2003 Cadillac CTS: Road Test
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2003 Cadillac CTS ▼
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- MSRP: $30,000
- Invoice: $27,750
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Our road test for the 2003 Cadillac CTS includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Cadillac CTS from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Cadillac CTS, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Cadillac CTS help you decide if a 2003 Cadillac CTS is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/Lux. Pkg., auto. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg., man. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg. and nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.5 |
No powerhouse, but never lethargic. Ninety percent of CTSs will have automatic transmission, and this one's crisp, subtle shifts get the most from the willing V6, providing good response around town and fine acceleration in the important 45-70-mph range. A manual shift gate would reinforce CTS's sporting character. CTS feels somewhat livelier with true manual transmission, which changes gears slickly.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/Lux. Pkg., auto. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg., man. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg. and nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
In tests that included mostly highway driving, an automatic-transmission CTS averaged 23.1 mpg and a manual 21.3. Expect to average somewhat lower overall, but economy should be in line with 6-cyl rivals'. Cadillac recommends premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/Lux. Pkg., auto. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg., man. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg. and nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 7.1 |
Resolutely solid structure works with a compliant base suspension for impressive absorbency. Tauter settings and performance-oriented tires make Luxury Sport Package slightly less forgiving on bumps. Both setups stable over moguls.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/Lux. Pkg., auto. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg., man. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg. and nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Base suspension compares favorably with the standard arrangement of most European rivals, despite distinct body lean in tight turns and the occasional need for steering correction in straightline cruising. Luxury Sport Package rewards with firmer steering plus sharper response, better grip, and less list in quick changes of direction. Test drivers were split on brake performance; some found it top-notch, others complained of excessive pedal travel.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/Lux. Pkg., auto. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg., man. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg. and nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6.8 |
V6 snarls under full throttle, but engine is otherwise passive, and like exhaust tone, is not rich-sounding overall. Some highway-speed wind rush. Luxury Sport Package tires rumble on coarse pavement.
CONTROLS
| Base w/Lux. Pkg., auto. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg., man. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg. and nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5 | 6.6 |
Ambiance is tech-modern angular. Big analog speedometer and tachometer. Simple automatic climate system has bright readouts. Innovative steering-wheel thumbwheel supplies redundant audio volume control. Automatic-transmission gear position does not display in instrument panel. Complexities include steering-wheel buttons that change duty according to driver preference. Navigation system governs some audio functions, and interaction with its voice commands and myriad buttons requires steep learning curve.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/Lux. Pkg., auto. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg., man. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg. and nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
Roomy, but high cowl and tall side sills contribute to a closed-in feel. Firm seats have outstanding lateral bolstering, but lack adjustable lumbar support and may not rise high enough for some drivers. Steering wheel satisfyingly thick-rimmed and tilts manually, but should telescope, too. Great mirrors, unobtrusive rear headrests enhance rear visibility, but sun can reflect dashtop in windshield.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/Lux. Pkg., auto. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg., man. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg. and nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Only passengers over 5-ft-11 need to scrunch, and knee clearance compares favorably with most in class. Rear leg room benefits from scooped front seatbacks and wide-set rails for good toe space.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/Lux. Pkg., auto. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg., man. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg. and nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Long, broad trunk. Lid opens wide on strut hinges, but opening itself not generous. Split folding rear seatbacks available. Good interior storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/Lux. Pkg., auto. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg., man. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg. and nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Its bold styling may polarize, but the CTS is rewarding to drive. This is a solid, sporty sedan, and a competitive near-luxury value, listing for around $37,000 popularly equipped (Luxury Package, automatic transmission, CD changer, sunroof, heated front seats).
Total Score
| Base w/Lux. Pkg., auto. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg., man. | Base w/Luxury Sport Pkg. and nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 58 | 56 | 60.5 |
Total Score: 58
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