Cadillac CTS/CTS-V

wallywalla · July 2002

Do only manual transmission CTS cars get a pin stripe on them? I've never noticed it on an automatic car and I've seen several. A friend got a Garnet red and wondered why it wasn't on her car that came from the same dealer.Does anyone else have a pin stripe?

jbg12 · July 2002

I just tested a CTS with the luxury package, sunroof, chrome wheels, other assorted options. Loved the steering, suspension, and especially the brakes. Was surprised at the amount of engine noise, but wasn't unhappy about it. The interior was generally disappointing - not up to the apparent quality of the driving experience in my opinion. I'm actually interested in the base model - no options, which I have never seen in a dealer lot. The base car is a lot of product for the money - assuming I can get much of a deal, which doesn't seem likely. And of course, being a 2003 model, it does not qualify for the rest of GM's 0% financing. I just wish the dealer were not so smug - that "take it or leave it" attitude. It is somewhat common for new introductions, but still grates me.

dindak · July 2002

They are offering 3.9% on CTS for 48 months. Not sure if it's right as it was a dealer ad.

akirby · July 2002

So does the Aztek.

I'm still not convinced that the styling is a hit and can sustain the sales volumes over time. If they continue to sell at the current rate in the first 6 months of 2003 then I will be convinced. Right now I think there is a small group of folks who are either looking for something radically different or are diehard Caddy fans who are purchasing and after they've made their purchases the sales will begin to slide.

oldsman01 · July 2002

If ugly cars like the VW Beetle, Audi TT, and Ford Focus can sustain decent sales then the CTS should have no problem. And just wait until that baby gets the 250 hp engine and 6 speed manual next year!

akirby · July 2002

New engines won't fix the exterior or interior styling.

I don't know a single person who thinks the CTS looks good. Family, friends, coworkers. I know there are some who like it but I think they are in a very small minority. For the beetle, tt and focus there are lots of people who like them.

In a survey I think you would be lucky to find 20% of respondents who like the CTS styling while the others you mentioned would be > 50%.

Like I said - if the sales numbers next year back it up, then I'll be convinced.

baron87 · July 2002

Too bad that CTS will also get a new interior next summer, along with the new engines...I think new interior design fixes the interior styling...don't you?

dindak · July 2002

Mostly everyone I have talked to likes the CTS styling. I know I do. Problem with styling like everyone else is the car gets lost in the crowd. Cadillac has never been about that and CTS is a perfect for for the new line-up IMO.

sonjaab · July 2002

Who is 68 thinks the CTS is sharp !

Dindak ; I will be in the Bay on Friday !
Send me your e-mail sonjaab@aol.com
I can't post the name here cuz the hosts
will blow a gasket ! But i can say its
the first little V shaped place exit
50 south off rt 81. My folks have been
going to the casino in Ottawa Quite often
or Rideau race track ! Even come on Sunday
lots of places offer Can. money at par !
My dad sez Can. dollar is up a few cents
against US dollar now !..

akirby · July 2002

Yes, new interior will help but it's the exterior that people see first. If someone doesn't like the exterior styling they won't look at the interior.

I didn't say the exterior was bad, just that it wouldn't appeal to a large enough customer base to sustain long term sales. I realize some people love it and that's fine. If Pontiac can sell over 12k azteks then the CTS can easily sell the first 30K units. After that it's questionable.

dindak · July 2002

Sent you an e-mail. Don't like the casino in Hull. Is there one in Ottawa now also? I like Casino Niagara best and it's only 45 minutes from my house. Maybe I should go to the new one in Gan. so I can win money for a CTS!!

