The Cadillac CTS sedan got a lot sportier in 2006 with the introduction of two new sport packages. Drivers could now choose between style and substance with the Sport Appearance and Sport Performance packages. Both packages offer 18-inch wheels, with Sport Appearance focusing on the grille, spoiler, and exterior, while the Sport Performance focuses on safety features, performance, and handling.
The CTS comes in three trims: 2.8L, 3.6L, and Sport. All have four doors, seat five, and have an optional five-speed automatic or standard six-speed manual transmission. The 2.8L has a 2.8-liter, 210-hp V6, while the 3.6L and Sport both use a 3.6-liter, 255-hp V6 engine. Expect to get around 17 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway.
Overall, drivers like the 2006 CTS' handling and interior room. However, reviewers qualify that by saying that the CTS does its job well for a "domestic" model. Critics say the interior could use better materials and that the CTS could use some mechanical tweaking to keep up with its foreign competition. In any event, the 2006 Cadillac CTS should provide enough quality to satisfy just about anyone in the market for a capable luxury sport sedan.
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.
Worst motor Ive ever owned. The GM Hi Feature v6 is trash. Timing issues every time. By the time I got it, nothing could be done. Needs a new motor because the timing on the old one blew. Couldnt sell it fast enough. People say that GM has improved this motor over time, but its the same bad design. I think thats why theye finally putting it down after nearly 20 years.Jul 19, 2024
by Anonymous
Feb 22, 2023
2004 Cadillac cts starts shaking you have to hold pedal Little bit to keep it running Feb 22, 2023
by Dr. G
Aug 14, 2022
The value was awesome for this beautiful ride! I loved it!
Thanks CarGurs!Aug 14, 2022
User rating:
by Joseph J
Jul 19, 2024
Worst motor Ive ever owned. The GM Hi Feature v6 is trash. Timing issues every time. By the time I got it, nothing could be done. Needs a new motor because the timing on the old one blew. Couldnt sell it fast enough. People say that GM has improved this motor over time, but its the same bad design. I think thats why theye finally putting it down after nearly 20 years.Jul 19, 2024
by Anonymous
Feb 22, 2023
2004 Cadillac cts starts shaking you have to hold pedal Little bit to keep it running Feb 22, 2023
by Dr. G
Aug 14, 2022
The value was awesome for this beautiful ride! I loved it!
Thanks CarGurs!Aug 14, 2022
by Randy J
Dec 07, 2020
I love this car. I was searching for a car online, I have owned several Cadillacs and when I found this one, I knew I had to have it. This car is a 2006 model, it looks brand new inside and out. I am glad I purchased this vehicle. I am 100% SATISFIED!!Dec 07, 2020
by karl w
May 15, 2020
The ,06, cts is a good price for this yearMay 15, 2020
by Oliver H
Apr 14, 2020
Hole in the frame I wasnt told about, found out after I took it to my mechanic, was going to be sold to me without being able to pass inspection. Apr 14, 2020
by Anonymous
Apr 01, 2020
I really like my preowned Cadillac CTS. Nice to drive, comfortable, nice looking automobile.
Time will tell how I will like it long term, I have seen many negative reviews about these automobiles, engine issues in particular., I’m hoping I will not be one of those. Apr 01, 2020
by BALRAJ G
May 21, 2015
Very good look,
Very good performance
Good automatic features, Spacious car
Smooth riding, Big cargo capacity, Seats are very comfortable, Have all facility. Very good style, overall I love this car.
