Used 2009 Cadillac CTS Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Best in Class
I had been waiting for the right time to buy a CTS and when GM offerred the employee pricing promotion I jumped in. Didn't have to negotiate because the price was right. Although I wasn't planning to, because of the price I bought a fully-optioned DI mode. Wow. What a car. I traded in my 6 year old S-Type Jag for the CTS. Electronics have sure come a long way since the Jag was new. Now I have all the toys in a solid, powerful, beautiful, and moderately priced American vehicle that I can have serviced anywhere. If all GM vehicles were designed, built and equipped like the CTS, GM would rule the automotive world. This is a fun car to drive and a quite haven from road noise. Good job GM.
World Class CTS
The CTS is by far the best riding vehicle I have owned. The Styling is second to none. The CTS handles well at all speeds. Drives extremely smooth and very quiet. Excellent Quality. This car is best in class. Looked at all the competitors, CTS beat them all in price and value. GM did a great job with the CTS I highly recommend this vehicle.
- Base SedanMSRP: $6,95079 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $9,99596 mi away
- Base Sedan w/Direct InjectionMSRP: $7,995100 mi away
Absolutely great car
After loving this car from afar ever since its re-design, I had the opportunity to purchase one. I purchased the car with the Luxury package and I couldn't be happier. While the car has an easy going glide to its drive, it also has command of the road. The accelaration and handling are quick and confident. The interior is extremely lush and full of technology. The outside of this car is stunning. My car is black on black and causes heads to turn. At full price, this car is underpriced. Luckily, Cadillac frequently offers financial incentives that are genuine and too good to pass up. Anyone who is looking for a performance luxury car should not pass this car by.
GM got this one right!
At a time when so many new cars all look alike, this vehicle is truly distinctive in design inside and out. This car handles like a dream. Build quality is great. My average mileage is 23 mpg and on the road at legal-plus speed it is 28 mpg. A little more punch would be nice. I am considering a performance chip if I can find one. I had a problem with the radio coming on all by itself! It took a few phone call and a few months, but it was corrected. On a wet rutted road water splashing under the car on the left side makes a lot of noise.
A Very Very Nice Car
I have had my car now for almost a month and people are always telling nice car. It handles like a dream and very comfortable. I traded in a 2003 CTS which was a nice car but this 2009 CTS is a much better car, it looks so rich looking, more room in the front and the back. I love having the AWD, in New England you need it. All and All the CTS is a great car.
Excellent Value for a Luxury Sedan
First time owning a sedan and loving it. High quality finishes, fun to drive, and comfortable on long trips.
Better Than I Ever Thought!
When I decided to buy a car, I wanted to stay domestic. I did look at the foreign models, but the only thing that stood out for me was BMW. I have owned GM before and have been overall impressed with their designs and comfort. What originally lured me in was the promise of excellence in design and my parents being Cadillac owners, but I was sold at first test drive. Love the car, love everything about it!! I'm afraid that between the customer service from Corporate Cadillac and the quality of the vehicle, I am now a Cadillac owner for life! Oh...FYI... I have read reviews about road noise... three words: sport-tuned- suspension... go back to that Lexus if you don't like it!
A world-class offering from Cadillac
Given all of the incentives to purchase a new car, I decided to replace my '02 V6 Honda Accord EX, a fine car that I found to be extremely boring. When I read the reviews of the new CTS I was impressed. When I drove the car I was even more so. Now, after 9K miles I am comfortable in saying that it is everything I expected it to be. It is truly a world-class car, and GM & Cadillac should be justifiably proud. They have produced a distinctively American entry level luxury sedan with performance, style, and quality. There is no reason to add the phrase "for an American car" when comparing it to Euro or Japanese competitors. It's vehicles like the CTS that are critical to GM's recovery.
One Year Update Review
One year and 17,000 miles ago I bought my '09 CTS. What a phenomenal car. Fun to drive, not a single problem, and still a head turner. Highway mileage has averaged 26 - 29 mpg on road trips - using regular gas. Truly a terrific car. The AWD was outstanding throughout last year's Chicago winter. The car is still tight as the day I bought it. The 304 hp engine is quick and powerful with a deep growl when you jump on it. My previous car was a Lexus ES 330 and before that an Acura TL. Without question this is a much more fun to drive and stylish car with the same reliability and quality of the competition. Would I buy this car again? - without hesitation.
