2008 Cadillac CTS

The available new direct-fuel-injection version of the same 3.6-liter V6 delivers an even more energetic 304 horsepower with no loss in fuel economy. An available "Luxury Collection" package includes six-speed automatic transmission, upgraded seats and more. A "Performance Collection" adds 18-inch wheels and tires and FE2 Sport Suspension, while a "Premium Collection" offers wood trim, a 10-speaker Bose 5.1 premium audio with a 40-gig hard drive (so you can back up, store and replay live radio, download your CDs and operate your iPod from the pop-up touch screen), iPod integration, GPS navigation and EasyKey keyless entry and ignition.

Driving Impression

The Advanced navigation system offers real-time traffic and weather, expanded voice prompts and 3-D imaging of major landmarks. While its large center dash-top touch screen pops up fully on demand, the top portion peeks out to display key information even when stored. Major stand-alone options include the direct-injection V6, the six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive, Ultra-View roof, Bose premium audio (with or without navigation), the FE2 Sport Suspension and FE3 Performance Suspension on high-performance "summer" tires.


Our extensive '08 CTS driving experience began on a California racetrack and extended through twisty two-lanes, fast freeways, urban congestion and mixed-speed suburban sprawl, much of it in a Performance-Package model with the 304-horse direct-injected V6. We expected the trade-off for its ultra-responsive steering, world-class road-holding and powerful braking would be a stiff rough-surface ride, but its suspension was surprisingly supple even on the most troubled surfaces. We loved the posh, quiet, richly decorated cabin's design, found multi-adjustable seats uncommonly comfortable over the long haul and every control easy to see, find and operate.


Cadillac was once the "Standard of the World," which way back then was more than an advertising slogan. The competition is much deeper, wider and stronger today, but if you would like an unassailable reason to own, enjoy and be proud of a Cadillac again, this 2008 CTS is it. It is a fully legitimate midsize BMW 5 Series competitor at compact 3 Series prices. (www.cadillac.com)