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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2007 Cadillac CTS

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Cadillac CTS

Overview

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2007 Cadillac CTS Review

By KBB.com Editors

In the past, Cadillac's attempt to challenge its European rivals met with less than stellar success. That trend seems to have come to an end with the CTS sedan. Now entering its fourth year of production, the CTS has not only proven itself a worthy competitor, but its quality and performance statistics place it in the same league with competitors from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi. More importantly, the CTS' edgy look has caught on with younger buyers who just a few years ago would never have considered a Cadillac. Offered with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, the CTS not only has a high fun-to-drive factor, but returns surprisingly good fuel economy.

You'll Like This Car If...

If the "made in America" label is a powerful part of your car buying decision, the CTS won't leave you feeling as though you had to compromise clout for country. As taut in driving feel as the BMW 3 Series, the CTS has the equipment level, performance and styling expected of this class.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The CTS' edgy, angular styling may not appeal to you if you've become accustomed to Cadillac cars over the last 30 years. Ditto its taut handling and controlled ride. Unlike many of its competitors, the CTS does not offer the option of all-wheel drive.

What's Significant About This Car?

For 2007, the CTS gains the OnStar Directions and Connection service which provides driving directions, remote keyless entry and stolen vehicle location assistance. The CTS also includes 12 months of free access to the Virtual Advisor package.

Driving the CTS

Driving Impressions The CTS loves hugging the road—just try to peel the tires from the asphalt and it maintains a commendable effort to stay put. The heavily-weighted steering wheel takes only the...

slightest movement to turn the car. Pulling a bit harder engages the variable assist to carry out your directional commands. All this happens while the 3.6-liter V6 churns merrily beneath the hood, pushing its 255 horsepower through the Getrag six-speed manual transmission that feels absolutely superb. The 3.6-liter has much more low-end torque and is quieter under full throttle than the 2.8-liter, making it the better choice for the enthusiast driver.

Favorite Features

OnStar
The system costs very little and provides a myriad of services including directions, remote unlocking (should you lock your keys in the car) and emergency assistance.

Manual Transmission
Overlooked by rival brands Lincoln and Chrysler, Cadillac's offer of a manual transmission appeals to the true driving enthusiast.

2007 Cadillac CTS Details

Interior

The CTS' interior is clean and elegant. The front bucket seats are firm and supportive, excellent for aggressive driving. The instrument panel replicates the geometric shapes found outside the car, with a prominent center stack housing the air conditioning, audio and optional navigation systems. Directly in front of the driver sits a thick-rimmed, three-spoke steering wheel with a series of redundant controls. The navigation and ventilation controls are not immediately intuitive, but after a quick read through the owner's manual they soon become second nature.

Exterior

The CTS has set the styling tone for all Cadillacs. Its crisp lines and raked windshield are definitely different but also add to the car's aerodynamics. The tall rear deck makes rear visibility somewhat of an issue but the design provides an abundance of storage space. This car has excellent build quality, with no inconsistent gaps or mismatched seams.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The CTS 2.8 includes power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, front and rear head-curtain and front side-impact airbags, AM/FM stereo with CD, eight-way power driver's seat, leatherette seating surfaces, cast aluminum wheels, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), tilt wheel and a six-speed manual transmission. The 3.6 adds leather seating and some other features.

Optional Equipment

Most CTS buyers will not want to shift gears, so Cadillac offers the option of a five-speed automatic transmission. The luxury package includes alarm, driver's seat and outside mirror memory, heated front seats, automatic day/night mirror, machine-finished aluminum wheels and the interior wood package. The Wheel Sport package features a limited-slip differential, HID headlamps, sport suspension, StabiliTrak and 17-inch wheels wrapped in performance tires. The Wheel Performance Package for the 3.6 model adds 18-inch wheels, performance brakes and a tire pressure monitor. Stand -alone options for the CTS include a power glass moonroof, Bose audio and split folding rear seat.

Under the Hood

The CTS' 2.8-liter engine provides adequate acceleration for the casual driver and returns good fuel economy. Although you can save about $3,000 over the more powerful CTS 3.6, the 2.8 lacks the refinement and power expected by most enthusiast drivers. For the money, we think the 3.6-liter V6 is the best choice. With nearly identical fuel economy figures, the 3.6-liter engine provides better low-end torque, more horsepower and a level of refinement and performance expected of a premium brand sedan.

