Overview:
This week I have to tell you how much I enjoy driving Cadillac products. We’re looking at the 2008 Cadillac CTS which is one of my favorite of all cars. However I did find a little annoyance with the radio that was not as intuitive as I would expect. GM must be looking to the German cars instead of the Japanese makes for ideas of what people like. But they’ve done such a great job in design they should use their own judgment on electronics, or at least look to the Japanese for simple use of gadgets and creature comforts. The Germans simply do a lousy job in this area as they overcomplicate everything.
Since 2003 this car has been a top seller for Cad and by all indications it will continue to impress all car lovers. This is one dynamite car for all seasons and any reasons you can imagine. You’ve gotta fall in love with this Cadillac. Thanks GM and Bravo.
General Info:
Parts – US/Canadian 80%.
Assembly – Lansing, MI USA
Class: – Mid Size Cars
Cars: – CTS, DTS, Escalade, Escalade EXT, SRX, STS and XLR.
I have a question; are people who buy Cadillac’s and other luxury cars more intelligent than others? I asked that because only those cars seem to have automatic one touch up and down Windows. And conversely less elegant cars seldom have automatic up-and-down window features. Are they afraid people who buy average cars are less responsible and will hurt themselves in those automatic windows? Okay, so those window switches are a tad more expensive but that doesn’t totally explain or answer my question.
Handling & Performance:
Unbelievably agile and athletic, some would say. Test drive it and you too will be blown away. Rear wheel drive makes this a very well-balanced car without too much weight on the front end.
Styling:
I love what they have done with the Cadillac design and it remains consistent since 2003. The sharp edges and pronounced lines are simply beautifully done. Inside, the elegant wood trim, wood accented steering wheel, and shift knob are subtle touches of class Along with the analog clock in the middle of it all. Another nice touch is the stitching on the leather textured dash.
Quite frankly it is a testimony to the fact that the most beautiful and capable cars can indeed come from American carmakers. They appeal to so many people around the world because America is made up of so many people from around the world.
Fit and Finish:
Outstanding!
Cost:
Not bad for what you get.
Features and Conveniences:
There are all the gadgets and goodies that you can want on automobile and arguably more expensive than they should be. The options packages are very, very cool. I particularly liked the fact that when I was running low on fuel the system would ask if you wanted to find the nearest gasoline station and then it would give you directions to the one of your choice.
Consumer Recommendation:
If the styling and design of this car makes it one of your dream cars and you haven’t yet driven the automobile that experience will make up your mind for you.
Recognized Competition:
Cadillac CTS $33-35,000, Jaguar X-type $3 Lincoln MKZ $31-33,000, Mercedes-Benz E-Class $51-85,000, Buick Lucerne $27-39,000, Acura TL $34-38,000, Saab 9-5 $37-38,000, Infiniti G35 $32-34,000, Lexus ES 350 $33,820, Hyundai Azera $25-29,000, Volvo S60 $31-34,000, Chrysler 300 $25-42,000, Lexus IS $31-36,000 .
Good News:
Fast, classy, roomy and large trunk, elegant styling and youthful appeal.
Bad News:
Small rear door openings, options are a bit pricey.
Standard Equipment:
3.6 L 304 hp V-6, six speed automatic transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, antilock brake system, four-wheel disc brakes, 17 inch aluminum wheels, stability control, all speed traction control, tire pressure monitor, tire sealant and inflator kit in place of spare tire, leather wrapped steering wheel with auxiliary controls, dual zone climate control, 8-way power driver’s seat, power windows with driver and passenger express up and down, cruise control, driver information Center, rear seat pass through to trunk, stereo with CD player / MP3 format Bose eight speaker system, XM satellite radio with three months included, front and side impact airbags head curtain side airbags front and rear, daytime running lights, auto headlights, power door locks, theft deterrent system and OnStar with turn by turn navigational directions.
Options:
add CD /DVD player, MP3 format 5.1 cabin surround sound 10 speaker system, 40 GB hard drive, navigation system with XM traffic service, ultra view sunroof, Sapele wood trim, rain sensing windshield wipers, theft deterrent alarm, heated and cooled seats, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, leather seats with driver and passenger 10-way memory seat adjuster, heated windshield washer fluid, 18 inch all season performance tires, high-intensity headlights, headlight washer, 18 inch painted aluminum wheels, limited slip differential, sports suspension system, performance cooling system, fog lights, thunder Grey Chromaflair premium paint and compact spare tire. Total options $11,150.
$3.50/ Gal avg. Mar 11, ‘08
for more information.
17 City and 26 Highway MPG
www.safercar.gov or 888-327-4236
Pricing:
MSRP $34,545; with Options $45,695.
