Used 2004 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan Consumer Reviews
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I bought my "V" used with @60,000 miles, and from the moment I first drove it, I knew that I was going to buy it. I was looking for a car that spoke of elegance and class, but if prodded, it could flatten my eyeballs. I wanted a Mustang GT with room for my date and another couple. The "V" delivers in spades. If I could, I would only make three improvements. At 6'3", I need the headroom that I lose to the sunroof. The shifter needs refinement; the skip-shift feature can be a bother. Be able to use the information screen without having to play the radio or CD. I love this car, and I am looking to have a stable full!
THIS CAR IS IT!!!!! No more European cars for me!
Found me a pristine low miles '04 'V' just a few weeks back. I'm in love. Look for stupid excuses to drive it, anywhere, anytime, all the time! Drove German for years, no more. I'm a Baby Boomer mfg executive who grew up in the muscle car era but never owned one. Now I have it all. Best combination of Velcro-like handling and road comfort in 42 years of driving. Even PA's crappy roads can't flinch it. Will cruise effortlessly all day at 1,500 RPM in any gear; gets 29+ mpg doing it, or will scare you silly speed-wise at 6 mpg! Technology is dated but adequate. I'm proud to be driving American again!! Best performance bang for the buck on the planet; $18.5k for a mint American super-sedan!!
- Base SedanMSRP: $27,995217 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $19,9951,081 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: N/A969 mi away
Its a beast and a beauty
I have owned this car for 15 months and it is the most fun I have had driving in 25 years including owning a Corvette. Its handling is comparable to the BMW 5-Series and its acceleration is superior to anything in its price class. As one car magazine put it in football terms... "It is a linebacker rather than a runnig back" but in my book it is an All American. As one who owned a four speed in my youth this six speed is a bit tricky. You cannot run through the gears with the confidence you that you will never miss a gear. They are too close and not defined well enough. That said the car is very strong in every gear and never runs out of breath.
OMG!!! FAST!
Just got this car with just over 100k and I am pleased. There were some things wrong that you would expect with a car with that many miles but GM parts are cheaper than Mercedes or BMW. One thing this car will do is eat your gas if you give it to it. I drive from Tampa to Orlando just to test it out and it ate a half tank of gas in only 83 miles! I was really driving for performance so that's what happens. On the way back I drive at 73 on cruise control and did not even use a quarter tank. So it depends on how you drive. I must say that this is my first American car and I think for the rest of my life I will be buying the "V" series from Caddy. I am a true believer now!
Good except Halfshafts and Differential!
This car is a blast to drive.Six speeds of pure satisfaction! The suede inserts of the middle portion of the seats are a very fresh look. I would love to give this car all 10's just on fun factor alone. But the build quality of the differential and halfshafts for this car is a horror show disaster waiting to happen. GM needs do some recalls to the differential/halfshafts to get this car safe. How they have the nerve to pass a V6 drivetrain into a V8 boggles me.
Cadillac
THis is one smooth riding peice of auto mobile!!! Sweet to drive, sweet to look at!! Drove my friend's and it was the smoothest riding car I have ever driven.
04 CTS-V
Fun to drive in nice weather conditions! Very fast through all the gears, never in lack of power. Begs you to go fast! I bought used with 20k miles. Never had any problems mechanically and did not experience the differential problems some owner have had.
2004 Cadilac cts 3.2 liter with a 5 speed manual.
Love this car. It's fun to drive when most cars will put you to sleep. Corners like most European cars. Infact if the motor goes out on it I'll buy a new motor from GM and put it in it. Only paid 4500 dollars for it so I have a lot of room to improve it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
What a Rush!
This is the nicest car I have ever driven; my father had Corvette's, Nissan 300 Twin Turbo Z's, Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4's, and Mercedes. The car has so much power and the engine makes it a dream to drive. I like that it's so practicle as I have a family and a corvette does not make sense when you have kids and only want one car. I've really enjoyed the features and care that Cadillac put into this vehicle. It was nothing like I ever expected from Cadillac, whose typical design is conducive to older drivers who want luxury and to just sit back and let the car do the driving for them...with the CTS-V...you are in complete control.
