Used 2003 Cadillac CTS Sedan Consumer Reviews
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LOVE the car but it's had its problems
ideal_dreams, 05/31/2013
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
35 of 36 people found this review helpful
My parents bought me an '03 luxury model CTS for my 16th birthday and I've been driving it for two years now. For 10 years old, it still looks great and in style, however it has had its share of problems. I have had to replace the rear O2 sensor. The camshaft and crankshaft position sensors on the engine also both went bad, which made the car stall randomly after running for a while. It was also leaking fluid onto the exhaust manifold which caused a bad burning smell when the heat was on, which was an expensive fix. Handles OK in the winter, but I wasn't able to make it up a snow covered hill. Great car but it's showing its age under the hood.
A great used car style and reliability
cameron, 01/21/2016
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
34 of 35 people found this review helpful
my car is used 2003 I had 96,000 when I brought the car I now have 229,000 miles. So far just minor work I have been blessed. Its a great car.
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Never buy again
Shay, 07/21/2010
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
24 of 25 people found this review helpful
I liked the looks of this car when it first came out so I bought one. I should have waited until they figured out the problems. I had instant problems with the check engine light. It took 5 trips back to the dealer before they figured out that it was the thermostat and had to reset the sensors every time. Now it dies when you come to a stop. The final kicker was the headlamp. It went out so I looked in the manual on how to replace it. Of course it said see dealer. They quoted me $1100 to replace it. How stupid is the design team at GM? I will never buy another GM car.
Problems
james anderson, 07/25/2006
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
My 2003 Cadillac CTS has had power window problems that cost $700, it needed new struts that cost $400, and it needed a new battery that cost over $100 and was hard to find. It is in the shop now getting a new A/C compressor, which probably will cost another $1,000.
2003 CTS Tire Noise
Paul, 08/31/2006
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
I've had problems with abnormal tire wear and very annoying tire noise. The dealership says there's not a problem. I replaced the original Goodyear tires with new Goodyears because the dealeship said tire noise & abnormal tire wear was due to my not rotating tires every 6,000 miles. The new tires have less than 6,000 miles on them and are already noisy. I think there's an alignment problem that GM needs to address.
Unsure What to expect
Edder, 05/19/2010
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I bought this car 6 days ago. I traded my high mileage Taurus SES in for it. It is 7 years old and has 44K miles, one owner. I had a pre purchase inspection done on it and my mechanic found a leaking oil sending unit and leaking valve cover gaskets, $700 to fix. I got the dealer to reduce the price by $1000. The car has new brake lines because it was a recall item. On the sixth day I was going to visit family and while sitting at a stoplight it just died and won't start. I had it towed to my mechanic and I am currently waiting to hear what it is!!!! I just sunk over $3K in the last year on my last car..... I bought a newer one to get away from repairs. Irony
Cadillac CTS 2003
prluv03, 12/05/2012
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
31 of 35 people found this review helpful
MY CAR HAS 90,000 miles. Bought it 14 days from a used dealership with no warranty. The car has broken down and is complete trash. Took it to a local garage I trust, and they cant figure out whats wrong with the car, theyre suggesting to take it to cadillac they never sent me away before. Im so depressed, this car has so many problems, and my heat hasnt worked since I bought the car, i cant believe i am going through this i traded in my Pt Cruiser which everyone talks crap about it, but it never left me stranded!!! I never had issues with my PT Cruiser : ( I just want to cry i made the worst decision & purchase of my life. I am carless, to repair is going to be an arm and leg. I already kno
Overall good car, but has it's problems
cts_owner1, 06/19/2013
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
I bought this car two years ago with 123,000 miles on it, and it now has 155,000. Overall, pretty reliable as I do a lot of traveling back and forth to school. I've had to replace the timing belt, gas cap, brake lines, rotors, ball joints, drive shaft, bearings here and there and probably more that I can't think of. All are pretty expensive fixes and sometimes I wish I had a cheaper car. But gas mileage is great compared to any other on the market.
