2007 Cadillac CTS Review
The CTS is Cadillac’s entry-level luxury model. Debuting in 2003, it marked a new direction in their design. Featuring a sharper design with a practically threatening grille, the CTS is a surprisingly bold looking Cadillac. Seeing little change since its debut, the CTS won the Car and Driver “Supercar Challenge.”
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Cadillac CTS merges sharp handling with integrated comforts. It sticks to the road like glue, and its interior controls are well thought out and integrated. It’s the most affordable Cadillac ever, but lacks in features, even against some less-expensive competitors. However, if it’s style you want, the CTS is where it’s at.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the CTS four out of five stars for initial reliability. The debut model had a few recorded issues, such as failing transmissions, steering problems, water leaks, inaccurate fuel gauges, and engine noise. It was recalled twice in 2004 for airbags that could suddenly deploy and for fracturing washers that could make the car drop. Expect average to above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
In government crash tests, the CTS earned four stars in all but the side rear seat test, which received five stars. The IIHS gave its best “Good” rating for frontal impacts, but its worst “Poor” rating for rear collisions. Side crash tests were not performed. The CTS comes with full side airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. Stability control is available.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Stylish
+ Sharp handling
+ Affordable
Cons
– Leather seats not standard
– Overpriced when compared to competitors
– Could use a beefier engine
Head-To-Head Competition:
The CTS faces hot competition in the entry-level luxury market. The Buick Lucerne CXL costs $1,000 less and features a standard automatic, leather seats, more cargo capacity, and a larger engine. The Chrysler 300 Touring is an attractive option. For $1,200 more than the CTS, it adds a larger engine, leather seats, AWD, more cargo capacity, and 40 more horsepower. However, the CTS has standard side airbags. However, the real winner is the Lincoln MKZ, which costs $500 less, and has a larger engine, CD changer, leather seats, and 50 more horsepower.
What Others Are Saying:
“The company still may have quality control problems and none so blatant on the exterior as the rippled orange-peel texture of our test vehicle’s “premium” red paint. Hyundais have better paint jobs. The shoddy finish on the model we tested might be an anomaly – if not, Cadillac is remiss in thinking it can compete with European luxury brands.” – Forbes
“It’s taken three tries to get it right but with the…Cadillac CTS, Cadillac finally has the BMW fighter it’s been looking for. With performance, driveability, tasteful comfort and understated good looks of a European sport sedan, this CTS eschews traditional Cadillac excess. Yet it’s still a true Cadillac.” – About.com
“All in all, I think the Cadillac CTS is an excellent vehicle. It gives a good example of what Cadillac styling is going to be like over the next couple of years and I find that to be exciting. There are no fins, and in this case it’s fine. It has vertical taillights, though, which is close enough.”The Family Car
Read more about the 2007 Cadillac CTS at the Cadillac manufacturer web site.
