CTS-V Test Drive....

[Arkady]

So... I was washing my car yesterday next to a Cadillac dealership and decided to stop in for a quick test drive of the CTS-V. Here's how things went and my impressions of the car.

Walked into the showroom and walked up to a salesman (who was sitting at his desk staring out the window). I told him that I was interested in the CTS-V and would like a test drive. He asked me if I was buying today. After I said no he asked if I could come back at another time since they were really busy and he couldn't spare the 30 minutes it took for a drive. I told him that if I walked out I would not come back when I was ready to buy and he looked me over and said ok :confused: .

After about 20 minutes he finally pulled a 2005 CTS-V out front and we went for a drive.

Exterior: The car looks better in person than when you see the brochure. It's edgy and modern. Overall I liked the exterior look and found it appealing (although the grill of the V was a little too bling bling).

Interior: Here I was completely caught by surprise. I have heard that most people said that the interior looked kind of cheap. What I didn't realize was how cheap!! When you sit in the car and look at the dash and the controls you really start to wonder how anyone could try to sell this car for 50 grand and offer such crap on the inside. Everything was either cheap, hard plastic or leather that I believe came from an animal that should have never existed :eeps:. Nothing felt good to the touch (not even the steering wheel).

Power: Here the car shines. With the V-8 under the hood the acceleration was incredible. Punch the pedal in any speed and gear and the car just takes off. Very impressive and very addictive :). Oh, and I could not reproduce the wheel hop problem. Maybe for the 05's they fixed it :dunno:.

Transmission: I really didn't like it. It was very sloppy and soft and did not inspire any confidence. In fact, there were several instances were it actually took away from the overall fun of running through the gears.

Comfort: Overall I found the seats supportive and comfy. The only comment here is that for some reason I could not find a comfortable position for my right hand. It seems that if I pulled the seat forward so my legs were comfortable then the shifter was too close to me. If I sat back then my legs didn't feel relaxed. But, I did not spend a lot of time adjusting my seat and steering wheel so I'm not sure if this is really an issue (or just me).

Overall Impression: I left the dealership with mixed feelings. When I choose a car it's because it's positives outweigh the negatives. Here, it's just not that cut and dry. I know people who have bought one and they can't stop talking about the power and the handling. But, for me there needs to be more. Yes, any car that has a Corvette engine and a six speed tranny is going to be fast. But doesn't it need more than just a powerful engine to be competitive? And that's where things got blurry. Sure, the CTS-V is fully loaded (NAV, leather, heated seats, etc..). And yes, it's VERY powerful. But I have seen a more pleasant interior in a Honda Accord (which is half the price). And as far as competing with BMW, I just don't see how. Every manufacturer excels in one area. BMW, driving dynamics. MB and Lexus, luxury. But Cadillac?? where does it fit in? luxury? I don't think so (at least not yet), driving dynamics? while they have improved overall I think they still missed the mark. And that's the issue for me. When I sit in a car I can tell in which direction the manufacturer is trying to go. But when I sat in a CTS-V I got confused. It's like they tried to do everything at once but missed everything (although by a short margin in some areas). Would I spend 50k on that car? I don't think so, maybe 40k.. but just not 50k. When you play in the 50k area there are many other cars that I think I would rather have.

[JST]

So... I was washing my car yesterday next to a Cadillac dealership and decided to stop in for a quick test drive of the CTS-V. Here's how things went and my impressions of the car.

Walked into the showroom and walked up to a salesman (who was sitting at his desk staring out the window). I told him that I was interested in the CTS-V and would like a test drive. He asked me if I was buying today. After I said no he asked if I could come back at another time since they were really busy and he couldn't spare the 30 minutes it took for a drive. I told him that if I walked out I would not come back when I was ready to buy and he looked me over and said ok :confused: .

After about 20 minutes he finally pulled a 2005 CTS-V out front and we went for a drive.

Exterior: The car looks better in person than when you see the brochure. It's edgy and modern. Overall I liked the exterior look and found it appealing (although the grill of the V was a little too bling bling).