15 Year Ownership
Salman Arab, 08/26/2016
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
17 of 19 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car off the lot in 04/2002 (2003 Model Year). I have driven this car almost daily for 14 years and 5 months before upgrading to a new vehicle, this week. This vehicle never gave me any problems, nor did it give me any major repairs or anything of that sort. Even today, I can get in this vehicle and drive it to and from work without any hiccups. I drove this car over 250K miles, and aside from normal wear and tear, regular fluid changes and few cosmetic blemishes this car was awesome.
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Lemon
Cher, 08/20/2010
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
I am so sorry that I bought this car. I traded in a Ford Taurus for this thing . I have been sorry from the start. The airbags went first, then the entire sound system, then the door locks. The car just died again, while idling, for about the 20th time. Had to have it towed home for the 4th time in 6 months. It has 68k on it. What a giant disappointment. I have spent so much in repairs. I am done.
I miss my Pontiac Grand Prix, which as a better built car.
originalsoul31, 03/13/2013
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
For 10 years, my dream car was the CTS. My Pontiac Grand Prix GT suffered a blown head gasket. Sold it for $600 and used the money as a down payment for the '03 CTS. Test drove it, loved it. The same day I left the car lot, problems arose. The oil pressure light came on, but that turned out to be a wet sensor. The next week, the check engine light comes on, it's a bad gas cap, fixed that after a few weeks of troubleshooting. Last week it shuts down on the freeway suddenly. Two months in and I still cant trust this car. Hopefully once I can get it right, I'll love it. But right now, it's making my '99 Grand Prix and '84 Toyota Tercel seem like better built cars.
HORRENDOUS
Dan, 04/15/2017
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
DO NOT BUY IT! This thing has been one problem after the next. Faulty pcv valves, bad valve cover gaskets, bad rear hubs, bad everything on this car! This car is a nightmare to work on and repairs are NOT cheap. Had to be towed 3 different times. I owned this car for 3 years and it never went longer than 3 months without needing a repair of some sort. Don't make the same mistake I did. This car's beauty comes at a painful cost. Save yourself the heartache and the money. Look elsewhere. I will never again own a cadillac.
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Overall Pleased
Ray, 08/21/2006
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This vehicle was the largest of the entry-level sports sedans that were available, and I'm glad that I got this over smaller competitors (G35, Audi A4, etc.). The ride is excellent. I had a few reliability problems, but the dealer took care of them.
Design Caught My Eye
Joe Jo, 06/14/2008
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I recall the day I first saw the CTS and I claimed that I would own that car and within a few months became the owner of the CTS. I had betrayed Toyota, specially the Camry (the best by far). I loved the WoW factor, even 5 yrs later people still comment about the design of the car. Even the commercial was a blast, the one where luxury cars were wasping around and the cts came into the ballroom and stole the spot light. 5 yrs later at 80,000+ miles, my CTS is showing its age. I have take excellent care. I have not missed one scheduled maintenance but the window motor went out, air compressor must be replaced and there was another $1000.00 job that I cannot recall.
Money Sucking Vortex
D Kuriger, 12/08/2016
updated 12/11/2017
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
14 of 17 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used from a dealer and within a couple of weeks sunk over $2000 when the transmission cooler exploded. This was a problem because the cooler is located inside the radiator and the antifreeze mixed with the transmission fluid and the transmission had to be cleaned out. Then the right front shock assembly broke. A simple, common part with only $50 labor. Except GM has stopped making parts for this car already. The mechanic couldn't believe it. I finally found the part from a junkyard on the other side of the country. Then another part broke and again, the part could not be found, so my mechanic made something that would work. It is now sitting on my driveway, the transmission finally gave out on it. I haven't listed all of the problems I've had with the car (heater doesn't work after 6 months, leaks every fluid like a sieve, warning lights randomly come on and then turn off, sometimes the window controls don't operate the right window, and on and on). This was a fun car to drive when everything works, but that only adds up to a few days in the last year. I'll never own another Cadillac. UPDATE: After the car sat, non-running in my driveway for a few weeks, I ended up selling it to a guy for $175 and feel like I got the best of the deal.
