2006 Cadillac CTS-V Review
2006 Cadillac CTS-V Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- V8 muscle, do-it-yourself gearbox, composed chassis, inexpensive compared to its peers, spacious cabin for day-to-day livability.
Cons
- Can't keep its feet planted during hard launches, awkward interior design, average interior materials.
What’s new
This year the Cadillac CTS-V gets a new 6.0-liter engine with the same output as last year's 5.7-liter, along with a standard power sunroof.
Edmunds says
It may be a little rough around the edges, but the fast and nimble 2006 Cadillac CTS-V is one of the most promising signs yet that Cadillac is ready to take on the world.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Cadillac CTS-V 4dr Sedan (6.0L 8cyl 6M) 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 $4.54 per gallon for premium unleaded in Pennsylvania.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Pennsylvania
$314/mo for CTS-V Base
CTS-V Base
vs
$195/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
BMW has its M cars, Mercedes has AMG and now Cadillac has its V-Series. This performance-oriented line of cars got its start with the CTS-V in 2004 and has been expanding ever since. The transformation begins with the installation of an 6.0-liter V8 good for 400 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. It puts its power to the rear wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip rear axle and a short 3.73-to-1 final drive ratio to optimize acceleration. An enlarged dual-exhaust system allows the driver and surrounding motorists to appreciate the full-bodied rumble of this superb V8. Sixty miles per hour comes in just 5.1 seconds. Suspension upgrades include new shock absorbers and stabilizer bars, along with 27-percent firmer spring rates compared to the standard CTS.
Under the hood, engineers installed a cross brace between the suspension towers to improve steering response and accuracy. For fade-free stopping under duress, the Cadillac CTS-V wears a full set of ventilated Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers front and rear. To ensure a tight bond to the pavement, the sedan is fitted with seven-spoke 18-inch wheels and 245/45WR18 Goodyear tires. The CTS-V comes with an adjustable stability control system that allows the driver to tailor the amount of intervention provided to his own skill level. On the cosmetic side, the CTS V-Series is distinguished by a revised front fascia with two large stainless steel mesh grilles that look sharp, while allowing for plenty of air flow to the engine compartment. In back there are twin chrome oval exhaust outlets to identify the V-Series car.
Of course, "V" logos on the deck lid, fenders, brake calipers and the speedometer do their part to slam home the message. Inside the cockpit there's a new set of instrumentation with a 180-mph speedometer, satin chrome rings around each gauge and an analog temperature gauge instead of a clock. To add to the sporty atmosphere, the three-spoke steering wheel has aluminum trim, while the door handles and shift knob get a satin chrome finish -- these additions are tasteful but the overall design is still subpar for a luxury-branded vehicle. The seats offer additional lateral bolstering to hold the driver and front passenger in place through the turns, and a lower center console armrest ensures unimpeded access to the shifter.
Although the 2006 Cadillac CTS-V can't quite match the refinement or style of European tuner sedans, it's hard not to like. Ridiculously fast in a straight line and composed in the corners, this is a car that's fast, "affordable" and fun. It shouldn't compute, but the CTS-V adds up to one of the best Cadillac cars ever.
Performance & mpg
For 2006, the CTS-V's V8 engine grows in displacement from 5.7 liters to 6.0 liters. This is essentially the same engine found in the Corvette. Power figures are an impressive 400 hp at 6,000 and 395 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm. Shifting through the standard six-speed manual transmission, a driver will need all of 5 seconds to reach 60 mph, and an enlarged dual-exhaust system ensures that both the driver and surrounding motorists will experience the full brunt of the V8's deep rumble.
Safety
Four-wheel ventilated discs with four-piston calipers and ABS are standard, as is a stability control system with driver-selectable levels of intervention. Also included are seat-mounted side-impact airbags for front occupants and side curtain airbags that protect front and rear occupants. In government crash tests, the CTS earned four out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. Side-impact tests resulted in a four-star rating for front passengers and a five-star rating for rear passengers. In frontal offset crash testing conducted by the IIHS, the Cadillac car earned a "Good" rating (the best possible) and was named a "Best Pick."
