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Comments
I assume that any mods will void warranty. Does anyone out there who would consider making mods care?
Thanks too, for the gas mileage posts from everyone. I'll try paying more attention to mine but right now, I'm having too much fun to care. I've been using the middle grade Shell gas pump rated at 89 octane.
Regards factory and dealer... I've received a thank you note and package of goodies from Cad, three letters from the dealership (two from sales, one from service) and a phone call from the dealer, all to make sure I was happy and satisfied with my purchase. I'd say that 's pretty good attention to the customer. Are others also receiving this treatment?
Dear Mr. Herzog,
Thank you for contacting the Cadillac Customer Assistance Center.
We certainly appreciate your enthusiasm for the Cadillac Fleetwood. Your
suggestions will help us
provide the quality products and services you expect from Chevrolet Motor
Division. Comments, from
current and prospective owners, keep us aware of customer expectations. We have
forwarded your
comments to Cadillac Brand Management for their review and possible
implementation. If you have any
further questions, please feel free to contact our Customer Assistance Center at
the toll-free
telephone number listed below.
Again, we thank you for your e-mail and your interest in Cadillac. If you
should need to contact us
in the future, you may e-mail us at assist@cadillac.com or call our Customer
Assistance Center at
1-800-458-8006. Advisors are available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.
Sincerely,
James Noble
Customer Relationship Manager
Cadillac Customer Assistance Center
Original message follows:
-------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
Name : Brian Herzog
Address :
: , -
Daytime Phone Number : () -
ex.
Evening Phone Number : () -
ex.
Comments : I think that Cadillac needs a
really, really big car again. Like
the Fleetwood was, around 20 feet.
I think Cadillac should make a
concept car called the Deville
Fleetwood concept or just the
Fleetwood. It should be style with
the Art and Science theme and
should have all the goodies.
Including an onboard personal
computer, and a flat panal tv and
DVD player fit into the rear center
console. Also all the other
Cadillac inovations. I think this
would be a real hit concept and
Cadillac could base the next
Deville on its styling and
features. Please, please make a
concept like this!!!
Sincerly,
Brian Herzog
In regards to cadman88's product matrix, I like it but I'm wondering about one thing. First, let's look at the current product matrix of the major competitors for 2002:
Small Sedans:
BMW: 325i, 325xi, 330i 330xi
Mercedes: C240, C320
Lexus: ES300, IS300
Cadillac: CTS
Small Coupes:
BMW: 325Ci, 330Ci
Mercedes: C230K SC
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none
Small Convertibles:
BMW: 325i, 330i
Mercedes: none
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none
Small Wagon:
BMW: 325i, 325xi
Mercedes: C320
Lexus: IS300 Sportcross
Cadillac: none
Small "super":
BMW: M3 Coupe, M3 Convertible
Mercedes: C32 AMG
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none
Midsize Sedan:
BMW: 525i, 530i, 540i
Mercedes: E320, E500
Lexus: GS300, GS430
Cadillac: SLS, STS
Midsize Coupes:
BMW: none
Mercedes: CLK320, CLK500
Lexus: none
Cadillac: Eldorado*
Midsize Convertible:
BMW: none
Mercedes: CLK320, CLK500
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none
Midsize "super":
BMW: M5
Mercedes: none
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none
Fullsize Sedan:
BMW: 745i, 745Li
Mercedes: S430, S500, S600
Lexus: LS430
Cadillac: Deville, DHS, DTS
Fullsize Coupe:
BMW: none
Mercedes: CL500, CL600
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none
Fullsize "super":
BMW: none
Mercedes: S55AMG, CL55AMG
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none
Small Sport Utility:
BMW: none
Mercedes: none
Lexus: RX300
Cadillac: none
Midsize Sport Utility:
BMW: X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, X5 4.6is
Mercedes: ML320, ML500
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none
Fullsize Sport Utility:
BMW: none
Mercedes: G500
Lexus: LX450
Cadillac: Escalade, Escalade EXT
Small Convertible:
BMW: Z3 2.5i*, Z3 3.0i*
Mercedes: SLK230, SLK320
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none
Small Coupe:
BMW: Z3 3.0i* Coupe
Mercedes: none
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none
Small "super":
BMW: M roadster*, M coupe*
Mercedes: SLK32 AMG
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none
Luxury Convertible:
BMW: Z8
Mercedes: SL500
Lexus: SC430
Cadillac: none
Luxury "super":
BMW: none
Mercedes: SL55 AMG
Lexus: none
Cadillac: none
*Discontinued for 2003
Clearly Cadillac trails badly in just providing basic competition. The most obvious problem is engine programs. Mercedes and BMW offer many sized engines across many price points. BMW carries 2 I-6s, 2 V-8s and a V-12. Mercedes carries a I-4, 2 V-6s, 2 V-8s and a V-12. Cadillac carries 1 V6, 2 V-8s (same displacement) and no V-12. Part of this advantage is the basic fact that they compete worldwide and need a lot of different engines for different markets. In other parts of the world, you also add diesel engines to the mix, something else Cadillac will need as they orient themselves to being a world brand.