;-)

ambull · July 2002

The autoextremist article did not specifically say CTSi, it just said CTS, so I assumed the engine would be at most the 250hp version due out next year, the V8 won't be in production yet. BMW got kicked out for racing a V8 in their 3-series because there was no production version.

baron87 · July 2002

No, CTSi launches next summer or early fall. The V8 is used in the Corvette, and if you stretch truth a little bit, the Escalade line. The only other engine that is race-worthy is the 4.0L NorthStar which is used in the LMP, Opel (don't know its name), and in Chevy IRL car. I assume CTSi because that has a variant of an already race-developed engine. Developing a race-worthy version of the 3.6 would be too costly, unless that falls under Powertrain's budget. So, I really assume CTSi will have to be raced...even if under penalty.

torque_r · July 2002

New interior? I doubt it. Unless Cadillac had redesigned the interior even before the CTS went on sale, a new interior takes more than two years to get done. It's not just the styling, but also the parts, moldings, fixing bugs, sqeaks and rattles, testing in different weathers....etc
The improvement that Cadillac is talking about must be about replacing some materials with higher-quality ones, better leather, probably more wood and/or metals surfaces and such.

baron87 · July 2002

GM's new product development infrastructure allows for a model to go from an idea to a real production autmobile in roughly nine months. Therefore, if Cadillac started three months from now on the interior, it still would be done in time for next summer.

1487 · July 2002

the CTS styling is different but it isnt trendy in the way that will make it a fad. Cars like the TT, Beetle and T-bird are fad cars. ONce the Beetle came out and sold well everyone wanted to jump on the retro bandwagon. That trend will die soon and this cars will look ridiculous. The Beetle's sales dropped after it's first year because the "cute factor" had worn off. The CTS is following and fads, it is setting new styling trends.

oldsman01 · July 2002

I don't understand the need for an interior redesign at all. Replace the analog clock with a proper temp gauge, add a little more wood to the door panels, and maybe offer a different hue and it's nearly perfect. Oh and maybe some STS-like electroluminescent instruments. All of this could very easily be done in a short amount of time.

cybersax · July 2002

Motor Trend said the CTS's interior was spacious, elegant, cleverly designed, and functional. They liked it better than the 3-series and G35.

I have heard no news that Cadillac is redesigning the CTS's interior. I think the interior is fine. For next year, I believe they're adding some metallic trim and perhaps using a different type of dashboard material to build upon the car's high tech cachet. Which is fine. Either way, it doesn't matter, because this is not the kind of car people buy for the interior. It's functional and driver oriented, so it's got the goods where it counts.

akirby · July 2002

The beetle styling is a fad? Are you serious?

The beetle styling has been pretty much the same since 1959 or so. I believe it's one of (if not the) biggest selling model ever. If it hasn't gone out of style since 1959 then I doubt it's going away any time soon.

Only time will settle this issue, so I suggest we wait and see how it's selling next year.

As for the redesigned interior, if Lutz can build a completely new car in 3 months he can get a new dash done in a year.

fav002 · July 2002

When I was contacted by the General Motors Cadillac representative asking for my views on the positives and areas of improvement about the car, she said GM was soliciting input from all CTS buyers to prioritize changes for the upcoming model year. According to the rep, these changes will include interior, exterior and powertrain. To what extent the changes can be made in such a short time remains to be seen.

Have other CTS owners been contacted by GM requesting feedback on their likes and dislikes about the car? I hope our requested changes, many of which have been discussed here, make it into future CTS models.

-FAV002

fav002 · July 2002

Hey sonjaab-

Are you serious that no dealer near you will do GMS pricing? You need to get out of that Deville and into a new CTS!!

I got mine with GMS pricing in Florida and I know others who have gotten GMS pricing with no problem in NY and Michigan. As long as you have a GMS certificate, any Caddy dealer should honor the GM established employee price. If the one closest to you doesn't, have you tried contacting other dealers in different areas? Good luck!

-FAV002

jemiller · July 2002

Yes, MT was far more complimentary of the interior than they were of the exterior shape.

"this is not the kind of car people buy for the interior" - I agree, insofar as the interior is less polarizing than the rest of the car. It's got good seats, and the driving position is good, the rest is neither particularly good nor particularly bad.

automole · July 2002

Well, I took the plunge and traded my 300M on a new CTS today! Thanks to the pics that fav002 posted I was easily able to talk my wife into Black. We wanted the Copper Sunburst but after looking at fav002's pictures back to back with the Copper we both decided that the black looked fantastic. Honestly, I would have taken black, copper, or red but it just happened that the black was what we were able to find on a lot with the automatic...I just wish black wasn't so
#$%&ing tough to take care of!

