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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  Frustrating Problems - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By c_rey4 - March 21 - 8:05 am

  I purchased this car used with 38k miles and a clean CARFAX report. I was very happy with the vehicle until I hit the 58k mile mark. My check engine light came on at this point and I discovered my thermostat quit working. After doing some research online, I found this is an overwhelmingly common issue. Before I got the car in to be repaired, the engine started making a terrible "wobble" noise. All of the bearings went bad on the front of the engine. I decided to replace the thermostat, tensioner pulley, and water pump myself. 5k miles later and my thermostat is bad again. My AC compressor seized at 70k miles as I was driving on the highway. $2k in repairs this year alone and I did the work...

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  CTS Oil consumption issues! - 2005 Cadillac CTS
  By Building4Bri - March 20 - 6:23 pm

  Buyers beware - please do your home work when purchasing a CTS Cadillac. Especially between 04 - 06. I own a 2005CTS - 3.8 They have oil consumption issues. As a ( ton ) of other Cadillac owners are finding out the hard way, this is a very serious issue. My Cadillac runs and looks great. God has blessed us with ours still running but I have to add a quart of oil every 2 weeks. After I bought it I realized why the previous owners traded it in. The dealer ship obviously did not advise us of this issue. We took it in multiple times before I had to find out on this web site that many, many others have had the same issues and theirs wasnt a quick fix. I simply have to just check the oil every wk.

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  Costly repairs! - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By mr.flowers - March 17 - 9:10 pm

  I puchased my cts just feb. 17, 2010 from a pretty reliable sounding private dealership. Exactly 1 week later the engine light came on. I bought the car with a warranty so the diagnoses was it need a THERMOSTAT and a WATER (something). $748. That night the light came back on. took it back, left, light came back on. This time the sensors need to be reset. same thing happened. after 4 times with this back and fourth in 2 weeks, Im next gonna try a back yard mechanic since the dealership cant fix it! Go figure

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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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  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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  CTS 2003 Must buy Warranty - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By yperkins10 - January 4 - 12:47 pm

  brought my CTS 2003 certified car. Once warranty runs out get rid of car unless you have money to spend. check engine lights keep coming on, dealer state thermostate need to be replaced $1260 because thermostate is on belly of engine and not on top of radiator. Class action suit need to be brought against them for making sure car repairs would be so expensive. Not enough leg room for little kids. car looks like a winner, drives ok. In last 2 mo I have paid out $1500 to correct "steering wheel sensor" $1260 for "thermostat that should have cost 1/3 of that price. I will never take my car to another dealership. If I can find a warranty co I will take it. I d0 NOT recommend this car

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  2003 CTS Total Lemon! - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By TLT - January 3 - 6:19 pm

  About 5 months after I bought my Sports Luxury CTS, its lived in the shop. I still own it today (2010) but am so ready to put it to sleep! If I had known this, I would have never brought this car!!!

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  DONT BUY - 2003 Cadillac CTS
  By notafan - December 30 - 8:06 am

  This car was in the shop all the time I lost count. Literally on the road for no more than 6 months straight before the next repair, timing belt, radiator, transmission work, water pump these are the ones I remember. Love the look and handle of the car but its not worth the headache!

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  2006 Cadillac CTS-Decent car - 2006 Cadillac CTS
  By TimD106 - December 13 - 8:58 pm

  This is my first ever owned luxury car and I am in some ways, very disappointed. It isnt as luxurious as expected for the base model CTS. It has a very underpowered 2.8L v6 engine in it, and the gas mileage is bad (i average with conservative driving about 16.5 MPG city.)It hasnt given me any problems though, it is comfortable to drive in, I like the exterior design and I get alot of respect just because I drive a cadillac.

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  Dream Car Nightmare - 2009 Cadillac CTS
  By Sad CTS Owner - December 5 - 12:01 am

  I am so disappointed with my car that I can hardly stand to drive it and am considering simply not paying for it anymore. I spent months reviewing the car and even got advice from a coworker who has the car and is a GM family member. It has been one issue after another and is constantly at the dealership. I finally had to go to GM and threaten to stop paying for it to get their attention. After repeated trips to service, I had to use my phone to film a problem that I still have with the stereo sound not powering up. The front end shakes and is out of alignment again, it idles to high and the transmission feels rough and can be felt in the gear shifter. Dealer service quality is very poor.