Used 2003 Cadillac CTS Consumer Reviews
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Frustrating Problems
c_rey4, 03/21/2010
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car used with 38k miles and a clean CARFAX report. I was very happy with the vehicle until I hit the 58k mile mark. My check engine light came on at this point and I discovered my thermostat quit working. After doing some research online, I found this is an overwhelmingly common issue. Before I got the car in to be repaired, the engine started making a terrible "wobble" noise. All of the bearings went bad on the front of the engine. I decided to replace the thermostat, tensioner pulley, and water pump myself. 5k miles later and my thermostat is bad again. My AC compressor seized at 70k miles as I was driving on the highway. $2k in repairs this year alone and I did the work...
Great up to 50,000 miles
GW, 04/13/2009
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased new July 2003. Loved the body style, American made, and fit my bad back perfectly (very little lumbar support). Great sound system with the Bose, complicated dash settings but ok, and after a Lexus 400 (new), Mercedes S series (new), and everything from Grand Prix's to Infiniti's, I was pleased. At 50,000 miles the problems started. Cost $500 to replace a bad thermostat, and it seems the repairs increase every month. I'm at 65,000 miles and ready to sell.
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Thought I'd Love my CTS...
Kvincent, 04/22/2009
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Got it with low mileage, seemed to be in great condition. With in a few months of the warranty being up I had several issues. My airbag light came on, thermostat shot, both brake lines blew on 2 separate occasions costing me over $100 in tows, had a quote of $875 for all 4 brakes and rotors...the list goes on. I will say it is a beautifully styled car and is easy to fall in love with, just needs to be mechanically built better.
More Cadillac Junk
sucker, 04/27/2009
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This was a very exciting purchase for my family because it was our first Cadillac. We bought it used because we couldnt afford a new CTS. We quickly found out we couldnt afford a used CTS either. These cars have a lengthy list of faults from engine design to creature comforts. The biggest fault the vehicle has would have to be the extensive use of electronics and other devices that are not needed, however if these units fail, the car doesnt run. Anytime anyone touchs a Cadillac for repair, plan on a minimum of $1000. Better yet, pass on the Caddie and buy a normal car. The Cadillac name is not made from quality anymore.
Safety Hazard
Alan51462, 09/28/2002
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The design of the CTS windshield and dashboard creates serious reflections that can blind a driver, as happened to me, when the conditions are right. The dashboard is highly reflective and only a moderate amount of sunlight seriously reduces visability. I test drove the car on a cloudy day. Today was sunny, I got blinded and asked the dealer to rescind the transaction. Another problem, the ride. When I went over a public street that was suffering from a washboard effect, I bounced so high that I would have hit the ceiling if I hadn't been properly strapped in. AVOID THIS CAR AT ALL COSTS.