2.8-liter V6
210 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
194 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/27 (manual), 18/27 (automatic)

3.6-liter V6
255 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
252 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26 (manual), 18/27 (automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Cadillac CTS vehicles for sale near you.

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2007 Cadillac CTS Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 438 Ratings for the 2003 - 2007 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

8.8/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.2/10

Hate it

By Griff (ME) on Thursday, April 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 87,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I bought this car and have had nothing but problems since I've had it. This car is nothing but a money pit!!"

4 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Nice vehicle!

By Lynnie (AL) on Tuesday, April 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 67,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"This car (cadillac) is the first I have ever owned. The style of it is sporty but also has a luxury look and feel. It drives very nice and smooth. The quality of this car is superb. I would recommend this vehicle! I have enjoyed this car. It gets about 23mpg in city. I would not recommend the model that carries the north or north star motor--heard bad reports on it.Hope this helps."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS CAR!

By Banker Gal (GA) on Friday, April 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 126,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Reliability, comfort, power, looks"

Cons: "Too low to the ground if you have back/hip problem"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I always wanted a Cadillac so in 2006 I bought my very first one, a CTS Hi Feature. What an excellent choice! I've never had the first minute's trouble with this car except for replacing my blinker light twice. Other than the normal oil changes, scheduled maintenance and tire replacement, I've had no additional expense with my car. Sadly, with two hip replacements, it's time to move to something that's a little easier to get in and out of. I have a list of folks in our area that have stopped me and said, "When you sell your car, give me a call." It's a very classy looking car and appeals to young people so I should have no problem at all selling it."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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This CTS drives and looks like a dream!

By Tim (TX) on Wednesday, April 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 54,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort, quiet, great drivability & sound sysem"

Cons: "Trunk opening is tight"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this 2006 Caddy CTS 3.6L V6 with 8500 miles on it and I have put on all the rest. I bought it because it drives like an absolute dream. I drove sports cars for 15 years before this ('84 RX-7, and a '92 Dodge Stealth twin turbo)but ended up needing a 4 door car for my business. I test drove many cars before buying this one, and it is the closest thing to driving a sports car! You can let the steering wheel go on a long straight road, and it will go almost a mile before needing any correction. I love it. The car only has 54,000 miles on it because I only live 3 miles from my former office, and I retired 1-1/2 years ago. Also, it has been garage kept. It has been serviced by the Cadillac dealer except for a few oil changes. The OnStar system keeps records on the vehicle performance so that is all available and excellent."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Pain to drive

By driving me crazy (IL) on Thursday, March 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 156,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 2/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "looks"

Cons: "Too much engine, very uncomfortable."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"Way too much engine for the size of the car, like the guy who designed this car was trying to compensate for something. (Yes, I actually did see him on that Brit show where the host went through all 50 States and he was interviewed for the state of MI.) It's nice to be able to put a face on all of those uncomplimentary things I have said in the past about the designer of this vehicle. My biggest problem with this car is as follows: it is the most uncomfortable car I have ever owned and I have owned some really bad ones ('76 Nova). The seats are severely winged and don't allow for the driver to adjust his position for comfort on long trips (200 miles or more). I used to have to stop and stretch every two hours. No leg room and if you are tall and put the seat all the way back, you take up all of the leg room of the rear seat passenger. I don't think you could even fit a baby seat in there if you have the seat back. Looks great, too much power, not comfortable in the least."

1 person out of 4 found this review helpful

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I DIDN’T KNOW CADILLAC MADE LEMONS

By TOM on Sunday, March 24, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: COST OF OWNERSHIP - My approximate mileage is 90,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Style, Comfort ride, nice seats"

Cons: "Reliability, plastic interior."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I had this car for about 5 years. From around 37,000-90,000mi. I have had more than 4 repairs that cost over $2,000. Not to mention the $500 sensors, $200 headlights and all the $300 pieces that make the engine light go on. In fact my extended warranty company stated they will not replace my brake module again. (It went twice and still giving trouble) and i cant find a dealer that knows what’s wrong with it. (Never had water damage). Otherwise car looks top of the line on the outside, and pretty good inside. The power on the 3.6 is good in a straight line but the suspension is strictly for comfort. Bottom line, if you are in the market for a Cadillac then you are in the market for a BMW. Pick a car with reliability not a premium Chevy. This was my second Cadillac but never again even if I had a million bucks."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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See all 438 reviews