Cadillac CTS/CTS-V

libertycat

I said in GM's future for one. Also, I disagree about the "manny". I think automatics are much more fun to drive simply because you can relax and enjoy the ride.

wwhite2

Do they manufacture there own . Is it designed to leaker specs or the revised piece Cadillac now has ??

b4z

http://media.gm.com/division/2004_prodinfo/tech_displays/index.ht- ml

b4z

Or is it cashmere?
looks like silver smoke to me.

http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_053962

mannytranny

Unfortunately, until the the 'grays' are not in the majority, the luxury and sport definitions will remain with Cadillac. I believe that is why the CTS came about, to get a younger owner into the mix.
     I 'drive' a manual trans and I enjoy the ride very much also , thank you. To each his own!

rsteph

I've seen a few of the "Cashmere's" here and there. Unless my eyes are giving out (which is a distinct possibility), that doesn't look like Cashmere to me. So, I'd guess SSmoke.
Post a while back about head room with the sliding sun roof. I've got the same problem. Head doesn't touch but hair-ends do. Gives me that "What the #(%*%&'s walking around in my hair" feeling. I've had to re-adjust my driving position somewhat. Little more reclined..little more forward.

mcgreenx

Here's the link to the USA Today article:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2003-07-01-aluminum_x.htm

Here's an excerpt:

".....It is so different, however, that only a few shops tackle serious aluminum repairs.

Just 11 in the USA and Canada are certified to fix heavy structural damage on the A8L and its A8 predecessor; an additional 14 fix less-serious damage, Keyes says.

The '04 Jaguar XJ, its body now all aluminum, can have structural repairs at only 19 U.S. sites, spokesman James Thomas says, but 26 are planned by year's end.

Repairing aluminum "is definitely a longer process and is more problematic. It's a one-shot deal, not like steel where you can come back and clean it up" if the work is sloppy or off-kilter, says Jorge Ochoa, who trains technicians at Brooks Motor Cars in Oakland, which works on A8s....

....Body shops need separate areas where only aluminum is repaired and perhaps $10,000 in tools exclusive to aluminum.... "

By the way, the "Gm's New Innovations previewed" link was really great.

oldsman01

Have you been in a current generation STS? Cadillac got away from the puckered leather seats way back in the 90s. The STS and DTS are very modern in their styling and appearance. As I've said before, I really have no problems with the CTS's interior either as it is on par for it's price range, but the STS and DTS are clearly a grade or two higher.

libertycat

automole

OK, first off I promise this will be my LAST post on options, interior, and copycats (hopefully )!

As for the options hydra2, I'm not saying that Cadillac should give away options for free and I'm not trying to be a cheapskate so it's not a question of money. I would have happily paid $1600 more for a base model with heated seats, compass, homelink transmitter, power passenger seat, fold down rear seat, and AT LEAST 17" wheels. It's also not a question of luxury since there are MANY less expensive non-lux model cars and trucks that have the basic features I've listed above.

oldsman01, the Deville still has puckered leather and both cars interiors are very boring (in MY opinion). They remind me of something you'd see in a Acura or Lexus. I'm sure they're nice comfortable interiors and I don't doubt that the quality of fit and finish is superior...I just don't like the style.

libertycat, although I don't agree with you agreeing with oldsman...I do agree with you that autos are fun to drive. Strangely enough, I also agree with those that like manuals given you have a nice open road and the freedom to exercise a lead foot...unfortunately with my current driving habits I rarely have either so I prefer the auto.

b4z, I 'enjoyed' your Vogue link but it's nothing compared to this one...just check out these beauties! Yes, you too can be the envy of your next door neighbor assuming you live next to a pimp or a retirement home:

http://www.egclassic.com/cadroof16.htm

Lastly, for those who doubted me when I said the CTS was leading edge design and others would start to copy it:

  http://www.edmunds.com/news/autoshows/articles/96999/page004.html

Look at the interior on this one and tell me it's not similar to the CTS "computer-pod" and all:

http://www.edmunds.com/news/autoshows/articles/96999/page010.html

eaton53

The blue one.... hate the roof, but love those wheels. They are Driv Mach5's.

vcjumper

looks like a vectra and cts mated

mannytranny

this was a post by ctsjerry that shows the pics 

http://caddyedge.com/CadForums/index.php?act=ST&f=5&t=244&

b4z

Cadillac not included in GM's 0% or $2-4000 rebate program.

