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2009 Cadillac CTS Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2009 Cadillac CTS Review:
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Cadillac CTS Full Review
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2009 Cadillac CTS
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Cadillac CTS revives its hotrod V model. The CTS-V is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged version of the Chevrolet Corvette's V8 engine. It produces about 550 hp and is mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission. For the first time on a CTS-V, a six-speed automatic will be available. The CTS-V has GM's Magnetic Ride Control suspension as standard. It uses sensors to monitor road conditions and adjust suspension tuning accordingly. GM also is offering its "Performance Traction Management" system on the CTS-V. This system is similar to GM's Stabilitrak antiskid system, but it is set to aid performance in spirited driving. The V also gets an upgraded interior that includes available Recaro seats with 14-way adjustment and a microfiber wrap for the shift lever and steering wheel. For the rest of the lineup, the '09 CTS should get few changes following its 2008 redesign. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on all but the CTS-V. Base CTS models have a 263-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine. Uplevel Direct Injection models have a 304-hp 3.6-liter V6. Both engines team with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Available features include steering-linked headlamps and keyless entry and ignition. A navigation system is optional. We have not yet tested a CTS-V.
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2009 Cadillac CTS Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Air-vent location |
| Handling | Rear-seat room |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| Base, automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 8 | 8 | 7.5 |
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.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a Direct Injection sedan with automatic transmission averaged 22.2 mpg. Base and Direct Injection CTS models use regular-grade gas. CTS-V requires premium.
| Base, automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 3.9 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a Direct Injection sedan with automatic transmission averaged 22.2 mpg. Base and Direct Injection CTS models use regular-grade gas. CTS-V requires premium.
Ride Quality
CTS with standard suspension has a reassuring, solid feel, with 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.
| Base, automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 4 | 6.3 |
CTS with standard suspension has a reassuring, solid feel, with 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
With standard suspension, an easy match for BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G35. Steering precise with excellent road feel. Well checked lean in corners. Brake feel and performance impressive on Base model; Direct Injection models have uprated brakes and provide sports car-like stopping ability. The available Summer Tire Performance Package does little to enhance CTS's sporting character, but takes a huge toll on ride quality.
| Base, automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.8 |
With standard suspension, an easy match for BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G35. Steering precise with excellent road feel. Well checked lean in corners. Brake feel and performance impressive on Base model; Direct Injection models have uprated brakes and provide sports car-like stopping ability. The available Summer Tire Performance Package does little to enhance CTS's sporting character, but takes a huge toll on ride quality.
Quietness
Cabin impressively hushed overall. Coarse pavement tire roar can intrude at speed. Base engine generally well behaved, but can sound unrefined during acceleration. Direct Injection engine notably more polished, well muted even when pushed. Road noise levels increase with available summer tires.
| Base, automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 7.1 |
Cabin impressively hushed overall. Coarse pavement tire roar can intrude at speed. Base engine generally well behaved, but can sound unrefined during acceleration. Direct Injection engine notably more polished, well muted even when pushed. Road noise levels increase with available summer tires.
Controls
Major gauges are large and easy to read. Likewise, most commonly-used controls fall readily to hand.
| Base, automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.8 |
Major gauges are large and easy to read. Likewise, most commonly-used controls fall readily to hand.
Details
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.
| Base, automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.6 |
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)
Seats are roomy and supportive, complemented by an available tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Rakish roof line hurts visibility, however, with thick rear pillars a major annoyance. 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.
| Base, automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Seats are roomy and supportive, complemented by an available tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Rakish roof line hurts visibility, however, with thick rear pillars a major annoyance. 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)
Adequate rear seat space, though larger adults will feel crowded. Marginal headroom reduced by available sunroof.
| Base, automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Adequate rear seat space, though larger adults will feel crowded. Marginal headroom reduced by available sunroof.
Cargo Room
Usefulness of biggish, boxy trunk compromised by small opening. The optional split folding rear seat backs fold completely flat to accommodate longer parcels. Interior storage includes roomy center console and glovebox.
| Base, automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.8 |
Usefulness of biggish, boxy trunk compromised by small opening. The optional split folding rear seat backs fold completely flat to accommodate longer parcels. Interior storage includes roomy center console and glovebox.
Value within Class
CTS now plays with the big boys. Major upgrades to the interior address the previous generation'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.
| Base, automatic | Direct Injection, automatic | Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 9 | 10 | 6 | 6.5 |
CTS now plays with the big boys. Major upgrades to the interior address the previous generation'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 | Direct Injection, automatic | Direct Injection w/ Performance Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 71 | 77 | 69 | 67.9 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 56 | |
| Average Score | 67 | |
| High Score | 77 |
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2009 Cadillac CTS Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 Cadillac CTS Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Cadillac CTS 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 191.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3861 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V6 | Supercharged ohv V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.6 /217 | 3.6 /217 | 6.2 /378 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 263 @ 6200 | 304 @ 6700 | 550 @ |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 253 @ 3100 | 273 @ 4000 | 550 @ |
| Availability | Standard | Optional | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 6-speed manual | 16/25 | 16/25 | NA/NA |
| 6-speed automatic | 17/26 | 18/26 | NA/NA |
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 |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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%.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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Also in the 2009 Cadillac CTS Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Cadillac CTS Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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