Already very well regarded, the 2010 Cadillac CTS adds a still more capable engine on the base model that further widens its appeal. And with its strong handling, refined cabin, available all-wheel drive, roominess and high-tech gadetry, the Cadilla CTS defines the American luxury car.
The CTS finds its success in the very well balanced combination of comfort and ride quality with performance and handling. This, coupled with its distinctive and head-turning exterior and stylish, dual-cowl dash cabin, sets it apart from its European rivals.
Not only does the 2010 CTS's new base engine boost horsepower (it's a 3.0 liter direct-injected V6), but it does so while also slightly improving fuel economy. Also available is the Eco Lux Collection, which increases gas mileage performance to 30 mpg on the highway.
In addition, there's also a new Sport Wagon model which will be covered in a separate post (as will the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V).
The new CTS isn't without some faults, however. Rear visibility is poor, and while its overall handling is very good, it's not quite as sharp as some of the other top sport sedans like the Infiniti G37, Audi A4, Acura TL SH-AWD and BMW 3-Series. The Hyundai Genesis can also be considered as an alternative as it offers similar levels of luxury for less money.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2010 Cadillac CTS is classified as a five-passenger midsize luxury sedan and is offered in five trims: 3.0 base, 3.0 Luxury, 3.0 Performance, 3.6 Performance and 3.6 Luxury.
Standard features on the base 3.0 include dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, automatic headlights, 17 inch alloy wheels, premium vinyl "leatherette" upholstery, an 8-way power driver seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and an 8-speaker CD audio system with satillite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.
The 3.0 Luxury model then adds leather upholstery, driver memory settings, an 8-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, interior ambient lighting, a wood-and-leather steering wheel, a 6-disc CD changer and Bluetooth. Only available on this model, the Eco Lux Collection increases fuel efficiency to 30 mpg highway with changes to the car's aerodynamics and tires.
The CTS 3.0 Performance model comes with the Luxury's features plus an upgraded FE2 sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes, a limited-slip rear differential, 18 inch wheels and adaptive HID headlamps. The 3.6 Performance model then adds a larger V6 engine (see below) and a 10-speaker surround-sound audio system with a USB/iPod audio interface and digital music storage.
There's also a Luxury Level Two package that can be added to the Performance trims and includes remote engine start, keyless entry and ignition, heated and cooled front seats, rear parking sensors, a power tilt/telescoping steering column and a split-folding rear seat.
The CTS 3.6 Premium model comes with the Level Two equipment plus a back-up camera, a panoramic sunroof (optional on the other CTS models) and a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic and weather.
Both the camera and navigation system are optional on all models except the base CTS. In addition, the 19-inch Summer Tire Performance package is available on 3.6 models and includes 19 inch wheels and summer tires, enhanced power steering and an upgraded FE3 performance suspension.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the 2010 Cadillac CTS is a choice of two engines, both with standard rear-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission, while all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic are available options.
The new 3.0 liter V6 produces a healthy 270 horsepower and 223 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.6 liter V6 delivers a robust 304 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. In performance testing, a rear-wheel-drive 3.6 liter CTS was timed from a standstill to 60 mph in a very quick 6.7 seconds.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the 3.0 is a very respectable 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. The 3.6 is rated the same except with a combined mpg of 21.
Safety:
Standard safety features on all 2010 CTS models include stability control, traction control, antilock disc brakes (ABS), front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and the OnStar emergency communications system.
In government crash tests, the CTS sedan received a perfect five out of five stars for side-impact protection. At the time of this writing, crash test results for frontal-impacts had not yet been completed, although the 2009 CTS was a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for earning perfect scores in the Institute's tests and offering standard stability control.
Interior:
The 2010 CTS's cabin is another strong attribute. It's attractive and solidly constructed with high-grade materials. With a refined combination of wood and alloy accents, a stitched soft-touch dash, comfortable and supportive seats and a long feature list, the Cadillac CTS boasts one of the most elegant interiors in its segment. The optional navigation screen is particularly sharp as it retracts into the dash leaving the top inch visible as the audio system's touchscreen display.
While the overall cabin space is roomier than most rivals, rear-seat access is hampered somewhat because of the low rear roof line. In addition, outward visibility toward the rear is limited and the adequately-sized trunk (13.6 cubic feet) can be hard to load with bulkier items due to a narrow opening. These are all trade-offs in exchange for the CTS's slick design lines.
Drive:
The road manners of the 2010 Cadillac CTS can challenge those of their European counterparts, especially when outfitted with the sport-tuned suspension. It possesses a very appealing balance of ride comfort and handling, while the steering is nicely weighted and very responsive. That said, those looking for a more traditional Cadillac "soft and cushie" drive may find the FE2 suspension too firm.
While the direct-injected 3.0 liter V6 is a very capable engine, its fuel economy is very similar to the significantly more powerful 304 horsepower 3.6 liter, making the larger V6 a tempting upgrade for those who can handle the higher price tag.
How To Get The Lowest Price:
Best Negotiating Tactic: Well, there's definitely a 'best way' when it comes to new car buying. If you want to get the best bottomline, out-the-door price you need to know exactly who to talk to at the dealership, how to make the contact and how to make this person eager to quickly drop prices as low as possible to get your sale.
Those of you in the market for a used car may want to check out this article about how to buy a used car at the lowest price. It details a super effective buying method, one that often beats down prices to wholesale levels.
And somewhat related to this, here's another excellent method that identifies Price-Distressed Cars Right On Dealer Lots. These are vehicles they are so desperate to unload they would welcome your wholesale offer.
In addition, you can also try a Public Auto Auction in your own geographic area. While there can be a lot of junk vehicles at these auctions, there are often absolute gems sprinkled in as well. This article reviews what to expect at open-to-the-public car auctions and how to locate them in your own area.
Prices:
2010 Cadillac CTS:
Base, RWD, 3.0L, manual/auto: list price: $35,165, invoice price: $33,231
Base, AWD, 3.0L, auto: list price: $38,365, invoice price: $36,265
Luxury, RWD, 3.0L, manual/auto: list price: $37,865, invoice price: $35,782
Luxury, AWD, 3.0L, auto: list price: $41,065, invoice price: $38,806
Performance, RWD, 3.0L, auto: list price: $39,765, invoice price: $37,578
Performance, RWD, 3.6L, auto/manual: list price: $41,565, invoice price: $39,279
Performance, AWD, 3.0L, auto: list price: $41,665, invoice price: $39,373
Performance, AWD, 3.6L, auto: list price: $43,465, invoice price: $41,074
Premium, RWD, 3.6L, auto/manual: list price: $46,865, invoice price: $44,287
Premium, AWD, 3.6L, auto: list price: $48,765, invoice price: $46,083