The second problem is variety of models. Cadillac has some models that don't compete well (front wheel drive models in a rear wheel drive market) or none at all (no mid size sport utes, coupes and convertibles of any size).
Now look to the future. Cadillac has shown the SRX with two engine choices. The CTS will get a new engine but probably won't keep the old, even though it could serve as an entry level engine. The V-series will begin with the CTS, XLR and eventually the STS. The XLR will fill the void of the Luxury convertible segment. A new rear wheel drive STS will bow in 2005. V12 engine choices are rumored for the future too.
There should be a CTS coupe (CTC) but 2007 is a long time to wait. No word if a "STC" coupe is even being considered.
From rumors, Cadillac will show a "FTS" high end luxury sedan concept with a V16 engine. Although I don't think the V16 will see the light of day, the FTS will be more interesting. Does Cadillac really need more than one full size luxury vehicle? Excluding Maybach and Rolls Royce, BMW and Mercedes stretch their full size models over many price ranges with wheel base and engine choice upgrades. A better DTS could do that, unless Cadillac wants to keep an older less expensive car around for certain buyers and rental fleets. If the FTS is a Rolls/Maybach class car, then that's another story.
And I guess the "F" in FTS stands for Fleetwood? ;-)
And yes, indeed, Cadillac will showcase a V16 limousine at NAIAS 2003. It may or may not be named FTS...some sources indicate it may be "Affinity" or "Affinite" (old french).
I'm coming from a Grand Cherokee Ltd, so of course the handling is noticeably better - now I can take off-ramps at speed without feeling that I might roll over!
I chose the auto over the stick as I found it to be so smooth, and as I am not a professional driver, I think it can shift faster and better than I can; as well, I drive a lot in heavy traffic where constant shifting becomes more work than fun.
I love the personalization programming you can do - not just seat and mirror settings, but driver's name, radio station pre-sets, tone and equalizer settings for each station and source, and on and on.
I'm having fun with OnStar too - I called yesterday and asked where there was an open gas station - the operator checked the vehicle location, and told me exactly how to find the closet station; he did not say, "you moron, you're three blocks from your own house and there's a gas station within site"!
So far, the reaction of neighbours has been very positive - comments like, that doesn't look like any Caddy I've ever seen - and the best one, from a group of kids cycling past my house when I brought the car home, was "Wow. there's one of those new Cadillacs". I wonder how long it's been since teenagers would be interested in a Cadillac? I think Cadillac will find the younger market they've been trying to win.
Anyway, I just thought I'd bring up an 'interesting' ad in my local newspapers classified section. I saw there was a 2003 CTS for sale with automatic transmission and 5k miles for $29,950. The only other feature it mentioned was a 'carriage top'. I thought about it for quite some time and for the life of me I couldn't figure out what in earth a 'carriage top' was. First I thought it was another name for a sunroof...then I thought it might be like a luggage rack...then the horror set in when I finally figured it out...............
-Great way to ruin a new CTS with only 5k miles, eh?
I think the CTS looks great without any changes - the view from behind, with those tall tail lights and the deep bumper make it look very distinctive. I look for other CTS's on the road, and there aren't too many, but when you see one there is no mistaking it for any other car.
Hope that you enjoy the ride! Black is just really sharp.
Keep checking back and let us know what you think as you get more mileage on it.
You"ll be more and more surprised at the different ages that "oogle" your car. Happens all the time. Whenever I go out driving I count the "oogles" and report the results at home.Just great!
XLR to make 375 hp!!
P.S congrats on the CTS sreynolds1
I know you'll be really happy with your CTS. It's a drivers car, and needs to be on the road, where it can be seen and admired. It's also a fun car, nimble and a blast to drive.
Have fun and let us know about your experiences on a regular basis.
Rich W
http://www.autosite.com
J "CaddyLac"
On another note (although this is probably not a politically correct question) what is the fastest sustained speed you've had your CTS up to? I commute about 60 miles to work, on a desolate three-lane divided highway very early in the morning...my fastest was averaging 95 MPH with sustained speeds around 110. I know it's not the safest way to drive and there are serious risks associated with high speed driving, but the car is rock solid at that speed and could easily be pushed higher in a safer environment. What are your CTS "performance" stories?
-FAV002
My CTS Pictures
Haha, anyway, I am glad you are enjoying the CTS so much. I am looking to hopefully get a certified pre-owned CTS at some point in about 16-24 months for driving to school...
Our local dealer has been twisitng my dad's arm since January to buy me a CTS with 5 speed for school next year. It's all fun and games, and would never happen (at least that's what I gather) though...
[Although I must say that last January, I (and the dealer) seriously thought my dad was going to get a CTS lux./sport as an "extra" car, which fell through the roof some time in February]
...and I might say that I would feel a little odd driving a new Cadillac to school at age 16. Can anyone say decadent (sp)??
Here's a few items to digest.
First - TheCarConnection has a new spy photo of the CTSV. ..... Get me a car loan!
