Market Segment:
Entry-level Luxury Sedan, Luxury Compact Sedan
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Acura TL
Defining Attributes:
Sporty styling (compared to traditional Cadillac design), rear-wheel-drive platform, available Northstar V8 engine, emphasis on driving dynamics.
Vehicle Systems:
Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lighting, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving Operation, Customer Assistance, Cleaning, Maintenance, Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Accessories
Maintenance Procedures:
Basic maintenance checks (oil, fluids, filters), fluid refill procedures, battery care, cleaning instructions.
Operational Procedures:
Vehicle operation, use of climate controls, entertainment systems, lighting, locks, security features, and seating/restraint systems.
Technical Depth:
Covers owner-level maintenance, operation, and basic troubleshooting. Does not typically include in-depth diagnostic procedures or complete repair instructions found in a service manual.
Engine Options:
2.6L V6 (LP1), 3.6L V6 (LY7), 4.6L V8 (Northstar LH2)
2.6L V6 Horsepower:
175 hp @ 6200 rpm (approx.)
2.6L V6 Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
3.6L V6 Horsepower:
255 hp @ 6200 rpm (approx.)
3.6L V6 Torque:
252 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
4.6L V8 Horsepower:
300 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
4.6L V8 Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded gasoline (for 2.6L and 3.6L V6), 91 Octane Unleaded gasoline recommended for Northstar V8 for optimal performance.
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Five-Star Driver and Passenger (2005 model year)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front Test:
Good (Good rating for 2005 model year)
Active Safety Features:
Traction Control System (TCS), StabiliTrak (Electronic Stability Control - standard on some trims/optional on others), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs).
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, rear side-impact airbags (optional/standard depending on trim), front seatbelt pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchors.
Infotainment System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional Bose premium audio system, optional in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Display Technology:
Multi-function display in instrument cluster for vehicle information, optional navigation system (integrated into dash).
Driver Assistance Features:
StabiliTrak (stability control) available/standard, cruise control.
Connectivity Features:
OnStar telematics system available.
Convenience Features:
Keyless entry, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, automatic climate control (dual-zone).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to the manual for specific recommendations based on oil viscosity and driving habits.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles
Engine Coolant Flush:
Initial change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (using Dex-Cool coolant).
Engine Oil Specification:
GM dexos1™ Gen 2 or equivalent synthetic oil meeting GM spec GM6094M. Viscosity typically SAE 5W-30.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Coolant Specification:
GM P/N 12378515 (Orange) or P/N 1052063 (Green) extended life coolant (Dex-Cool Compatible)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Common Wear Items:
Front suspension components (control arms, ball joints), water pump (especially on Northstar V8), interior trim wear, occasional infotainment system glitches.
Engine Specific Notes:
Northstar V8 can be prone to coolant leaks from intake manifold gaskets or head gaskets if not maintained properly. Early 3.6L V6 engines had timing chain tensioner issues, though this was addressed in later revisions.
Oil Filter Part Number:
GM P/N 19158986 (AC-Delco PF46 or equivalent)
Air Filter Part Number:
GM P/N 25839869 (AC-Delco A3113C or equivalent for 3.6L V6)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 quarts (5.2 L) for 3.6L V6; 7.0 quarts (6.6 L) for 4.6L V8 (with filter change). Refer to manual for exact capacity.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 9.0 - 10.5 quarts (8.5 - 9.9 L) depending on engine. Refer to manual.
Cadillac Brand Positioning:
American luxury marque with a long history of prestige and innovation.
Cadillac Cts Introduction:
Introduced for the 2003 model year as Cadillac's entry into the European-style sport sedan market, directly challenging German and Japanese luxury sedans.
2005 Model Year Updates:
Minor revisions often included packaging updates, potentially new option availability. For 2005, the 3.6L V6 became more widely available, and the Northstar V8 was introduced for the CTS.
Manufacturing Location:
Lansing, Michigan, USA (GM's Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant)
Car And Driver 10Best:
Recognized by Car and Driver as one of the 10Best Cars in 2003, highlighting its European-inspired driving dynamics.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed to average reliability ratings in its initial years. Later models and specific powertrain combinations generally improved. Owner's manual aids in understanding maintenance to mitigate potential issues.