Interior: Here I was completely caught by surprise. I have heard that most people said that the interior looked kind of cheap. What I didn't realize was how cheap!! When you sit in the car and look at the dash and the controls you really start to wonder how anyone could try to sell this car for 50 grand and offer such crap on the inside. Everything was either cheap, hard plastic or leather that I believe came from an animal that should have never existed :eeps:. Nothing felt good to the touch (not even the steering wheel).

Power: Here the car shines. With the V-8 under the hood the acceleration was incredible. Punch the pedal in any speed and gear and the car just takes off. Very impressive and very addictive :). Oh, and I could not reproduce the wheel hop problem. Maybe for the 05's they fixed it :dunno:.

Transmission: I really didn't like it. It was very sloppy and soft and did not inspire any confidence. In fact, there were several instances were it actually took away from the overall fun of running through the gears.

Comfort: Overall I found the seats supportive and comfy. The only comment here is that for some reason I could not find a comfortable position for my right hand. It seems that if I pulled the seat forward so my legs were comfortable then the shifter was too close to me. If I sat back then my legs didn't feel relaxed. But, I did not spend a lot of time adjusting my seat and steering wheel so I'm not sure if this is really an issue (or just me).

Overall Impression: I left the dealership with mixed feelings. When I choose a car it's because it's positives outweigh the negatives. Here, it's just not that cut and dry. I know people who have bought one and they can't stop talking about the power and the handling. But, for me there needs to be more. Yes, any car that has a Corvette engine and a six speed tranny is going to be fast. But doesn't it need more than just a powerful engine to be competitive? And that's where things got blurry. Sure, the CTS-V is fully loaded (NAV, leather, heated seats, etc..). And yes, it's VERY powerful. But I have seen a more pleasant interior in a Honda Accord (which is half the price). And as far as competing with BMW, I just don't see how. Every manufacturer excels in one area. BMW, driving dynamics. MB and Lexus, luxury. But Cadillac?? where does it fit in? luxury? I don't think so (at least not yet), driving dynamics? while they have improved overall I think they still missed the mark. And that's the issue for me. When I sit in a car I can tell in which direction the manufacturer is trying to go. But when I sat in a CTS-V I got confused. It's like they tried to do everything at once but missed everything (although by a short margin in some areas). Would I spend 50k on that car? I don't think so, maybe 40k.. but just not 50k. When you play in the 50k area there are many other cars that I think I would rather have.

Nice review.

I guess, for me, the positives of the CTS-V far outweigh its negatives. After all, the interior *functions* very well--the ergonomics are superb (e.g., the radio and nav interface is better than the E46) and it has all of the functions, gimmicks and bells and whistles that its competitors do. As you note, the biggest problem area is in materials quality; shiny, hard and unattractive plastics predominate.

But have you sat in an E60 or E63 yet? IMHO, the plastics in those cars are either just as nasty or nearly so. The E39, E53 and E46 really represent the high-water mark of BMW interior design. Costly feeling and well laid out, they are the ultimate evolution of the driver-centric, sport-luxury paradigm that BMW had been pursuing since the New Class cars in the 60s. Frankly, with the exception of the nav/radio (which sucks), I am at a loss to figure out how the E46 interior could be improved.

The new generation of BMWs throws all of this out, in my mind. The ergonomics are much worse (even leaving iDrive aside), as the whole notion of driver-centered information and control flow has been abandoned. Worse, the quality of the plastics and other materials has also declined noticeably. I've said it before and I will say it again--go from inside an E39 to an E63, and I defy you to think that the E63 is the more expensive car.

So, IMHO the Cadillac guys are on the right track, while BMW has totally lost the plot.

Finally, it makes sense to think about the cars that the CTS-V really competes with. In terms of pace and space (though clearly not price) you are talking about the 545 and E500 (the new M5 and E55 are substantially faster with significantly more hp, but you could have a CTS-V *and,* e.g., an Infiniti G35 for the price of those cars). The CTS-V is just as big as the E60 545, handles better, and is substantially faster. The same is even more true for the E500.

A 50K Cadillac is a loaded, mid-sized, 4 door 400 hp beast. A 50K BMW is either a basic spec M3, which is smaller and has a lot less utlity, or a moderately well-equipped *six cylinder* 530, which is laughably slow and poorly equipped next to the V. You say that for 50K, there are a lot of other cars you'd buy first--I can't think of one that does everything that the Cadillac does for anywhere near 50K. It's totally unique (though that could change if Chrysler wises up and puts a stick in the 300C SRT-8).

