2004 Cadillac CTS Test Drive

It’s taken three tries to get it right but with the 2004 Cadillac CTS, Cadillac finally has the BMW fighter it’s been looking for. With performance, driveability, tasteful comfort and understated good looks of a European sport sedan, this CTS eschews traditional Cadillac excess. Yet it's still a true Cadillac. Prices: US base $31,185. Warranty: Total Vehicle 4 yrs/50,000 miles. Powertrain 4 yrs/50,000 miles.

Heritage

Cynics trace the 2004 Cadillac CTS' genealogy back to the dreadful Cavalier-based Cimmaron of the early 1980s. This was Cadillac's appallingly misguided first attempt to tart itself up for the younger demographic. It colored the brand for an entire generation. GM's next attempt, the European Opel Omega-based Cadillac Catera introduced in 1997, was a great deal more successful. With a 200 hp V-6 driving the rear wheels, it was peppy and, though the European-spec suspension had been de-tuned for softer North American backsides, it performed competently on all types of road. The latest version of the CTS (a rear-driver like the Catera) was introduced as a 2003 model. It was generally well received but criticized for being underpowered. That shortcoming, as well as a few others, has been corrected for 2004. Under the hood of the latest CTS, you’ll find a brand new (optional) 255 hp, 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing and a dual performance-tuned exhaust system, which makes, incidentally, a irresistibly seductive growl when excited.

Coachwork

Cadillac's Art & Science design motif wowed Parisians at the 2002 Paris Auto Show. This is not to say you're guaranteed a prime parking spot at the Bellagio in Vegas; its design probably won’t appeal to the average Vegas doorman. That said, the compact 2004 Cadillac CTS is both buff and chiselled. There are no bulges, bumps or overhangs. I find its wide stance, set off by fat wheels and tires positioned at the corners, quite pleasing to the eye. While there's probably insufficient chrome for the traditional Caddy buyer, it's not so much as to offend the younger demographic Cadillac is desperately seeking to attract. Forward visibility is excellent but the seats themselves may not appeal to everyone. Some might also take issue with the all-black dash. Doubtless, it's Caddy's attempt to look Germanic and I think it works. A friend disliked the hard plastic panel wrapping over onto the windowsill, where other luxury cars usually have a padded, rolled edge. I didn't appreciate the tiny rear doors. Grown-ups will have difficulty climbing into the rear seat. Once back there, though, even six footers will have ample leg, shoulder and head room; much more than they'll find in virtually any of its direct European competitors.

On the Road

Overall performance is excellent. It's very quiet at cruise. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is in the 7-second range and handling ranks with the best of the Europeans. Steering seems reasonably precise and I really appreciated the small turning circle. This feature alone makes the 2004 Cadillac CTS a pleasure to pilot around tight city streets and crowded parking lots. Not only quick as a whippet, the CTS is also easy to drive since near-maximum torque comes up around 1600 rpm. The superb 5-speed GM Strasbourg automatic ensures that when you step on the gas, you go. There's no lag or hesitation at any speed. While there's no manumatic shifting option, you won’t miss it. I also liked the sequential layout of the transmission quadrant much better than, say, Acura's or Mercedes' notched layout. Real world, in-town fuel economy should quite acceptable too; probably over 20mpg. The 2004 Cadillac CTS sport package which, along with the 17inch alloys, also includes GM’s 4-track stability management system, provides stiffer suspension settings which, though great on most roads, can be a bit harsh in big city-type potholes. But the slight harshness is more than offset by a dramatic improvement in looks and overall handling.

Summary

As you can see, I really like the 2004 Cadillac CTS. The bigger, more powerful engine makes the difference. Performance is right up there with the best in class and fuel economy is not all that bad either. I also like the compact size and understated elegance of Cadillac's new design format. One friend remarked that if it was a piece of woman’s fashion it'd be more Chanel than Versace. There's probably a place for both in this world but if your tastes run to understatement, you'll definitely prefer the CTS to any other Caddy you can name. One other thing: attractive and competent though the 3-series BMW and the Audi A4 may be, they are not – how shall I put this without going the cheese-eating-surrender-monkey route? – American. Americans may sell and service them but they don't make them. On the other hand, Americans make the CTS. And they make them in America. (Actually the 3.6L engines are made in St Catherines, Ontario, Canada but that's right on the border.) Finally, let's not forget what the name Cadillac once signified to generations of car buyers – the standard of the world. With the 2004 Cadillac CTS, Cadillac has announced to the world that it can also build real cars for real drivers.