Cons:
Fuel Economy
Cost.
but acceptable for premium cars.May 21, 2015
by Anonymous
Oct 22, 2014
Dependable car. Good on gas and perfect ride for What I neede it for. Ride was smooth easy shifting, nice ride suspension perfect, if u take care of it it will take care of you kind of car. Not bad of a carOct 22, 2014
by JC C
Aug 23, 2014
Sleek & Stylist! - When this particular Cadillac CTS model was first shown, I recall being "wowed" and in awe. What's not to like? It's bold, stealth-like angular lines remind me of the F117 Fighter Jet! The squatty front end giving way to the crisp symmetrical lines running from fore to aft. The view from behind show cases the widened stance cleverly concealed within the flawlessly flared fenders as the trademark taillights bookend the patented tapered CTS rear end! Whether sitting still, rolling down a country road or making it's mark on an open California freeway, this car is a thing of beauty and an engineering masterpiece! The CTS was destined for greatness!Aug 23, 2014
by Luke C
Mar 05, 2014
I bought this car used and put roughly 15-20k miles on it. I have two children and they fit with plenty of room so the seats wouldn't be kicked. The trunk is HUGE - you could almost fit 3 sets of golf clubs. Used this as a grocery getter many times as opposed to using our Yukon. This car was definitely worth the investment. Mar 05, 2014
by Anonymous
Jan 28, 2013
Great ride with comfort, handles good, fuel mileage good, parts are priced like a Cadillac. I do a lot of highway miles with this vehicle and like the overall looks, ride, fuel mileage, comfort, and handling. I would recomend it.Jan 28, 2013
by Angelica A
May 22, 2012
When I saw this car for the first time i LOVED it! I had great acceleration very comfortable ride and fun to drive as well with the music up high! The only negative i can think of for this car would be the cost to maintain, It must be taken to the dealers for best upkeep, which makes it costly!May 22, 2012
by Anonymous
Apr 21, 2012
This is by far the best car i have ever owned. When you are driving this car you always look like your riding in style. It is a great safe and fun family car. This car always looks its best with the car freshly washed, black paint just sparkles and shines in the sun. Apr 21, 2012
by Francine P
Mar 11, 2012
I really enjoyed this vehicle until the timing chain gave out with no prewarning. Vehicle shut down on beltway while I was on my way to get a new water pump installed. Unfortunately, I am not able to invest in the labor cost to repair the timing chain.Mar 11, 2012
by Anonymous
Mar 03, 2010
I got my 2006 CTS used with 3,800 miles in perfect condition. The car is very attractive, solid, sturdy, heavy, comfortable, safe, also for the kids in the back (6 airbags). No repairs needed, good cost of ownership, good gas mileage.
This car is fun to drive under any conditions and has great traction and steering. I only wished I had the 3.6L engine instead of the 2.8L engine, but performance of the 2.8L engine is still
ok. Mar 03, 2010
by Stephen M
Jan 19, 2010
An excellent car. About the best you can possibly expect from any V6 sport sedan.
Acceleration is extremely strong for a naturally-aspirated V6. Handling is phenomenal. Comfort is wonderful. Build quality is very good.
Overall it is an exceptionally good car.Jan 19, 2010
by Roni G
Dec 22, 2009
Car of my dreams. Made for sexy people =) Mean and
fast. Loves the way it looks and drives.
Sport mode makes it go faster with out even shaking.
It is worth its price. Fun driving it especially racing
other cars. Dec 22, 2009
by Connor B
Sep 25, 2009
mabie i ran it too hard, couldnt hold those 285 screaming horsies in the engine block as i threw a rod on 495, and cooked the motor. 6000 for new motor, gotta love the looks and its so nice i love her she purrs and has a system and i just slickSep 25, 2009
by Jason L
Aug 13, 2009
Looks great. Feels great(a bit heavy). The drivers seat is the place to be especially with a 6 speed std. Drove it at night and the guages are perfect and envigorating. You feel sensible yet rich when driving this car. The controls are simple and the mileage is pretty good too!Aug 13, 2009
by Brian D
Apr 20, 2009
its fast and different than everyone else's cars. I love the ggld because nobody else has it and I love the model because it is aggressive looking. Also the governer on the car is high so I never top off my speed.Apr 20, 2009
by –– Daniel P
Jul 06, 2008
Love the CTS. Only problem? It's not a CTS-V! Also love the 09's solution to the rather small interior. Now I have to save my money, since GM's come up with a new V...
Handles and looks like an entry-level lux-touring-sporty car. Wish there was more aftermarket tuner stuff.
Gas mileage for the V6 has been respectable. It would be better if I didn't drive it like I stole it all the time...
