2004 Cadillac CTS Luxury

Vehicle Type: RWD Entry Level Luxury sedan.
Base Price: $30,140.00
Price As Tested: $42,535

Pros:
Styling
Construction
Handling
More Powerful Engine

Cons:
No Manual Trans with Bigger Engine.

Bottom Line:
GM Proves It Can Build A World Class Car.

Auto Answerman rating: 9

Overview;

The CTS was introduced last year as a ‘clean sheet’ design using GM’s lighter and stiffer rear wheel drive ‘Epsilon’ platform. It competes with the likes of the BMW 3-series, the Audi A4 and the C class Mercedes. A new 3.6L V6 with Variable Valve timing is new for 2004. Our test car was the upscale ‘luxury’ model with larger wheels, bigger engine, heated seats and more. The CTS is a sporty and comfortable alternative to the best from Europe and Japan. FINALLY!

Engine/Driveline

Base models receive the 220 HP 3.2L DOHC V6 coupled to a Getrag 5-speed manual. A five-speed automatic is optional. I drove a 5-speed CTS last year and my only complaint was in the power dept. This year, Cadillac has largely solved that problem with the introduction of the responsive 3.6L V6. This engine, with variable valve timing, produces 255 horses and 252 pound feet of torque. Unfortunately, the 3.6L is only available with the automatic. This smooth shifting unit has a ‘Sport ‘ mode and a winter driving shift program. Expect 18 MPG around town and 28 on the hi-way.

Ride/Handling:

This is not your grandfathers Caddy. Opt for the luxury package and the standard 16” all seasons are replaced with 225/50-series 17” tires on polished alloy wheels. The sport suspension on our car featured rear load leveling and performance brake linings. All CTS models come with fully independent 4-wheel suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS. The ride is firm but not uncomfortable giving the CTS a solid feel and sharp handling aided by the optional ‘stabilitrak’ that corrects handling on slippery surfaces. The rack and pinion steering is direct with good on center feel. Our ‘Luxury’ model featured variable-assist providing more power for parking and better road feel on the road. It’s easy to forget you’re driving an American car. Cadillac deserves a tremendous amount of credit for getting this important part of the car so right on. It’s not yet a BMW but it’s getting close. Again, I say ‘It’s about time’!

Styling

The edgy exterior styling represents a major departure for Cadillac. It actually looks good! In fact, the CTS is a head turner. Our ‘light platinum’ CTS had a light gray/ebony two-tone interior. The modern looking interior combines the edgy look of the exterior with soft-touch materials for an elegant up-scale look accentuated with wood trim. It’s not up to Audi standards but this is the best interior GM has ever conceived in my opinion.

Interior:
The well-appointed base model comes with leather seating and a leather wrapped steering wheel. Seating is exceptionally comfortable with a power driver’s seat up front. ‘Luxury’ versions are heated with the passenger seat also powered. The cabin is larger that most competitors and the car is super comfortable even in the rear where 2 adults can sit comfortably. An engine temp gauge has replaced the clock in the well- designed cockpit for 2004. Most controls are logically laid out and easy to read. The brake release and hood release are easy to confuse in the dark. Base models have a 7 speaker AM/FM/CD with a BOSE 6-disc changer on luxury models. The $1,700 navigational system comes with XM Satellite Radio. This subscription service provides over 100 channels of digital audio coast to coast. For like $10 bucks a month you can choose from dozens of music channels with news, sports and comedy options on the menu. The sound is clean and clear.

Safety:
Front and side impact air bags are standard for the driver and front passenger along with front to rear head curtains. High intensity discharge headlamps are standard on the luxury package with daytime running lights and fog lights are standard on all models. Child safety door locks, rear window defogger and a theft deterrent system with remote keyless entry round out the standard equipment. All CTS owners receive 1 year of GM’s excellent On-star ‘Safe and Sound’ package providing notification of air-bag deployment roadside assistance and emergency access.

Conclusion:

I never thought I’d live to say this but this is one Cadillac I can see myself owning. Cadillac had to do something to appeal to younger buyers and the CTS delivers with good looks, comfort and sporty handling. I highly recommend you include the CTS on your shopping list of entry- level cars.

Tom Collins
The Auto Answerman
KEZW Radio
Denver
www.theautoanswerman.com
tomcollinsaam@yahoo.com