Driving
The Cadillac CTS-V delivers blistering acceleration at any speed, and the standard manual gearbox provides the perfect means of enjoying it. Fast as it is, though, the sedan is subject to unnerving wheel hop during hard launches, making it seem unrefined alongside European rivals. Fortunately, the suspension displays no such flaws when it comes to keeping the car well planted on the street, where the CTS-V is every bit as entertaining as an M5. The brakes are quite strong, but inconsistent pedal feel can make them tricky to modulate. While unable to deliver performance with the cold precision of its German peers, the 2006 Cadillac CTS-V still represents one of the best blends of fun and affordability in its class.
Interior
Inside the cockpit, the standard CTS instrumentation has been swapped out for a chrome-ringed set with a 180-mph speedometer. The three-spoke steering wheel has aluminum trim, while the door handles and shift knob get a satin chrome finish -- these are nice touches, but as in the regular CTS, the overall design is awkward and materials quality is mediocre for this class. In service of the more aggressive driving a CTS V-Series owner will likely be doing, the seats offer extra lateral bolstering, and the center console armrest has been lowered for better access to the shifter. A spacious backseat allows this performance sedan to pull double duty as a family car when needed.
2006 Cadillac CTS-V models
The high-performance, four-door Cadillac CTS-V is available in one well-equipped model. Standard features include 18-inch wheels and 245/45WR18 Goodyear tires, ventilated Brembo brakes, a driver-adjustable stability control system, high-intensity discharge headlamps, leather upholstery, aluminum and chrome-finish trim, laterally bolstered sport seats, a 180-mph speedometer, dual-zone automatic climate control and a CD player. A DVD-based navigation system and a power sunroof are also standard.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Cadillac CTS-V.
5 star(80%)
4 star(15%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
90 reviews
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Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Get Rid of the Bimmer
Former M5 Owner, 01/28/2007
2005 Cadillac CTS-V 4dr Sedan (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
As a previous Porsche Boxster and BMW M5 owner I was skeptical about an American-made CADILLAC for myself (40-year old former European-make snob) to satisfy my craving for a family sedan and performance vehicle that didn't break my kid's college fund. It blew me away on the test drive. Its 400hp matched my M5 and shifting was a breeze. Its handling is excellent. I would recommend this … car to any M5 owner who is looking for an alternative.
5 out of 5 stars
Racing Family
mamma24, 06/29/2010
2005 Cadillac CTS-V 4dr Sedan (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
Love our cts-v, 6 speed, 5.7, 4 door! Fun to drive, looks HOT and holds 3 kids in the backseat! Can't complain about the mpg, getting 22 when we drive easy! Always run 91 in it too! Wouldn't trade it, after 2 years, even with my 'cons' below! Tinted the windows in solar guard 5%. Exhaust is not loud enough for me. Putting flowmasters on soon. Always turns heads everywhere we go as it is!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Perfect Mix Between Business & Pleasure
Fast Businessman, 09/26/2006
2005 Cadillac CTS-V 4dr Sedan (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
I bought the CTS-V to replace my adolescent-looking '04 Mustang GT. The CTS-V provided me with the professional look my company demands, without sacrifacing road-bending HORSEPOWER! It runs circles around all those tiny foreign roadsters that the overweight VPs in my company squeeze into!
4 out of 5 stars
over a year ownership (happy)
logun, 05/17/2012
2005 Cadillac CTS-V 4dr Sedan (5.7L 8cyl 6M)
bought my V with 49k on it in 2011. Performance is outstanding. It is F-A-S-T, saying that I don't abuse the car, but I have pushed the gas a few times.
It corners well.
The rear differential is crap. I cant say that enough. Huge fail point for GM. 2ndly the gear shift is crap as well. Designed after the BMW type shifter. It's vague & has a looong throw to it. Nothing like muscle car … coupes of GM & Ford. Overall I do enjoy the car, it's definitely fun to drive & easy to pass folks. My suspension is nice & stiff, it will jar your kidneys on bumps.
LOTS of power, sucks the gas if you lay into it.
Decent mileage, City is aroud 16 mpg & hwy it's been up to 27mpg at 70 mph. 21mpg @ 85-90mph
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2006 Cadillac CTS-V, so we've included reviews for other years of the CTS-V since its last redesign.
2006 CTS-V Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $50,675 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $314/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-V include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- 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
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