[Arkady]

But have you sat in an E60 or E63 yet? IMHO, the plastics in those cars are either just as nasty or nearly so. The E39, E53 and E46 really represent the high-water mark of BMW interior design. Costly feeling and well laid out, they are the ultimate evolution of the driver-centric, sport-luxury paradigm that BMW had been pursuing since the New Class cars in the 60s. Frankly, with the exception of the nav/radio (which sucks), I am at a loss to figure out how the E46 interior could be improved.

Here I'm not so sure. I've sat in the new 5 and while it might not be an improvement over the old one it is still light years in material and fit and finish ahead of Cadillac. But, I do agree with you 100% that the new BMW models are a step down in interior quality over the previous models :( .


Finally, it makes sense to think about the cars that the CTS-V really competes with. In terms of pace and space (though clearly not price) you are talking about the 545 and E500 (the new M5 and E55 are substantially faster with significantly more hp, but you could have a CTS-V *and,* e.g., an Infiniti G35 for the price of those cars). The CTS-V is just as big as the E60 545, handles better, and is substantially faster. The same is even more true for the E500.

A 50K Cadillac is a loaded, mid-sized, 4 door 400 hp beast. A 50K BMW is either a basic spec M3, which is smaller and has a lot less utlity, or a moderately well-equipped *six cylinder* 530, which is laughably slow and poorly equipped next to the V. You say that for 50K, there are a lot of other cars you'd buy first--I can't think of one that does everything that the Cadillac does for anywhere near 50K. It's totally unique (though that could change if Chrysler wises up and puts a stick in the 300C SRT-8).

This is were I seem to not see the comparison. What would make someone choose the CTS-V over the BMW 545 or the MB E500? If I had the money to buy either of them I just can't see myself choosing the V :dunno:. Both 5's offer a total package that the Caddy just doesn't even come close to touching (even if they offer less options for that price). Aside from wonderfull V8's they offer a sublime ride and an interior that the current CTS can't touch. From my perspective I could see looking to spend in the low 40's on a 3 series or the C class and then thinking, wait.. if I spend a little more I can get a V8 (do I sound like a juice commercial? :)). And, if the interior doesn't bother too much then maybe it would make sense to spend more and get a loaded 8 instead of a loaded 6 (3 series).

I guess for me just because two cars have the same engine size it doesn't mean that they are in the same league (hint.. Passat W8 :eeps: )

[BahnBaum]

Oh, and I could not reproduce the wheel hop problem.

How hard did the salesman let you drive it? :yikes:

Alex

[Arkady]

How hard did the salesman let you drive it? :yikes:

Alex

Let's just say after he said.. "go ahead and floor it" he never said another word for the rest of the test drive :D

That was probably the only good thing I can say about him :thumbup:

[JST]

Here I'm not so sure. I've sat in the new 5 and while it might not be an improvement over the old one it is still light years in material and fit and finish ahead of Cadillac. But, I do agree with you 100% that the new BMW models are a step down in interior quality over the previous models :( .



This is were I seem to not see the comparison. What would make someone choose the CTS-V over the BMW 545 or the MB E500? If I had the money to buy either of them I just can't see myself choosing the V :dunno:. Both 5's offer a total package that the Caddy just doesn't even come close to touching (even if they offer less options for that price). Aside from wonderfull V8's they offer a sublime ride and an interior that the current CTS can't touch. From my perspective I could see looking to spend in the low 40's on a 3 series or the C class and then thinking, wait.. if I spend a little more I can get a V8 (do I sound like a juice commercial? :)). And, if the interior doesn't bother too much then maybe it would make sense to spend more and get a loaded 8 instead of a loaded 6 (3 series).

I guess for me just because two cars have the same engine size it doesn't mean that they are in the same league (hint.. Passat W8 :eeps: )

You can't get a 545 for anything like the cost of a V. An absolute "stripper" 545, with the sport package and nothing else, costs $59,795, or $9500 more than the base price of a V. Load the two up, and the V (whose only option is a sunroof) is $52,495, and the BMW is $65,790, or $13,295 more expensive. That's a *lot* of scratch (note that that is "similarly equipped, i.e. ignoring options on the BMW like HUD that you can't get on the V). And it ignores the fact that the V OWNS the 545 in every measure of performance.

