2003 Cadillac CTS
by Cordell Koland

The new Cadillac CTS is a distinct break with Cadillac¹s storied past and
targets buyers in the cutthroat high-volume portion of the luxury market
where buyers will pay from $30,000 to $40,000 for a new car.

Cadillac once dominated the US luxury car market‹commanding more than half
of all sales. Now the company trails BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz in both
sales and more importantly, the mind share of trend-setting business
executives and professionals.

Cadillac is in the midst of a renovation aimed at moving it squarely into
the twenty-first century. An important element in its move to attract a
fresh audience is based on Cadillac¹s Art and Science design school of
thought that abandons the sensual curve for the straight edge. The idea is
to present the upscale buyer with a strongly differentiated design and hope
that buyers like the difference.

The first car designed under the Art and Science principles is the 2003 CTS.
It delivers not only a distinct look, but also rides and handles like a
European sports sedan. The CTS replaces the Catera and targets professionals
who now shop for Audis and BMWs. The youthful CTS features Cadillac¹s new
styling initiative with crisp edges and relatively flat surfaces. A V-6
engine provides power. The new CTS features rear-wheel-drive for better
handling and a sports-turned suspension.

Let¹s examine some of the car¹s basic components and how they stack up in
this fiercely competitive market.

Design: Cadillac¹s Art and Science design initiative is a bold move. The CTS
has an edgy quality that sets it apart. But based on my reaction as well as
almost everyone who views the car, it probably won¹t sell too many based on
its appearance. I received comments from a wide range of consumers, from
luxury-car buyers in their twenties to seasoned executives in their fifties.
Almost everybody commented on the car¹s looks and few of the comments were
positive. The rear end with its tall massive taillights was particularly
offensive to many onlookers, and the square headlights also came under fire.
There is no doubt that in the design world it often takes some months or
years for a radical new design to take hold, but the CTS seems to have an
uphill battle on its hands.

The interior was more successful. The dashboard provides readable gauges,
although visibility was limited under bright sunlight conditions. The center
console is quite user friendly with the basic components well designed for
easy familiarity. 

Ride and handling: Our test car was equipped with the sports suspension that
is part of the Luxury Sport option package and provides excellent handling
and a satisfactory ride quality. Cadillac¹s goal was to offer a similar
driving experience to the dominant European sedans and in this area it has
succeeded.  The car stacks up well against the leading sedans in this
segment on demanding mountain roads. The steering is responsive and offers
good feedback to the driver. The car is genuinely enjoyable as a motoring
experience. 

Engine and transmission: By 2003 standards, the V-6 engine in the CTS isn¹t
a powerhouse, but it performs admirably. At no time did I wish for more
power. On the other hand, the engine is notably harsh under full throttle,
but some engine noise when you¹ve pushed the pedal to the metal isn¹t too
offensive. The optional five-speed transmission did its job in a seamless
manner. 

Value: When a new car comes on the market, it provides the opportunity to
size it up against the competition. The CTS¹ base price of $29,350 is good
as a starter, but to build a satisfactory luxury car, it takes a plethora of
additional options. These included the $3,500 Luxury Sport Package, which
included the power passenger seat, real wood trim, alarm system, sports
suspension, high-performance brake linings, traction control, load-leveling
rear suspension, and aggressive 17-inch alloy wheels and tires. Other
options included the Bose music system at $1,275, the $1,200 5-speed
automatic transmission, high-intensity discharge headlamps at $500 and
heated seats for $400. As a value proposition, a well-equipped CTS falls
short of the Acura TL sedan, but against the higher-priced Europeans, it is
competitive. 
 
 

 
Vehicle: Cadillac CTS

Price as tested: $36,865

Engine:

         Type: 3.2-liter V-6

         Horsepower: 220 @ 6,000 rpm

         Torque: 218 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm

Fuel economy, automatic transmission

         City - 18 mpg

         Highway - 26 mpg

Curb Weight: 3,568 lbs.
 

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