GREAT CAR
My first American car in 30 years and I finally have a car I'm happy to say is as good as my Lexus, BMW and Mercedes I've had in the past. I hope GM keeps up the good work.
Oil burner
Timing chain issues, Wheel sensors need to be replaced at 70k miles. Sun roof drain clogs, then leaks inside and soaks into the floor carpet. Head lights fog up. $800 replacement cost. Low oil warning non existent. You don't have to change your oil because you have to keep adding a quart every 1000 miles. If this is the best car GM can make they're in trouble.
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Bad
I bought this car 3 years ago and it has so many problems that it's been parked for the last year and a half. Carfax on it said zero accidents one owner and I bought it with 99,000 miles on it, first thing I bought in the middle of winter and I never checked the air conditioning, found out that it never worked, about a year later it started having overheating problems, then I found out that the all-wheel-drive wasn't working properly, and when I finally parked it the the whole cluster of the dashboard stop working couldn't tell how much gas I had in the car or how fast I was going and it just blinked at me like a strobe light. I hope to never have to deal with a caddy again. It's been 5 years now I put about $6,000 into the car and it still doesn't work.
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After 2months and one 1600 mile trip!
I traded in a small economy car with no extras except power steering and brakes. My wife drives a 2004 RX330, so I do own something to compare the CTS to. The CTS was purchased during the red tag sale. I have never been more satisfied with a auto purchase. The price was right and the salesman and dealership are right up there with the Lexus dealerships that I have had experience with. The engine is a dream, the ride is super, the handling is excellent, including a tight turning circle. My wife and took a 1600 mile trip over a three day period (24 MPG). 700 miles each day going and coming back. We were never tired and had a ball learning to use XM, nav and OnStar. I love this car!
09 caddy
Car handles very good. Takes a while figuring all the bells and whistles but I have time. Smooth ride
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It’s been a nightmare
I bought this car in February 2022 it’s now late July 2022 this car has been in the shop more than it’s been on the road. I’ve replaced the following in 5 months. Flywheel, rear main seal, rear shocks, two tire sensors, windshield wipers, all 02 sensors, new ECM, radiator fan motor, ignition coil, spark plugs. Car now needs motor mounts replaced and as of late getting an occasional thumping noise from the rear end when driving at certain speeds. Rear differential maybe in the beginnings of failing. I’m not going to stick around and find out Im going to trade it in and run not walk but run!!! Every time I get one thing fixed three more things decide to break or go bad.
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Does not compare to the bmw of the same yr
1st thing you should know if your a younger buyer is the caddy is slow with the 3.6 . It handled well when your not pushing it hard but if you do push it hard she leave youwith dissatisfied feeling . I live caddy’s but they mess up up here if you want a true daily luxury sports car look at the bmw . More power better mpg and better 0-60 times After my experience it’s really hard to look at Cadillac with out thinking “ GM good enough quality “
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One week and I'm in love
I think I may be one of the first people to take delivery of an 09 CTS. To start with I have driven BMW's before and like them, but they are expensive and don't look as good in my opinion. I got the fully loaded DI with the summer performance package. This car is amazing. It is amazingly agile and has lots of room. The car stands out as very bold and the interior look, fit and finish is first rate. Much better looking on the interior than a BMW or Mercedes. The electronics are great and a lot of fun and I have to say I have never been in a car more elegant at night than the CTS. The lighting is amazing.
Very Happy
Made an unbelievable deal for the base model with GMS pricing (which is still available on the '09 base model), Lease Loyalty Cash, Bonus Cash (for paying cash), Rebates and GM Card rewards. Paid only 64% of MSRP. This is an attractive car inside and out. It is enjoyable to drive. A solid, but not harsh, ride. I am 5'10 165 lbs. and I think the seats are very comfortable. I could see where someone larger than me would think that the seats might be too narrow. Also rear headroom is limited to 6' adults. Rear visibility is very limited. This is my biggest knock against this car. But many cars I test drove had this same problem. Overall very happy!'