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=5241
Second - I've seen two reports of cracked heads and coolant leaks on CTS's. Has anyone else had a problem?
http://caddymb.netgetgoing.com/messageDetail.asp?MessageId=1421
Current Cadillac production
http://caddymb.netgetgoing.com/messageDetail.asp?MessageId=1417
My wife has had the CTS up to 95 MPH so far. Just rides great at that speed.
Rich
Basically, the gist of it is (and remember, IANAL) that if a mod is the specific cause of a failure, then the manufacturer can disallow a warranty claim. However, they cannot disallow a claim simply because of the presence of a mod. I think the main test case (you can Google Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) involved a manufacturer voiding a warranty because a non-dealer air filter was installed.
So, basically, if your engine fails because of that new supercharger you threw on, they may disallow engine warranty work. Disallowing engine work because of your aftermarket steering wheel you put on would be illegal, though.
of the coolant in the reservoir bottle. if it's not at the max line when the engine is cold, take a magic marker and mark the level on the bottle.
then...wait and see what happens..can be very illuminating as to the condition of the motor. it's not always a significant loss of coolant that
develops, sometimes it's just a slow loss over time and the problem there is you don't even notice it until sometimes, it's too late. jackg
baron87, if you get a CTS to drive to school you are one lucky dog!! I wish Cadillac had a cr like that when I was in high school(and I had the means to buy one), but even though it was Sedan DeVilles, Eldorados, and Sevilles back then, I still would have loved to drive one. I always liked the Eldorado Touring Coupe of the very early 90s. They were very rare as most were just Eldos or Biarritz coupes and the early TCs were very unique. As was the Oldsmobile Trofeo. Low production cars, just like I like them.
The CTS has a speed limiter chip ("V" rated tires)and will only do about 127 MPH, I think. My wife has the car with the instruction manual so I don't know the exact limit.
My STS has the same speed limiter chip due to the "H" rated tires. It's limited at about the same 125 -130 MPH. I did get my '94 STS up to 130 MPH and could have gone to 150 MPH. Fun!!!!
The Lincoln LS is somewhat in between the CTS and STS. I drove them in the Motor Trend/Cadillac World Challange last year and the LS V8 was fun to drive. I understand Ford has really improved the LS for 2003. Some of that is due to the CTS challange.
Since Ford created some of the cars I love the most (Thunderbird, Mustang, Lincoln Continental, etc.) I won't get into a Ford vs GM argument. I did drive a Shelby Cobra at 155 MPH outside Barstow California in 1967. It was the most awesome car I have ever driven. If the Ford '49 was in production, I would sell the STS to have one along with our CTS.
Rich W
The standard tires are H rated (130 MPH). So without the sport pkg the top speed would be limited to 130 (or so).
So - who'll be the first to test out the limiter on the Sport pkg? Tested safely on a track, of course, and not on the freeway.
Rich
Where in Southern Cal is this dealer?
http://media.gm.com/news/releases/020904_incentives.html
If people interested in buying with a 3 year loan were holding back for any reason, they better reconsider.
To bad the new Saab 9-3 is not included.
Anyway, back on topic, ordering my CTS in about a week and was wondering if there was a car to compare the suspension in the Lux/Stp package...the LS, M5? I've read mixed feelings about it and was just wondering what other car it could be compared to. Thanks.
Every 2003 GM car and truck.
GM is very aggressive these days. Of course this is not nearly as aggressive as the 0% for 60 months we had recently on 2002s.
J "CaddyLac"
Not trying to start an argument - just reporting the facts.
richw5, just be careful if you do try. I'd be curious to know what big brother GM has limited the CTS's top speed to. My Intrigue(with H-rated tires) is governed at 131 MPH and I've had her up to 120. Smooth, solid, and steady best describes the car at that speed. I can only imagine how the CTS feels at that speed.
I can't wait to see the 2003 LS and the CTS go head to head for COTY and 10 best lists.
sevenfeet0 : Impressive number for Cadillac. Hopefully it's the begining of good things for the name plate as it's in decline far too long!
My Camaro weighs 3400 lbs and has 215 hp.
Peak hp occurs at 4400 rpms and peak torque at 2800 rpms.
In 5th it does 33mph for every thousand rpms.
3000rpms at 99 mph. 132mph at 4000rpms.
Tops out at around 135mph. Just not enough horses to get the job done.
275-335 hp Camaros will get over 150 mph.
Can't see a CTS getting up there.
Cadillac isn't doing much TV advertising of the CTS at all these days. I see "brand" ads for the entire Cadillac line, and I see Escalade and EXT ads.
This may be just me talking, but I'm starting to get a little sick of the Led Zepplin "Rock and Roll" ad campaign. Maybe I'm just as much of a fan as some people. I thought the best Cadillac ad in years was the "Moments" ad that introduced the Art & Science theme (though "The Power of &" was a lame tag line). I also miss the short-lived Escalade tag line "It's good to be the Cadillac". That was cheeky but it got the message across.
Of course, Cadillac sales are up, so I doubt we'll see a change in ad campaigns anytime soon. Why break success?