Fast Car, Handles Great
The Cadillac CTS-V is a fast car. It does wheel hops off the line, but this can be fix by the dealer. It handles great, but its tires wear out fast and are expensive. The inside is nice, but I would like too see the inside of the doors covered in leather. Also there is no radio control for the CTS-V. The shifter needs improvement. For the first year of production, this was one heck of a car. Watch out in 2007
Very Disappointed - Engine Problems
Took delivery on 5/24. Have 200 miles on car and it has been at the dealership for 7 of the last 8 days. There is a problem with the Engine making a very loud "Resonance"/"Wind up like a Turbo Charger" at 2500-2700 RPM and then it goes away at 2000 RPM after feathering of the throttle. Also, there is a very loud "Rattle"/"Pingging" Sound at acceleration thru 4200-4700 RPM in 2nd,3rd,4th. A $52K Cadillac with a proven LS6 Engine should not have these issues within 200 miles. Dealer doesn't know what to do and Cadillac Tech Support can't help them.
Oh My
The cts-v is the fastest car i have ever driven. How can you rate a car that goes 0-60 in 4.6 seconds lower than a 10?
Cadillac Does It Right
While I've only had this for less than two weeks, it's everything that the auto magazine reviewers said it was-- and then some. I get the same sensation driving this that I did driving a Nascar racer at the Richard Petty school in Orlando--except this looks better and is a lot more comfortable. I wish I could take credit for designing it since there are so many things in it that I would have wanted--and they're there.
Why spend $75-$80K? 400 HP FOR LE$$
Simply an incredible car for the money.
Fantastic car!!
You can't drive this car without an ear to ear grin on your face. It is the most fun vehicle I've ever driven. Try it you'll love it!
My daily thrill ride
I never thought I could have this much fun driving a car. I usually take the train to work but I haven't been able to park this ride. Thank you Cadillac.
Pre-Owned CTS-V review . . .
We purchased this vehicle used, with 14,000 miles. Our trade was an '05 Audi S4. The CTS is way more engaging and fun to drive. The sound of the motor is incredibly intoxicating. The brakes are stellar. The steering is more precise and linear than that of the Audi, and I enjoy shifting the car myself, instead of the S4's tiptronic.
Wolf in sheep's clothing
This car is extremely fast and fun to drive. The clutch is very tight. Second gear is absolutely wicked. No one expects this kind of acceleration from a CTS. It's a wolf in sheep's clothing. And for $20k less than an M5.
Better than a Beemer
I traded a 1998 BMW E-36 M-3 Sedan for this one, and I must say I am delighted. The deficiencies of the M-3 (5 speed tranny, tiny rearview mirrors, small back seat legroom) are but a distant memory. I was able to drive them back to back for 3 weeks while I sold the M-3 on ebay. More torque, more gears, better brakes, better handling. A level of luxury I was not accustomed to in the M-3. Auto seats on key removal, auto lights, GPS, fabulous sound system, killer XM radio. The only drawback? You'll need deep pockets at the pump.
Awesome
Most fun i have ever had.
CTS-V
I moved from a 2003 corvette to this new 6 speed and find the same performance as the corvette but the RIDE of a cadillac. The GM team has taken the cadillac to the next level of performance. This car is something very special and fun to drive.
brand new
This vehicle came loaded, it is difficult to understand how to program the navigator, hook up the phone, etc. The steering wheel does not telescope which can be a problem if there are going to be muti-sized individuals using the car, and the front console plastic can be uncomfortable for some men when their legs splay open and the knee hits it.