Darn!!

b4z

Stop the insanity!

Looks like those are Vogue equipped cars.

I say we all agree to never show a link to a Cabriolet CTS again.

dindak

1.9% for 48 months on most Cadillacs up here. Best I have seen on the CTS so far.

tornado25

I was about to post something similar in reply to your question about "only 19 shops can repair aluminum...". Anyway, that proved the point that cars that go to all aluminum have to specially train the repair staff.

However, the great thing about cars like the CTS and LS is that the "sheetmetal" components are aluminum, not the chassis, so if those panels are damaged, you can pretty much just take them off and put on a new one. (The cost of trying repair a heavily dented panel is probably similar to just putting on a new one, when all is said and done--plus you get the great weight savings).

mannytranny

Anyone know about or heard about the Simoniz System 5 surface protector for paint?
     When I was at the dealer one of the salespersons mentioned it and gave me a brochure.Apparently it is a Teflon treatment that is applied on the finish and is supposed to last 5 years with no need to wax and protects against acid rain, bird droppings and tree sap and insects.
     I would like some feedback on this product, thoughts and opinions.
Thanks.

rfdevil1

I just got back from driving a 2004 silver green CTS with the 1SB package and a sunroof. Sticker was $37,270, same as Edmunds comes up with. What a great car. Anyone who thinks that the 3.2 was a little slow (like me) will now have a smile on their face. This car goes! I can't consider a 2003 any longer. I re-read b4z previous posts 3747 & 3748 and he's right. I didn't notice a sport button so I'm not sure if this package has it. Maybe it's a 1SC thing?? Anyway, here are my observations:
Great power at any speed. Going 40, step on it and hold on. Very good off the line also. I too got some tire squeal around a turn. Lots of power. I think this car would beat a Lincoln LS8.

I also had a few buzzing noises that came once and left. One sounded like it was in the dash and the other from the rear deck somewhere. after two minutes, it was gone. I was by myself so I didn't have anyone to ask. Engine is very quiet. I would prefer a bit more of exhaust sound but that's me. Sound good when you step on it. The console / arm rest on the '04s is now color coordinated with the seats, not just black. I prefer black interiors but again, that's me. Under the hood there's a large engine cover (I think someone asked about that a while back). Its silver with a big caddy emblem and the 3.6 V6 VVT on it. Looks cool. Engine definitely slows the car when you let off the gas. It's a different feel but I could get used to that.
Dealer is schedule to get one in w/ a 1sc package and the sticker on that one was $40,800. Since I have a Ford I can get $1,500 conquest cash and he's going to work up some numbers and will "discount as much as possible".
This is a great car. Credit Caddy for making this engine available within a year. I probably won't make a decision for another month yet but I can get excited about this car.

b4z

Looks like your thoughts echo mine.
Nice to know I wasn't being too critical.
Definitely a great car.
That engine is something else. Completely transforms the car. It just pulls and pulls and doesn't let up. No obvious torque peak.

The driveline vibration was evident when I put my hand on the gearshift. And is also slightly heard and felt without my hand on the gearshift.
Sounds like the car you drove was identical to mine.
A 1SB with sunroof and a sticker of $37,270.
The Sport button is behind the gear shift and in front of the console.

notyourname

what do you think of this cts.

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forum/index.php?act=ST&f=13&t- =1295&s=855476e3638dde6af3ef79e1edb21b0f

libertycat

rsteph

Sometime back..somewere, I read some talk about just exactly what "CTS" stands for. Cad is coming out with the STS (to replace the Seville name) and DTS (replacing the Deville name.)
Someone said they thought "CTS" meant "Cadillac Touring Sedan". Anybody really know for sure what the monikers are supposed to mean? Any links to back up the "belief" or knowledge? How about "Compact Touring Sedan" (not that I'd call the CTS a compact), "Standard Touring Sedan", Deluxe Touring Sedan"?? Just wild@$$ guesses there.

gbriank

I have heard various stories....The best was the "C-class Touring Sedan". The worst "Catera Touring Sedan". Eeh, Catera....

mannytranny

Check back into the past post# 1204,1205,1206,1240

rsteph

Thanks for the history manny. Good info but those old posts still don't put the question to rest. Good explanations for the STS and DTS names. But still nothing concrete on what the C in CTS is really supposed to mean. (With the history of the model names, I just can't believe Cadillac would try to re-use, albeit in disguise, the Catera a/o Cimmaron names.) So, I guess my original question still stands. What are they...really...and can anyone point us to a website (like an official GM or Caddy one) that gives the "final answer"?

rob35cts

I drove an 04 w/o sports package. I was unimpressed. Alot of body roll. awhile back I wanted to buy a ls. The backend followed the car and didn't sway when I did a quick turn and back. My 03 cts with the sports package doesn't sway or roll much in the turns. The o4 on the lot also had vibration in the stearing wheel just driving down the highway.

