Used 2003 Cadillac CTS Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Thought I'd Love my CTS...
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.
Caveat Emptor
Bought the car in March 2003...mechanically, very sound...however, after a couple of months, noticed that the digital clock in the dash was not synchronized with the analog clock in the instrument panel...returned the car and they replaced the "cluster"...couple of months later, same thing....replaced cluster again...now the same thing again but they have acknowledged that Cadillac will not replace (still in warranty)...also, you will note around the rear plate and backup lights a lens...when you wash the car, the lens allows water in...
- Base SedanMSRP: $4,900426 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $6,000529 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $6,995537 mi away
More Cadillac Junk
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.
Worse car I've ever owned!
I was one of the first to lease a CTS in Kansas City, MO. Love the look, but have endured poor quality problems. Paint peeled on grill at 10k. Cadillac would not fix under warranty. (Dealer replaced as "goodwill") A/C condensation flooded interior at 20k. Trim pieces have fallen off in trunk and interior. Front rubber air dam fell off as well as small rubber flaps by rear wheels.Power lock failed at 60k ($400 out-of-warranty repair). Idles poorly when cold (hook shakes).Only good things are comfortable seats and good highway mileage. Poorly placed cruise control buttons on bottom of steering wheel and where is the glove box light????
Before you purchase, please read
We waited months to receive our new car Pros: Great ride & comfort. Cons: The whole sterring system failed the first 180 miles on the vehicle (3rd day). It took three weeks to get the parts. Poor handling on snow or ice. We could not get in our driveway when there was more than a half of an inch of snow. We also were involved in an accident on wet payement due to the car over correcting when avoiding debris on the road. It took 10 full weeks to have the car returned due to parts problems with Cadillac. To make matters worse, OnStar never sent a tow truck.
Make sure you get an extended warranty
Bought my 03 with 21K on the clock, have had several mechanical problems. Thermostat, battery, steering wheel position sensor, lower control arms, trunk shocks, manifold gasket. Things the dealer WON'T repair: peeling headlight lenses, burned out trunk mount brake light, peeling interior plastic, sun visor falling apart. Car looks great parked at the dealership for it's bi-monthly trip for repairs. Make sure you warranty this car for as long as humanly/financially possible or you will be in the poor house keeping this car on the road.
All Bark, Don't get BITTEN
This is a feeble attempt by GM to build a car to compete with European autos. They fail in every category. The car is all sizzle and no meat! The over-all quality is typical of all domestic cars. It is filled with plastic and poorly fitted components that rattle, squeak and creek after the first month. It is surely one of the worst cars I have ever owned. GM has has no interest in correcting the problems I have had with my CTS. I made an impulse purchase, boy am I sorry!!! I never thought I would say give my Catera back!
Cadillac CTS
My 2003 Cadillac CTS has been having problems every since I brought it in 2002. Now it's having engine problems. I bought a lemon.
I HATE THIS CAR!
I purchased this car in Oct. 2003. In a year, this car has been in the shop 7 times. It first started out as "little" non-mechanical problems. The remote keyless entry quit working. Stereo has been replaced twice. Car was stuck in park (related to a problem with the brakelights, go figure!) Back carpet soaked from air conditioning drainage. Now car having problems starting. Dealer had for a week and couldn't figure out what the problem was. Said we needed to wait for it to become "more broke". Now besides the starting problem, car dies at traffic lights. Totally unreliable!! Have been stranded 5 times in the last week! Has depreciated $10,000 value in 1 year. Ridiculous!
Not the Caddy I'm used to driving.
I've had Cadillacs for many years and this car does not exude the comfort of previous models. I guess that's my main disappointment. Also, I have a rattle (normal for American built cars) in my dashboard that drives me crazy.
CTS has Problems
I purchased this car when they came out and was excited. I thought that cadillac had finnally made a break Through. I experienced nothing but problems. Air conditioner leaks flooded the car twice. All the carpet had to be replaced. Battery went out. Warning lights coming on for no reason. And the service from the dealership was horrible. I called the Customer Assistance center thinking that they would help. Not only no help but rude. Cadillac will never regain market share with poor quality and even poorer service. They just don't seem to care about the consumer once they have purchased a car. Beware of the CTS unless you want migrane headaches
To think, I was looking for a p/u truck!