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Beware
Sara, 09/17/2008
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Car is a definite eye catcher. Major problems since 50,000 miles. I now have 112,000 miles and looking for new car. Past winter problems with heat coming in on one side and not the other. Was in shop 7 weeks in 2 months time and still not fixed. Continuous computer problems with Heat digital knobs on dash. Engine leaked oil had it towed 3 x after $4,000 out of pocket expense from the engine gaskets busted etc.If you do not drive much probably ok to have for a while I average over 20,000 miles a year or more due to my job not recommended unless you have money to spend on costly repairs.
Safe Used Car
Steve, 12/30/2006
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
When looking for a used car for our daughter, we selected a used CTS. Our feeling that it is the best buy for the money. It provides more value than anything new in our budget. It gets 27 mpg on the road. The CTS has a very solid ride, great brakes, and it delivers outstanding performance in sport mode that rivals anything on the road today. We are tall and the higher roof line is important. The trunk is OK, but another couple inches in length here would be better.
If I knew then what I know now
Julie, 08/09/2010
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Repairs that I had within an 18 month period: 1. Piston.$700 (67,000 miles) 2. Throttle motor.$1200 (84,000 miles) 3. Steering column replacement.$800 (86,000 miles) 4. Air bag $350. (80,000 miles) bad sensor.$250. (72,000 miles) 5. Another $400 repair; I cannot remember what type because there have been too many. This occurred at 80,000 miles I don't even want to total up the money I have spent on car repairs. I'm upset enough already. I will never purchase a cts again.
Don't Buy
rdols3, 06/02/2010
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
We Purchased this car about 3 to 4 years ago, and it has been nothing but a nightmare. We have had one problem after another. We have only put 20,000 miles on it and the rest of the time it has been in the garage for repairs. We owe almost $12,000 on it and can't even drive it. I have contacted Cadillac but they will not respond to my emails. Do Not Buy This Car!
Like throwing $ away
Mark, 03/12/2009
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I can not begin to say how disappointed I am with this car. As soon as the warranty expired it has cost nothing but money and time. My average annual repair bill in in excess of $3000 and the average repair takes 3 to 4 days to get corrected due to misdiagnostics by the shop technicians. This on a car with less than 100,000 miles on the odometer. I completely understand why GMC is on the verge of bankruptcy. And my forgiveness to those who will lose their jobs when they finally close the doors, but if you build junk and offer bad service you don't deserve to be in business. My experinece with this car has been so bad I will never buy another vehicle from the Big 3. Ever!
No lemonade since the month I purchased in 2003!
Lisa Crisanti, 06/26/2022
updated 12/28/2022
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
2003 purchased New and I felt steering not right. I was correct. bolt coming off steering. New. then Airbag back seat . then driver seat motor. then to this day car turns off when driving.. had it fixed 3x....I thought.. then "turn off engine" light comes on . it works for months then while i'm driving it all of sudden goes very slow even when excelerating it won't speed up.. etc much more problems. i was caught in the middle with the money i put in it and hoping it is fixed. 130.000 miles on it now.....
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CTS-A Keeper
Rexorg, 02/27/2002
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've owned 26 vehicles, including three fine SHO's. This the best by far. Cadillac has hit a home run with the CTS. The only problem is it will take customers away from it's other aging platforms. Problem areas are A pillar size which obstructs side vision and rear vision is limited by rear end height and rear seat headrests. The CTS handles like a dream and the brakes are topnotch.
Try again Caddilac :(
Caddilac_Man, 11/24/2002
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have had nothing but problems with my Caddilac. I was the proud owner of a 97 DeVille and regret the trade. This CTS has been in and out of the shop numerous times already. The airbag light keeps on flashing. The plastic cupholder molding cracked. The passenger side glove compartment hinges broke. It's terrible. This is worse build quality than my winter beater car Chevy Cavalier. Thumbs down to GM. Now as far as the engine, it's smooth as silk, but underpowered. I've never driven a car this underpowered. My Cavalier feels gutsier. Caddilac, give me a V8 next time. I'll never buy another one. I'm getting rid of it next month.
Great Car!