Not Grandma's Caddy
I was looking at BMW, Mercedes, and Audi when I settled on the CTS. The quality of the interior and layout is far superior. The car is very sporty too. I get lots of compliments on it. The car doesn't need premium gas which is a huge plus. The voice activated command is nice and works well. Besides my 2005 Corvette, this is the first domestic car I've purchased in over 20 years. I have high expectations for my CTS and have not been disappointed.
CTS 09 FOR $39,000 Is Outstanding!
Folks, GM/Cadillac is offering incredible cash back pricing on the CTS. I was able to load up fully and remain under 40 Grand. Cannot believe BMW or Mercedes is not having a heart attack over this American car. Absolutely love this vehicle running on regular gasoline!
Competing with the Germans!
I have owned many many cars, mostly German and some Japanese luxury brands, this CTS is my first US luxury sedan in 25 years! It certainly competes well with all those brands, but with all the incentives and employee pricing, value ratio was the best of them all. In fact, I traded in my 2008 BMW 335i twin-turbo coupe shortly after for another car!
GM's hard at work
These are concerns expressed on this blog that no longer exist in this vehicle. Flash to pass is on this vehicle and it works with the HID high beams, I believe an industry first. Bluetooth is standard. It is now impossible to step on the brake and gas pedal at the same time. There is a single address book for the Bluetooth, navigation and OnStar systems. I compaired this vehicle to a Infinity 37x, Acura TL, and Lexus GS 350. All are excellent vehicles. Only the CTS DI AWD has the interior luxury of the Lexus (done in the distinctly GM style), the performance and efficiency of the direct injection engine (it runs on regular gas) and handling characterics of a European sedan.
22 Year Old Son Gone Nuts Over My CTS!
Need we say more. First time ever my son showing off our Caddy! Quiet and quick acceleration, pretty impressive! My God how come the CEO's are begging Washington for the money? This car is real good for us. Would not surprise me if this car saves GM alone. Zero complaints.
Thrilled!
This vehicle is simply phenomenal. All the bells and whistles except ventilated seats. Pop up nav is truly my favorite feature. Have had two infiniti's prior to this purchase, Fx and G35, both great cars, especially the g35, but this car honestly outshines both hands down. Pure luxury in an american made car with an interior that surpasses all other luxury cars in this category.
Almost flying
After 2 SRX's past 5 years was ready for sedan. Test drove BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, Audi. Had to take the CTS4 out for a spin when took my lease back...wow. Plenty of quiet performance, I mean quiet. NE Ohio potholes no match. BMW better performer but not for the added dollars, Lexus no curb appeal, Infiniti more bells and whistles, Audi my back still hurts. Glad I had to return the lease to a Caddy dealership.
Almost a 10
This CTS is a good as any car I have owned and I have had most of the luxury ones. I could not believe the great ride and handling. It's like being in a vault. This car performs with confidence. Don't miss out on this one!
Caddy style!!!
Great car! I owned a 2003 CTS and this one is night and day! Test drove G37S, Audi A5, and Jaguar XF. This car compares to all except G37S which was fast and fun but rough ride. The Audi and Jaguar were overpriced compared to the CTS and features offered. The only thing that bothered me on test drives was the cooled seats (back hurt). Bought car without cooled seats. Other then this I love the car - cool look and great ride! Very good price for the features and quality provided. Also 0% finance and fantastic rebates you can't pass up.
Done With Mercedes Thank You!
Just went through absolute service nightmare with our E500 Mercedes. Drove directly over to Cadillac and purchased a moderalely optioned CTS. Wow, we are so happy with this car!!!!
"Cheap Plastic" Yeah right.
