2004 Cadillac CTS Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
More power and a less offensive interior make the CTS considerably more attractive, but it still can't match the class leaders when it comes to overall execution and fun behind the wheel.
Pros
Excellent handling, spacious cabin, alternative look.
Cons
Interior still can't match the class leaders, larger size keeps it from providing nimble feel of its competitors, fussy controls when you add the navigation system.
What's New for 2004
For 2004, the CTS adds a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 in addition to the standard 3.2-liter motor. The base suspension has been modified with new shocks, while the Sport package is now available on all models. The interior receives a slight refresh in the form of a color-keyed center console, additional chrome trim and white lighting. Lastly, an engine water temperature gauge replaces the clock on the dash.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Timing Chain Repair at 70K miles=$2500
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I love driving this car. When purchasing I opted for the 3.6 liter engine, in part, because it has timing chains that are supposed to survive the life of the car, as opposed to the 3.2 which the owner's manual suggests replacing at 100k miles. The owners manual even states that if you don't replace the timing belt on the 3.2 liter you risk severe engine damage. Well the timing chain broke on my 3.6 CTS at 70K miles and the dealership estimates that the repair costs will be about $2500. Dealership also told me they had another 3.6 CTS in at the same time, for the same problem.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Fun to drive if you like rattles
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 4 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
This car is fun to drive, with the 5 speed manual and the 3.2 liter dohc v6 makes a fair amount of power. The interior is comfortable but is a little boring and kind of cheaply made. I am very disappointed with the stabilatrack which has gone haywire on me after 45000 miles and a rattle coming from the engine somewhere, after about 30,000 miles. other than that the car is wonderful, turns on a dime, good acceleration, handles good, and brakes good.
Favorite Features
turn radius, exterior styling,
Suggested Improvements
interior styling, stabilatrack reliability
Styish, solid, impressive
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this car to replace my 2004 Acura TL that got totaled, and the Caddy really leaves you with a better impression. It drives very much like a Mercedes E-class; very solid and confident. The torquey 3.6 L engine accelerates with ease, never feels stressed, and is perfect for hour-plus highway trips, if not for the less- than-stellar fuel economy (at least it takes regular gas). The dash design is a bit homely, to be honest, but the interior is otherwise very pleasant and the seats are really comfortable (although at first it was tricky adjusting it to a comfy position). Polished metal plates on the door sills would be nice, like in other luxury cars.
Favorite Features
Although it really should have an aux input for ipods, the 6-speaker Bose stereo sounds awesome nonetheless, especially thanks to the 8" woofer in the back. The comfy seats, torquey engine, and solid ride really take the edge off rush-hour commuting. The folding rear seat has been very useful.
Suggested Improvements
The dash design, while not bad, isn't as nice as others in its class. The stereo really deserves an aux input, or some other form of MP3 playback. I never understood the cruise control operation of GM cars; Fords and Japanese cars are more intuitive. I believe all these have been addressed for 2008.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Can't go wrong
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
This car has it all, styling, comfort, and power. I never thought I would buy a Cadillac, but after I test drove it, there was no reason not to. It beat the BMW 530i and the Mercedes E320 in the 0-60, 1/4 mile and slalom. Extremely comfortable seats. Best car I've had.
Favorite Features
Power plant
Suggested Improvements
Bigger trunk
Great car - beats Japanese hands down
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Best car I have owned in 23 years. Goes still rides like the day I drove it home from the dealer. No squeaks, bumps, rattles. Stiff, solid ride, lots of power. GM - lose the goodyear RS/A tires. Pirelli or Michelins please.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
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