I have noticed something on my 03 that is funny. When I place my hand just slightly touching the shifter I notice the situation. When I get driving at least 25 and press firmly on the brakes. The shifter will move against my hand.It happens anytime I have any speed and I press firmly on the brakes. Has anyone else noticed this?

rsteph

Direct from Cadillac customer support when I posed the question to them:

"Thank you for contacting the Cadillac Customer Assistance Center. We appreciate your interest in the CTS, STS, and DTS.
The CTS stands for Cadillac Touring Sedan, STS stands for Seville Touring Sedan, and DTS stands for DeVille Touring Sedan. We hope this information is helpful to you."

So, while calling a STS or DTS a "Cadillac STS", (et al) would be appropriate...I suppose it'd be a little redundant to call a CTS a "Cadillac CTS" since, in effect, you'd be saying "Cadillac Cadillac Touring Sedan."

(Hey, this is important stuff folks...pay attention )

calicadi

Thanks to b4z for the Vogue link. It's been awhile since I looked there and was very pleased to see they have their performance air filter and cross-brace now available. Anybody out there drooling besides me? (Necros if you're out there I assume adding these and the dual exhaust would mean going to a "Modified" class?) I'm going to call the local Vogue rep to get prices and see if the "True" cat-back dual ex they have is the same one he thought was too noisy. I spoke with him a couple of months ago and he was recommending the other (Stage 1 ?) at that time.

Thanks to rsteph for clearing up the CTS legend once and for all. Now I can sleep ;-)

Thanks to all for the interesting and sometimes amusing posts on transmissions and luxury definitions.

rob35cts... On the transmission shifter movement, mine does that too. My guess is the suspension loads and unloads as weight in transferred under braking. This causes changes in the geometry of the drive line that are different from the body movement. I'm pretty sure this is normal for cars with RWD, floor mounted shifters and well articulated suspension.

And finally a chance for all to flame me if so desired... Those cabriolet tops are not all that bad. At least they don't glitz them up with excess chrome trim rails and fake-carriage hinges. And the right color choices might help reduce what, from some angles, is the overly high CTS belt-line. Would I buy one? Never! I'm just saying done right they don't look that bad. Please don't send the style police after me!! :-o

b4z

Just about any RWD car will have some shifter movement. Afterall the transmission is attached directly to the engine and it is torquing under load.
My Camaro's shifter moves and I have even had to replace the transmission mount because it broke.
The shifter moved about 2" when I drove it hard with the mount broken.

sevenfeet0

...and in related news, the Styling and Fashion Police raided a suspected violater of automotive taste and asthetics, Calicadi. The arrest happened at his California home at 5 AM this morning. Calicadi kept cursing police officers all during the arrest with quotes like "C'mon, you know I'm right about carriage roofs!" and "What about the '78-'79 Cadillac Phaeton? It was factory! FACTORY!!!".

District Attorney Alvarez comments "Well, these things come up from time to time. Somebody either loses all sense of fashion, or has never had it and is 'coming out' so to speak. These types usually are let off easy by the judge and do community service (car detailing, parking garage attendant, etc) but occasionally for really habitual guys, jail time is necessary."

:-) Taking tongue out of cheek...... :-)

b4z

5.9% up to 60 months on CTS.

Not a huge deal with the rates so low.

automole

...that Cadillac was giving the $5000 loyalty rebate offered on the STS/DTS on the CTS.

Does anyone know how the $1000 rebate for owners of other brand cars work? Do you have to trade the car in on the CTS to get the $1000 or merely be an owner of a competing brand car?

My credit union offers 3.99% up to 84 months. IF the local dealer had a 2004 with the upgraded engine and IF I could get a decent trade value I'd consider extending my payments an extra year and trading my present CTS in on a new one.

