2010 Cadillac CTS-V Review
2010 Cadillac CTS-V Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Stunning acceleration, superb handling, distinctive appearance, reasonable price tag.
Cons
- Hefty curb weight makes itself known in tight corners, standard front seats lack support in aggressive driving.
What’s new
The Cadillac CTS-V returns largely unchanged for 2010. Minor updates include a new cabin air filtration system and a new optional interior wood trim package with a synthetic-suede-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.
Edmunds says
The 2010 Cadillac CTS-V delivers a combination of world-class performance, style and value that's tough to beat.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V 4dr Sedan (6.2L 8cyl S/C 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 $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$332/mo for CTS-V Base
CTS-V Base
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
The idea is as old as hot-rodding itself. Take a familiar production model, stuff in the biggest, baddest V8 you can find and -- voilà! -- you have an unassuming set of wheels that will leave even dedicated sports car drivers wondering what just happened as your taillights disappear in a cloud of tire smoke.
While the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V bears little physical resemblance to Detroit's original muscle cars, the parallels are hard to ignore. Using the same basic formula that turned mild-mannered cars like the 1965 Pontiac Tempest into the much-celebrated GTO, Cadillac engineers have transformed their mainstream luxury sedan into a high-performance monster that eats significantly more expensive European sport sedans for breakfast.
Naturally, those engineers have learned an awful lot about hopping up a standard model over the past few decades, and you'll find the sum total of that knowledge reflected in this second-generation CTS-V. But unlike those first factory hot rods, which are painfully crude by modern standards, this highest evolution of the entry-level Cadillac is as sophisticated as anything on the road.
Of course, with cars in this super-sedan category it's all about performance. And in this case, the performance potential borders on mind-boggling. For starters, the 556-horsepower, 6.2-liter supercharged V8 under the hood allows the portly 4,300-pound CTS-V to rip from zero to 60 mph in a tad over 4 seconds. It also helps the CTS-V top every other high-performance production sedan we've ever tested through the quarter-mile. Moreover, the rigid chassis and sophisticated electronically controlled suspension give the Caddy equally impressive handling. For proof, look no further than our recent super-sedan comparison test, in which the CTS-V edged out the legendary BMW M5 around the racetrack.
What seals the deal, however, is the bang for the buck this compact Caddy delivers. While we're just as fond of the comparably priced BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, it's hard to argue with the CTS-V's combination of world-class performance and passenger space, which makes it competitive with far pricier rivals like the M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.
The 2010 Cadillac CTS-V does have a few faults, albeit minor ones. At 4,300 pounds, this sedan can feel like the big hunk of metal it is on a winding stretch of road. And the standard front seats leave much to be desired in terms of both comfort and support. But nitpicks notwithstanding, the CTS-V is a magical muscle car that's sure to win both the hearts and minds of modern-day hot-rodders everywhere.
Performance & mpg
The 2010 Cadillac CTS-V is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 -- a slightly detuned version of the engine under the carbon-fiber hood of the mighty Corvette ZR1. It sends a jaw-dropping 556 hp and 551 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, and a six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted shift buttons is available as an option.
In performance testing, an automatic-equipped CTS-V sprinted from zero to 60 mph in an astounding 4.3 seconds and ran through the quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds at 114.7 mph. Braking performance was also excellent, with a CTS-V equipped with the optional "Track" brake package generating a stopping distance of 109 feet from 60 mph.
The EPA puts the CTS-V's estimated fuel economy at 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined with the manual transmission, and 12/18/14 mpg with the automatic.
Safety
The 2010 Cadillac CTS-V comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control and traction control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. GM's OnStar emergency communications system is also standard.
The regular CTS on which this "V" model is based has earned a "Good" rating (the highest possible) from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in both frontal- and side-impact crash tests. In government frontal crash tests, the CTS earned four stars (out of a possible five) for the driver and five stars for front passenger protection. The CTS also received a five-star government rating for both front- and rear-seat passenger protection in side-impact crashes.
Driving
The fact that the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V tips the scales at just over 4,300 pounds makes its astounding performance all the more remarkable. The combination of its 556-hp V8 and modest exhaust note makes the CTS-V deceptively fast. While the manual transmission is a good one, with a nice firm action and a surprisingly light and progressive clutch, you'll actually get faster acceleration times with the automatic transmission when it's in Sport mode. However, the automatic doesn't confidently blip the throttle on downshifts like a C63 AMG, and it's not the quickest or smoothest unit we've experienced.