Saw a used CTS in a dealer's lot - I was actually looking for a pick-up truck. I took a test drive, just for fun. Dismissed it at first, because I never saw myself as a Cadillac owner. From looking over many other vehicles, I bought the Cadillac. Biggest misconception is people think its an 8- cyl., which GM needs to highlight. Fuel efficiency could be better, but it IS a 'sports' car, nothing like the whip your grandpa drove. One minor repair in seven months, but I got a good deal and an ext. warranty in a bad economy. The dark red looks sharp and I'm happy. Remember, the WAY someone drives can affect the reliability of a car. Be good to it and it will probably be good to you. :)
It's not great unless it's a V8!!
The V6 falls terribly short of what a car that "Zigs" should be. Only a V8 will make this car Zig! Had to have the rear end replaced (less than 10,000 miles). Have had the tires replaced twice as the steering wheel shakes and quivers. Continual engine knock! Dealer has no answer. Poor engineering with the head lights. The black bar affect is dangerous on roads that are poorly lit.
2003 Cadillac CTS
The car is really fun to drive, but the cabin is extremely noisy. Noises are everywhere- dashboard, seats, windows, doors, you name it! Within the first three weeks I had the car, I had to send it back to the dealer for service. Other than these "little" problems, the car has a comfortable ride (although the rear has very little leg room), performance is fine, and the engine is really powerful. The dashboard controls are very easy to access, too, sompared to similar models.
Not a lot of fun these days
I have NOT had any air conditioning for the past 2+ years, line rusted and unit stopped, can't afford a new unit,Black car, 2010 and NO AIR. Today I stopped for groceries, while pulling into the parking lot my tranny line broke off the radiator. will cost $950.00 to repair, lines were rusted out. Now I see were there is a RECALL on the brakes lines? what about the other lines?
what quality control?
what a piece of junk. Quality control almost non existant. interior parts falling off. sun roof and power points failed to work. engine idling very rough. water leaks in exterior lights.wouldn't recommend this to anyone.
Should have waited another year
This car has been nothing but trouble. Its first defect was on the trip home from the dealer. The stabilty systems yaw sensor went right away. Next the sunroof, the A/C system leaked into the cabin and flooded the floors. The seat tracks rusted, the wires got wet, the oil cooler leaked coolant. 17 days total out of service so far and there are more problems, too many to list!
Are my problems yours too?
Bought my Cadillac CTS in March 2004. I love the design but hate the dependability. I have been in the shop 4 different times with the same problem: the engine light goes on and there is no power (the car hesitates). The dealership has been wonderful but can't find a problem!!?? I am paying for a Cadillac, but driving a loaner more often (30 days +) I am thinking of looking at the Lemon Law quickly to get out of this mistake before we are out of warranty. I shouldn't have purchased a first year model I guess. But I must say the dealership has been wonderful.
Unhappy
Vehicle has been in for repairs 9 times within 17 months. Multiple problems with the cooling system, electronic fuel system, engine mount problems, air- bag sensor failure and structural failure of the thermostat housing.
Foolishness
I purchased the pre-owned car in March 2006 with around 16,000-22,000 miles on it. The first few years were ok, except I had to purchased tires the next year!(gross), anyway, I have had problems after problems after problems! Now, for the fourth time on today I had to get a tow truck to tow it into the dealer in Greenbelt, MD. I need a timing belt, which will cost 1,500. It's has been the worst car besides the Volvo I had long time ago, that I have ever driven! No more cadillacs for me! thank god. Never will I purchase a cadillac again! No way, hosay!! No more cars, period!! Dissatisfied to death!! (Mad, angry, frustrated, whatever!!
Mysterious Noise
I love my car, however since the first time I drove it above 60 MPH there was an extreme howling noise that appears to come from either the sunroof or somewhere across the dash board. After several test drives especially with hearing challenged mechanic a new differential was installed with no luck. The noise sounds like a cross between a worn bearing or a strong wind across some metal vanes. It gets progressively loud when the outside winds are anywhere from 15 to 20 MPH or my vehicle speed reaches 60 mph and above. It's unbearable when ever I take a trip on the road. I have to turn the music up in order to drown out the sound.It's a shame that mechanics are not troubleshooters.
'03 CTS vs. '02 530
I compared 6 cars in & around the same price range. The 2 that stood out were the 530 and the CTS. Both are close in size, options & performance. Both share some of the same parts (transmission & seats) & good build quality. The largest difference between the 2 cars, besides styling, is the price. The BMW is $11,000 more than the CTS with comparable options, & in my opinion almost identical in handling. This makes the price difference too hard to overcome for BMW. If the CTS is not one of top "editor's choices" for 2003 then the fix is in. Read both reviews & drive both. You might find the short comings listed for the CTS a bit petty afterwards.
nice car
This car is a super car..I love it..it ride wonderful..it can do touch corners at 75 MPH!!!!! So far this car has been worth every dime! Everywhere i go people stare and atare at this car. I only have seen maybe 7 on the road. Great unique car!