The E500 is even worse--with the Sport package, it runs for 62.5, base. And that goes up near 68 grand when you add in basic "luxury" options like Xenons and folding seats. Plus, you can't get a manual transmission in that car for any price.

I would buy a CTS-V over either an E500 or a 545 all day, every day even if the cars cost the same, since the V is so much more capable from a performance standpoint. Add in a price difference of between $10,000 and $15,000 and the decision is an easy one. I can buy a nice Barcelona chair for my house with 1/3 of the difference to console myself about the lack of "luxury" in my car.

[Thertorch]

You can't get a 545 for anything like the cost of a V. An absolute "stripper" 545, with the sport package and nothing else, costs $59,795, or $9500 more than the base price of a V. Load the two up, and the V (whose only option is a sunroof) is $52,495, and the BMW is $65,790, or $13,295 more expensive. That's a *lot* of scratch (note that that is "similarly equipped, i.e. ignoring options on the BMW like HUD that you can't get on the V). And it ignores the fact that the V OWNS the 545 in every measure of performance.

The E500 is even worse--with the Sport package, it runs for 62.5, base. And that goes up near 68 grand when you add in basic "luxury" options like Xenons and folding seats. Plus, you can't get a manual transmission in that car for any price.

I would buy a CTS-V over either an E500 or a 545 all day, every day even if the cars cost the same, since the V is so much more capable from a performance standpoint. Add in a price difference of between $10,000 and $15,000 and the decision is an easy one. I can buy a nice Barcelona chair for my house with 1/3 of the difference to console myself about the lack of "luxury" in my car.

JST, if the V had the BMW rondel on the front of it, these folks wouldn't be able to say enough good things about it.

You are one hundred percent correct, it's the only car in it's class. Hell, the CTS 6 cylinder beat the 5 series 6 cylinder in a comparison test in Road and track a few months back.

Cadillac is coming back with a vengence, and that's a good thing. Competition, especially when it makes car's more fun to drive, is always good. :thumbup:

[blueguydotcom]

JST, if the V had the BMW rondel on the front of it, these folks wouldn't be able to say enough good things about it.

You are one hundred percent correct, it's the only car in it's class. Hell, the CTS 6 cylinder beat the 5 series 6 cylinder in a comparison test in Road and track a few months back.

Cadillac is coming back with a vengence, and that's a good thing. Competition, especially when it makes car's more fun to drive, is always good. :thumbup:

I've not driven the CTS-V. I did drive a CTS manual when they came out. It was a joke. And the salesguy didn't know squat. When I commented that the handling was far below the german comp he responded with a uniquely american answer, "But this is a Cadillac. Nothing is as classy as a Caddy."

Dude, it's southern California. Nothing is as reviled as American cars here. Caddy and classy.... :rofl:

[Arkady]

JST, if the V had the BMW rondel on the front of it, these folks wouldn't be able to say enough good things about it.


This statement makes absolutly no sense :confused:

While the V is a fine automobile it's interior and handling does not even come close to what BMW is currently offering (even with the newly redesigned models).

And judging from all of the threads on this board we, as BMW fanatics are more critical of BMW than other manufacturer. I assure you, if BMW ever released a vehicle like the V there would be a plane full of Bimmerfest members flying to Germany for a drive-by meet and greet :eeps:

[jw]

J
Cadillac is coming back with a vengence, and that's a good thing. Competition, especially when it makes car's more fun to drive, is always good. :thumbup:
Take delivery yet? :)

My wife and I took a trip to the Poconos this past weekend. While it's not a V this car has some real acceleration. On 476 I was in a convoy of 5 or 6 cars all going 95+ mph. I barely punched it and it went to 105 in a blip. I looked over at my wife and she thought we were speeding around 80-85. LOL.

