Cadillac CTS (08 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 18 February 2009
At long last Cadillac appears to be taking European customers seriously with a car designed and engineered in-house. Although the Cadillac BLS of 2006 was the most 'European' Cadillac to date, that doesn't really count as it's closely related to the Saab 9-3 and built alongside it. The 2008 CTS - a car similar in size to the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class - is a much better offering and with its striking design should appeal to buyers after something different. And if you're worried this is just another wallowy American saloon then think again - the suspension has been stiffened to minimise body roll and the steering is neatly responsive. Unfortunately it's not a match for rivals like the Jaguar XF in terms of refinement or comfort and few customers will be interested until the V6 diesel arrives in 2009.
3.5 out of 5

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2 out of 5

Buying new

With only a handful of dealerships concentrated in the main cities in England many people interested in buying a new CTS will have to travel. Slow sales in the past have led to large discounts from new prices, but Cadillac might be more reluctant to act so generously now that the products have improved. Still, you should aim for a healthy discount.

3 out of 5

Buying used

The CTS makes far more sense as a used buy and thanks to its high levels of standard kit it's great value. However bear in mind that you may still have to travel some distance for servicing at approved repairers.

  • Boot/Load Space Cadillac CTS (08 on)
  • Interior Cadillac CTS (08 on)

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3 out of 5

Selling

There are people out there who like the idea of owning a Cadillac, but probably don't imagine it being a modern car like the CTS. At least there won't be many for potential buyers to choose from, and it allows people to choose something large, distinctive and American without it being a Chrysler 300C.