2003 Cadillac CTS Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
It can run with the best of them, but the awkward proportions and unrefined interior leave it a step behind the class leaders.
Pros
Excellent handling, spacious cabin, alternative look.
Cons
Average interior materials, considerably larger than its competitors, stability control only comes on most expensive model.
What's New for 2003
A replacement for the aging Catera sedan, the all-new CTS shares few parts with its German-built predecessor.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Beware
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Car is a definite eye catcher. Major problems since 50,000 miles. I now have 112,000 miles and looking for new car. Past winter problems with heat coming in on one side and not the other. Was in shop 7 weeks in 2 months time and still not fixed. Continuous computer problems with Heat digital knobs on dash. Engine leaked oil had it towed 3 x after $4,000 out of pocket expense from the engine gaskets busted etc.If you do not drive much probably ok to have for a while I average over 20,000 miles a year or more due to my job not recommended unless you have money to spend on costly repairs.
Favorite Features
Overall outside look and interior heated seats even on your back!
Suggested Improvements
Make sure you get an extended warranty
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 2 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Bought my 03 with 21K on the clock, have had several mechanical problems. Thermostat, battery, steering wheel position sensor, lower control arms, trunk shocks, manifold gasket. Things the dealer WON'T repair: peeling headlight lenses, burned out trunk mount brake light, peeling interior plastic, sun visor falling apart. Car looks great parked at the dealership for it's bi-monthly trip for repairs. Make sure you warranty this car for as long as humanly/financially possible or you will be in the poor house keeping this car on the road.
Favorite Features
Exterior styling.
Suggested Improvements
Make a 45,000 car that's actually worth 45,000. This car was made with some of the cheapest materials known to man on the interior and the mechanics aren't much better.
Solid Performer
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Had some problems in the first 35,000 miles, but not since then (now at over 70,000 miles). It's been reliable since then and still fun to drive.
Favorite Features
Best interior room for a entry level luxury sedan. Good handling.
Suggested Improvements
I plan to get the re-designed 2008 or 2009 model; I think any "improvements" have already been made.
Design Caught My Eye
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I recall the day I first saw the CTS and I claimed that I would own that car and within a few months became the owner of the CTS. I had betrayed Toyota, specially the Camry (the best by far). I loved the WoW factor, even 5 yrs later people still comment about the design of the car. Even the commercial was a blast, the one where luxury cars were wasping around and the cts came into the ballroom and stole the spot light. 5 yrs later at 80,000+ miles, my CTS is showing its age. I have take excellent care. I have not missed one scheduled maintenance but the window motor went out, air compressor must be replaced and there was another $1000.00 job that I cannot recall.
Favorite Features
It handles and feels like a sports car. It is a lot of coolness for a 50+ person.
Suggested Improvements
Match Toyota in durability..I have 125 miles plus on the Camry and the only major expense has been to replace the timing belt.
Downhill at 48,000 miles
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
After the warranty was up all the transmission shift patterns were off, transmission was shifting hard including downshifting. Multiple computer problems and codes(at one trip to the dealer stated more than 10 at once)that after supposedly fixing 4 different times still do not know what the problem is. The engine light will come on and the display will read enine power reduced, the car will still be running but you push the gas pedal and there is no response. After that happens you have to turn the car off to reset it even if your on the freeway. Now in addition the service airbag message appears. Also there is a loud humming coming from the rear end. Not enough space to list all the problems
Favorite Features
It's American
Suggested Improvements
Transmission, computer, Engines.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
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