2004 Cadillac CTS Review

The fun-to-drive Cadillac CTS is the first car from this automaker to have chiseled styling, which gives this entry-level Caddy a distinctive new "Cadillac look.''

Cadillacs had distinctive styling that made them easily identifiable from the late 1940s through the 1970s, with the high-tailfin 1950s models being the most iconic and collectible.

As with all General Motors cars, Cadillacs looked bland in the 1980s -- except for the bizarre-looking Seville sold early in that decade. The general blandness hurt sales. By the late 1990s, Cadillac no longer held the luxury car crown.

Dramatic new styling was needed, and Cadillac decided to make at least one car with a design that jolted luxury car buyers into paying more attention to its nameplate.

That car was the European-style CTS, introduced in January 2002 as an early 2003 "near luxury'' model. People either liked or were put off by the styling of the CTS, which had a suspension developed at a famous German race track and the rear-drive layout of European rivals such as BMW.

To Cadillac's delight, the edgy looking new model drew younger people to showrooms, people who had never considered a Cadillac. The most recent new Cadillac auto with CTS-type styling is the $75,385 XLR rear-drive two-seater. That car enhances the image of the CTS, which starts at $30,140. Other Cadillacs with chiseled styling are sport-utility vehicles.

For 2004, the CTS gets an optional new 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 255 horsepower and variable valve timing for more responsiveness -- along with a dual outlet performance exhaust system. The engine costs an extra $1,700. It only comes with a five-speed automatic transmission, which is generally smooth but sometimes provides erratic downshifts.

Also new for 2004 is a retuned base suspension with new shock absorbers and shock mounts for a smoother ride without sacrificing the car's alert handling.

Interior refinements include a body-colored center armrest and color-keyed center console, instrument cluster temperature gauge and bright white lighting. For those with bad backs, there's a newly available power adjustable lumbar support

The new V-6 also is in a $5,235 Luxury package, which contains heated front seats, power front passenger seat and wood interior trim.

The new engine joins the standard 3.2-liter, 220-horsepower V-6, which is available only with a five-speed manual transmission. The manual gearbox makes driving the CTS more fun -- if it's away from heavy traffic.

The CTS introduced the first manual transmission for a rear-drive Cadillac since 1951. But most CTS buyers opt for an automatic transmission, which means they'll experience the stronger acceleration of the new V-6.

The automatic has no manual shift feature, but most people with an automatic transmission leave it in "drive'' mode virtually all the time.

Estimated fuel economy with either engine is 18 mpg in the city and 26-28 on the highway.

Both V-6s are offered with a $1,875 Sport package, which includes variable-assist power steering, anti-skid system, upgraded brakes, sport suspension with a rear load-leveling feature and larger (17-inch) wheels.

For those with thick wallets, there's a $9,950 package that has features of the Sport package and such items as a power sunroof and a Bose AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Stand-alone options include a $1,750 navigation system. Some items in the packages, such as the power sunroof, can be ordered separately.

My test car was loaded with options and had a base price of $41,850, which is quite a jump from the $30,140 base list price.

However, even the base CTS is well equipped. Standard features include remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD sound system, leather seats, air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, power driver seat, power windows and door locks and 16-inch tires on alloy wheels.

Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, front side and curtain side air bags and GM's OnStar telematics assistance system.

The CTS has a reassuringly solid feel. My test car had the new V-6, which provided quick merges into fast traffic and a good 65-75 mph passing time on the highway. It loafed at 2,400 rpm at 70 mph.

The standard 220-horsepower V-6 also provides good acceleration (especially with the manual gearbox), but it works harder and isn't as smooth as the 255-horsepower engine.

The steering is nicely geared for quick maneuvers, and the car has adroit handling. An all-independent suspension provides a comfortable ride, even with the stiffer sport suspension and bigger tires. The brakes stop the car quickly and surely with good pedal feel.

The dashboard has a businesslike layout, although gauge numbers should be larger for a quicker read. Four tall adults easily fit, and the unusually high roof could allow them to wear top hats. But a high cowl and tall side sills might give some occupants a closed-in feel. The front console dual cupholders are conveniently located to help prevent spills.

Thick rear roof pillars impede visibility from the driver's seat, but outside mirrors are large. Rear windows don't roll down all the way.

The large trunk has a fairly low, wide opening, and its lid uses space-saving hydraulic struts. Curiously, a split-folding rear seat that can be used to enlarge the cargo area is a $450 option; it's a standard feature on some economy cars.

The new V-6 enhances desirability of the CTS, which is a viable alternative to foreign competitors. A low-volume $50,000 hot rod version with a 400-horsepower V-8 and six-speed manual gearbox is just around the corner, but the standard CTS with either V-6 should satisfy most CTS buyers.

2004 CADILLAC CTS

Price
$30,140

Likes
More power. Strong acceleration. Roomy. Sharp handling.

Dislikes
Controversial styling. Small gauge numbers. Rear visibility.