2004 Cadillac CTS

For 2004, the CTS comes with your choice of engines: the completely re-engineered 3.2-liter DOHC V-6 mated with the Getrag 5-speed manual transmission, or the all-new 3.6-liter V-6 VVT (variable valve timing) matched to the Hydra-Matic 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The 3.2-liter develops 220 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 220 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,400 rpm. At 220 hp, the four-cam V-6 isn't the most powerful engine in its class, but it's torquey where it needs to be and revs cheerfully. The new 3.6-liter makes 255 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 252 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,200 rpm. With variable valve timing and specially isolated cams, it's one of the smoothest V-6s on the market. Dual exhaust ports are available on CTS models with the new 3.6-liter six.

An all-new 3.6-liter V-6 with variable valve timing and dual exhaust ports is available for 2004.

Two suspension packages are available in 2004, Base/Luxury or Sport. For 2004, you can order the Sport Package with either engine/trans set up. Interestingly, the base car handles remarkably well; predictably, the Sport version is noticeably stiffer. Ken Morris says, "We didn't want the base car to be a letdown." It isn't. After several hundred test miles, I can even attest that the Sport version rides and handles precisely and doesn't rattle out your back teeth. Steering is delightfully crisp, with just the right amount of boost. The brakes are powerful and progressive and the lining upgrade isn't offensive. Sport versions get stiffer springs, as noted, automatic load-leveling, 17x7.5-inch wheels and Goodyear Eagle P225/50VR17 all-season tires, but the base car's 225/55R16 Eagles on 16x7 alloys are up to the task as well.


Built in Lansing, Michigan, the CTS packs a lot of neat features: tungsten halogen lighting, a fast-acting neon CHMSL, integrated headlamp washers, Nuance leather and a standard Delphi-Delco 200-watt audio system. All North American CTSs have the OnStar system as standard. The long list of safety features includes six "next-generation" airbags, energy-management retractors in the front, and seatbelt pretensioners all around. Upgrades include an eight-speaker, 212-watt Bose sound system. The optional navigation system is easy to use; the map is in a horizontal plane that neatly simulates what you'd see if you were literally driving across a map.


In sum, the CTS is a driver's car that'll surprise and delight a lot of people. Cadillac's done its job very well. (www.cadillac.com)