All in all, I'm glad I opted for the CTS over the 530/545 that I was considering. The ride was extremely comfortable driving over 350 miles without having any body fatigue. Mileage aroudn 25mpg. Navigation system blows away what is in the BMW. I set the trip with 4 waypoints from NoVA to Annapolis to Media, PA and then to Stroudsburg. As for entertainment... well... XM worked great except some spots in the mountains. The in dash cd changer kicked in great. The volume wheel on the steering wheel was great for quick volume changes and I reprogrammed the other steering wheel buttons for more long-trip friendly functions. While we were stuck in a long traffic jam outside the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, I popped a DVD into the dash to watch. :D

[JST]

This statement makes absolutly no sense :confused:

While the V is a fine automobile it's interior and handling does not even come close to what BMW is currently offering (even with the newly redesigned models).



This is simply not true. No one who has driven the V back-to-back with the E39 M5 has reached this conclusion--far more common is "nearly as good as, if not as good as." The interior is what it is, but criticisms of the handling and dynamics are simply misplaced.

It is worth remembering that in R&T's test of the base CTS 3.5 against the E60 530, they said the Cadillac was the one that handled like a BMW.

[pdz]

This is simply not true. No one who has driven the V back-to-back with the E39 M5 has reached this conclusion--far more common is "nearly as good as, if not as good as." The interior is what it is, but criticisms of the handling and dynamics are simply misplaced.

It is worth remembering that in R&T's test of the base CTS 3.5 against the E60 530, they said the Cadillac was the one that handled like a BMW.

cadillac won't have succeeded until they can convince the mainstream BMW buyer that they have the intangibles and interior appointments as nice as the average german luxe.

getting closer. maybe 'nother 3-4 years.

[Arkady]

This is simply not true. No one who has driven the V back-to-back with the E39 M5 has reached this conclusion--far more common is "nearly as good as, if not as good as." The interior is what it is, but criticisms of the handling and dynamics are simply misplaced.

It is worth remembering that in R&T's test of the base CTS 3.5 against the E60 530, they said the Cadillac was the one that handled like a BMW.

Well... then let me say that I have. And if I was given a choice between the two I would pick the E39, no questions asked. The reason that I purchase BMW is because I have yet to drive a competitor that offers me the driving dynamics that I get with the bimmer. While many cars out there are "nearly as good as" the simple truth is that they are still chasing the carrot. The e39 delivers what I can only refer to as "the total package". Driving dynamics, handling, power, and interior luxury that the V only slightly comes close to in some areas but completly misses in others. Driving the V I did not feel as connected to the road as I usually do when driving a BMW. While the V has the power it completely lacks any refinement. Granted, if I wanted a pure power brute then I would consider cars like the CTS-V, Vette, and Mustang. But for me? I want more. I want finesse. I want a car that not only puts a smile on my face when I'm going around the corner but also makes me feel good about the price that I paid for it. I just wouldn't want to have to constantly be forced to say "yea, but it's got 400 horses".

As for R&T, all I can say is that the above opinion is mine (and does not reflect the views or opinions of this station :)) . Sometimes, I agree with what they say. And sometimes I don't. That is what prompted me to go and test drive the CTS-V. I wanted to see for myself if what they said was true. At the end of the day I buy a car because I like it, not because some magazine rated it better (otherwise we would all be driving a Honda :eeps: )

[JST]

Well... then let me say that I have. And if I was given a choice between the two I would pick the E39, no questions asked. The reason that I purchase BMW is because I have yet to drive a competitor that offers me the driving dynamics that I get with the bimmer. While many cars out there are "nearly as good as" the simple truth is that they are still chasing the carrot. The e39 delivers what I can only refer to as "the total package". Driving dynamics, handling, power, and interior luxury that the V only slightly comes close to in some areas but completly misses in others. Driving the V I did not feel as connected to the road as I usually do when driving a BMW. While the V has the power it completely lacks any refinement. Granted, if I wanted a pure power brute then I would consider cars like the CTS-V, Vette, and Mustang. But for me? I want more. I want finesse. I want a car that not only puts a smile on my face when I'm going around the corner but also makes me feel good about the price that I paid for it. I just wouldn't want to have to constantly be forced to say "yea, but it's got 400 horses".

As for R&T, all I can say is that the above opinion is mine (and does not reflect the views or opinions of this station :)) . Sometimes, I agree with what they say. And sometimes I don't. That is what prompted me to go and test drive the CTS-V. I wanted to see for myself if what they said was true. At the end of the day I buy a car because I like it, not because some magazine rated it better (otherwise we would all be driving a Honda :eeps: )


Fair enough.

