2009 Cadillac CTS Review

To produce this review, TheCarConnection.com's car experts read all the competitive reviews on the new Cadillac CTS sport sedan. TheCarConnection.com also drove the car to give you an expert opinion on the car and help you make sense where other reviews might differ.

Likes
Distinctive exterior styling
Excellent handling and braking
Top tech features, including Bluetooth
World-class quality levels

Dislikes
Class-topping weight impedes performance
Busy interior design
Notchy manual transmission

After a redesign for 2008 that included a completely new interior, the mid-size CTS returns with only minor changes for 2009.

The CTS sport sedan is Cadillac's entry-level vehicle in the United States, and takes on compact to mid-size sport sedans from Europe and Japan--such as the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G37.

What helps the CTS stand out among rivals is its styling; sharp edges and a chunky appearance on the outside are met inside with smooth, flowing contours of the instrument panel. Better materials were used inside beginning with the redesign last year, and now the interior boasts high-quality upholstery and trim a step better than those usually found in this class. In front, firm sport seats give good support, while the backseat is rather snug but good for two adults. The CTS's ride is firm but smooth, and handling is quite capable and entertaining even with the base setup.

Available on the 2009 Cadillac CTS is a direct-injected, 3.6-liter V-6 hitting 304 horsepower, with base models getting a 263-hp version of the engine. All-wheel drive is offered with either, but a six-speed manual is only available with the 263-hp engine. A six-speed automatic does the shifting for the rest of the model lineup.

Options include an advanced infotainment system with the ability to rip CDs or record and play back radio broadcasts, new for 2009 Bluetooth connectivity, and an advanced navigation system that incorporates the XM NavTraffic feature.

The Bottom Line: The 2009 Cadillac CTS continues to compete with the best from Mercedes and BMW with a distinctly American approach, boasting some of the top tech features in its class.

Other Choices
If you like the 2009 Cadillac CTS, also consider:

- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- BMW 3 Series
- Infiniti G37
- Lexus IS

Reason Why
The CTS is offered with two different engines like the C-Class, 3 Series, and IS, and though the stronger of the two V-6s is the best choice, the difference isn't so pronounced as for some rivals. The turbocharged 335i has much faster acceleration and the G37 has even crisper handling. Nearly all of its competition comes in a more traditional luxury shape, with the C-Class best matching the CTS on features. The CTS is larger and heavier than its competitive set, which hampers acceleration and handling, although the CTS has very well-balanced handling and an especially well-tuned Stabilitrak stability control system.

Buying Tip
Sales of the CTS have been less than anticipated, so deals are available. And if you want the best acceleration possible, forgo the sunroof. It adds 100 pounds to the vehicle and dips into headroom.

All of our reviews come from experts at TheCarConnection.com.