Cadillac is Back with the 2006 CTS

When I heard that Cadillac was releasing a new sports sedan, I was very skeptical. Nothing about the company seems very sporty, and frankly, the spy shots of the CTS weren't very enticing. However, as a car enthusiast, there was no choice but to call up the dealership and schedule a test drive in both the base model, and the exotic CTS-V.

The basic CTS was a lot more than I expected. Though the V6 engine may seem like it's underpowered at first glance, once you get behind the wheel, you realize that you're pulling 0-60 in less than six seconds. All in all, the V6 basic version is exactly what this car needs to run smoothly and not feel weak - it's a big car, but not that big. Rear-wheel drive is always a lot of fun until it starts snowing, but the Traction Control System does more than enough to give any careful driver peace of mind.

Despite the power of the engine and the genuine fun of rear-wheel drive, the CTS leaves a lot to be desired. The first problem is that the automatic transmission is standard. Though it comes with the smooth manual shifting Sportronic option, a clutch and stick is going to cost extra. The interior isn't that impressive either. I don't why GM insists on making all their cars feel like plastic toys on the inside, especially the supposed luxury Cadillac lines; a little more leather couldn't hurt. My last problem with the CTS is the disproportionate cost of ownership. It's understandable why a Corvette Z06 may down two bottles of full synthetic oil every few months, but for a 2.8L V6, it's almost inexcusable. If you're thinking of buying this car, realize that if something goes wrong and you're out of warranty, it's going to cost a lot. The CTS could have been made a lot better, but there isn't really anything functionally wrong with the car. You get exactly what you see, and you get a decent engine under the hood. If you want a genuinely fast sedan, I direct you elsewhere...

...to the CTS-V.

The car is powered by the same engine used in the Z06 of the same year. Eight cylinders of pure power, standard manual, all-wheel drive, and a much improved interior; the CTS-V is a great idea, and executed nearly flawlessly. It's truly a high performance car with a lot of utility, and a definite recommended buy for any enthusiast with a family.