2003 Cadillac CTS

Change

2003 Cadillac CTS

Kelley Blue Book Retail $10,000–$10,100  

Average Rating

4.2 out of 5
Review This Car
Comfort:4.4 out of 5
Performance:4.3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:4.9 out of 5
Interior Design:3.8 out of 5
Value for the Money:4.1 out of 5
Reliability:4.0 out of 5

8 out of 11 people would recommended this car to a friend

Consumer Reviews

Page 1 of 2 Next Page

Snazzy Fuel Efficient Cadillac

by A Satisfied CTS Owner
from Cincinnati, Ohio | October 3, 2011

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I have been a Cadillac Driver since 1978. This is the 1st small Cadillac that was both an eye catching,(to me) Caddy and also rides well with regular fuel. I love the smooth ride and easy manuverability as well."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

0 out of 0 found this review helpful

First Cadillac

by The Accountant
from Westchester, NY | April 29, 2011

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"This was the first Cadillac I ever owned and it will certiantly NOT be the last. I first fell in love with the look and style but never thought it would have so much power. The interior is very luxurious and the exterior looks very classy. There hasnt been any problems with mine, but it does cost a little more for the normal maintenance. All in all I have had this car for years and love it!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

5 out of 7 found this review helpful

Horrible product

by Very disappointed CTS owner in Boise Idaho
from Idaho | January 9, 2011

Rating from

(1)
Comfort: 2 out of 5
Performance: 2 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Value for the Money: 1 out of 5
Reliability: 1 out of 5

"My wife and I have owned our 2003 CTS for about a year, and so far we have had to visit the dealership every other month for repairs adding up to over $2,300. The car breaks so often that I have my mechanic on speed dial and he can recognize me by voice. We purchased this car with only 60,000 miles on it and have put 37,000 miles on it so far, always change the oil every 3,000miles and performed all of the preventative maintenance necessary. Three days after we purchased the car the system stability light came on while we were on the interstate and the car started to jerk violently to the right. Took it to the dealer and fixed the problem for the sum of $400. Two months later the car had to go back in for a leaking oil cooler and cam shaft seals, this was fixed for only $900! The next month the traction control light came on and the car would not shift out of park unless you shifted immediately when the car started, this was a cheap fix that was caused by 1 burnt out tail light. Just today a nice little light came on that said, "reducing engine power" and I could only go 6mph! I can't wait to get to the dealer on Monday and find out how much this is gonna cost! Over all I believe that Cadillac pushed out a very unreliable product, I have owned several Cadillac's throughout my life and I am sad to say that I do not think that I will ever own another one after this. I would never ever, EVER recommend this car to anyone friend or foe!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

7 out of 11 found this review helpful

In Love With My CTS

by The Cadillac of Cadillacs
from Des Moines, IA | July 15, 2010

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Features: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I've dreamed of owning this car since the model first came out almost a decade ago. Now that I own one, I wish I had bought one sooner. It is an absolute dream to drive this car. Not only is she a "head turner" from the outside, but the luxury and comfort inside is terrific. Throw an engine in there that purrs, yet has some gusto when you want it and it's a match made in heaven. I LOVE this car!!!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

7 out of 8 found this review helpful

Disappointed

by Disappointed CTS owner
from Maryland | August 17, 2009

Rating from

(3)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Handling: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Features: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 3 out of 5
Reliability: 1 out of 5

"When the CTS came out in 2003, I was really attracted to its slick exterior design and I've always thought highly of Cadillacs. That is why I bought a used '03 CTS (with 45k miles) in 2007. It is a great drive but as the car approached 50k miles, it started having problems with the ABS system and Traction control. Later on, I also started having problems with my transmission and had to get transmission work done twice! Fortunately, I had purchased extended warranty that covered most of the repair expenses. The '03 CTS is definitely an unique car with great looks and excellent performance on the road. However, I've been very disappointed with the car's reliability. If you're thinking about getting a CTS, DO get extended warranty!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

12 out of 14 found this review helpful

Call it a Cadillac but it's still a GM product

by Everyday Driver
from Louisville, KY | July 12, 2009

Rating from

(3)
Comfort: 3 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Handling: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Features: 3 out of 5
Value for the Money: 3 out of 5
Reliability: 2 out of 5

