Acceleration

Base, automatic	Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
6	6	8	8	7

With automatic transmission, both engines have good low-speed punch and plenty of passing power, with the Direct Injection model providing more muscle at all times. Automatic provides seamless and timely shifts. No opportunity to test with the manual transmission or AWD.

Fuel Economy

Base, automatic	Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
5	5	6	6	4.6

In Consumer Guide testing, a base sedan with automatic transmission averaged 19.1 mpg. A Direct Injection sedan with the automatic averaged 22.2 mpg. All CTS models use regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

Base, automatic	Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
7	4	7	4	6.3

CTS with the standard suspension has a reassuring, solid feel, with a compliant ride and excellent bump absorption. Most road imperfections are more heard than actually felt. The available Summer Tire Performance Package is a huge detriment to ride quality, adding undue stiffness with little appreciable gain in handling.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base, automatic	Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
6	7	6	7	7.1

With the standard suspension, CTS approaches, but can't quite reach, the high standards of the BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G. The steering feel is precise in turns. Lean in corners is well checked, though CTS doesn't feel quite as agile in quick transitions as its key German rivals. Brake feel and performance are impressive on all models. The available Summer Tire Performance Package does little to enhance CTS's sporting character but takes a huge toll on ride quality.

Quietness

Base, automatic	Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
7	7	8	7	7

The cabin is impressively hushed overall. Coarse pavement tire roar can intrude at speed, but it's only noticeable because the rest of the car is quiet. The base engine is generally well behaved but can sound unrefined during acceleration. The Direct Injection engine is notably more polished, even when pushed. Road noise levels increase with the available summer tires.

Controls

Base, automatic	Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
8	8	8	8	6.1

Major gauges are large and easy to read. Some testers, though, feel CTS puts form over function when it comes to the use of major controls. The v-shape center console stack puts most buttons into a smallish area of the dashboard. The buttons are high set and easily seen, though. The navigation system screen is large, legible, and quickly powers up or down.

Details

Base, automatic	Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
8	8	8	8	7.4

Cadillac addresses a major CTS complaint for 2008, upgrading interior materials and design markedly. Luxury grade trim now rivals the best-in-class, with apparent improvements in assembly quality.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base, automatic	Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
7	7	7	7	7.3

Seats are roomy and supportive, complemented by a standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Rakish roof line hurts visibility, however, with thick rear pillars being a particular hindrance to the outward view. Note that some testers found that one of the central-dash vents blew directly onto the driver's hand and could not be adjusted away--a major annoyance with the air conditioning running.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base, automatic	Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.2

Adequate rear seat space, though larger adults will feel crowded. Marginal headroom is further reduced by the available sunroof.

Cargo Room

Base, automatic	Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
3	3	3	3	4.1

Usefulness of the boxy trunk is compromised by a small opening. The optional split folding rear seatbacks fold completely flat to accommodate longer parcels. Interior storage includes a center console and glovebox that aren't that large.

Value within Class

Base, automatic	Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
9	7	10	6	6.2

Major interior upgrade addresses the previous CTS's most glaring flaws, while the new direct-injection engine delivers class-topping refinement and performance. Cadillac's smallest sedan is finally a legitimate alternative to cars from Audi, BMW, and Infiniti. Competitive pricing is icing on the cake for this Best Buy premium midsize sedan.

Total Score

Base, automatic	Base w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Direct Injection, automatic	Direct Injection w/Performance Pkg., automatic	Class Average
71	67	76	69	68.3

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		56
Average Score		68
High Score		78