MiCad
I have owned this car 3yrs. 6months and have enjoyed every minute of driving it. I am constantly being complimented on my beautiful car. I get around town 22.5 to 23 mpg, which is more than I ever expected. I will be trading soon as I try to keep an 'in warranty' car but I really hate to let it go. It has exceeded all of my expectations.
loads of fun
The CTSV will have you reliving the muscel cars era or in some cases make you wish you were there. With traction control and stabilitrak the V is much more forgiving than its predecessors but the neat thing is you can turn off the traction and stabilitrak and get wild. You can 26 mpg on the hwy if you keep your foot out of it. If you love to drive you will love this car, the 6 speed takes a little getting use to but once you have it down you can't wait to get in and go. The V handels as good as it goes, I have reached 1.00 g without the feeling of pushing the envolope. The nav system is great, no more maps or looking for gas and hotels.
joe's pick
If I designed an ideal performance car there would not be much to change! (Fastest and best handling I've ever driven)
Feel of a machine
I love this car, after wanting a stick shift for nearly 23 years, I finally got everything I wanted in one package.In the past one can only get a stick with a 4 cyl. or some economical package. Bravo Cadillac for making this car!
ITS A V
This is a drivers car!! Handling like you wouldn't believe. Tachs up to 6500 RPMs so fast you better not take your eyes off the tach or you will float the valves at 6800 RPMs. My only grip is the throw from first to second. Its a bit long. Rice burners beware!! I have already dusted a few and have 3 speeding tickets to prove it!!
Name another $45K car that can do this!
The CTS-V combines luxury, sport and performance in a package that rivals all while coming in under $50,000. GM doubles their world beating stable of performance cars and the CTS-V will take it's rightful place next to the Corvette Z06. When compared to the similarly performing M5 and E55 the CTS- V is their equal. When compared to the similarly priced 540i, E500, GS430, M45 and LSV8 it really is no contest. Why would anyone pass up the CTS-V. The plant is receiving awards from JDPower for quality, the CTS chassis is a known performer and the Z06 V8 has unquestionable power and reliability. Someone show me a downside.
One Bad CAD
I have ridden Ninja motorcycles since I was sixteen years old. Im now 35 and let me tell you Wow! This Caddy certinaly is not like my Dads! This is A 4 door zx-1200 Ninja with Bose surround sound.The performance of the Corvette Z-06 without the punishment.Truly an awsome car at a great value.
CTS-Vs Rule
After searching far and wide for a new, sleek ride, I found it in the 2004 Cadillac CTS-V. Thank you for creating such a magnificant car.
WOW...WOWW...WOWWW !!!!!
I spent 3 months driving ALL the foreign makes before making my decision. Nothing in my opinion compared.....absolutely nothing !!!! This car is fantastic !!!! I have never been more pleased with a purchase.......HOME RUN
American Supercar
I love this car because of its sporty feel and look. It is a Corvette with a midsize sedan body.
CADILLAC IS BACK
GREAT CAR. OVERALL A LIMITED PRODUCTION CAR THAT IS BASICALLY A 4DOOR CORVETTE ALL THE WAY FROM HANDLING TO PERFORMANCE.
The 2004 Cadillac CTS is than my Mercedes-Benz E55
Let me preface this by saying that I am a German car snob. My most recent car was a 2001 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG. I have also had a BMW 540i, Porsche 996, Porsche 993, etc. This car really takes the cake. It is VERY fast, handles great and rides stiff but not too much so. The motor makes power everywhere. You are in 4th and roll up to a stop sign - no problem the torque will pull you away from a dead stop. You are always in the right gear. Kudos to the overdrive gear. At 75mph you are barely turning 2,000 rpm so I often get nearly 27 MPG. The seats are comfortable, although they could use more lateral support. The brakes are the best I have ever had on a 4 door car. GM really got this one right. Thanks to Bob Lutz. I do not miss the E55.
Could not have made a better sport sedan
This car not only has the looks but the performance and power to beat most european sport sedans of the same class. It provides excellent acceleration. The 6 speed is very smooth transmission and the rumble of the 5.7 sounds like a true performance car. The car is extremely reliable and has not had any problems.
Never tought I'd own a caddy!
This is a true pleasure to drive. I have owned 6 BMW's and this is the best value for the money. I thought very highly of the Bimmers but they are way overpriced for what you get compared to the "V". Cadillac did their homework on this one and will go far on this series. I was going to buy this car as an investment, but after the test drive it is my car of choice to drive not garage.
I'm glad I bought this car!