I have always purchased American Cars, I live near one of the worlds biggest dealers (Reedman Toll) I always go there to check out Pre-owned cars, 1st. because the salesman leave you alone, 2nd. The key's are always in the vehicles so you get to really check out the vehicles without some salesman pressuring you. I'm so tired of seeing on the internet about how American cars use cheap plastic (I have yet to see a car that uses any other type) I have been in Audi's, Bmw's, Mercedes, etc and I will tell you that it's allot of bull. Being spread around about American Interiors and reliability. I think Cadillac hit it "outta here" as the late great Harry Kalas (Phillies announcer) would say.
GM got something right... finally
This is one of the best cars I have ever owned. I could not be happier I am keeping this. My grandson wanted me to get the Cts V but im 70 i dont need that. This has plenty of get up and go. I got it fully loaded for 51,000. It has all the luxury's. MY wife loves it and wants to keep it forever. The heated cooled seats are great. {Cooled is loud on high setting} Love the dual sunroof. Pop up nav screen is a must. All of our music sounds great on this car. A few things I dont like on this car is head room in the back. Storage is nill for cell phone and wallets. There is ALOT of road noise but you get used to it. My grandson is getting a car in a year he likes mine but still is getting the XLR
A really good car
Fantastic car, Powerful and quiet. Excellent quiet ride. 40 gb hhd really lets you record all your cds. As much fun as my Carrera. Air cooled front brakes like my XJ 6.
It's Just a Pretty Face
Bought the car new in October 08 and just traded it in. This car was in the shop more than it was in my driveway... from rattles and squeaks to engine lights and a replaced transmission... the car looks great - but build quality is very poor. And GM/Cadillac apologized but were unwilling to step up and make it right (I repeatedly requested a replacement vehicle and I didn't want to go through the lemon law - nor should I have had to with this "flagship" product). I wanted to buy a GM with this purchase to help the cause... but they did nothing to reward my loyalty. Very disappointing all around. The car did look good while I had it!
I LOVE my CTS
I've only owned my CTS for a month, but I've been in love with this car since the 2008 model appeared on the market. The car is a joy to drive, wonderful ride, lot's of power, all that I could ask for.
HUGE Disappointment
First it was a harmonic imbalance that was so bad it caused me to be nauseous when I drove the vehicle. This took months to correct. Then it was a rattle in the drivers sun visor and it needed to be ordered and replaced. Then it was seriously squealing brakes that need to be replaced with about 10,000 miles on the car. Then it was a rattle so bad in the rear it sounded like to roof was falling at times. And still I have the rattle in the dash area that is so annoying I actually hate driving my car. Driving a new car at the price point of +$40k should be a WONDERFUL experience. This car is pure JUNK! No wonder your going belly up! You deserve it.
Good ole American Muscle!
I havent even looked at american cars in 27 years! Finally checked out the CTS with DI. Great looks and performance. I tired of my 04 Lexus with a terrible tranny problem that they wouldnt adddress. It had zero performance. I was missing my 1972 GTO! i bought the CTS 3 weeks ago and i love it! I would put the quality up against any of the foreign manufacturers. I have the thundergrey and had people come uo to me in parking lots and say"wow, what kind of car is that"? GM has hit a home run with this line.
Satisfied . . . mostly!
I love everything about the car except for the gas mileage which isn't any better than the 2000 Sedan De ville I traded in for it. The storage spaces (doors, glove box, center console, trunk, etc.) are also quite small for the size of car. I got the blue diamond tricoat which is absolutely beautiful. The On-Star and cell phone service is cool and the stereo system is awesome. It handles beautifully and has plenty of smooth power!
The Best Choice for an All Around Sedan
My prior two cars were 2002 & 2006 Lexus LS-430 sedans. I established a decision criteria to keep it objective. I checked out Lexus LS/GS, Mercedes E, Jaguar XF, Infinity M, BMW 3/5, Lincoln MKS, Geneses, Audi4/6 & Acura TL. In the end, the BMW 535 and the Cadillac CTS stood out. We also own a BMW (& 4 before it). The ride/handling was about the same. Styling was aggressive versus classic. Seating was similar. Cost over three years was insignificant. The difference was the way the cars are actually equipped. BMW offers most of the same options, but they are not reasonably available. Ease of use was also big factor. Even my BMW driving wife agreed, the CTS was the best total choice.