I've had 3 warranty repairs so far. In my book that's a little higher than average.Jul 06, 2008
by Jamie A
Jun 26, 2008
For the price it's an awesome car and fun to drive. No brainerJun 26, 2008
by Hassane B
Jun 05, 2008
The CTS is one of the greatest American designs. It has lots of character and it stands out. Interior is nice and special although the car misses some equipments like a telescopic steering, but hey, once you have everything, you'll lack one very important thing and hat is: DREAMS.
Performance is great and reliability is good. Well, in few words: you feel distinguished once behind its wheel and with half the price of its German siblings. I added the front grille. A sportier front bumper and a rear apron are on the way ;)Jun 05, 2008
by Henrik R
May 15, 2008
This car is really a good solid car that gives BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class a run for their money. Being from Europe I'm spolied with great cars, so it's refreshing to see a great competitive car come from the U.S.May 15, 2008
by Anonymous
May 13, 2008
It is not a Cadillac, it is a chevrolet disguised as a Cadillac. Never again will I buy one.May 13, 2008
It is my grandmas car but she let me drive it today. I have to say the car is amazing. From the sharp looks on the outside, to the leather interior, to the strong engine the car is a beauty. I've always loved Cadillac's and this was the first one I've driven. I was impressed with the smooth quiet acceleration and the impressive engine power. I found that the brakes performed exceptionally well at higher speeds. The ride itself is a smooth one. I recommend this car to any Cadillac lover, although I would take the CTS-V over this model but either way its an amazing car.Apr 07, 2008
by Arthur G
Mar 09, 2008
Has the speed and has the ride.Mar 09, 2008
by B. Onder K
Feb 14, 2008
Even it sucks in snow, I love it.Feb 14, 2008
by Jim J
Jan 14, 2008
my dads car it move really well for a V6 and handles pretty good Jan 14, 2008
by Michael A
Jan 04, 2008
great sports carJan 04, 2008
by Corey F
Dec 02, 2007
it is fast and sportyDec 02, 2007
by Anonymous
Aug 06, 2007
I recently had the opportunity to test-drive a 2006 Cadillac CTS with the 2.8L V-6 engine and automatic transmission.
The vehicle looked very nice, and the interior leather seats were comfortable, although they lacked a full range of adjustment to fit a taller guy like myself. The dash and door panels were an awful black plastic with a cross-hatch pattern that looked like a faux carbon-fiber -- felt very cheap and looked cheap as well.
The XM Satellite Radio display was very low-tech and reminded me of the digital climate control displays from the 1980s Buick Reattas. Compared to, for example, the full-color, computer-like display on a 2006 Dodge Charger satellite radio, this one was monochrome orange on a black background.
The vehicle test-drove OK -- not fantastic, acceleration was acceptable, but nothing out of the ordinary. I feel that my 2.5L Chrysler Sebring V-6 does a better job of accelerating from a stop. The Cadillac just didn't seem to be worth the $34,000 asking price, even as a base model with no sunroof and few other options.
I am a long-time Cadillac fan who has owned Caddies ranging from 1968-1982, and I was really hoping to find the CTS as something I could get excited about. I found it lacking and I don't think that I will go back for another test-drive.
Years ago, the Cadillac was the penultimate symbol that you had "arrived" and could afford a luxurious car that catered to your style and personality. The new Cadillacs just don't make the same statement in my mind.Aug 06, 2007
My car was working fine perfectly fine yesterday but today I go to turn it on and nothing happens. No clicking sound, no lights turned on, radio doesn’t turn on, the buttons to lock my doors don’t even work anymore. And my key gets stuck in the ignition every time I put it in. The last time my battery died it just made a clicking sounds but the check engine light also came on. I replace the battery a year ago when that happened but when I tried to jump the battery this time it didn’t work. Still no clicking, no check engine light, nothing comes on and the key gets stuck in the ignition. Any ideas what may be wrong?
my cts was running perfect , I rotated the tires and replaced the tire rods, attempted to start and it did start and shut off after 3 seconds. gas tank is half , NO CODES REGISTERED .