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
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
My 3.6L CTS Experience
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Very quick responsive fun car to drive. All that fun is hard on the tires as I found out when I had to replace them at 25K. A great looking car unique to Cadillac, It's easy not to confuse it with other cars because of its styling.
Favorite Features
Full Ebony interior and lack of wood grain. The fact that the styling is not an old man's car and it does not have woodgrain on the dash or console.
Suggested Improvements
Remote start. Better computer display (too much on the radio display), better radio. Take the volume dial off the steering wheel(dumb). Add rain sense wipers and outside auto dimming mirrors as standard equipment. Limit wood grain to door handles, shifter and steering wheel. Add some carbon fiber to interior.
Loads of Fun!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6M)
Review
This is my first Cadillac, although my parents have had several over the years so I am familiar with them. I am 37 yrs old and absolutely love this car! I have the 3.6L V6 and it gets about 26 mpg highway and 19 mpg city. I average about 24 mpg and I step into the pedal quite often. It did have to go back to the dealer at about 3000 miles when the car started pulling to the left for no apparent reason. It took 2 trips to the dealer, but they figured out it was a failed steering gear and replaced it under warranty. Overall, this car is superb!
Favorite Features
Exterior looks, performance, handling. I love the programmable steering wheel buttons and the customizable stereo. The heated seats are really nice.
Suggested Improvements
Please recess or redesign the steering wheel volume knob. It is too easy to bump it now. Ventilated front seats would be awesome! Larger rims (like the CTS-V) would really dress this work of art up.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 Cadillac CTS
- 2008 Cadillac CTS
- 2007 Cadillac CTS
- 2006 Cadillac CTS
- 2005 Cadillac CTS
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