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2012 Cadillac CTS

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Overview

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2012 Cadillac CTS Review

By Zach Vlasuk

KBB Expert Rating: 7.6

Building upon Cadillac's commitment to reestablish its place as the world's standard of luxury, the 2012 CTS lineup aims to bring the fight directly to its European and Japanese competitors with a brand-new powerplant, additional standard equipment and a host of high-tech features. For 2012, variety is the name of the game. With sedan, coupe, and wagon models, high-performance CTS-V variants for each body style, and available all-wheel drive (AWD), the Cadillac CTS series is perhaps the most diverse nameplate in the luxury segment.

You'll Like This Car If...

Whether you are looking for a premium American car that stands out in the crowd or a luxurious ultra-high-performance vehicle, the CTS series will fulfill your wants and your needs.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If nothing short of an import luxury brand will do, there are many exceptional alternatives from the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus, Acura and Infiniti.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.6
Driving Dynamics

7.6
Comfort & Convenience

7.4
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.0
Value

7.4
Safety

10.0

How It Ranks

#33

out of 36

MPG

#20

out of 36

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

8.6 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

2012 CTS models receive a new available 318-horsepower V6 engine, three new exterior colors (Black Diamond, Opulent Blue and Mocha Steel) and standard Bluetooth hands-free phone capability. The exterior colors are also available for the CTS-V models, as well as an available blind spot warning system for the coupe model.

Driving the CTS

2012 Cadillac CTS Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Through twisty two-lanes, fast freeways, urban congestion and mixed-speed suburban sprawl, we came to appreciate the 2012 Cadillac CTS' responsive steering, world-class roadholding and powerful brakes. Given its performance-based engineering...

one might expect a correspondingly firm ride, but we found the CTS' suspension surprisingly supple even on the most troubled surfaces. We loved the quiet cabin's luxurious design, and the multi-adjustable seats are uncommonly comfortable for long hauls. Who knew that a performance car - the CTS-V Sedan boasts a 3.9-second 0 to 60-mph time – could also provide a quiet, comfortable driving experience? The CTS-V's Magnetic Ride Control suspension system offers an impressive balance between race-inspired handling for the track and undisturbed ride quality for daily driving. The larger Cadillac CTS, however, lacks the agility of its BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class competitors.

Favorite Features

Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound
This sound system boasts surrealistic sound with 40-gig hard drive and iPod integration. It will download and store your CD collection, and operate your iPod or other MP3 device from the concealed USB port.

Feature-Packed Navigation System
The 2012 CTS lineup's available navigation system offers real-time traffic and weather, advanced voice recognition, 3-D imaging of major landmarks and an 8-inch touch screen that pops up on demand.

2012 Cadillac CTS Details

2012 Cadillac CTS Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Befitting a world-class luxury vehicle, the CTS' cabin is awash in high-quality materials – upholstered in faux leather or the real thing depending on the trim level you choose – and state-of-the-art technology. The dash is wrapped in elegant, French-stitched soft-touch material accompanied by warm wood accents and metallic trim. The available navigation display retreats into the dash, but leaves about an inch of exposed screen that serves as the audio system interface. Despite its elegant and neatly-appointed layout, the CTS' interior ergonomics could use some fine-tuning. The coupe and wagon's sloping rear roofline hinders rear-seat headroom while the center console's swept design occupies a decent amount of the driver's knee room.

Exterior

The 2012 CTS' athletic design is characterized by a newly refined version of Cadillac's distinctive shield-shaped grille, Cadillac's signature vertical headlights and taillights and deeply sculpted fenders emphasizing its wide, aggressive stance. Coupe models feature center-mounted exhaust outlets and a clever electronic touch pad for the doors which eliminate the need for conventional door handles. CTS-V models feature a unique front end with a satin-finished mesh grille, hood bulge and unique 19-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in Michelin PS2 high-performance tires.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base CTS sedan and wagon variants are powered by a 270-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 driving through a 6-speed manual transmission and roll on 17-inch aluminum wheels. Inside the CTS cabin, you will find dual-zone climate controls, an 8-way power driver's seat, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, a rear-seat/trunk pass-through for long objects and an 8-speaker Bose audio system with SiriusXM Satellite Radio and MP3 capability. Standard safety and security equipment includes six airbags, Stabilitrak stability and traction control, daytime running lights, automatic on/off headlights, programmable power door locks, a theft-deterrent system, and one year of OnStar security and convenience service with audible turn-by-turn navigation.

Optional Equipment

Living in a in a chilly climate? All CTS trims (excluding CTS-V models) offer available all-wheel drive as well as an engine-block heater for those cold startups. Additional available equipment includes a sport-tuned suspension, High-Intensity Discharge headlamps with adaptive lighting to illuminate the side of the road when cornering , wood trim, a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system with a 40-gig hard drive and - get this – a live radio pause and rewind, iPod integration, navigation system with an 8-inch pop-up display, EasyKey keyless entry and ignition – the key never needs to leave your pocket or bag – and an Ultraview panoramic sunroof (not available on CTS-V or Coupe models). Prospective CTS-V buyers seeking the ultimate in comfort can opt for a set of 14-way power-adjustable Recaro sport seats featuring pneumatic adjusters for both the seat bottom and back.