Anyway, the car was brand spanking new with 11 miles on the odometer when I drove it off the lot. So far I love it although I've had a couple of weird electronics related things happen; the first time I got back into my car and restarted it the CD player mysteriously had turned itself off...then I got back into the car after another stop and the airbag light wouldn't turn off. I rebooted the car by turning off the ignition and starting it up again and everything was AOK with no problems...strange!

Thanks again to everyone that helped in my buying decision!

dindak · July 2002

Congrats on the new CTS!

wallywalla · July 2002

Congratulations on the CTS!! Black is really cool, glad that you're happy.

wallywalla · July 2002

What options are in your CTS?

fav002 · July 2002

Big time congrats on your new vehicle! You'll love it. I'm glad my pictures helped make your decision easier. I look forward to hearing about your new owner experiences. Hopefully the electronics glitch you mentioned was only a passing occurrence.

Good luck with your new ride!

-FAV002

sonjaab · July 2002

tHATS RIGHT ! No GMS/GMO deal at ANY Caddy
dealer in central NY. They do not have to
do gmo/gms if they don't want too. I
found this out last year when i wanted a
new 2500 Gm Xcab 4x4. I had to wait months
to get any dealer to bite. I was trading a
97 Chev xcab 4x4 27kmiles. In NY these
trucks sell fast and for big$$$$.
Its been a couple of days and no call back
from the Oswego CADDY DEALER on yes or no
on CTS. I figure if they were gonna do
gmo/gms the phone would be ringing !
I guess i will wait if I have to.
ENJOY YOURS !............geo

AUTOM....Enjoy your new CTS !
Hey guys get ya some Eagle one wet wipe
& shine and some diapers. Best stuff
for between wash clean ups ! A california
car duster too.
To wipe off all DROOL marks and
fingerprints on those new bad boy CTS !
I have had 5 black trucks..I know black !

shifty4 · July 2002

Fav2- I have been surprised by the lack of contact. I haven't even gotten the Powers survey in spite of being a CTS owner since 3/27. I just received a post card from Powers saying the survey will be arriving in a few days.

trichard2 · July 2002

Took delivery of my CTS on 4/23/02 in Tempe, AZ.
I purchased the car GMS and yes I was contacted by Cadillac re: likes/dislikes

b4z · July 2002

Congratulations on your CTS !! Keep us updated on your impressions.

Has anybody taken a long trip and figured the mileage manually, not with by the trip computer?

corsicachevy · July 2002

Is a cloth interior available on the CTS? Was one ever offered?

I was at a car show in Madison about a year ago and I could swear that I was sitting in a cloth-lined CTS. The material was almost canvas-like in texture. It felt great and looked like it would last forever.

Am I nuts, or was a cloth interior standard equipment at one time?

trichard2 · July 2002

NO cloth and I seriously doubt you're nuts.

baron87 · July 2002

CTS was not shown to the public until the middle of August in 2001...therefore, did you really see a CTS?

corsicachevy · July 2002

I guess I've been busy - I saw the vehicle at the Madison Auto Show in March, not last year. Thanks for the clarification.

jemiller · July 2002

There are Cadillac dealers from sea to shining sea. If you want a CTS that badly, I'm sure more than a few of them would be happy to take your money.

I've owned three black cars. One is long-gone, one is now in primer enroute to becoming white, one will remain black for the rest of its existence. But I'll never buy another one. Too much trouble, and everything ages faster in a black car.

cigar_surfer · July 2002

Yo! I'm new to this group, but have been lurking for quite a while. I finally took the plunge and ordered a CTS after car shopping for 3 years!!

My Dad is a GMAC retiree, so I went GMO and had no trouble at all with my local South Jersey Cadillac dealer in getting the GMO price. Car will be Blue Onyx with light nuetral int., 5 speed manual and just about every other option except the engine block heater. Should get it by early August, I can't wait! Price is awesome - total is $33438 vs MSRP of $38490!

Went for GPS, sunroof, luxurt sport, xenon, split fold, heated seats.

baron87 · July 2002

I'm glad to see more and more proud CTS owners appearing every day! Congratulations on the CTS...sounds like a really nice ride.

-Scott

beach15 · July 2002

Great news! I bet you're glad to get out of that 300M! Yeah, it has a nice combination of beauty and room, but other than that, it kind of falls short. I never thought of it as anymore than a cheap rental-like Intrepid with some nice clothes and leather.

