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2003-2007 Cadillac CTS
Date Published: 2/20/08

2003-2007 Cadillac CTS
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Price Range:
$14,100 - 37,700

Class:
Premium Midsize Car

CG Award: (What's This?)
2003-2007 Cadillac CTS
Expert Rating Summary
Category
CTS w/3.2-liter V6 and nav. system Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 7
Steering/Handling/Braking 7
Quietness 7
Controls/Materials 5
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 5
Cargo Capacity 5
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 60
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model
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2003-2007 Cadillac CTS Review
Built in America, this new hard-edged sedan replaced the German-sourced Catera as the entry-level Cadillac for 2003. Although the CTS competed against such near-luxury mainstays as the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it ranked among the largest, heaviest cars in that class. Additional rivals includes the Acura TL and Infiniti G35. Equipped with rear-wheel drive and a 3.2-liter V6 engine, the CTS came with a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. The five-speed automatic was Cadillac's first--the same one that GM supplied for BMW's 3- and 5-Series cars. It had Sport and Winter modes, but no manual shift gate (as in the BMWs). Standard on CTS were antilock four-wheel disc brakes, traction control, front side and curtain side airbags, leather upholstery, and GM's OnStar assistance system. An antiskid system was part of a Luxury Sport Package option, which also contained 17-inch wheels versus 16s, and a sport-oriented suspension, steering, and brake calibrations. Other options included a navigation system with dashboard screen, and related voice activation for navigation and audio functions. A sunroof, in-dash CD changer, and xenon headlamps could also be installed as extra-cost items. The optional satellite radio offered local programming plus 100 exclusive channels for a monthly fee.
Year to Year Changes
2004 Cadillac CTS: A new, larger V6 engine choice and a revised suspension highlighted 2004 changes to Cadillac's entry-level model, which was positioned as a sporty near-luxury sedan. The new engine was a 255-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6, available only with a five-speed automatic transmission. It joined a 220-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6 that was now available only with manual shift. Cadillac said CTS's suspension revisions were designed to smooth the ride. Available with either engine was a Sport Package that included 17-inch wheels, an antiskid system, speed-variable steering assist, upgraded brakes, and a rear load-leveling suspension. Midyear brought a high-performance CTS-V model with a V8 borrowed from the Chevrolet Corvette.
2005 Cadillac CTS: Cadillac introduced a new 2.8-liter V6 for 2005, developing 210 horsepower and slotted below the 3.6-liter. At the other end of the spectrum, heavy-footed fans could choose the CTS-V with its 400-horsepower, 5.7-liter V8 and six-speed manual gearbox. A six-speed manual transmission was standard for either V6, with the five-speed automatic an option. Leather upholstery was optional for the CTS 2.8 and standard on 3.6 and CTS-V models. Xenon headlamps and an antiskid system were standard on the CTS-V and optional for V6 versions. Cadillac's CTS-V featured unique exterior and interior touches, a sport suspension, and 18-inch run-flat tires. Satellite radio and a sunroof could be installed on all models.
2006 Cadillac CTS: Cadillac's smallest sedan gets revised sport and performance packages for 2006. For '06, the available Sport Package adds to V6s a limited-slip differential, antiskid system, xenon headlights, sport suspension, and 17-inch wheels vs. 16s. The revised Wheel Performance Package adds to the 3.6 model speed-variable steering assist, uprated brakes, sport suspension, load-leveling suspension, and 18-inch wheels. Added during the model year, the Wheel Sport Appearance Package gives the 3.6 CTS-V-style trim elements.
2007 Cadillac CTS: Cadillac's smallest car marks time for 2007, pending a 2008 redesign due in calendar '07.
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