"I have owned a 2003 Cadillac CTS for almost 3 or 4 years now. Due to my job I am a heavy driver (20K miles year), and have always taken care of my vehicles with routine maintenance by the book. However over the passed 9 months I have been averaging a little over $600/month in repair cost alone. This is not counting cost that are normal maintenance such as oil changes new tires, etc. I have had the air conditioning repaired 3 times, new timing belt after it broke, replaced bent valves due to issues with the cam shafts that was some what caused by the broken timing belt. the list goes on and on. all repair cost and reliability issues aside and assuming you are looking at a quality CTS (If one exist) the build quality and materials are far below par. My family have always owned GM products (why the loyalty I don't know) but this was also my first "luxury" car. Shortly after my purchase a friend purchased a Lexus IS250 and this was the first time I realized the lack of build quality GM puts out and labels as Luxury. * The Leather is cheap and easily wears * The power seats lack support for long drives (No lumbar support at all) unacceptable for a car in this class *Air conditioning vent knobs break easily *The plastic light cover on the rear trunk surrounding the license plate becomes lose and falls of easily * body panels (bumpers and tire well panels) becomes loose after cheap body panel snaps easily break. *the list can go on and on. When you do go to preform maintenance or repair expect to pay! When having the battery replaced, I went to the local Advanced Auto where I was informed the this could only be installed and purchased at the dealership. After $280 for just a battery I asked why such the high cost? I was expecting an answer like due to an advanced electrical system engineered by Cadillac... etc, etc, but instead all I got was "It's a Cadillac man, everything's more expensive on a Cadillac" Not the answer I was looking for. So if you are looking for an "OK" vehicle that has no outstanding or unique features, questionable reliability, and high maintenance cost, then look no further. If you are looking for a quality luxury sports sedan, then look elsewhere. I know I will from now on!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Work


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

15 out of 17 found this review helpful

2003 Loaded CTS

by Once You Go Cadillac You Dont Go Back
from Arlington, TX | April 22, 2008

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"This was my second car to own, the first being a Mercedes SLK32 AMG and I loved the CTS just as much as the two door sports car. I have driven many different Cadillacs and luxury cars in my day and have to say that for the money the CTS is the best one out there. I loved my CTS and was heart-broken when a driver ran a red light and t-boned my car and myself, but like any Cadillac owner I keep it in the family and am now looking for a 2008 CTS or 2008 STS, I wish I could wait until 2009 and get the CTS-V Overall the CTS is a wonderful car outside and in, the only drawback I had was I did not get the navigation and that made the center console look unappealing but other than that the CTS is a must"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: N/A


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

7 out of 7 found this review helpful

First Luxury Vehicle

by iLoveCars
from Lincoln, CA | October 10, 2007

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Features: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"In the past i had always had basic automobiles, nothing to brag about. this is my first vehicle that i am always proud to show off. I love the way that the car looks and drives! it is very smooth, but has good power to get you where you are going. although i perfer the CTS-V model for the more sporty look and power, it was out of my price range.i have always owned chevy/gm products and i have always been dissapointed in the interior. although the cts is significantly better than the other vehicles that i have owned as far as the interior is concerned, it still has some creaks and squeeks, typical for the american cars. but overall, it is a fabulous vehicle for the price, and have never had any major issues."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

6 out of 7 found this review helpful

Best handling sport sedan I've tried

by *Prowler
from Ontario, Canada | July 10, 2007

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"This car is a dream to drive, sufficient power to complement the superior handling through sharp cornering on twisty mountain roads. Luxurious enough to have the Cadillac nameplate. Two big thumbs up to GM for it's edgy styling and sport sedan handling. More power is on tap for 2004 but this engine is quick enough for me."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

6 out of 7 found this review helpful

Fun Sports Car!

by Lisa
from chicago, illinois | July 21, 2006

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"This car is a great sports car. You definitely feel like a whole new person when you are driving this car."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A


Did you find this review helpful?

Yes No

2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Page 1 of 2 Next Page
*Invoice prices are made available by Cars.com and are not dealer advertising. All prices are subject to regional variations. Prices last updated 9/23/10. Click here for more information.

Research Competing Vehicles

Choose up to three models to compare to the 2003 Cadillac CTS

2003 Ford Crown Victoria

2003 Ford Crown Victoria

Starting MSRP
$23,705
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Starting MSRP
$24,950
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis

2003 Mercury Grand Marquis

Starting MSRP
$23,970