2003-2007 Cadillac CTS: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.