It wasn't mine (mother's), but I had driven it a few times. Felt a little loose to me, no power around town, too many rattles, constant problems--thankfully it's over.

But this is a CTS board! Since I have my own detailing business, I was passing out a few ads last night on some cars at the grocery store when I spotted a CTS! I've seen it before and it's clear the owner could care less about how it's treated! Fairly filthy, parked outside in a crowded parking lot with both front windows down and the sunroof open--just a disgrace. So, I put one of my ad/flyers under the wiper, and am hoping they call! It's sort of an Olive Green color (name?), has the Luxury Package, Sunroof, and I'm fairly sure the polished wheels (though they were so dirty I couldn't tell 100%).

Let's hope they call me!

oldsman01 · July 2002

That must be the Jade Green and that is the only color of CTS that I have not yet seen in person. From the brochure sample, I don't think it looks that good. Cadillac used to have a gorgeous dark green called Polo Green which they offered from 1991 to 2000. It looked absolutely stellar on STSs and Eldorado Touring Coupes. I read over in the Seville forum that a new forest green is coming for 2003 so maybe it will be close to Polo Green and will find it's way to the CTS along with the XM radio option. Being in the detailing business, I bet you see alot of luxury cars that aren't cared for very well. Kind of makes you sick.

oldsman01 · July 2002

If you get the Cadillac call/survey asking for improvements, please tell them two things: A temp gauge in the instrument cluster and the XM radio option. I would also say more power(never a bad thing) but that is already on the way.

necros · July 2002

More news on the CTS stereo front for those looking to make modifications. I have had some other discussions lately, and there may be a new option for those looking to add amplifiers and speakers to the factory system.

Pereipheral now offers high-power-handing line output converters that could be plugged into the standard two-wire speaker wires coming out of the factory, and then run into outboard amps, DSPs or Xovers.

The only difficulty with this scenario is the elimination of noise in the factory system. If the factory amp is less than clear, there's no way to eliminate that noise. I'll listen to it when my black CTS comes in (supposedly by the middle of next week) and let everyone know.

wallywalla · July 2002

After 3 years of car shopping what made you decide on the CTS. Just like to hear your reasons.

cigar_surfer · July 2002

As with any expensive, complex item, a lot of reasons come into play. I'm coming off an '89 Ford Probe GT Turbo that is a nice sporty ride, but long in tooth and fading of paint. I have 7 month old twins and a 3 yr old, so I needed something that could fit 3 car seats in back when the Explorer is in for service or for non-luggage trips. I really really wanted something as quick as the Probe, with tight handling and more luxury. So I'm looking at entry level luxury 5 passenger sport sedans. The CTS 0-60 time exactly matched the Probe at 6.9 sec. I looked at BMW, and frankly, 3 car seats don't fit well in back unless you go 7-series, due to the sloped sides of the seats over the wheel wells. Also too expensive, and also frankly, too common around here - seems like every idiot has one. I looked at Infinity, Nissan, Lexus, 300M, Jag, even Mercedes. I also HAD to have a manual shift, so the Acura was out. I also wanted something that looked new and distinctive. The Altima was in the running, but seemed SO cheap inside. My wife hated the G35 and said it looked too small as well. She did not like the CTS at first, but it grew on her, especially after going over one in the showroom (in our color) and taking a test drive.

Nothing really hit all my bases other than the CTS.

5 Passenger, 3 car seats just fit.
Acceleration good, matches Probe GT
Handling excellent, better than Probe and most competition.
5 speed stick.
Enough luxury.
Lots of high tech gadgets. I'm an engineer. I love gadgets.
I LIKE the styling. In fact I love the way it looks.
I also felt good to buy American right now.
And the big bottom line, GMO pricing, which makes it hard not to go GM, and once you are in GM's stable, NOTHING else even comes close to want I wanted. Thank you, Dad!

My only nitpick, like many others, is no temp. gauge.

I might have waited for the bigger engine, but the Probe does not always start, just busted a coolant hose, and blew the master cylinder. Its gotta go NOW.

automole · July 2002

...ummmm, WHAT ARE OPTIONS? -Seriously, the only option I got was the automatic transmission. I originally intended on getting the Luxury Sport package with sunroof; in reality all I could find on the lots were fully loaded cars and/or fully stripped cars (no options and no automatic). The only thing in-between were cars with the regular luxury package (no sport) and a couple of other options that I didn't want to pay for like the Bose stereo and/or HID lights.

