2003 Cadillac CTS Review

Solid Performer

Written by: RW on 06/23/2008

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.

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Design Caught My Eye

Written by: Joe Jo on 06/13/2008

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.

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Downhill at 48,000 miles

Written by: A. Smith on 05/15/2008

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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Meant To Be Driven Until End of Warranty!

Written by: wm on 04/06/2008

Vehicle

2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)

Review

The cts is absolutely the sexiest car I've ever driven. Bought it used w/ 35k - certified. Styling, comfort and handling were outstanding. Consistently 30 mpg hgwy! I drive 30k a year, but I baby my cars... Many annoying little things (costly w/o warranty): oil leak, sunroof Glass, loose interior panels, tie rods all before 60k. Worse off at 90k: 2 thermostats. As soon as the warranty ended (a month later): coolant check valves and hoses, head gaskets, rear bearings, etc. "certified" is the best! Buy this car because it's excellent... Trade it before the warranty is up... I took a $12k loss and went back to Japanese quality. FYI even the base model accord offers the same options as a CTS.

Favorite Features

great gas mileage. great factory tire/brake life. exceptionally fun to drive. tilt passenger mirror! sexy inside and out. tons of programmable gadgets and monitors.

Suggested Improvements

performance severely dampens with mileage. build a better/less complex cooling system.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Beware of High Repair costs

Written by: slim_257 on 10/12/2007

Vehicle

2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Just a word to the wise. Cadillac patented all parts for this car right down to the battery. There is a microchip in the battery that ensures you buy an AC delco. I had to have some repairs done on the head gasket seals and the power steering had a leak, and the repairs cost over $2,300 just for those two. If you are thinking about buying a CTS and expect to "trick" the car by buying other parts, just look for a different car because I had the battery replaced with a non-AC Delco battery and the car didn't detect the microchip and told OnStar I stole the vehicle and they disabled the car until I replaced it with good old AC Delco. If you are rich, this is a good car for you.

Favorite Features

Performance. Fuel ecomomy

Suggested Improvements

Ride stinks. Small trunk Tires followed ruts made by semi trucks. Front seat has to be all the way forward to fit a car seat in back with the growth on the back of the front seats

5 out 7 people found this review helpful

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