2008 Cadillac CTS Review

PROS
Terrific ride and handling balance, Powerful engine, Technological tour de force

CONS
Awkward entry/exit, Available summer tires have pounding ride, Poor rear visibility

In the '50s and '60s Cadillac was the luxury-car king. Granted, there wasn't a lot of competition, but few automakers could match the extravagance, style, and sheer size of a Cadillac. The GM division lost its way in the '70s and '80s, producing cars that were underpowered, appealed to a limited demographic, and were oftentimes clones of other GM brands. Today, Cadillac is once again reaching for the stars with a lineup of exclusive vehicles that feature cutting-edge technology and stunning styling.

Leading that charge was the 2003 Cadillac CTS. So different than any Cadillac before, the CTS was designed to compete with vehicles like the BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G35, Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Unlike previous Cadillacs, the CTS set its sights on young affluent buyers. In that mission the CTS succeeded and began a renaissance at Cadillac that is seen both in new vehicles and showroom traffic.

Not one to rest on its laurels, Cadillac has come up with a completely new CTS for 2008. Compared to the previous model, the '08 CTS is two inches wider and two-hundred pounds heavier. Styling is all new as are more powerful engines.

Two models are offered. Base and Direct Injection. Base comes with a 263-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. Direct Injection models get a 304-horsepower version of that engine. Both engines are available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission that features a separate shift gate for manual operation. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive optional.

Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability control, tire-pressure monitor, and front, front-side, and curtain-side airbags. A rear obstacle-detection system is optional.

Base models come standard with air conditioning with dual zone automatic climate controls, OnStar, leather-wrapped tilt-telescope steering wheel, cruise control, power driver seat, center console, trunk pass through, power mirrors, locks, and windows, keyless entry, satellite radio, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, and alloy wheels. Direct Injection models simply add the more-powerful V6 and come standard with the six-speed automatic.

Key options include leather upholstery, sunroof, two performance packages, navigation system with pop-up LCD display and real-time traffic information, wood interior trim, and 40-gig hard drive. The hard drive can store music and allows you to pause and review radio broadcasts much like a digital video recorder. Also available is a digital-media player adaptor and USB interface that allows you to control an iPod with the audio system controls.

The base lists for $32,245 and Direct Injection has a sticker price of $34,545. Both models have a destination charge of $745. The CTS is built in Lansing, Michigan.

Get up and Go
Though Cadillac doesn't offer an official 0-60 mph time, the Direct Injection CTS rushes from 0 to 60 mph in about six seconds. That's fast by any measure and at any price point. Even more impressive than the 0 to 60 time is the way the engine provides ample muscle at any speed. Power delivery is so linear that the V6 feels like a V8 most of the time.

Complimenting the engine is the responsive six-speed automatic transmission. It upshifts seamlessly and quickly responds to even slight throttle input to downshift for more power. Under hard acceleration, the transmission shifts with precision befitting the finest European automatics.

Rear or all-wheel drive, every CTS comes standard with traction control. That helps maintain control in hard acceleration, but Chicagoans will want to consider snow tires or high-quality all-season rubber in winter months. Don't try and drive the CTS with the optional summer tires in the snow, you will regret it.

EPA numbers for the automatic-equipped '08 CTS Direct Injection are 16 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Those numbers comparare favorably to similarly equipped Acura TL, BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G35, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class models. In routine driving, expect to average 20 mpg, perhaps 22 mpg if your daily commute includes a fair amount of routine expressway driving. Refreshingly, Cadillac says that all CTS engines run fine on regular-grade gasoline.

On the Road
If you're used to driving Cadillacs of yore, the CTS will seem completely foreign--and that's the point. CTS rides like a finely tuned European sports sedan. The standard suspension is compliant, but not overly bouncy. Minor road imperfections are nicely quelled and larger bumps are softened but not eliminated. There is very little float or bounce on even the roughest of roads.

The all-season performance package comes with a slightly firmer ride that's not overly harsh. It's a good compromise for those looking for more composure without the undue harshness that comes with the summer-tire performance package.

Regardless of suspension or tires, drivers will appreciate the firm and accurate steering and powerful brakes. Body lean is modest and the tires have ample grip. The upgraded suspension on performance packages offer even more responsive handling. Model-for-model CTS can keep pace with its European competition on twisting roads, and that's saying something.

The new CTS isn't the quietest luxury sport sedan on the road, but its close. All engines sound refined in acceleration and are barely audible when cruising. Wind noise is low and tire noise only intrudes on coarse concrete pavement. Note, the summer-tire performance package brings with it substantially increased road noise.

Behind the Wheel
CTS sports an interior befitting a $50,000 luxury car. Materials are top notch and assembly quality is excellent. An optional stitched-leather dash top, a feature found only in very expensive premium luxury cars, is especially impressive.

Despite the abundance of electronic gadgets, basic interior controls are familiar, easy to reach, and clearly marked. Thankfully most of the technology is optional, so people who just want basic luxury don't have to put up with awkward control inputs that are common in other luxury cars.

Front seats are roomy and accommodating. The aren't as soft or broad as traditional Cadillac seats, but they are long-haul comfortable and offer good support in spirited driving. With plenty of seat adjustments and a tilt-telescope steering wheel, most drivers will find it easy to get comfortable. Outward visibility is good forward, but restricted by the tall deck and thick rear pillars.

The rear seats are comfortable and nicely finished. If the front seats are pushed more than halfway back, knee room is very tight. The driveline hump is quite large and precludes sitting three across.

The trunk is a roomy surprise and the trunk lid sports hinges that don't intrude on cargo space. A small pass through is standard. Optional split-folding rear seats that fold flat are an unusual feature in this class. Interior storage is adequate, highlighted by small front-door map pockets and a large glovebox.

Bottom Line
Significant interior and powertrain upgrades make the 2008 Cadillac CTS an instant front-runner among luxury-sports sedans. While it isn't any more roomy, fuel efficient, or sporty than its competitors, it does match them in most categories. Add in CTS' impressive technology package and you have a sure-fire winner.

Prices are on par or slightly below European competitors. However, buyers need to careful with when selecting options, as the bottom line can easily exceed $45,000. At that point CTS competes an entirely different class of vehicles and even the Cadillac STS.