 10k. Cadillac would not fix under warranty. (Dealer replaced as "goodwill") A/C condensation flooded interior at 20k. Trim pieces have fallen off in trunk and interior. Front rubber air dam fell off as well as small rubber flaps by rear wheels.Power lock failed at 60k ($400 out-of-warranty repair). Idles poorly when cold (hook shakes).Only good things are comfortable seats and good highway mileage. Poorly placed cruise control buttons on bottom of steering wheel and where is the glove box light????

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  Before you purchase, please read - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By TexasCTS - January 30 - 2:00 am

  We waited months to receive our new car Pros: Great ride & comfort. Cons: The whole sterring system failed the first 180 miles on the vehicle (3rd day). It took three weeks to get the parts. Poor handling on snow or ice. We could not get in our driveway when there was more than a half of an inch of snow. We also were involved in an accident on wet payement due to the car over correcting when avoiding debris on the road. It took 10 full weeks to have the car returned due to parts problems with Cadillac. To make matters worse, OnStar never sent a tow truck.

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  Not the Caddy Im used to driving. - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By DonC - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had Cadillacs for many years and this car does not exude the comfort of previous models. I guess thats my main disappointment. Also, I have a rattle (normal for American built cars) in my dashboard that drives me crazy.

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  Lemon Caddy - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By Vivian Flusche - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I have problems from day one! Brake rotors have had to be replaced, power steering pump replaced, have had an ongoing problem with wet floor mats due to water from the air conditioning leaking into the cabin. The last Caddy I purchesed was a 1981 six cylinder Deville. Junk!!! The CTS is not much better.

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  Try getting in the passenger door - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By garnerconst - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Its a good quality vehicle but,getting inside the front passenger door is VERY AWKWARD, with absolutly No Room for your upper head to go when entering passenger door

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  I will never buy another Cadillac - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By Dorothy A. Watson - November 15 - 5:01 am

  I bought this car thinking it would be my forever car, problems the first year I had it. I was rear ended I havent been right since the accident and neither has the Cadillac. I have fixed many of problems since I had the Cadillac, but the last problem which I am experiencing with now is the Electronic Stability system. I paid a lot of money for this extended warranty but to no avalibity it ended before I could use it. I whole purpose I am question this is this ESS should be on recall why should I have to spend close to nine hundred to have this problem fixed when I have researched this and a lot of people are having the same issues. I have a couple of friends that wanted to purchase a cadillac and I told them dont do it, it is not worth the money.

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  Unreliable and Dangerous - 2004 Cadillac CTS
  By FredG - October 18 - 2:00 am

  On August 9, 2003, I purchased a new 2004 CTS. In September, on a short road trip, the master cylinder failed and I had no brakes. It was replaced after 11 days under warranty. On October 26, on a longer trip, the engine died while doing 70 mph on the interstate. The car was towed to a Cadillac dealer and he could find no errors in the cars computer, but tweaked some things and said the car was fine. On November 1, the car again died on the interstate and was towed to the nearest dealer where we left the car for good! After three dangerous failures in this car, we are now driving a Lexus, after receiving our money back from Cadillac.

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  Nanas House of Reviews - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By TaTa - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Very nice car dealership was good - was fun and open with lots of car that is good. My car was best. It is fast and quiet and nice canoe car. I really luv it! Smokey cant see me with my radar detector either. Very nice! Big three star rating.