2004 Cadillac CTS Review
2004 Cadillac CTS Review
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Used CTS for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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, 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.
Edmunds 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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.37 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$209/mo for CTS Base
CTS Base
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Cadillac CTS.
5 star(83%)
4 star(10%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
203 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Heavey maintenance car with many pattern problems
Mike, 08/28/2015
2004 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
When this car gets over 75,000 miles there is a 50 percent chance that the headgaskets will fail and need replacement. 741 coce on the transmission, that is an intermittent or stuck off position of the shift selnoid in the transmission. $ 20.00 part $ 2000 dollar job. 171 and 174 codes . 174 most likely will be an intack leak after the throttle body. You will need to get a gasket set and … replace the throttle body coupler as well. Cheap but labor intensive. You have to remove the plenum for the gaskets first taking off the Fuel rail etc etc. When you do this you will see were your starter is located. After 100,000 miles or 150, stretching it you will have to replace the double plat plugs. Front is ok to to do , the back by the firewall could be a pain in the butt. While your at it change the coils if you could afford it. You may start to develop oil leaks . Many of the O rings around the sensors dry up and start to leak slightly. The oil filter adapter leaks on these cars, usually needing a new gasket or possible new adapter and gasket. While u have that off, u might as well change the crankshaft sensors located in a tough spot right above the oil filter adapter using new o rings to stop those little oil leaks that are starting at this mileage. Also changing the crankshaft position sensors will assure you that they wont fail and leave you stranded without notice. Piece of mind. The cars are just heavey maintenance. im a mechanic that changes the oil regualrly using good sythetic oil and filter. I use my caddy, but it could be a pain in the u know what. the parts are made realy light of aluminum and these days they are not even madein the states. Many now are made in asian countries and many mechanics will tell you they are having problems with the quality and reliability of the electronic sensors etc. Even a/c delco is stamped made in China etc. Timkin Hub bearings are now made in Korea. Not bad but the old american made lasted longer. Just be ware what is going on in this industry. Be cafeful. It's not just Cadillac it's all of them. Make them cheap and light and sell them for high profit. Be well everyone good luck. Write to Gm in Detroit and tell them to make their cars here parts here putting American men and women back to work.
5 out of 5 stars
Can't Get Enough
Happy American, 07/29/2006
2004 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
I was warned about buying a Cadilac but I read so much about what GM had done recently and that the plant that the car is built in had won numerous awards when competting with all the manufacturers so I bought American! Well, I can not be more happy. I have let friends with BMWs and other cars drive it and all you have to do is look at thier faces after they get out of the car. They … know what I now know. Cadillac is back and they can compete with anyone. Don't take my word, go test drive and will have the same face my friends have after they drive it.
5 out of 5 stars
Awesome car
eots44, 06/30/2013
2004 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
First of all there is more than one trim level and engine option. I have the top trim level one with the upgraded 3.6 L and the gold emblem package. Love every thing about the car I have bought other cars since this one but love it so much I kept it and still use it. Here 9 years later and about 180,000 miles she is still running strong and fun as hell to drive. I remember when I first … test drove it I was in disbelief it was a caddy. I remember the devilles, sevilles, and fleetwoods, big floaty land yachts, but this is small and sporty, something I used to think wasn't in Cadillacs vocabulary.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Lots of Perfomance for the Dollar
04cts, 11/04/2011
2004 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
I'm very happy with this car!
The V6 the 5-speed is a blast.
Everyone who rides in it is surprised with the style, ride and sportiness.
Driving is fun again
2004 CTS Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $30,650 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $209/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the CTS include:
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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