But you aren't talking about handling. You are talking about luxury. Those are two different things. And the E39 M5 still cost more than $20K more than the V when new--that'll buy you a lot of leather and fancy plastic.

To each their own.

[pdz]

Fair enough.

But you aren't talking about handling. You are talking about luxury. Those are two different things. And the E39 M5 still cost more than $20K more than the V when new--that'll buy you a lot of leather and fancy plastic.

To each their own.

there's something to be said for the intangibles. the e39 is/was built like a bank vault and had a wonderful interior.

'course you know if it were me, i'd choose the GTO with the LS2 or the CTS-V with the LS2 (just around the corner).

[Sal Collaziano]

Let's just keep in mind that nobody feels Cadillac is up to the same level as BMW. Atleast not yet. Of course Cadillac wants that to happen - but they're not there yet - and they know it. So does everyone else - including Cadillac enthusiasts like myself...

Otherwise, competition is a good thing - and Cadillac is going to keep BMW on its toes...

[flashinthepan]

Nice feedback ! :thumbup:

Somehow I feel if I went CTS I would chose automatic, which is not available yet on the "V". Guess I'm old school but Caddy means Easy driving luxury.

[BahnBaum]

Nice feedback ! :thumbup:

Somehow I feel if I went CTS I would chose automatic, which is not available yet on the "V". Guess I'm old school but Caddy means Easy driving luxury.

I wouldn't in any way consider the CTS-V to be an old school luxury driving Cadillac.

Alex

[JST]

Nice feedback ! :thumbup:

Somehow I feel if I went CTS I would chose automatic, which is not available yet on the "V". Guess I'm old school but Caddy means Easy driving luxury.

Chrysler is building the car you seek. The 300C SRT-8 will be auto-only, and probably usefully less expensive than the V. It will have 0.4L more engine, 25 more hp, but 300ish more lbs, too.

And dubs.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't want one a little bit.
:eeps:

[Thertorch]

I've not driven the CTS-V. I did drive a CTS manual when they came out. It was a joke. And the salesguy didn't know squat. When I commented that the handling was far below the german comp he responded with a uniquely american answer, "But this is a Cadillac. Nothing is as classy as a Caddy."

Dude, it's southern California. Nothing is as reviled as American cars here. Caddy and classy.... :rofl:

You drove the 3.2l manual. Go back for a test drive with the 3.6l and the 6MT. A whole different driving experience.

[Thertorch]

Take delivery yet? :)

My wife and I took a trip to the Poconos this past weekend. While it's not a V this car has some real acceleration. On 476 I was in a convoy of 5 or 6 cars all going 95+ mph. I barely punched it and it went to 105 in a blip. I looked over at my wife and she thought we were speeding around 80-85. LOL.

All in all, I'm glad I opted for the CTS over the 530/545 that I was considering. The ride was extremely comfortable driving over 350 miles without having any body fatigue. Mileage aroudn 25mpg. Navigation system blows away what is in the BMW. I set the trip with 4 waypoints from NoVA to Annapolis to Media, PA and then to Stroudsburg. As for entertainment... well... XM worked great except some spots in the mountains. The in dash cd changer kicked in great. The volume wheel on the steering wheel was great for quick volume changes and I reprogrammed the other steering wheel buttons for more long-trip friendly functions. While we were stuck in a long traffic jam outside the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, I popped a DVD into the dash to watch. :D


No.... :cry:

[Thertorch]

This statement makes absolutly no sense :confused:

While the V is a fine automobile it's interior and handling does not even come close to what BMW is currently offering (even with the newly redesigned models).

And judging from all of the threads on this board we, as BMW fanatics are more critical of BMW than other manufacturer. I assure you, if BMW ever released a vehicle like the V there would be a plane full of Bimmerfest members flying to Germany for a drive-by meet and greet :eeps:

The CTS-V outhandles the old M-5, and comes within a whisker of the M-3. At a considerable penalty in weight. That's not my analysis, that's from multiple comparison tests on all three vehicles.

BMW does not currently offer the CTS-V counteroffer. Either the cars are smaller (M3) or very much overpriced for comparable performance (M5).