My first Cadillac
I must say that so far it has been a mostly pleasant experience. I have the red CTS and it does draw it share of raves from family and strangers. One draw back I noticed immediately was the width of the A pillars in conjunction with the side view mirrors makes for a sizable blind spot. Backing the car up is a bit of a guessing game since you can't see the rear deck. You can't count on the computer to give accurate gas mileage readings. On the instant readout the mileage jumps all over the place including into the 40 + mpg range. The average MPG was showing 30.2 at 65 MPH without the AC on. If it was really getting that kind of mileage I think it would have been show on the EPA estimate.
My second CTS
This new CTS made it even less painful to get rid of my old (2006) CTS. This car is pure pleasure for me. I love everything about it except the fact that it feels so smooth while I am driving it that I don't realize that I am going so fast. I loved my old one but this one stands out by far! Would suggest this car for anyone who is looking for a luxury thrill. The only thing this car doesn't do is make me coffee but it has a button for that and will direct me to the nearest Starbucks.
2009 Cadillac CTS 4dr sedan 3.6L
Previously owned Mercedes Benz E420, BMW 328i, BMW 325i, Lexus LS 430. Never thought about ever owning a Caddy. Was considering buying BMW 525i or Merc E350, but felt that it is too common. Finally, gave the CTS a shot when I saw it in the showroom. Beautiful cutting edge design on exterior and interior and what an incredible driving experience, rival that of my previous BMW and Mercs.Way better than my Lexus in handling. Much quieter than my 2007 BMW 3 series on highway. Proof that GM can make good car if it wanted too. Highly recommend the new CTS, best bang for the money! One other bonus, dont have to use premium gasoline.
Love my CTS
I had been looking at the CTS since 2007, but the reports I read did not convince me it was the car for me. This year, however, everything I read was encouraging so I took the plunge and have very happy I did. My CTS is by far the best car I have ever owned. It does not get the best gas mileage, but that's not why I bought it. It is fun to drive, very comfortable, and the perfect size. It is the best looking car on the road (in my humble opinion!) and handles effortlessly. My next car will be another CTS if Cadillac maintains the integrity of the car.
1 Year Update
This was my dream car. Or I thought it would be. So many things have gone wrong with this car. The battery died stranding us 4 times. The steering wheel squeaks been taken to dealer twice. Steering coulum replaced. It still squeaks. The cooled seats broks. the lumbar support broke, There are some rattles. The key stopped working. The brakes squeal. For a 53k car none of this should happen. Don't get me wrong this is a beautiful car. The interior is top notch. Even though there is too much lumbar support on lowest setting. The interior/ exterior design is amazing. The speakers, navigation, leather, panoramic sunroof, heated/cooled seats are great. Great car, way too many problems for price.
Would not buy this car again
The car is advertised as getting 18 MPG in the city but I'm only getting between 13 and 14. Am thoroughly upset about this.
Awesome American Car
I've now owned my car for about a year and a half. I've put almost 23K miles on it and I still love it as much as the day I got it. The ride is amazing. I have the FE-3 performance suspension with summer tires and it rides firm with tons of feedback but still is smooth for the most part. It's such a blast to fly through a turn in this car and it's incredibly stable. The car quality is first rate and the materials feel great. My only issue with the car is that if you push on some of the plastic in the center stack it creaks, which it also does if you go around a turn fast. Otherwise the car is very tight and well made. Overall I love it.
Happy to finally buy american
i love this car. Have been a japanese fan for over 30 years becuase they built better cars but i can say that this car is built better than my Lexus. No problems to report after 9 months. I'm real happy about that:)
Love It
I really enjoy my CTS Black Cherry is the color. This is my second CTS, the first one I leased. But I support the US cars and Cadillac has always been a winner for me! This is the right size for females 5'3"
Still has every thing a car needs.
Good commute car. Easy to park and drive in traffic. Good on gas.
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Rivals the Germans
Absolutely love this car! Like most, I thought luxury came in the form a German automobile. This car changes all notions. Never considered a car from GM before, however, I am absolutely thrilled with this purchase.