2003 Cadillac CTS

Rarely has so much been riding on four tires. I’m talking about this 2003 Cadillac CTS, the all-new Caddy that replaces the never-cut-it Catera as the marque’s small entry-level sedan. Not only is this latest attempt to lure the younger customer essential to Cadillac’s future, the CTS’s new angular styling and Sigma platform are the brand’s future since other models will eventually adopt both this architecture and platform. What you see and experience here is what you’ll see more of in the Cadillac lineup, so reaction to this CTS will be very telling. Either the formula is a hit with a younger demographic and Cadillac loyalists alike, or the revered wreath and crest will be hurting. With so much on the line, wish us both luck. The Good News
Knowing what’s at stake here, the good news is that Cadillac didn’t mess around. They intend to compete with the BMW 5 Series, among other sporty sedans, and this time they apparently mean it. Really.

They began by developing a lot of the ride and handling characteristics – where else? – on Germany’s racetracks. They made sure the CTS could absorb whatever odd nuances any road could dish out and do so at confident speed. They gave it rear wheel drive and a Getrag 6-speed manual as an option. You read that correctly: a Caddy with a clutch. The CTS Sport model also includes a self-leveling rear suspension, Stabilitrak handling assist, Speedpro variable assist steering and 17-inch wheels, among other things.

Alas, I had none of that. But you’ll barely hear me complain. The base model I tested includes the same 3.2-liter V6, since it’s universal in the CTS lineup. Producing 220 horses and 218 foot pounds of torque, Cadillac claims a sub-seven-second 0-60 with manual transmission and top speed of 147 mph. Pretty saucy.

I can’t corroborate either of their figures, but I can say that acceleration with my five-speed automatic, luxury equipped CTS never disappointed me.

Now, I know what you’re thinking here: With all this talk of clutches, cornering and crisp handling, how much of what we liked about Cadillac is left, like the cushy ride, plush luxuries and quiet, generous interior?

This is what I find most remarkable about this CTS. Cadillac has produced a sedan with the instincts enthusiasts want without alienating the traditional Cadillac customer. That means the ride is solid but never abrasive and the steering firm (more so than the average Caddy) but never heavy. The many luxuries that come standard are what you’d expect, passenger and trunk capacities are accommodating and that heavenly aroma of a Cadillac leather interior is very much intact.

What is likely to be more controversial among traditionalists is its design. The CTS I drove was waxed Sable Black with beige interior and pretty wheels, and I found the sharply sculpted package stunning. Not everyone I encountered was so enamored, however.

The Bad News
Given all that Cadillac has done right here and how competitively the CTS is priced, I find nothing to fuss about. This is by far the sexiest small Cadillac ever (well, OK, that’s not saying much considering its entire lineage includes the Catera and the Cimarron) and will earn many accolades in its own right.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 18 mpg city/26 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $29,350;
Price as tested, $34, 965

Is it worth it?
The $2,000 luxury package added, among other things, power-adjustable seating for the passenger, Zebrano wood trim, a compass and a little recorder tucked into the driver’s visor so you can leave yourself reminders (obviously aimed at busy executives and middle-aged women like me.) A very rich Bose audio system added another $1,275 and the automatic transmission accounts for $1,200. (If you’re really counting, as some readers do, the remainder goes to high intensity headlamps and destination charges). I like this Cadillac CTS a lot. A whole lot. I find it bold, handsome, responsive, fun, comfortable, accommodating, luxurious and more than reasonably priced for what you get. With so much at stake, Cadillac has carefully covered all the luxury/performance bases at a price that’s bound to grab attention.

Cadillac’s bold Escalade and Escalade EXT convertible truck were the first signals it’s a brand new day at GM’s luxury carmaker. Both have been well received. This CTS represents the next step, and it’s definitely in the right direction.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.