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2007 Cadillac CTS Full Review
Date Published: 4/09/08
Also in the 2007 Cadillac CTS Review:
2007 Cadillac CTS Review
Cadillac's smallest car marks time for 2007, pending a 2008 redesign due in calendar '07. CTS comes in three models. The 2.8 has a 210-hp V6. CTS 3.6 has a 255-hp V6. The high-performance CTS-V has a 400-hp V8. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard for all. The 2.8 and 3.6 are available with a 5-speed automatic. Also standard are ABS, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and OnStar assistance. The Wheel Performance Package for 3.6 adds a sport suspension, uprated brakes, antiskid system, and 18-inch wheels. The Wheel Sport Appearance Package gives 3.6 models CTS-V-style trim elements. These performance enhancements are standard on CTS-V, as are run-flat tires. A navigation system with voice activation is optional on 3.6, standard on CTS-V.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.
Our Best Buys include the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus GS 450h, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Our Best Buys include the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus GS 450h, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
News
A redesigned CTS starts sale this summer with fresh sheetmetal, a more upscale interior and first-time-available all-wheel drive. The revamp adds about an inch to wheelbase and two inches to width, plus a somewhat more-aggressive look, especially up front. A 3.6-liter V6 becomes the standard engine and gains 3 hp from '07 to reach 258. Optional is a 300-hp version with high-pressure direct fuel injection. Unlike other direct-injection engines, this one can run on regular-grade fuel (vs. premium) with no loss in performance or fuel economy. A six-speed manual transmission remains standard, while the optional automatic is a new six-speed unit. Rear-wheel drive remains standard too, but all-wheel drive is a new option.
The interior stresses attention to detail and use of higher-quality materials than in previous models. The upper dashboard and door-panel surfaces are cut and assembled by hand. Buyers can choose from genuine Sapele wood or satin metal trim. Pricing won't be announced until just before a scheduled summertime on-sale date. We should be getting our first drives in the '08 CTS soon, so keep checking back for that and other news.
The high-power CTS-V skips model-year '08 but returns for '09, reportedly with a supercharged Cadillac V8 that outpowers the current model's unblown Corvette engine. There's also the prospect of a CTS coupe (CTC?) for 2010 to take on the Mercedes CLK and BMW's 3-Series coupes. Cadillac's last 4-passenger coupe, the Eldorado, was dropped after 2003.
The interior stresses attention to detail and use of higher-quality materials than in previous models. The upper dashboard and door-panel surfaces are cut and assembled by hand. Buyers can choose from genuine Sapele wood or satin metal trim. Pricing won't be announced until just before a scheduled summertime on-sale date. We should be getting our first drives in the '08 CTS soon, so keep checking back for that and other news.
The high-power CTS-V skips model-year '08 but returns for '09, reportedly with a supercharged Cadillac V8 that outpowers the current model's unblown Corvette engine. There's also the prospect of a CTS coupe (CTC?) for 2010 to take on the Mercedes CLK and BMW's 3-Series coupes. Cadillac's last 4-passenger coupe, the Eldorado, was dropped after 2003.
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2007 Cadillac CTS Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (3.6 V6, CTS-V) | Navigation-system controls |
| Steering/handling | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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 acceleration. Smooth-shifting manual gearbox enhances CTS's sporting character. CTS-V delivers tire-spinning takeoffs, swift passing.
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
| 4 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
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 acceleration. Smooth-shifting manual gearbox enhances CTS's sporting character. CTS-V delivers tire-spinning takeoffs, swift passing.
Fuel Economy
No opportunity to measure with 2.8 V6 or 3.6 V6 with manual transmission. Test automatic 3.6 averaged 18.6 mpg. Test CTS-V averaged 17.0 mpg. Cadillac recommends premium-grade fuel for the V8, regular grade for the V6s.
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.6 |
No opportunity to measure with 2.8 V6 or 3.6 V6 with manual transmission. Test automatic 3.6 averaged 18.6 mpg. Test CTS-V averaged 17.0 mpg. Cadillac recommends premium-grade fuel for the V8, regular grade for the V6s.
Ride Quality
Solid structure works with compliant base suspension for good absorbency, though high-speed dips induce some unwanted bounce. Wheel Performance Package with 18-inch tires feels harsher over small bumps, but doesn't seriously degrade comfort. CTS-V very taut, but not harsh.
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.6 |
Solid structure works with compliant base suspension for good absorbency, though high-speed dips induce some unwanted bounce. Wheel Performance Package with 18-inch tires feels harsher over small bumps, but doesn't seriously degrade comfort. CTS-V very taut, but not harsh.
Steering/Handling/Braking
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. Wheel Performance Package 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.
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7.2 |
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. Wheel Performance Package 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
Moderate wind rush at highway speeds, plus coarse-pavement tire rumble with low-profile Wheel Performance Package's 18-inch tires and CTS-V's 18-inch run-flats. The 2.8 V6 sounds coarse under throttle; 3.6 rarely intrudes, makes pleasing sounds. CTS-V accelerates with V8 rumble, prominent exhaust note.
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6.9 |
Moderate wind rush at highway speeds, plus coarse-pavement tire rumble with low-profile Wheel Performance Package's 18-inch tires and CTS-V's 18-inch run-flats. The 2.8 V6 sounds coarse under throttle; 3.6 rarely intrudes, makes pleasing sounds. CTS-V accelerates with V8 rumble, prominent exhaust note.