It does scare me a little bit that the handling might not be as good as my current CTS if Cadillac 'softened' the ride too much. I'm also in the minority that actually prefers the analog clock over the temp gauge. I have a feeling that the added horsepower would be worth the trade however!

fjk57702

Do you want to believe customer support or Mark LaNeve? In a speech to Automotive News World Conference on January 15, 2002, he said that the first letter stands series, the second and third denote a type. For example SRX -> S is series, R is reconfigurable and X is crossover. Now in all fairness to the dolts at customer support, the S-series is derived from the existing Seville model, and C-series was derived from the Cimmarron/Catera models or perhaps the early 90's Cadillac Turing Sedan model. LaNeve is head of Cadillac and should know what he is talking about. Well, perhaps that is open to question too?

libertycat

The monikors mean (I'm 100% certain) Catera touring sedan, Deville touring sedan, and Seville Touring Sedan.

fjk57702

So what does SRX or XLR stand for?

b4z

Keep in mind that both the '04s that rfdevil1 and I drove where 1SB cars without the PDX Sport package.
The '04 has lighter steering , a little more body roll, softer ride, and slower reactions
than '03 Lux that i drove last month.
It is still a sporty type ride.
The '04 Sport package has sport suspension, firmer steering, 17" wheels with speed rated tires.
On the other hand I felt that the '03 steering was artificially heavy. I could see how a older person would have a problem with it.

lesstl1

Ref: automole on Conquest rebate. I obtained the $1000 Conquest rebate by only showing registration of a non-GM product (not selling or trading).

Ref my prior article (3355)that asked about whine in the differential with an automatic under light throttle from 30-45 mph. With throttle off, the whine goes away. The car only has 1000 miles on it. I took it to the dealer and precisely told them how to get it to make the noise, but they could not hear it until I drove the car for them. They then agreed to replace the differential. It took 19 days in the shop to get the part and put it in. The rental cost them a bunch of money. But it is silent now!

I love the car, but wish I had held out for the 04 with the 3.6. The CTS is a head-turner.

rsteph

Well......so much for putting that debate to rest !!

fjk57702

What debate. I cited a top GM executive's speech. LaNeve is head of Cadillac. What do you want for a source?

dindak

Wow, the rates are better in Canada. That's odd. Maybe it's not selling as well up here.

rfdevil1

When I spoke with the dealer yesterday he asked me what I was currently driving I told him a Ford and he said then he would be able to use promotional $$ totaling $1,500 from Cadillac when he worked up some numbers. I asked if it was conquest cash and he said yes. He didn't say I had to trade the car in to get the cash, just that I owned a non GM car and could prove it.

wwhite2

A while ago someone hammered me for saying CTS =Cadillac Touring Sedan . That I was wrong and it meant C class touring sedan .... I am glad Cadillac straightened it out WOW the internet is filled with bad info

fjk57702

go to the media.gm.com site:
http://www.media.gm.com/
At the top of the page find About GM|News|...
click News and select speeches:
now find the January 15, 2002 speeches and pick the one that says "Rebirth of a Great American Icon: Connecting Our Past to the Present and Making Cadillac Cool Again "
Read the whole thing or scroll down about half way to the line:
Cadillac SRX
This is where Mark LaNeve explains the S-series, and the RX in SRX. LaNeve is head of Cadillac, so he probably knows whats up.

bingoman

I just stopped by my dealer to make an appointment for service. He has two '03s and three '04s on the lot. All the '04s have the Grey license plate surround, so I guess that has not been changed for '04. I also noticed that the 'o4s all had a small black plastic device on the back end of the roof. I would guess that it is either a new GPS anttena or the antenna for the sattlite radio system. I didn't get a chance to ask, but I will next week when I take my car in.

bingoman

Lets face it, CTS and all the other three letter designations mean anything you choose to think they mean. The DMV doesn't care what they mean. Acronyms, like names are only to identify things and don't affect their properties. So lets get a life and end the discussion.

wwhite2

Are you saying some of us dont have a life ?? I would like a ruling from the HOST of this forum if this comment is against the terms Edmunds requires us to abide by > Host please !!

mannytranny

I've got one!
It's like everyone in this forum has PMS or something. It's like everyone is getting really touchy about anything said.
     Is it the transition from the 03 to the 04?

notyourname

try this link instead

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item- =2418110402&category=43903

richm4

Wow, that really looks cool.