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Cadillac CTS - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Cadillac CTS ranks 4 out of 15 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 35 published reviews and test drives of the Cadillac CTS, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Cadillac CTS is widely considered to be one of the best cars GM has built in years.  Competitive with the best entry-level luxury cars in the world, it's fun to drive and stylish inside and out.

Only a few complaints consistently emerge in reviews of the CTS.  Its front seats divide reviewers - some love them, others say they are not as supportive as they should be.  That means it's a good idea to test drive the CTS before setting your heart on it, to be sure your body type works with the car.  Some test drivers also say its manual transmission suffers from stiffness and long throws.

There is a high-performance CTS model, the CTS-V, that wins tremendous praise for its performance.  We review the CTS-V separately, and should note that, although its performance is almost unparalleled, it costs significantly more than other CTS models.

For 2010, Cadillac has redesigned the base engine of the CTS.  With direct-injection, the 3.0-liter V6 now offers better fuel economy while maintaining the strong performance the car has been known for.  A wagon model will be introduced later in the model year.

Reviewers say the CTS is not quite as athletic as its sharpest competitors. BMW's 3-Series and Infiniti's G37 are both quicker cars. But the CTS offers a more driver-friendly cockpit than either of them.

The CTS is available in just one trim level, with either rear- or all-wheel drive.  A V6 engine is the only one offered.  It can be paired with a manual or automatic six-speed transmission.

• "Arguably the best GM car available in North America, the CTS is proof that Cadillac can build a world-class competitor against the best from the German and Japanese luxury brands.... The CTS is a refined and handsome sports sedan that will coddle traditionalists and convert buyers raised on German and Japanese sports sedans." -- Car and Driver
• "Cadillac CTS looks great and is relatively roomy inside. It's got lots of poke for the performance enthusiast with the bigger engine and available all-wheel drive. For those who don't need or want the extra stuff, there's lots of style with the standard V6 and rear-wheel drive." -- New Car Test Drive
• "The 2009 Cadillac CTS, with its dashing style, fine road manners and classy cabin, can more than hold its own against rivals from Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. If you're shopping for an entry-level luxury sport sedan, the CTS is worthy of serious consideration." -- Edmunds
• "Cadillac's smallest sedan is a legitimate alternative to cars from Audi, BMW, and Infiniti. We especially like the Direct Injection model for its refinement and performance. Competitive pricing is icing on the cake for this premium midsize sedan." -- Consumer Guide
• "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
• "With this bold, savvy, uncompromising showpiece of a sedan...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 - 8.8 (Very Good)

The 2010 CTS outperforms many imports that Cadillac wouldn't dream of challenging just a few years ago. It gets a lot of power from its V6 engines, and Motor Trend says, "It's not just the best-handling Caddy in history, but probably the best-handling American sedan ever." Equally important, it can cruise comfortably when its driver doesn't want a performance car. Two engine choices let buyers decide how much performance they're willing to pay for. Read More

CTS Exterior - 8.6 (Very Good)

The 2010 Cadillac CTS is a sharp, angular car in a class full of rounded, sleek sedans.  The contrast works in the Caddy's favor. The Kansas City Star says, "There's a hint of forward movement throughout the design even while the car is standing still." The styling has won almost universal praise from the automotive press.  Read More

CTS Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)

Cadillac once represented luxury to American buyers, but the make's reputation fell with quality problems in the 1990s. The CTS has grabbed the mantle back for GM's luxury division. AutoWeek says the interior "feels completely fresh yet entirely like a Cadillac, and it looks as elegant as anything on the road."  Reviewers are particularly fond of the navigation system, which hides away when not in use, and the interior LED lighting. Read More

CTS Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2010 Cadillac CTS scores well in federal government crash tests.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2009 CTS a "Top Safety Pick" because the car earned perfect scores in the Institute's tests and offers standard stability control. Read More

CTS Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2010 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). Cadillac provides a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty on all new CTS sedans. A powertrain warranty longer than what most rivals offer also makes a good value argument for Caddy's midsize sedan. Read More