Under the Hood

The 2012 Cadillac CTS offers two levels of 24-valve direct-injection V6 power. The standard 3.0-liter V6 is good for 270 horsepower, while the optional 3.6-liter engine pushes output to an impressive 318 horsepower. The 3.0-liter comes standard with a 6-speed manual, while a 6-speed automatic is optional. Cars with all-wheel drive can only be equipped with the automatic transmission. Buyers who spring for the high-performance CTS-V are treated to a 556-horsepower supercharged V8, matched to either a 6-speed manual transmission or an available 6-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

3.0-liter V6
270 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
223 lb-ft of torque @ 5,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 mpg (RWD), 18/26 mpg (AWD)

3.6-liter V6
318 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
275 lb-ft of torque @ 4,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/26 mpg (manual, RWD), 18/27 mpg (automatic, RWD),
18/27 mpg (sedan/coupe - automatic, AWD), 18/26 mpg (wagon - automatic, AWD)

6.2-liter supercharged V8
556 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
551 lb-ft of torque @ 3,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 mpg (manual), 12/18 mpg (automatic)

Pricing Notes

Cadillac's midsize 2012 CTS is a legitimate BMW 5-Series competitor at 3-Series price. The starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the sedan is just under $37,000 and around $39,000 for the coupe and wagon models. The high-performance CTS-V series checks in around $64,000, which includes the federally mandated gas guzzler tax. To see what others in your area may have paid for their CTS, be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price on kbb.com. On the resale side, the CTS should retain lower residual values than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-Series and the Lexus ES 350, but maintain a healthy lead over the Lincoln MKZ. CTS-V models will retain residual values that are above those of the BMW M5, and just slightly below those of the Audi S6.

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2012 Cadillac CTS Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 229 Ratings for the 2008 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

8.8/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

9.2/10

I love this car

By rob on Tuesday, June 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "What power, great handling, FUN"

Cons: "when you feel the power you feel it at the pump"

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

"What a beautiful looking car.The raw power is amazing, scary fast! Fun to drive and comfortable on long drives."

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REALLY like the CAR !!!

By pete t (KY) on Saturday, June 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 750

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: "Great ride, great looks, great soft leather int."

Cons: "none"

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

"Had an old 1997 STS that lasted 17 years and at TRADE....still going strong !! The CTS is fantastic, solid, and uniquely AMERICAN. We can already tell that the car will last indefinitely and we're thrilled with it. YOU just can't beat the CADILLAC RIDE....."

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Louds of power great value

By Runner (NJ) on Thursday, May 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

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: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Cons: "None"

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

"Bought car new,dusted vehicles that cost twice as much,great value,sharp looking,handles great for a sedan,never drove car in snow or icey conditions so no opinion.Only gripe is cost of rubber $2000.00 after 22000 miles was a surprise"

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The most sporty sedan on the market !

By CTS FL (FL) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 58,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "looks, HP, interior , ride style"

Cons: "oil changes, motor ticks, handeling"

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

"A very smooth driving sedan but yet very sporty and the looks are next to non, I bought this car after I sold my 92K Mercedes sl500. The CTS has a lot of get up and go and the transmission is a lot of fun, drive mode into sport mode into shift able mode. If you come from a sports car be careful when turning swiftly as it handles nice it's not a true sports car, it's a family sedan. It sounds very nice while in sport mode and has a lot of get up and go which is nice. Fits 4 people with no problems even with the front seats all the way back. Drives very smooth and has lots of air bags for the family. The exterior is very nice looking from 2008 to the present. The lights are very bright which is great at night. Just a great all around sedan that doesn't look like grand pa's car."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Is the CTS made by German Motors?

By Gio (VA) on Thursday, May 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 19,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Super comfortable and very responsive"

Cons: "back seat leg room is tight"

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

"The CTS is simply a great luxury car and when you compare it to the BMW 3, Audi A4 or Mercedes C class, I can honestly say the CTS takes them hands down. I've had my car for two years and have never had an issue and love driving this machine. Its quick and nimble and best of all, the interior is done right. Not too flashy or too gimmicky like a lot of GM models. For the money, I'm not sure what else you can get that can compete."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Great Car, But.....

By Mike (TX) on Thursday, April 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 31,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Beautiful Car"

Cons: "not made for real tall people"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"I love this car but I have a grip. Im 6ft 1 inch tall and the head room is tight. I have the seat all the way down and the screen open on the moon roof and I don't have much clearance between the top of my head and the top of the roof line. If Im sitting to the left of my seat my head hits the side of the roof line. The width of the seat between the door and the console is tight also. But this is my wifes car and she loves it."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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See all 229 reviews