2005 Cadillac CTS Published 04/07/2005

The most amazing feature of the 2005 Cadillac CTS is not that it gets 27 miles to the gallon. But I do find it comforting that American auto manufacturers can build exciting luxury vehicles that still get good fuel economy. The EPA rated this 2005 CTS with the 255 horsepower 3.6 liter V6 engine at 18 MPG in the City and 27 MPG on the highway. With gasoline prices escalating to the stratosphere it's good to still be grounded in luxurious frugality.

For 2005, the Cadillac CTS is available in three different power plants. My test vehicle was an extremely satisfying 3.6 Liter V6. Earlier this year I had the pleasure of test-driving the incredible CTS-V with the awesome 400 horsepower 5.7 Liter LS2 Corvette engine. Rocketing from a standing stop to sixty miles an hour in 4.6 seconds the CTS-V was an exhilarating drive. Yet, why limit the Cadillac experience only to the power thirsty crowd willing to spend over fifty grand? New for 2005, the Cadillac CTS is available in the 2.8 Liter V6 producing 210 horsepower and 194 lb.-ft. of torque and equipped with a six speed manual transmission for slightly over $30,000.

This new, thrifty Cadillac is in total harmony with the corporate goal of reaching a younger demographic. While an automatic is still my preference for all but the CTS-V, many of the European models still produce a manual option. The real question remains with many is if the American Cadillac CTS competes with the best of Bavaria or even the Asian premium brands?

When I first drove the Cadillac CTS in 2003 I was impressed but not excited. I am a fan, from time when even the very name Cadillac stood for "the highest quality". But the marquee lost its luster during the 1980's as prestige faded. The Cimaron and later Catera both failed at becoming entry-level youth oriented models. There is no doubt that Cadillac is back, yet with stiff competition in the sport luxury sedan market.

I continue to gain respect for the 2005 Cadillac CTS. This is a "drivers car", fulfilling expectations of demanding drivers. The Sigma architecture of the Cadillac CTS is stretched ever so slightly for the Cadillac STS. Both vehicles respond flawlessly during acceleration, braking and hairpin turns. The 2005 Cadillac CTS is a fun vehicle to drive and will bring the same level of confidence and pleasure as a competing foreign vehicle. The best compliment I can pay is to say that the 2005 Cadillac CTS rides and drives with the integrity of a rear wheel drive car even though it is a front wheel drive vehicle.

GM has not skimped on safety making six air bags including head-curtain side bags standard. All speed traction control and four-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard as well. OnStar began on Cadillac and has evolved to be the telemetrics leader in automotive safety. Integration of a proprietary hands free telephone hard wired into GPS tracking and automotive systems still faces tough competition with the open standard of Bluetooth connectivity. But OnStar is simply unmatched as a safety device.

Cutting edge design of the 2005 CTS continues to set the standard for Cadillac. With an aggressive stance and powerful presence this car cannot be mistaken for the jellybean look of some competitors.

The pebble grain of the 2005 Cadillac CTS interior is somewhat different but it worked for me. Controls are within easy reach. The bright large screen displaying navigation, audio, climate and drivers information function were superb. Of course I am a big fan of XM Radio. Except on Saturday at Noon when you want to be tuned into AM 610 Sports for the MOTOR MOUTH radio show with Randy Miller and yours truly.

General Motors continues to have some of the best heated leather seats in the industry. As they say, "A luxury once experienced - becomes a necessity". I cannot imagine purchasing a vehicle at this level without this necessary luxury. Next, I want to see a good massage feature added to the heated seat.

The 2005 Cadillac CTS is a blend of all that we look for in a premium automobile. Yet bathed in luxury, and infused with performance the 2005 Cadillac CTS still gets 27 MPG on the highway just to satisfy our frugal side.

2005 Cadillac CTS

3.6LV6 VVT Engine
5 Speed Automatic Transmission
Luxury Package
DVD Navigation Package

Price as tested $40,625

18/27 EPA MPG Estimates

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