Cadillac's CTS has quickly evolved into a world-class, luxurious sport sedan. For 2004, refinements to the suspension and the addition of a new, stronger V6 clearly mean Cadillac plans to be a strong contender in this segment. The new 2004 CTS builds on Cadillac's 100-year tradition of engineering excellence and design innovation, and is a modern interpretation of the strikingly beautiful cars for which Cadillac became famous. Fashioned from Cadillac's edgy, bold design theme, its chiseled body features sharp edges that lend to an elegant sculpted presentation. In developing the new Cadillac CTS into a true world-class sports sedan, General Motors' engineers benchmarked the competition's best, including the BMW 528i sedan and tested where they test. Designed from the ground up with an exclusive rear-wheel-drive architecture, dubbed Sigma, the new CTS was tested extensively and refined on the most challenging race circuit in the world, Germany's famed N¸rburgring. The entry-level CTS, although it hardly seems fair to call it entry-level, features a 220-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. For 2004, ordering CTS with the 5-speed automatic transmission will also get you GM's all-new 255-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 VVT (variable valve timing) engine. This tandem adds $1,700 to the approximately $30k admission price. And also for the 2004 model year, the CTS-V debuts, the first model to be developed by the new GM Performance Division and the most powerful Cadillac production car ever at 400 horsepower. Featured in the $50,000 CTS-V is a 5.7-liter V8 engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Other new CTS features for 2004 include a retuned base suspension with new shocks and shock mounts, designed to offer smooth road feel without sacrificing performance. The Sport package, featuring newly designed 17-inch wheels (painted or polished finish), StabiliTrak, performance brake linings, variable assist steering, and rear load-leveling, is now available across the CTS lineup. Our
2004 Cadillac CTS test model came equipped with the new 255-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is a state-of-the-art unit featuring a full complement of advanced electronic control capabilities. These include a shift mode button that allows the driver to select between "sport," "winter" and "economy" modes. Another electronic feature is also a first for GM: engine braking in all five gears, giving the automatic the same sporty feel as a manual gearbox. The 5-speed automatic transmission in CTS also has the unique ability, in Sport mode, to identify high-performance inputs from the driver and hold a gear indefinitely through a corner after the driver's foot is lifted off the accelerator pedal. Our tester's engine and transmission were part of the 1SC Equipment Group ($9,950) that included the Luxury Package, the Sport Package. The Sport Package adds a sport-tuned suspension, rear load-leveling, performance brake linings, variable assist steering, Stabilitrak, 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with W-rated P225/50R17 tires. The CTS rides every bit as good as it looks. With the Sport Package, one might expect a noticeably stiffer ride, but that wasn't the case. While our CTS handled twisty roads with very little body sway, the ride on choppy roads was impressively smooth and confident. And thanks to traction control and Cadillac's Stabilitrak system, our CTS went were we steered it, even on slippery roads. The interior has been revised to look more elegant and we like the improvements. But for six-footers, like me, there could be a bit more legroom and headroom. Because our tester came with a sunroof, our dome was making contact with the headliner, even with the driver's seat fully lowered. One year of OnStar is included with CTS, but if you like navigation systems with a screen, an easy-to-operate DVD-based system is available and includes XM Satellite radio for $1,750. Cadillac's CTS is easy to like. Most will find it to be a comfortable sedan.
2004 Cadillac CTS
Engine: 3.6-liter (255 hp) V6
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Drive Type: RWD
Fuel Economy: 18 city/28 highway
Base Price: $30,140
As Tested: $42,535 (includes $695 destination charge)
Website: www.cadillac.com