Controls
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 control varied 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, and Lexus.
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
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 control varied 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, and Lexus.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Roomy, but feels less so due to high cowl, lowish seats. Seats are firm, have good lateral bolstering, but adjustable lumbar support not standard 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.
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7.4 |
Roomy, but feels less so due to high cowl, lowish seats. Seats are firm, have good lateral bolstering, but adjustable lumbar support not standard 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)
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.
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
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
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.
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.2 |
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
Solid, rewarding to drive, and competitively priced, the CTS earns our Recommended nod. We'd pass on the low-calorie 2.8 base model, but the 3.6 offers great dollar value, plus the response and refinement expected in this class. The CTS-V is pricey, yet costs less than most V8 imports of similar performance.
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
| 4 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6.1 |
Solid, rewarding to drive, and competitively priced, the CTS earns our Recommended nod. We'd pass on the low-calorie 2.8 base model, but the 3.6 offers great dollar value, plus the response and refinement expected in this class. The CTS-V is pricey, yet costs less than most V8 imports of similar performance.
Total Score
| 2.8, man. | 3.6, auto. | 3.6 w/Wheel Perf. Pkg., man. | CTS-V | Class Average |
| 55 | 63 | 62 | 61 | 62.2 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 49 | |
| Average Score | 62 | |
| High Score | 75 |
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2007 Cadillac CTS Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/16/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2.8 4-door sedan | $29,925 | $27,980 | $745 |
|
|
|||
| 3.6 4-door sedan | $32,785 | $30,654 | $745 |
|
|
|||
| CTS-V 4-door sedan | $51,425 | $47,054 | $745 |
Price note: CTS-V adds $1300 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
2.8
Powertrain
2.8-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, wiper-activated headlights, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, trunk pass-through, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, satellite radio, analog clock, tachometer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 225/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.
3.6 adds to 2.8:
Powertrain
3.6-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel.
CTS-V adds to 3.6:
Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 engine.
Safety
Uprated brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system w/voice recognition, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather/suede upholstery, heated front seats w/lumbar adjustment, 8-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), split folding rear seat, power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights w/washers, performance suspension, 245/45VR18 run-flat tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Luxury Pkg.
|
||
|
2.8
|
$2,350
|
$1,951
|
|
2.8 w/Sport Pkg.
|
$1,800
|
$1,494
|
|
3.6
|
$2,100
|
$1,743
|
|
3.6 w/Sport Pkg. or Wheel Performance Pkg.
|
$1,550
|
$1,287
|
|
Heated front seats w/lumbar adjustment, 10-way power front seats, driver-seat and mirror memory, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood shift knob, compass, universal garage door opener, bright alloy wheels. 2.8 requires leather upholstery.
|
||
|
Wheel Sport Appearance Pkg.
|
||
|
3.6
|
$3,600
|
$3,366
|
|
Wheel Performance Pkg. plus chrome mesh grille, rear spoiler, unique exterior trim. NA w/California Pkg.
|
||
|
Wheel Performance Pkg.
|
||
|
3.6
|
$2,500
|
$2,075
|
|
Limited-slip differential, antiskid system, uprated brakes, tire-pressure monitor, variable-assist power steering, xenon headlights w/washers, performance suspension, load-leveling rear suspension, 225/50WR18 tires, polished alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
2.8, 3.6
|
$1,940
|
$1,610
|
|
Limited-slip differential, antiskid system, xenon headlights w/washers, sport suspension, 225/50WR17 tires, polished alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Luxury California Pkg.
|
||
|
3.6
|
$3,300
|
$2,739
|
|
Luxury Pkg. plus power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. Available only in California.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
|
||
|
2.8, 3.6
|
$1,200
|
$996
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
3.6
|
$3,145
|
$2,610
|
|
3.6 w/Luxury California Pkg.
|
$2,145
|
$1,780
|
|
Includes voice recognition, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
|
||
|
Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
2.8, 3.6
|
$1,000
|
$830
|
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
2.8, 3.6
|
$1,200
|
$996
|
|
Power sunroof delete
|
||
|
CTS-V (credit)
|
$-1,200
|
$-996
|
|
Leather upholstery
|
||
|
2.8
|
$1,300
|
$1,079
|
|
Split folding rear seat
|
||
|
2.8, 3.6
|
$400
|
$332
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Engine-block heater
|
||
|
2.8, 3.6, CTS-V
|
$100
|
$83
|
|
Special paint
|
||
|
2.8, 3.6, CTS-V
|
$995
|
$826
|
|
Engine Appearance Pkg.
|
||
|
CTS-V
|
$1,500
|
$1,163
|
|
Carbon-fibre engine cover shock tower brace.
|
||
|
Performance shock absorber pkg.
|
||
|
CTS-V
|
$1,260
|
$1,046
|
|
245/45WR18 tires
|
||
|
CTS-V
|
$550
|
$457
|
|
|
||
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2007 Cadillac CTS Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Cadillac CTS 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3694 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V6 | ohv V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.8 /170 | 3.6 /217 | 6.0 /364 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 210 @ 6500 | 255 @ 6200 | 400 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 194 @ 3200 | 252 @ 3100 | 395 @ 4400 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 6-speed manual | 17/27 | 17/26 | 15/24 |
| 5-speed automatic | 18/27 | 18/27 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Cadillac CTS 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
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Also in the 2007 Cadillac CTS Review:
1.
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