Love it!!!!!!!
I went from a 2002 GMC Yukon Denali to a 2003 Caddilac CTS and I will NEVER TURN BACK!!!! I love this car...
??
Difficult to master the electronics. Navigation system absolutely requires the instruction manual and is still difficult. OnStar cellular telephone service doesn't make sense at $ 1.00 per minute and a separate telephone number. The OnStart 30 minute demo time had nothing that worked correctly. Rear visability is very poor. Automatic Speed control buttons at the bottom of the steering wheel are not convienent.
If this is just the beginning....
The CTS is the first car heralding Cadillac's new direction. It is great looking, I've got compliments from people young and. It's feels fast, and it is, although it could use a little more power. It corners with a lot of confidence for a large car. The comfort is alright, but the Volvo that it replaced seemed to be easier to get into, it is also not quite up to par with its stablemates (STS and DTS, which I have driven) which are very plush. The interior is much maligned for its plastic looks and I must agree, although the actual material is much nicer than regular interior plastic. It has a very nice feel that you must see and feel for yourself.
The Best Car
I got this car for my 17th birthday. My parents both have their own Escalades but i have to admit that having a car is so much more fun and enjoyable. It has a better ride. The CTS has more than enough room and has a very good ride. It gets lots of looks and stares and many people are jelous of it. I am glad I got this Cadillac and i dont think I would trade it for anything.
What a Car!!
Outstanding!! I looked and looked beforeI settled on th CYs over a Benz. The car has lived up to my expections. It is a great ride , great performance and most importantly great craftmanship. This is my first GM model in 15 years and I'm back!! A classic car.
Oh my Doodness
I am going to be 32 soon and this is the 2nd automobile I have ever owned. My first was a 90 Mazda pickup that I bought brand new. After almost 12 years I was ready for a change. And oh man, have I changed. This car does wonders for your self confidence and ego. I actually can't wait to wake up in the morning now to drive to work. I have trouble sleeping. I've woken up at night and sat in the driveway to play with my personalization settings the other night. Today I left for work early and drove around some more after arriving. Luckily my company will be relocating soon. It should add another 10-15 minutes to my commute.
Awesome - in-a-word
Awesome! So much is perfect about this car that I struggle to offer constructive critisism. Quiet, roomy, comfortable, racey, excellent handling and breaking, solid feel, aggressive styling - head turner! All of this and I'm in the 30's?! Cadillac is doing some good stuff here! If they keep this up, I'll never go back to BMW.
A car that fits
I have been shopping for a new car for over a year now. yes that is anal but I need a car to fit like a glove in terms of performance and style. The car you drive says a lot about who you are. After I test drove a CTS I knew this is the vehicle for me. Flashy "new age" styling unavailable from anyone else, quick acceleration, tight handling, nice ride that combines comfort and performance. Some people have been complaining about the style of the interior but I totally disagree. It is well thought out and has a cool look to it. Why have another car on the market that has a flat center to its dash. Power is great for me with my 5 speed. I never feel like there is a lack of power.
Fun to drive
I absolutely love this car and is considering replacing it with a newer CTS model.
Cadillac's first true sports sedan
Cadillac did their homework and nailed the essential qualities required to compete in this class, then went the extra mile and strode into uncharted territory of bold yet elegant styling. In keeping with the sport sedan credo, I opted for a 5 speed stick and lux sport. The car drives beautifully and handles like it's crazy glued to the road. You'll feel each undulation of pavement, but that's the way it should be. If you want to float down the road, try a DeVille. The ride is not harsh, and is very quiet. Engine is smooth, quiet and responsive. I feel the interior evokes just the right blend of luxury, ultra modern styling, and purposefull utility.
Lovin my CTS
When I was a kid Cadillacs were cool. By the time I was in college, they were living rooms on wheels. Now, Caddy is making a car that kicks butt, turns heads and competes with luxury imports. I'm an American. I want power, performance and bold styling. And I want to buy it from an American company, especially at a time when world opinion is decidedly anti US. The kids at the car wash tell me they love my CTS. People stop in parking lots to look it over, and slow down in traffic to get a better view. Break Through indeed.
what a car!!!
this is by far the most beautiful design ever used on a car...it turns heads everywhere i go,the styling is just so unique its its incredible sometimes i wonder how they could make a design like this...and everything about it is great
CTS ! What a fun car to drive!!! Wow !
