2008 Cadillac CTS

*Est. $33,675 to $35,975

Best American sports sedan

Exterior and interior styling
Quality feel
Capable handling
Smooth, powerful drivetrain

Clunky manual transmission
Excessive weight

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Our Analysis

The Cadillac CTS is redesigned for 2008, and reviewers claim it is greatly improved. Nearly every review has positive comments about the bold, distinctly American exterior styling and the large interior that is well crafted, nicely designed and full of rich, high-quality materials. Reviews also mention the CTS's easy-to-use entertainment and navigation system, which is said by some to be among the best in the business. Critics report the handling, ride and general performance of the Cadillac CTS as world-class. Both of the available 3.6-liter V-6 engines are smooth and powerful, but enthusiasts may prefer the direct-injected 304-horsepower version. Both engines run on regular gas, a noteworthy cost-saving advantage. Auto writers strongly recommend the six-speed automatic transmission over the available six-speed manual, which is reported to have a balky shifter and stiff clutch. Some reviews point to CTS's weight as an issue, saying it would be more nimble if it were about 300 pounds lighter. While the Cadillac CTS can't beat the BMW 3 Series (*est. $32,700 to $53,800) or the Infiniti G35 (*est. $32,250 to $34,750) in comparison tests, it is a stylish alternative worthy of consideration, many reviews say.

Well-executed comparison tests by Car and Driver and Edmunds.com provide good information about the CTS, especially in terms of how it measures up to the BMW 3 Series, the Infiniti G35 and others. Detailed road tests of the CTS are available from many different sources including Motor Trend, which gives the CTS its coveted Car of the Year award. The PBS television series "MotorWeek" gives the CTS one of its Drivers' Choice awards, while CNet.com bestows its Editors' Choice award while providing in-depth information about the Cadillac's sophisticated optional premium entertainment and navigation systems.

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Our Sources

1. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

Four sports sedans costing around $38,000 are evaluated here. The Cadillac finishes behind the BMW 328i and the Infiniti G35, which editors feel have better driving dynamics. Editors nonetheless credit the CTS with "impeccable chassis tuning" and a "well-executed cabin." The CTS test car was said to be hampered by its manual transmission.

Review: 2007 BMW 328i vs. 2008 Cadillac CTS DI, 2008 M-B C300 Sport, 2008 Infiniti G35, Tony Quiroga, Jan. 2008

2. Edmunds.com

This test compares five competing six-cylinder sports sedans. Editors use a 31-point evaluation, plus scoring weighted for price, performance and features. The Cadillac places third. Writer Josh Jacquot praises the CTS for its "combination of on-the-road poise, interior spaciousness and world-class entertainment and navigation options."

Review: Comparison Test: 2007-2008 Sport Sedans, Josh Jacquot, Nov. 4, 2007

3. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

Every year, Motor Trend evaluates all the new or "significantly upgraded" vehicles on the market and selects a car of the year. For 2008, the winner is the Cadillac CTS. Staff editors were especially impressed with the Cadillac's styling, craftsmanship, handling, ride and optional navigation system. Editors point out that the price and equipment of the base 258-horsepower CTS compares favorably to smaller competitors like the 230-horsepower BMW 328i sedan.

Review: 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year Winner: Cadillac CTS, Arthur St. Antoine, Jan. 2008

4. Road & Track Details/Subscribe

Editor Andrew Bornhop attends the introduction of the Cadillac CTS in Germany, and explains that GM conducted extensive testing of the CTS on the famed Nuerburgring racetrack and at high speed on German Autobahns during development. This article contains excellent technical information and comments about the Cadillac's driving dynamics.

Review: Driving Impression: 2008 Cadillac CTS, Andrew Bornhop, Sept. 2007

5. Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com offers a full road test review, which it completed shortly after the introduction of the new Cadillac CTS. Chief road test editor Chris Walton provides good driving impressions and technical details. He lauds the cabin, but criticizes the relatively small trunk opening and awkward rear-seat access. Overall, though, Walton favors the Cadillac CTS and calls it "a uniquely American sport sedan without peer."

Review: 2008 Cadillac CTS Road Test Review, Chris Walton, Sept. 24, 2007

6. Motor Week Details/Subscribe

The PBS television series "MotorWeek" annually chooses what it believes to be the best of the best in a number of categories based on the previous year's road tests. While the write-up on the CTS here is brief, a link goes to a more detailed report.

Review: Drivers' Choice Awards: Winners for 2008, Editors of Motor Week, Feb. 2008

7. Automobile.com

Automobile.com features detailed road tests of both the rear-drive and AWD versions of the Cadillac CTS in separate articles. The test vehicle in one review is equipped with the firmest FE3 sport suspension, but the ride remains "supple and forgiving." The writer says the biggest drawback is the Cadillac's weight; it is reported to be heavier than both of the BMW model lines.

Review: 2008 Cadillac CTS 3.6DI RWD Road Test, Jonathan Yarkony, Dec. 22, 2007

8. CNET

CNet.com chooses the Cadillac CTS as one of its Editors' Choice vehicles for 2008, based heavily on its technological features. The road-test review covers all aspects of the CTS and its performance, but devotes extra attention to the car's sophisticated infotainment system with its 40-GB hard drive.

Review: 2008 Cadillac CTS, Wayne Cunningham, Oct. 31, 2007