Sharon, 09/12/2010
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Purchased car new and have had only one repair on car in 7 years. Giving car to 22 year old niece who can't wait to own it. It has been a great car. I hope I don't regret giving it up!
Exciting Cts
Ltvic, 08/24/2010
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Well designed car. I added every option but the engine block heater and chose the 5-speed manual trans. Fun to drive. After 8 years I still have people tell me what a beautiful car I have. Styling remains fresh. No mechanical problems except recall items which had caused me zero problems.
Ehhh
meeshi, 04/18/2012
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
My parents bought this car when it first came out. and now 10 years later its mine. Im a senior in high school. From what i remember it had a lot of issues and still does. The a/c and heat haven't worked for almost a year. The engine has this weird low idle sensor that needs to be replaced. I would say that if you bought this car to get a real good warranty for it! The check engine light has been on since we got it! and so has the check air bag light.
This Car Is POSSESSED!
AtlantaSpeeder, 07/14/2017
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
The best thing about this car is the interior. Sitting inside the car is like relaxing on a very nice couch. And couch is a good term for the Cadillac CTS because that's pretty much what it is--a piece of furniture, because its hardly ever moving. Why? Because its constantly breaking down. The motor in this thing seems to have a shelf life of about 150,000 miles. I've owned this car 5 years and have spent THOUSANDS on various, regular repairs. And the ECM repair issue (GOOGLE it) is an epidemic. Literally, every one of these models has a defective ECM. The longer you own the car, the harder it is to replace the ECM, and thus costs to repair are SOARING. last time I checked, an ECM replacement at the dealer cost around $1000. Cadillac is a joke, and this car is a punchline. DO NOT BUY THIS HEAP!! And forget about getting support from Cadillac because those people are incompetent and could care less. Buy a Lexus instead! Get your money's worth and drive something that is reliable!
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2003 CTS
George A, 06/06/2002
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Excellent match for someone who wants crisp handling but also wants comfort and convenience for 4 adults. Works well as a daily commuter. Fun to drive. Has a solid feel on the road. It has been a nice step up and good value.
DONT BUY
notafan, 12/30/2009
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car was in the shop all the time I lost count. Literally on the road for no more than 6 months straight before the next repair, timing belt, radiator, transmission work, water pump these are the ones I remember. Love the look and handle of the car but its not worth the headache!
Great Car
CTS Lover, 10/09/2019
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this CTS used 12 years ago and I LOVE it. I have 222,270 miles on it & counting, everything is still tight and runs great along with awesome gas mileage... averaging 29 mpg hwy. I have had my quarks with it, sensors will leave you on the road.. I've been lucky, where my car always gets me where I'm going when a sensor goes, but won't start once turned off. I've replaced 3 sensors, with 1 to go. I also have had a smell when I stop at lights, not sure what it is, but folks say antifreeze?? Other than that, I am very pleased with this car, has held up well, trani & motor are still super tight and handles very well. I've got a lot of wood in the interior, which makes a very pleasing look & its great in snow/rain. I am looking for a replacement, but just can't seem to let my "03" CTS go!
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CTS is envy of crowd
Charlie AZ, 09/29/2002
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The CTS has bold lines, which turns some heads as you drive by. The after market spoiler adds another dimension to the vehicle. Car has enough power, but could use a few more ponies. The comfort of the interior is accentuated with the 8 speaker Bose system and navigation package. This car rides like a dream with stabilitrack. The minimum speed for freeway on ramps and clover leafs has just been bumped up a notch. I recomend this car to everyone. I look forward to the V-Series coming out.
Worst car ever
ms.tree, 11/29/2008
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
Without a doubt the worst car I have ever owned. This car has been down more than up. I bought it certified used and a extended warranty and I've still come out of my pocket with a couple thousand. I took the car to 5 different Cadillac dealerships before the 5th figured out it was a stearing sensor. I once took it in got 2 blocks from the dealership and it had to be towed back. There have been so many problems I can't remember them all and now the seals have to be replaced the timing belt and cam covers all this at a cost to me around $1800 unbeleiveable.
