2005 Cadillac CTS Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Sharp reflexes and a powerful V6 make the CTS a viable choice among entry-level luxury sport sedans, 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, wide array of available features, alternative look.
Cons
Interior still can't match the class leaders, larger size keeps it from providing nimble feel of its competitors.
What's New for 2005
The base 3.2-liter V6 engine has been dropped; a 2.8-liter V6 will become the base engine later in the model year. A six-speed manual transmission is now standard regardless of engine choice. Package contents have been shuffled, and "synthetic leather" will be added to the options list later this year.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Good but good be better
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 2 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Our CTS has been mostly reliable save for the electronic dash that seems to go black every so often. Shutting off the car for a few minutes brings it back. Check engine light came on once. Dealer could not find the fault. Reset and been ok since. A car of this price should have more than an ugly black plastic dash. (something GM changed in 2008) Minus? Depreciation. The worst I ever experienced. This 3 year old car is not even worth 40% of what it cost new. Seat belts are awful. No passenger grab handle. Quite an omission in a $45,000 car. Overall the CTS is a very fine $25-30k automobile. But $45K? Forget it.
Favorite Features
XM Radio, handling and performance, good looks. Competitive warranty.
Suggested Improvements
Better looking dashboard, adjustable seat belts, grab handle for passenger. Don't get a sunroof if you are over 6'. Changing the rear tail light bulbs is a major hassle.
Satisfied
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
Review
The leather on the driver's side started to split and have dry cracks in less then three years old and I wonder if it is due to the heating element in the seats. This is the first time having the heating element on my seat and I welcome this during the winter months but the leather did not last. The leather type material around the joy stick element is starting to peel exposing the metal. The black paint around the stereo CD is starting to peel as well. The electronic seats on the driver's side starts to squeak when it goes forward and backwards. Don't know what causes this when the passenger seat does not make this sound.
Favorite Features
I like the heating elements on the seats during the winter months. I like the passenger side mirrors especially when you reverse the car. I like the seat adjustments for height and comfort. It does has a smooth drive.
Suggested Improvements
More comfortable seats and feel soft like the volvo seats. Toucher leather to withstand the heat and not wear out so fast. A foot relaxer on the driver's side. Better mirrors and glove compartments.
Cool Chicks Cruise in Caddy's
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
Review
The Cadillac CTS rocks in its sporty style and luxury styling. I never thought I'd be a Caddy girl but I feel glamorous behind the wheel and rock out with the superb sound system. I cannot wait for the 09 CTS-V and STS-V. Quite frankly, I could afford the other luxury vehicles (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) but none of them had the same qualities I found in my CTS. My Cadillac is as hot as a pin-up girl - everyone takes a second look because she's smokin' hot! I'm proud to be a Caddy girl!
Favorite Features
It just looks beautiful. Sound system is excellent and you cannot beat OnStar service.
Suggested Improvements
Getting two for the price of one since its hard to decide on a color!
2 out 4 people found this review helpful
Snow Joke
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
Review
While I've thoroughly enjoyed the way this car handles and drives, it's a nightmare in the snow. Long Island,NY had only 3 snowy days, one with real accumulation. This car couldn't even negotiate a one inch ridge of icy snow leaving me unable to get of a parking space. I needed to be towed a few times over the winter because the rear wheel drive is so inadequate (even with "Stabili-trac & snow traction engaged). I never had this issue with front wheel drive cars and I would never buy or lease a rear-wheel-drive vehicle again. With that said, if an all-wheel-drive version is available and affordable, I'd be in it in a NY minute.
Favorite Features
Peppy acceleration, responsive handling, nice, comfortable ride. The size is perfect for my lifestyle which sometimes includes driving with a few people in the rear seat.
Suggested Improvements
All wheel drive should be offered as an affordable option!
7 out 7 people found this review helpful
Good Car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Very nice looking car. Very road worthly. Fun to drive. Two years old and no problems.
Favorite Features
Handling.
Suggested Improvements
Make navigation a standard feature.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
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