The CTS-V's standard Magnetic Ride Control suspension offers a good balance between ride quality and handling via driver-selectable Tour or Sport modes. While it's capable of throwing down some seriously quick lap times, the CTS-V can't hide its 2-ton-plus mass on a winding piece of asphalt. That hefty feeling in tight corners is quickly forgotten, however, when you turn its mighty V8 loose on the straightaways.
Interior
First, the bad news: The 2010 CTS-V's interior isn't much different from that of the regular CTS model. Now the good news: The CTS already sports one of the nicer passenger compartments in the segment. The overall look is high-class, with an attractive and functional layout for gauges and controls. Materials aren't class-leading, but they're generally high quality and a noticeable improvement over those used in the previous generation. The synthetic suede seat inserts and steering wheel and shift knob trim are an especially nice touch.
As noted earlier, the CTS-V's interior also sports as much head- and legroom as some midsize super-sedan competitors. The cabin's most significant shortcoming is the standard front seats, which are lacking in both comfort and the support required for spirited driving. The optional Recaro seats address both these issues and are highly recommended. Out back, the trunk offers a smallish 13.6 cubic feet of cargo room, and the relatively narrow opening can make loading bulky items difficult. The split-folding rear seat found on other CTS models isn't available here, but a trunk pass-through opening is standard.
2010 Cadillac CTS-V models
The 2010 Cadillac CTS-V high-performance sport sedan returns in a single well-equipped trim level. Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, adaptive xenon headlights, an adaptive suspension with adjustable dampers, keyless ignition/entry (including remote start on automatic-transmission models) and rear park assist.
Inside, the standard features list continues with leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats with driver-seat memory, a suede-trimmed power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control. High-tech bells and whistles include OnStar, Bluetooth, a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic updates and a Bose surround-sound audio system with a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, USB/auxiliary audio jacks and digital music storage.
Options include 14-way power-adjustable Recaro sport seats with heating and ventilation, a panoramic sunroof and a wood interior trim package.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2010 Cadillac CTS-V.
5 star(97%)
4 star(3%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
32 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
One Word: Wow!
way2fun_lotus, 04/12/2013
2009 Cadillac CTS-V 4dr Sedan (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M)
I've owned a few high performance cars: 2 Gallardos, a Nissan GTR, BMW 550i, Lotus Elise, Maserati Gran Sport. Believe me when I say this car has more torque and is more fun to drive than all of the above, and it does it all with great style and comfort.
4.75 out of 5 stars
American Know How
Chris, 01/20/2009
2009 Cadillac CTS-V 4dr Sedan (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M)
This car is great, luxury, features, performance, roomy and did I mention performance. The ride is very smooth and controlled no mater how you drive it. It is not as loud as you might expect from a performance sedan and just a joy to drive. The quality is as good as you can get and I have found no problems with it. The performance is off the scale, the Recarro seats are fantastic and … the interior is well layed out and functional, not to mention beautiful. I have gotten an average of 11.4 MPG since I bought it but this is not a hybrid. This is my dream car, thanks Cadillac for making my dream come true and providing such a great example of "Good Ol American Know How".
5 out of 5 stars
2009 CTS V A delight to pilot and own!
paintxpert, 01/10/2021
2009 Cadillac CTS-V 4dr Sedan (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M)
I have owned my 2009 V for over 3 years. I bought it with 131000 miles on it. Many folks would never hear of buying a car with this many miles. I am the 2nd owner. Now it has 142777 miles. In three years.... I did the Alternator and the Map Sensor. This car still continues to amaze me with its endless power and superb handling. That Super charged ZO6 motor is steady like a rock. Always … there for the added excitement. My car is One of only 82 made in Diamond blue with a White Titanium interior. This Generation with its presence and attitude has always been one of my all time favorites! I don't think Ill go electric too soon!
4.88 out of 5 stars
Incredible Sleeper
Jmos77, 11/03/2009
2009 Cadillac CTS-V 4dr Sedan (6.2L 8cyl S/C 6M)
I just traded my M3 for the CTS-V and the car is simply amazing. THe power and torque are scary at times and the magnetic suspension offers a perfect balance of comfort and touring. This is by far the fastest car I have ever owned so be prepared to buy a radar detector for keeping this car at speed is impossible. The biggest surprise for me is how beautiful the interior is. The hand … stiched dash and the ambient light along with the skyview sunroof makes for a fantastic place to spend time. The fit and finish are very surprising as well and I love the white diamond paint on my car. Bottom line GM hit a homerun and if you need a 4 fast sedan then look no further. Can't beat the price too
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V, so we've included reviews for other years of the CTS-V since its last redesign.
2010 CTS-V Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $60,720 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $332/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.6 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 RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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