Amazing First Car!!
ideal_dreams, 02/10/2011
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
9 of 17 people found this review helpful
I am 16 and have been eying the Cadillac brand ever since my dad bought his Escalade. I noticed the CTS and instantly fell in love. I found an '06 luxary model with a little over 70,000 miles on it and bought it. There are absolutely no problems with the car and I look forward to driving it every time I get in it. It's got some great pickup, especially with the sport button and it drives very well in the snow. I have no regrets of buying this car and would recommend it to anyone I talk to.
CTS 2003 Must buy Warranty
yperkins10, 01/04/2010
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
brought my CTS 2003 certified car. Once warranty runs out get rid of car unless you have money to spend. check engine lights keep coming on, dealer state thermostate need to be replaced $1260 because thermostate is on belly of engine and not on top of radiator. Class action suit need to be brought against them for making sure car repairs would be so expensive. Not enough leg room for little kids. car looks like a winner, drives ok. In last 2 mo I have paid out $1500 to correct "steering wheel sensor" $1260 for "thermostat' that should have cost 1/3 of that price. I will never take my car to another dealership. If I can find a warranty co I will take it. I d0 NOT recommend this car
Nana's House of Reviews
TaTa, 12/03/2002
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Very nice car dealership was good - was fun and open with lots of car that is good. My car was best. It is fast and quiet and nice canoe car. I really luv it! Smokey can't see me with my radar detector either. Very nice! Big three star rating.
All Bark, Don't get BITTEN
sosorry, 12/04/2003
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!
Not the Caddy I'm used to driving.
DonC, 12/23/2003
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Cadillac CTS
demetria, 07/11/2005
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Unhappy
Betty L Peveler, 11/15/2003
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Ready to burn!!
taedog77, 10/18/2009
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this certified pre-own (34K miles)car as a lease turn in and have been regreting it ever since.After 50k miles the car fell apart I've spent over $6k in repairs on this piece of junk and it only has 110k miles on it and it is currently broke down now. The brake lines in the rear rusted out with a repair cost of $1100.The oil pump started leaking at 75k miles. Take my advice STAY AWAY from Cadillac they will screw you in the end and to top it off they issue no recalls for this car at all and they know it has major issues! I REALLY HATE THIS CAR it like a bad marriage and I want OUT!!!
Before you purchase, please read
TexasCTS, 01/30/2004
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
It's not great unless it's a V8!!
muffin, 10/17/2003
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
CTS has Problems
William , 10/13/2003
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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
2003 Cadillac CTS
FrankM, 08/25/2003
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
2003 CTS Total Lemon!
TLT, 01/04/2010
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
About 5 months after I bought my Sports Luxury CTS, it's lived in the shop. I still own it today (2010) but am so ready to put it to sleep! If I had known this, I would have never brought this car!!!
Should have waited another year
sad Cts, 12/08/2002
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!
Bad engineering
roxnter, 03/09/2010
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have never liked this car, but my wife loves it. Excessive engine noise, makes it sound faster than it is. Very stiff suspension. Fine on curvy roads, but very annoying in town. You feel every bump. Cheap interior and tinny sound when doors close. Just normal repairs until recently when alternator belt failed, chunks of which got under the timing belt throwing off the timing and ruining the engine (bent valves, heads to machine shop & unknown damage to pistons. What kind of cheap engineering allows the timing belt to be dislodged by a alternator belt failure. Should just run out of juice & stop. I was afraid this Caddy was going to do this some day. Last GM product I'll ever own.
Costly repairs!
mr.flowers, 03/18/2010
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I puchased my cts just feb. 17, 2010 from a pretty reliable sounding private dealership. Exactly 1 week later the engine light came on. I bought the car with a warranty so the diagnoses was it need a THERMOSTAT and a WATER (something). $748. That night the light came back on. took it back, left, light came back on. This time the sensors need to be reset. same thing happened. after 4 times with this back and fourth in 2 weeks, I'm next gonna try a back yard mechanic since the dealership can't fix it! Go figure
what quality control?
shirley, 01/06/2003
2003 Cadillac CTS 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
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...