2008 Cadillac CTS [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 31 CTS reviews and test drives.
Cadillac CTS - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Cadillac CTS ranks 4 out of 15 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 31 published reviews and test drives of the Cadillac CTS, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The CTS delivers good performance, handsome styling and a luxurious interior, but its manual transmission suffers from stiffness and long throws, and its front seats could provide better side bolstering.
According to our analysis, the revamped 2008 Cadillac CTS is a vast improvement on an already-solid car. With new and improved performance capabilities, bolder exterior lines and a stylish cockpit-style cabin, the automotive industry acknowledges that the CTS is not only a better car than previous models, but is one of the better cars sold in the upscale midsize sedan class.
This year, Motor Trend selected the CTS as the 2008 Car of the Year for its smart restyling. "For that remarkable achievement, and for making us grin like lottery winners every time we drove it, the CTS is our enthusiastic choice for Motor Trend's 2008 Car of the Year," the magazine reports. The 2008 CTS is also recognized as one of Car and Driver's 10 Best. "This second gen-CTS conclusively fulfills General Motors' goal of turning Cadillac into a world-class luxury competitor," Car and Driver says. "The result is a ride that is easy on the eyes, comfortable on your backside, exciting to drive, and competitive with the best from Europe."
The CTS is available in just one trim level, with either rear- or all-wheel drive, and with one of two engines paired with either a manual or automatic six-speed transmission. Not sold on the Cadillac CTS? Also consider the perennial favorite, the BMW 3-Series, either as a coupe or sedan.
- "Boiled down to what matters most to the basic car, the new Lansing, Michigan-built 2008 Cadillac CTS -- with its excellent powertrain, great handling, substantially improved interior and dramatic new styling -- succeeds on all levels." -- Road and Track
- "This car isn't just good -- it's world-class. … Inside and out, it's better, cleaner and offers everything a customer is looking for in a well-priced luxury sedan." --Detroit News
- "The new CTS is still not a world-beater, but it is definitely a contender, and it deserves a lot of serious attention." -- BusinessWeek
- "Cadillacs continue to get better-looking and more impressive." -- Car and Driver
- "With this bold, savvy, uncompromising showpiece of a sedan -- the all-new Cadillac CTS -- GM has leapt straight from the rabble's side of the velvet rope into that coveted, highly selective inner sanctum marked 'World's Finest Cars.'" -- Motor Trend
CTS Performance - 8.3 (Very Good)
The redesigned Cadillac CTS is a high performance car worthy of comparisons to the celebrated imports in its class, thanks to its powerful engines and impressive driving dynamics. The Detroit News summarizes the consensus, writing, "The handling and performance of the CTS is exceptional." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn about the increased engine power inside the CTS, or to find out how the upgraded rack-and-pinion steering improved the sedan's responsiveness. continue
CTS Exterior - 8.4 (Very Good)
The exterior of the CTS receives a subtle makeover for 2008, and the majority like the results. Car and Driver says, "There's no bad view of the new car, from its attention-grabbing front end and better-integrated vertical headlights and taillights to its muscular fender flares." Check out the Cadillac CTS Photo Gallery to see the broader, rounder CTS, or continue with our full Exterior Review to read auto writers' opinions of the improved fit and finish. continue
CTS Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)
Our analysis shows that nowhere is the redesign of the CTS as apparent or appreciated as inside the impressive new cabin. AutoWeek says, "The interior of the '08 CTS feels completely fresh yet entirely like a Cadillac, and it looks as elegant as anything on the road." Check out the Cadillac CTS Photo Gallery to view the car's new LED lighting, or continue with our full Interior Review to learn how more about optional features like rear parking assist and heated windshield washers. continue
CTS Safety - 9.7 (Excellent)
According to BusinessWeek, the CTS has "an admirable list of safety features," and performs well in federal government crash tests. Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety selected the 2008 CTS as a "Top Safety Pick" for good performance in front, side and rear tests. Continue with our full Safety Review if you want to learn how prepared the CTS to avoid an accident or protect passengers in the event of one. continue
CTS Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2008 Cadillac CTS reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The CTS is covered by a four-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn more about Cadillac's basic and powertrain warranties. continue
