2008 Cadillac CTS Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Cadillac CTS sedan has the looks, feel, and price, but it falls just short of being a BMW replacement.
This CTS is a new car that looks an awful lot like the last version, but that’s a good thing. The large Cadillac grille is sharper than it was in previous iterations, and the large headlights accent the front fascia well without looking “froggy” or bulbous. The CTS’s profile appears longer than it is, thanks to straight accent lines and a lightly curved beltline. There’s more going on around back than almost anywhere else on the car, with a Cadillac badge and model designation logos joining a thick chrome accent piece on the trunk lid.
On the inside, the CTS exchanges clean lines for a busy and flashy centre stack. The wood accents and silver trim add a decidedly grown-up feel to the small luxury sedan’s cabin.
The CTS handles like a dream but is noticeably slower than competitors, even when equipped with its most powerful engine. That’s due in part to its heavy curb weight. That said, the car still feels lively and powerful enough to classify as a sport sedan. Sharp steering and a confident-but-comfortable ride help the Cadillac hold its own in a steeply competitive segment.
Both the 263-hp and 304-hp engines are available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. The base engine, despite being less powerful, does not gain much on its more powerful counterpart in way of fuel economy. The lesser engine is rated at 11.8 to 13.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 7.5 to 8.1 depending on powertrain configuration, while the more powerful engine is rated at between 12.2 and 14.0 L/100 km city and 7.5 to 8.0 highway.
The CTS may feel like a German sport sedan, but its over-stylized interior screams Americana. Wood, metal, stitched leather seats, and plastic all meet to create a number of funky angles and gaps throughout the cabin. Even so, the interior feels cohesive and well put-together. A leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and variable intermittent wipers are standard, and a sunroof is available as an option. It's just shy of the experience provided by the car’s more expensive German rivals.
Cadillac bestowed the CTS with a lot of buttons and controls in the centre stack, and every single one feels premium. The optional navigation system rises on a screen in the upper dash, and when lowered, it leaves a small display open for controls.
Backseat passengers are not treated to the same flash and bold styling that the front-seat passengers see, but the rear cabin area is comfortable and uncluttered and offers enough legroom. The CTS’s trunk inches past those of competitors at 385 litres, and a 60/40 folding rear seat opens that up even further.
The CTS comes with an audio memory system, which lets users upload CDs and store them on a hard drive in the car. The system can even record up to 60 minutes of over-the-air live audio. However, the car lacks Bluetooth, which means that cellphone connections are a no-no, though most dealers do offer an aftermarket Bluetooth upgrade. There’s also an eight-speaker Bose sound system onboard.
The navigation system integrates with XM satellite radio traffic data to display real-time traffic flow info in metro areas. The system can read upcoming street names and has a full database of points of interest to help guide the trip.
The 2008 Cadillac CTS earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). That included “Good” ratings in all crashworthiness categories. Standard safety equipment includes four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, electronic stability control, six airbags, and side curtain airbags for both rows. Adaptive headlights, which can turn up to 15 degrees in the direction of a curve, are optional.
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety rates the 2008 Cadillac CTS as a Top Safety Pick, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives it four stars in its front driver’s side crash test, five stars on the passenger side, five stars in side crash tests, and four stars for rollover strength with both drivetrains.
The CTS’s starting price in Canada of $38,900 seems like a bargain in the midsize luxury segment, and it is. The Bose stereo, dual-zone climate controls, power driver’s seat, premium synthetic leather upholstery, and 17-inch alloy wheels are all high-end features that land at a relatively low starting price.
A totally loaded model reaches around $50,000, which is well into premium car territory. That price tag puts it head to head with a nicely-equipped BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which is a tough place to be for the CTS.
Note: Images show a US model.
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2008 Cadillac CTS Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Hard Drive: 40GB · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 1.02 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.73
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: split-folding
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leatherette · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Hard Drive: 40GB · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · XM with NavTraffic satellite radio · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 1.02 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: air conditioning · Storage: cargo net · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.42 · Driven Wheels: all wheel drive
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leatherette · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 1.02 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Dash trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.23
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leatherette
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brake width: 1.02 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Dash trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo net · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.23
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leatherette
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent