The CTS has been available since 2003, and recently received a new lower-cost engine option, a 2.8-liter V6, which is set to appeal to more value-oriented shoppers. However, not only does this engine provide slow, noisy acceleration and poor gas mileage, but it doesn't significantly lower the CTS's price, either in relation to other vehicles in this class or to the CTS model with a far superior 3.6-liter V6. Furthermore, even aside from the price and the engine, this is a mediocre vehicle. The interior uses too many cheap-feeling plastics, and the rear seat is not comfortable. The car's lone strong point is at least a major one, and one that saved the car from a last-place finish: an excellent ride/handling compromise. The car is quick and nimble, and the ride, though firm, remains very comfortable at all times. Despite this, the CTS is not a recommended choice, especially with the base 2.8-liter V6.

      As noted, the CTS has a very firm ride that still manages to capably absorb road imperfections large and small, and controls unwanted body motions extremely well, making it quite comfortable overall. And this firmness also gives the car very impressive handling capabilities. Body roll is quite well-suppressed, and the car feels very agile despite its surprising exterior size. The steering is quick to respond, and provides excellent feedback. Unfortunately, the 2.8-liter V6 is not up to the same standards. It is rather pathetic by the standards of this class, and unimpressive even compared to a typical family car costing $10,000 less. It is also noisy, especially under acceleration, and lacks the rich note found both in competitors and in the 3.6-liter CTS. Despite its diminished size and power in relation to the 3.6-liter, the 2.8-liter CTS fails to provide improved gas mileage.

       Inside, the roomy front seats are firm, roomy, very well-shaped, and very comfortable overall, though the non-adjustable safety belts can be annoying for both the very short and the very tall. The rear seat is too low, not especially well-shaped, and not especially roomy, a disappointment considering the CTS's exterior dimensions. Interior quality is also mediocre by the standards of this class; while solid overall, the materials used lack a suitable luxury feel that the car's price tag deserves, and wood and aluminum trim is largely absent, leaving a drab and featureless dash. The gauges are notably large and very clear. The instrument panel is angled towards the driver, and features main instruments that are well-placed and easy to use, but some secondary controls are a bit confusing. Drivers sit comfortably, though have a poor rearward view thanks to small windows and thick roof pillars. Entry/exit is easy enough, thanks to the very large doors, though the rear's sloping roofline doesn't help. The trunk is rather small for such a large vehicle, and isn't especially well-shaped.

         The CTS was rated Best Pick in the IIHS offset crash test, but has not been subjected to the IIHS's demanding side crash test. NHTSA has not tested the CTS's frontal crash protection, but awarded the vehicle four stars for the driver and five for the rear passenger in its side crash test.

     The CTS reviewed here came neither particularly well-equipped nor particularly inexpensive. It comes with basic luxury features as heated leather seats (optional on the 2.8 version), as well as standard torso and head-protecting side airbags and the OnStar assistance system. However, the version reviewed here lacks the car's optional StabiliTrak stability control system, doesn't have a navigation system, and doesn't have any groundbreaking or unusual options or standard features.

        Overall, the CTS rides on an exceptional platform that provides a very impressive ride/handling compromise. But a $33,000 car needs more than simply one strong point, and the CTS, especially with the weak and noisy 2.8-liter V6, not only lacks further strong points, but has many weak points. There are better choices.

Pros:

-Agility

-Ride Comfort

Cons:

-Acceleration

-Refinement

-Features for the Money

-Rear Seat Comfort

-Interior Quality

-Fuel Economy

Overall:

An expensive and mediocre vehicle riding on an excellent platform.

Version Reviewed:

2.8

Price of Version Reviewed:

$33,399

Powertrain:

2.8-liter V6