Inside Line 2008 Cadillac CTS First Drive, Full Test and Long Term

55 messages, Last post on Jul 17, 2009 at 6:09 PM

You are in the Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? Cadillac CTS, Sedan

First Drive: 2008 Cadillac CTS - This substantial 2.0-inch track increase improves handling, as it's easier to manage body roll and weight transfer. The new ZF Servotronic steering forward of the axle (a packaging measure largely related to the availability of all-wheel drive) improves steering precision. (more)

Full Test: 2008 Cadillac CTS V6 DI - Cadillac has stopped trying to be German, something it is not. Instead it has rediscovered itself and produced a uniquely American sport sedan without peer. That's a bold statement for sure, but name another American car like the 2008 Cadillac CTS. (more)

Long-Term Test: 2008 Cadillac CTS V6 DI - What We Bought: It all starts with the engine. With the 550-horsepower supercharged LS9 not being available for the CTS until next year, we were left with only two engine choices: a 3.6-liter V6 or a 3.6-liter V6. One has the benefit of direct fuel injection and makes 39 more horses. (more)

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#36 of 55 ITS THE FAMILY TRUCKSTER!!! by topdollar Oct 01, 2007 (7:41 am)
ITS THE FAMILY TRUCKSTER!!! OFF TO WALLY WORLD!
#37 of 55 Re: OOPS! [abqhudson] by taxesquire Oct 01, 2007 (1:04 pm)
Replying to: abqhudson (Sep 29, 2007 12:44 pm) I believe you can buy a spare tire option, but I'd suggest you buy an aftermarket spare - I'm sure it will be less expensive.
#38 of 55 ride? by 2006300c Oct 01, 2007 (2:52 pm)
How does the ride quality compare to my current car a Chrysler 300c , with run flats?
#39 of 55 Re: Article Comments - 2008 Cadillac CTS First Drive [KarenS] by bonddog Oct 07, 2007 (2:59 pm)
Replying to: KarenS (Jul 26, 2007 11:07 am) I am disappointed that the 304 HP version of the '08 CTS does not offer AWD as mentioned in the article attached to your post. I am now confused because there is a post here where someone says they just ordered a New 2008 with the 304 HP DI engine and with the $1,900 AWD option??? What is the real deal? Can you get AWD and the 304 HP engine or not? The BMW offers 300 HP & AWD. I prefer the looks of the '08 CTS. Replies to this message: avatards (Oct 07, 2007 3:47 pm) bonddog (Oct 07, 2007 3:59 pm)
#40 of 55 Re: 2008 CTS Question [jkross22] by bonddog Oct 07, 2007 (3:27 pm)
Replying to: jkross22 (Jul 29, 2007 11:23 pm) Wrong type of car and audiance for a diesel or Hybrid. The new image or identity that Cadillac is trying to create for the 2008 CTS is that of a Luxury performance sports car to compete with BMW,Audi,Infinti... Doing a diesel or hybrid for this car would be contradictory to that goal. As far as what gas costs, if you can afford this car you don't worry to much about the gas cost. So what if it costs you $400 a year more in gas to drive. (16,000 mi/year divide by 21 mpg = 761.9 gals used versus at say 26 mpg = 615.4 gals used, the difference in gallons used times $3/gal = $439.54). If they did a diesel or hybrid their target buyers wouldn't buy the car. Replies to this message: sevenfeet0 (Oct 07, 2007 4:10 pm) bonddog (Oct 07, 2007 4:55 pm)
#41 of 55 Re: Article Comments - 2008 Cadillac CTS First Drive [bonddog] by avatards Oct 07, 2007 (3:47 pm)
Replying to: bonddog (Oct 07, 2007 2:59 pm) Both engines are available with AWD. Replies to this message: bonddog (Oct 07, 2007 3:59 pm)
#42 of 55 Re: Article Comments - 2008 Cadillac CTS First Drive [avatards] by bonddog Oct 07, 2007 (3:59 pm)
Replying to: avatards (Oct 07, 2007 3:47 pm) Great. Then I will give GM/Caddy a try this time instead of a new BMW or G37. I really like the looks of this '08 CTS. Based on my personal experience Besides the Cadillac and Corvette, I wouldn't buy any other GM product.
#43 of 55 Re: 2008 CTS Question [bonddog] by sevenfeet0 Oct 07, 2007 (4:10 pm)
Replying to: bonddog (Oct 07, 2007 3:27 pm) Lexus does two different sedan hybrids and Mercedes offers diesels in the US again. Why would Cadillac be going against market trends by offering these powertrain choices? My wife wants our family vehicle to be a hybrid, period. I would buy a hybrid CTS if offered. Replies to this message: bonddog (Oct 07, 2007 4:55 pm)
#44 of 55 Re: 2008 CTS Question [sevenfeet0] by bonddog Oct 07, 2007 (4:55 pm)
Replying to: sevenfeet0 (Oct 07, 2007 4:10 pm) I'm not saying that Cadillac shouldn't produce diesel or Hybrid cars, I'm just saying that that's not what the CTS is all about so I wouldn't wait for Caddy to come out with one. GM does produce some Hybrids now including a Hybrid Tahoe SUV.
#45 of 55 '08 CTS vs Infiniti G35 by doctorkaye Dec 22, 2007 (3:19 pm)
I'm leaning toward buying a CTS and decided I needed to test drive the G35 before making a decision. There are clearly some advantages to the G35, most especially the $7000 price difference in the G35's favor. Styling wise, I think the CTS wins, at least for me. It felt more unique and had an agressive feel that just says "Get outta my way!" Second the G's tiny (by comparison) sunroof was another notch in the CTS belt. I live in the sunbelt so the cooled seats are a unique feature that seems really usefull. Still there are a few really bothersome details for the Caddy that it really should have for the price: Most importantly missing is integrated blue tooth for my phone. Sure, they can add it aftermarket ($500) but you have to wonder how well it will really function. Will it mute the stereo when you make a call.? Will it store your phone book and activate by voice? Will it tranfer calls in progress from your phone to your car and back again as you enter and exit? All other comparably priced cars in this range include bluetooth capability so to me it is conspicuously absent. Also missing is a rear backup camera. I really loved the Infiniti's and the Caddy's caution to red proximity indicator is a reallly second class substitute. An in the ceiling sunglass holder to keep your sunglasses handy without having to reach behind you into the console really should have been thought of. Also annoying was the mechanical sounding voice for the voice control. It was definitely out of sync with the many other polished features of this sumptuous car. Even my '04 Accord I'm driving now has a choice between a sexy female and a sexy male voice. In the same vein, I found the ugly old school black satellite antenna mast to be jarring and diruptive to the cars otherwise flawless exterior. Everyone else has either a body color "bump" or a shark fin style antenna. Either of these would be better at not disrupting the Caddy's style. There are a few other features where the Infiniti comes out ahead too. The drivers seat is much more supportive with it's adjustable side bolsters and extending thigh support. It really made me feel much more a part of the car as I drove it. Also welcom in the G car was the brushed metal accents on the dash (as opposed to the Caddy's wood). I guess it's personal preference, but to me the wood trim made the CTS seem a bit "stuffy". Cadillac should definitely realize that not everyone likes wood. In spite of all these flaws, to me, I think the CTS wins by a nose over the G35. For most people it will come down to personal preference. In my book the G35 just doesn't make me feel as "unique" on the road as the CTS. I may, however, just drive my Accord another year and see if Cadillac fixes at least a few of these flaws in 2009 . . . .