I think your confusing handling with 'feel'. And I'll agree that the Cadillac's don't equal the driving experience that the BMW's do, atm. But when pushed, the CTS-CTS-V equal or exceed the performance characteristics of the BMW's.

The interior is what it is. It has won at least one award, which depending on your opinion of designers is either good or bad. :p However, given the positioning of the vehicle, and it's performance objective, the interior may have been sacrificed for better suspension parts. Calling it crap doesn't serve any purpose at all. A more objective response might be that it didn't live up to your expectations for vehicles in this class. Others certainly don't share your view.

Cadillac has every right to be darn proud of this vehicle program. It's currently outselling their market projections by over 100%. Obviously, they've tapped into a market, and the quality and performance of the car are winning over people who would otherwise be buying imports. That is certainly a good thing for the US, and bodes well for the future of GM.

[jw]

Cadillac has every right to be darn proud of this vehicle program. It's currently outselling their market projections by over 100%. Obviously, they've tapped into a market, and the quality and performance of the car are winning over people who would otherwise be buying imports. That is certainly a good thing for the US, and bodes well for the future of GM.

The Lansing-made Cadillac CTS helped lead the way. Sales of the entry-level luxury car jumped 28 percent over September 2003.
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041002/NEWS03/410020324/1004

My CTS has been in the shop since Monday. They replaced the rear diff. and are now troubleshooting electrical gremlins. Getting a full/complete detail as well since they decided to "wash" my car last time and left it swirl-mark city!

[Thertorch]

My CTS has been in the shop since Monday. They replaced the rear diff. and are now troubleshooting electrical gremlins. Getting a full/complete detail as well since they decided to "wash" my car last time and left it swirl-mark city!



:slap: You're not supposed to mention that differential problem... Hope I get the new part number in mine :eeps:

I saw your post on the swirl marks. A friend at work just bought a 04 ZO6, and they swirled the living bat snot out of his paint when they detailed it. It doesn't appear that they will be able to recover it without wet sanding the clear coat. :eeps: I hope yours isn't that bad.

[jw]

:slap: You're not supposed to mention that differential problem... Hope I get the new part number in mine :eeps:

I saw your post on the swirl marks. A friend at work just bought a 04 ZO6, and they swirled the living bat snot out of his paint when they detailed it. It doesn't appear that they will be able to recover it without wet sanding the clear coat. :eeps: I hope yours isn't that bad.
Just got a call. They are replacing the entire radio tomorrow morning. The Radio LW shouldn't have happened. Maybe it will explain the other electrical gremlin with the window switches.

Still love the CTS though. Did you see my post about the trip to the Poconos? :thumbup:

(I'm ignoring the comment about the 'Vette. :D)

[Thertorch]

Just got a call. They are replacing the entire radio tomorrow morning. The Radio LW shouldn't have happened. Maybe it will explain the other electrical gremlin with the window switches.

Still love the CTS though. Did you see my post about the trip to the Poconos? :thumbup:

(I'm ignoring the comment about the 'Vette. :D)

I did, but I was so sad that I don't have my car I couldn't respond. I've missed the entire summer driving season, darnit.

The good news is that my dealer says the car has been 'preferenced', which means all the parts (possibly your old rear was the last one required :eeps: ) are now available, and I should get built tomorrow or early next week.

[jw]

I did, but I was so sad that I don't have my car I couldn't respond. I've missed the entire summer driving season, darnit.

The good news is that my dealer says the car has been 'preferenced', which means all the parts (possibly your old rear was the last one required :eeps: ) are now available, and I should get built tomorrow or early next week.
It did take a week to order the read diff. :dunno: Sort of wished I would have waited for the 6M but the itch was too much!

After the car hit 5k miles it has really started to kickass. Break-in period was much more noticable than my former 330i.

[Thertorch]

It did take a week to order the read diff. :dunno: Sort of wished I would have waited for the 6M but the itch was too much!

After the car hit 5k miles it has really started to kickass. Break-in period was much more noticable than my former 330i.


Have you done any of the mods yet? I am seriously considering the cold air box, or that ram air mod that's on the Caddy forums. I would love to put the exhaust on, but the price per hp ratio doesn't seem to be worth it. Rather get a set of those FE3's :D