Cadillac CTS

Name: 2003 Cadillac CTS
Brand: Cadillac

EPA MPG: 21 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 21 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Cadillac CTS has a sportier character than some competing models. We liked its capable handling, comfortable ride, and quick acceleration. But the car lacks features we expect in this price range, including a telescopic steering wheel, adjustable lumbar support, and an illuminated glove compartment.

2003 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Cadillac vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Cadillac vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Cadillac vs. Other New Car Brands

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2003 Luxury midsized cars Ratings

2003 Cadillac CTS

$3,050

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Acura RL

$3,950 - $4,000

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Acura TL

$3,575 - $4,225

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Audi A6

$3,125 - $3,925

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 BMW 5 Series

$3,975 - $5,100

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Infiniti M

$3,975

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Jaguar S-Type

$3,100 - $4,700

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Jaguar X-Type

$3,075 - $3,575

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Lexus ES

$4,775

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Lexus GS

$5,125 - $5,200

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Lincoln LS

$3,250 - $3,600

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$3,725 - $8,200

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volvo S80

$3,175 - $4,375

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volvo V70/XC70

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Rear

3.2-liter V6 (220 hp)
3.6-liter V6 (255 hp)
5.7-liter V8 (400 hp)

5-speed manual
5-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2014-2019

2014 Redesign Year

In our testing, we found the 2014 CTS delivers an inviting blend of comfort, quietness, and a sporty driving performance. The world-class cabin offers excellent fit and finish, acres of padding, and sumptuous genuine leather. The front seats are very comfortable, but the flush-mounted, touch-activated switches are an aggravation. The best blend of features and price is the Luxury Collection trim package with real leather, a folding rear seat, HID headlights, forward-collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and heated/ventilated front seats. The high-end V-Sport is a treat to drive, with effortless thrust. Changes for 2015 included a standard built-in WiFi hotspot. Updates for 2016 included a new eight-speed automatic transmission, a 335-hp 3.6-liter V6, 360-degree camera, and the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the infotainment system. 2019 was the final year for the CTS.

2008-2013

2008 Redesign Year

A notable improvement over the model it replaces, this version of the CTS competes toe-to-toe with some of the best imported sport sedans. A taut suspension and excellent steering give the CTS agile handling, with a firm yet compliant ride. The interior is significantly improved, with the adoption of higher quality materials. The engine and transmission deliver strong performance and refinement. Rear visibility is limited by the thick rear pillar and high deck lid. A wagon version was added for 2010. The V8-powered CTS-V could be had with each bodystyle.

2003-2007

2003 Redesign Year

The CTS has sports sedan handling and a firm but supple ride. We also like its quick acceleration. However, the car lacks some features we expect in this price range, including a telescoping steering wheel, adjustable lumbar support, and an illuminated glove compartment. The cabin is quiet, but some controls are confusing. The base 3.2-liter engine was replaced with a 2.8-liter V6 for 2005, and a 3.6-liter V6 became an optional upgrade. The sporty CTS-V packed a 5.7-liter V8 and a six-speed manual.