Great car. I have been a Audi BMW guy for years and decided to give the general a try, I'm glad I did. They have really put together a complete package of luxury and power and a bargin price. Anyone that does not look at this car that is in the marker for a luxury sports sedan is doing themselves a dis-service.
LUXURY SEDANS THAT ROCKETS!!
Have driven my fathers ZR-1 numerous times, this CTS-V definetely matches and maybe surpasses it in all performance catergories plus is head and shoulders above in comfort, convenience and driven friendliness. Can't stop smiling when I plug the gas and whip through traffic like it's standing still. Everyone looks and points at the V. Comments aplently from people that know and don't know cars.
JRJJ
This car is one fast get up and go machine with the comfort of a luxury sedan.
Heck of a car!!!
I traded in a 2002 Z06 for this ride, which was tough to do because the Corvette was a known entity (lots of fun). The Z06 is a good knife fighter. If you want to take a short trip and attack the roads, this is the car. However, if you want all the Z06 has to offer and more, then the CTS-V takes the mantle. I spent 10 hours in the CTS-V recently and when I got home I wanted to drive some more...nuff said.
I love this car, but...
There are a few quibbles I have. Having trouble with oil temp readings, just as the magazine testers did. Also, wheel hop issue is disappointing. However, don't get me wrong, this car rocks. I'm totally satisfied and the issues I mention above are really minor. I know they will be fixed/corrected either by the dealer of by the addition of (relatively) inexpensive aftermarket parts. Good shot GM - Glad I went with this.
Awesome care
Great car...performance and style with all the extras...
Corvette for the kids
This vehicle is fun to drive fast, and it does not attract undue attention. The acceleration is very strong, allowing you to make passes like a motorcycle, and the brakes are very effective. Handling controls allow you to throw it around without concern, and you can turn them off if you really want to get sideways. You can sell it to your wife as a nice sensible family sedan if you keep it quiet when she's onboard.
You have to DRIVE it to understand
The best car I've owned. An over all great package for the price. When you drive it and hear it you'll understand.
No More Imports For Me
I've owned 6 imports (Japanese & European) and was tired of service problems and costs. I'm a "car guy", so mundane sedans are out of the question. The CTS-V tweaked my interest immediately. Ordered one (Feb. 04) with the option to buy. One overnight test drive sealed the deal. Traded a Z06 Corvette, an under rated, terrific car, simply because it wasn't practical enough. The CTS-V meets my demands for performance and utility. You "European-only" buyers should check out the "V" objectively. No, it's not a BMW or M-B, but a terrific performer. If you can forget "image", you might find the "V" meets your needs, too. It keeps Americans working and helps the trade-deficit problem, too.
Nice American Luxury Car
This is a very nice car. Definitely a major competitor to the Bimmer and M- B. This car is fun to drive unlike Lexus.
Absolutely Fantastic Cadillac CTS-V
This car is awesome. I researched this car for about three months, and read all the reviews. The styling is great, but the drivetrain is spectacular. It rides great, looks great, and has all the luxuries! Well done Cadillac!
Wow!! What a car!!
Just bought it, drove 1400 mi first week, only 1 ticket. Better than I hoped. I've never bought a car in this category before, so I'm glad I waited until this "family-friendly" model came out. My youngest kids (11, 9, and 6) fit just fine in back and love it; I let my 15-yr old boy drive it a bit - now he's ruined and wants his own. I hit .95 g a couple of times and just love the way it hugs the road on tight turns!
Cadillac CTS V
Anyone who loves to drive a Corvette but needs additional passenger space will love the CTS V as a midsize sedan. Very satisfactory handling in an American sedan.
G's CTS-V
I ordered this car six months before it was available. I grew anxious and impulse and bought a new Volvo S060R which was very nice but one drive of the 'V' and back went the Volvo to the dealership the S60 went, costing me over $5,000 for five weeks ownership. That is a lot of money, but the CTS- V is definetely a car with a soul that does was you want when you want and was well worth paying for my mistake. If fuel economy is your reason d'etre this is not your car. If however, high lateral grip, stupendous braking and ulta quick acceleration are on your list of priorities, you need look no further. And, it's Made in the USA.