I plan on posting a full review of my new car w/info on why I decided to get a base model SOON.

sonjaab · July 2002

Dealers in Syracuse, watertown,rochester,
utica, oswego ny will not do GMO/GMS on
CTS........If they have one !
Have the GMO/GMS printout here,auto,roof,
bose,Lux pkg...sticker 34,715
GMO 30,342....GMS...30,782
I can wait I guess...........geo

robh3 · July 2002

...decision to buy what he bought based "mostly" on need/utility vs. strictly emotion and/or copy-cat/keep up with the Jones's (aka BMW).

Obviously other factors came into play, such as the looks of the car and the ability to get the manual transmission. (hey, there's a sale Cadillac would NOT have gotten if it didn't have the manual tranny option).

Interesting that his wife did not like the G35 ("hated it...too small looking"), and didn't like the CTS at first, but then it grew on her.

Curious, Cigar, as to what aspects/features of the CTS began to grow on your wife as she went over one more closely at the dealer, and as she test drove it. Please elaborate if you can. I take it she disliked the G35 even more so so that you didn't even get that close to one. (I'm a Caddy fan and driver, by the way, so I'm not looking to chide you for not taking a closer look at the G35).

Thanks for the post. What is your color?

ROB

automole · July 2002

...I don't get it! Why does EVERYONE seem to be upset that there's no temperature gauge on the dash? So far, every car I've ever owned has had a temperature gauge yet I can't remember it EVER being accurate or useful unless the car was overheating. My 300M had a temp gauge and I couldn't tell you what 'normal temperature' was since I never paid attention to it in the 2 years that I owned the car...there was no reason to suspect it was going to overheat because I checked my coolant on a regular basis. Usually a huge puddle under a parked car or steam coming out of the hood is a good indication of an overheating car...and the CTS DOES have a dash indicator light that's supposed to come on when the coolant temperature is higher than "normal" range! -Just my 2 cents.

-I'd personally rather see a fog light switch that stays in the 'on' position until I turn it off (current one resets to 'off' everytime you turn off the car).

-I'd also like to see the cassette player deleted from the base model stereo. IMO it's already a huge 'wart' on my dashboard since I don't use cassettes anymore (think back to the 8 tracks in 70's Cadillacs). Plus, the CD player will read CD-RW's so if you have a burner there's really no need to make a cassette. -This is coming from a guy that LIKES the huge computer-like protrusion in the center of the dash, however.

...more likes/gripes to follow! So far, I'm loving the car.

beach15 · July 2002

Good for you! Even with a "base" CTS, I'm sure you're glad to be rid of the 300M! Isn't it nice to have a car that doesn't deafen you with excessive noise and jerk you back and forth with a lousy transmission! Oh, the life...

When are you going to post your CTS "review"?

cigar_surfer · July 2002

and with a light neutral interior, it lends a stately quality to the dramatic styling. That was one reason that it grew on my wife. The first CTS she saw was silver, and, well, she hates silver cars - (go figure!). She also said it reminded her of the Aztec, which I do agree is the most butt ugly car in the world right now. The sharp angles led to that impression. I DON"T think it looks ANYTHING like an Aztec. As we walked around the showroom car in blue, and sat in it, etc, she began to appreciate how those angles really do flow well and how the car has elegant overall proportions. In some ways it reminds me a little of Mercedes. The test drive confirmed that this is, indeed, precision machinery that feels as if it rides on rails in the corners, yet is comfortable and quiet over rough pavement.

She was impressed with the quality of the interior, especially the seating, which I think is often overlooked by those who want to pick on the dash design. We also thought, contrary to some reviewers, that the doors closed with a pleasant, solid thunk and that the overall build quality was very high.

The G35, she especially disliked the rear, said "it has no trunk" and I agree that the G35 rear end looks strange and stubbed off. My 3 year daughter, BTW, loved every car I looked at and gleefully climbed all over all of them! :-)

Daddy, you get that car?

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V

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