2005 Cadillac CTS: Road Test
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2005 Cadillac CTS ▼
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- MSRP: $30,190 -$49,490
- Invoice: $27,926 -$45,778
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Our road test for the 2005 Cadillac CTS includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Cadillac CTS from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Cadillac CTS, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Cadillac CTS help you decide if a 2005 Cadillac CTS is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Sport Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.6 |
The 2.8 V6 feels weak and inappropriate for this class. Smooth, lively 3.6 V6 a much better choice with automatic transmission, providing good low-speed punch and fine 45-70-mph pickup. Too bad the automatic lacks a manual shift gate. Smooth-shifting manual gearbox enhances CTS's sporting character. Pumped-up CTS-V delivers tire-spinning takeoffs, swift passing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Sport Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.6 |
No opportunity to measure with 2.8 or with manual transmission. Test automatic 3.6 averaged 18.6 mpg, a CTS-V 16.8 mpg. Cadillac recommends premium-grade fuel for all engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Sport Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.9 |
Solid structure works with compliant base suspension for good absorbency, though high-speed dips induce some unwanted bounce. Sport Package with 17-inch tires feels harsher over small bumps, but doesn't seriously degrade comfort. CTS-V very taut but not harsh.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Sport Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7.1 |
Steering precise, but feels a tad light and artificial. Base suspension provides handling on par with most entry-level European rivals, but allows more body lean in fast cornering. Sport Package sharpens responses, improves grip. Some testers say V6 models' brake performance is top-notch, but others complain of excessive pedal travel. CTS-V steers, stops, corners with athletic poise.
QUIETNESS
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Sport Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6.8 |
Moderate wind rush at highway speeds, plus coarse-pavement tire rumble with Sport Package's low-profile 17-inch tires and CTS-V's 18-inch run-flats. The 2.8 V6 sounds coarse under throttle; 3.6 rarely intrudes, makes pleasing, "expensive" sounds. CTS-V accelerates with V8 rumble, prominent exhaust note.
CONTROLS
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Sport Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Tech-styled dashboard has clear gauges, simple automatic climate controls, but no automatic-transmission indicator. Steering-wheel thumbwheel serves as alternate audio-volume knob, but is too easy to hit by accident. Other steering-wheel buttons controls various functions depending on driver settings--a bit confusing. Navigation system absorbs some audio functions but isn't daunting, though its response to voice commands is inconsistent. Cabin materials good, but well short of Acura, Audi, BMW, Lexus.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Sport Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7.4 |
Roomy, but feels less so due to high cowl, lowish seats. Seats themselves firm, have good lateral bolstering, but penny-pinching GM charges extra for adjustable lumbar support on V6 models. CTS-V sport seats furnish useful extra side support for quick maneuvers. Thick-rim steering wheel feels good, tilts manually, but should telescope, too. Fine outward visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Sport Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Adults under 5-ft-11 ride without scrunching. Knee clearance compares favorably to others in class, toe space better than most, but seat comfort unexceptional.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Sport Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Long, broad trunk, but aperture not that large, though lid lifts high on nonintruding strut hinges. Split folding rear seatbacks standard on CTS-V, available on V6 models. Good interior storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Sport Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 5.9 |
Not everyone likes its looks, but the CTS is solid, rewarding to drive and competitively priced. We'd pass on the low-calorie 2.8 base model, but the 3.6 offers fine dollar value, plus the response and refinement expected in this class. The CTS-V is pricey, yet undercuts most V8 imports with similar performance.
Total Score
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Sport Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | 66 | 64 | 61 | 61.6 |
Total Score: 63
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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