This is definately not your grandpa's Caddy! This is the most fun car I've yet to own. I got all the goodies, but with the 5 speed. Great choice! Much better feeling of control than the Lexus 3-series, BMW 5-series, and Mercedes 2-series, all of which I've had. This is the first Cadillac I've owned, and I promise I'll be back for more. Very impressive, great design, nice sport/luxury feel. TURNS HEADS EVERYWHERE !! Only complaint is foot parking brake, instead of a hand brake. Too many moves to get brake on and in 1st or reverse to park. GM should fire the guy who designed that, but everybody else gets a 50% raise, and a company car...
All around great car!
We bought this vehicle used, and were very leery at first (not knowing the history). This car has been nothing but dependable and fun! Great gas mileage, too! Plus, by purchasing used, we have a lower monthly car payment, lower car insurance, and lower personal property taxes. The 2003 model still looks like the later models. Plus, it is American made! This car is a win-win situation for us! We would highly recommend this car (2003 CTS) to anyone.
very happy
This car has been excellent. I bought the car use and the performance has been exciting. I do not have any negative issues to report the car is great.
THE ULTIMATE CAR
This is a truly beautiful vehicle. Great design appeal.I am amazed by the numerous comments that I receive from fellow drivers and walkers-nods of approval, thumbs up and requests for me to describe the car's features. The ride is smooth and it handles well. What a great choice for a 70 year old adventurer. Cadillac has a winner in the CTS.
Change is good
It was the exterior styling that snagged me. Read everything I could find on it for almost a year. Finally took a test drive and was sold. The size, balance and weight are properly handled by the engine, transmission and suspension. The interior is comfortable and functional, stylish without gimmickery. Fit and finish are excellent. Driving it is a real hoot. You can cruise around in regular auto mode or punch in the sport mode and get aggressive. It is hi-tech, so reading the owner's manual is a must, but the payoff is getting the most out of the experience. After checking out the German and Japanese offerings, and the Lincoln LS, I chose Cadillac.
Blue/Silver
Car purchased with 9000 miles It was not titled until I purchased it Exec.car. We put over 14000 miles a year car now has 81000 on it. G.M replaced 3 of 4 Good Year tires and didn't help much. Put 4 Bridgestone Pole positions and the car went like it was on rails. Wonderful This car has the Sport Suspension on it ant the wife and I love the way it handles and rides. We drive it hard on long trips and regularly get near 28 miles per gallon.Large trunk with amazing space. Navigation system is not user friendly but gives you lots of other features related to the car. We found a great 2009 CTS and will pick it up in a couple of days. Would have liked to keep it in the family
cts
drove 5 lincolns on same day bought cts car is actually for wife. she fell in love with car after first drive. after owning ford products all our lives we now drive a cts
Solid Performer
Had some problems in the first 35,000 miles, but not since then (now at over 70,000 miles). It's been reliable since then and still fun to drive.
Cadillac CTS sharp, fun to drive
Great style, terrific handling, good power. I shopped the M/B c240, BMW 3 series, Lexus 300 series and Infinity I 35. The CTS was the nicest looking (if you like the style) had the best handling and more bells and whistles for almost the same price as the others.
Most comfortable car I have ever had
For the price of the car, this is the most comfortable car I've been in. I purchased as a used car at 40k, been driving it for 2 yrs, now at 85k. Gets ~30mpg if I keep it at 55, 25mpg at 75, still smooth riding & handling at 100mph. Seats, stereo, handling are the best. Got kids toys stuck under seat & messed up seat heaters, dealer fixed under warranty anyway.
Wheee!
Flat cornering. Peppy acceleration. Oh, so comfortable and quiet. The manual trans shifts smoothly through the gears. Bought the CTS for the Cadillac comfort reputation. Found a great handling car underneath the comfort.
Loved my car since dy 1 - no problems
Since day one, our CTS has been a blast. Plus, we have never received the compliments on other lux cars that we have on this.
Eat your hearts out Euro trash, Caddies
The fact that GM is actually using the transmissions that they supply too BMW is amazing in itself. This car is up there with the Lexus GS300, BMW 530i, Mercedes E320 at a price $11,000 to 18,000 dollars cheaper. Preformance and size are identicle, this is a no brainer. However if you have money you would rather throw away than donate to worthy cause, instead of a dealer.
Great Car
Fun car to drive...definitely get manual transmission. For the money it has few rivals.
Thank You Cadillac
GM, you finally beat the Europeans at their own game. A fine vehicle that has it all. Keep it up.