Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
18 -19 City / 26 HWY
Horsepower
220
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Tywanna L
It has been very reliable
I love my car. I've had it 12 yrs and have never had a point where I wanted to get rid of it. It's fun to drive, safe and gets good gas mileage
accountCircle Pamela W
The look is still a luxury looking car that drives and feels almost like a new car. I get so many "Likes" and shocking revelations from people who have no idea is 15 years old.
My initial problems that I had years ago with the car, cost me Thousands of dollars, I needed all kinds of Sensor and a New Computer. Well, I wasn't driving the car, I thought covering it up and not driving it would make it last longer. Well I was so wrong...After the CTS became my main vehicle, I have had no major problems, all it needed was the general maintenance of every vehicle. The body and Interior is still in excellent condition. People are surprised that it is a 2003!
accountCircle vic w
It is mine... There is nothing else to say... I don't care what others think....
Meets my needs. Has what I wanted. Has aged well along with me,
accountCircle Jon J
My midnight blue car with woodgrain dash and security system
Great 4 door vehicle midnight blue has a dent on the side door but a nice sunroof. I got it for 2500 but I wouldn't trade it for the world. It has black alloy wheels and a super nice stereo system. 2.6l engine and barely needs work. The interior is sand brown with wood grain on the dash and steering wheel
accountCircle Amber P
Prestigious, a class of its own, a class apart, ferocious wonderfully made sedan.
I love everything about the car. This is the first Cadillac I have ever owned. My kids love it as well. The only thing I do not like about the car is that it does not have a AUX cord hookup nor does it have Bluetooth so its either CDs or the radio. Besides that I can't really think about anything else that I do not like about the car. It runs great its in its own class of car. The gas mileage is amazing the power is amazing great poise and performance.
accountCircle Jo K
Good mid size sedan with plenty of legroom. Very dependable.
The 2003 cadillac cts is a medium sized sedan. It is very appealing body style wise. I get good gas mileage and my car is very reliable. It has several standard features such as a fast working heater and a super cool ac. The instrument panel is very easy to figure out and use. My only complaint is mine is the basic model and does not feel very luxurious to ride in. You feel everything. Also, the dash is very hard to see especially in the daytime.
accountCircle Jack K
Good car for old men to own and be seen in.
This is a very good car the only thing is they are expensive to have worked on but they do not have to many problems. The ride is very good on long trips fuel economy is fair, I have owned this car for about 15 years, and would say the annual upkeep has been about 1000 dollars a year. .
accountCircle Tia J
Seat warmers, great on gas, all leather dream ride.
I love my car what I like most is that the car will shut off and not allow itself to overheat and will shut down to cool off if there is a problem. The car rides smooth and is very lovely on the inside full leather. It also has seat warmers for them cold winter mornings, great on gas and it's just a all around great car.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Rachel B
Interesting detail about it though is for the year the body looks great!
Well for starters, my fuel pump went out and every time one problem ends another begins. It is horrible I have an oil leak, all of my window seals leak. My back passenger window is broken and always falls down. My car runs hot constantly and shuts down while I am driving on the interstate at 70 mph. It has power steering so when it does that my brakes, steering and pedals all lock up. I hate my car.
accountCircle Brad B
If you are considering purchasing a cadillac, you are a complete moron and have more money than brains!
When It's running the ride is smooth? Everything else about the car is horrible, Expensive repairs, always having some kind of problem. Only good to own if you plan on doing a lot of walking
accountCircle Ben L
You should probably avoid an older luxury car, they are expensive to repair.
It's had a lot of expensive repairs.Cadillacs are expensive to receive service.
accountCircle jacqueline F
It had continuous problems due to leaking when it rains
The car leaks when it rains, water gets into the trunk and the doors and had to be drained. Now the car has electrical problems due to the water leak and the mechanic is unable to locate the source of the wiring issue. The car is rear wheel drive and is awful in the snow and/or rain because the traction control prevents it from moving when the road is wet. It is also not very good on gas.
accountCircle thomas k
The most important thing other should know about my car is comfortable
I dislike the fact that it use too much gas but I like it cause is reliable.
accountCircle Patty F
Everyone should know the most important things about me car is its first rattle
My sunroof is am awesome features. I like that it's paid off. I like the color of my car.
accountCircle Brandon N
03 CTS looks cool but has lots of small issues.
The vehicle is ok at best. There seems to be quite a few issues that come with the 03 models that I am quickly starting to deal with.
accountCircle Jill J
Smooth acceleration. Certain handling.
Rear wheel drive car which is not optimal in deep snow. Late in car life catalytic converter issues. Repair expenses generally high a dealership. Otherwise, very reliable car. We have had to spend very little except ordinary maintenance and oil changes.

Cadillac CTS Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
4dr Sdn
220 HP 22-23 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2003 Cadillac CTS Owner Reviews

4.00
37 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 46%
4 stars 24%
3 stars 19%
2 stars 5%
1 star 5%
accountCircle Rachel B on March 22, 2021
Interesting detail about it though is for the year the body looks great!
Well for starters, my fuel pump went out and every time one problem ends another begins. It is horrible I have an oil leak, all of my window seals leak. My back passenger window is broken and always falls down. My car runs hot constantly and shuts down while I am driving on the interstate at 70 mph. It has power steering so when it does that my brakes, steering and pedals all lock up. I hate my car.
accountCircle Patty F on March 13, 2021
Everyone should know the most important things about me car is its first rattle
My sunroof is am awesome features. I like that it's paid off. I like the color of my car.

Ranks #12 Luxury Midsize Cars by Owners

The 2003 Cadillac CTS has an average owner rating of 4.25 out of 5 which ranks it #12 of 19 other Luxury Midsize Cars.

1
car
5
2
car
4.8
12
Tie
car
4

Ranks #5 Luxury Midsize Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2003 Cadillac CTS has a combined MPG of 28 which ranks it #5 of 21 other Luxury Midsize Cars.

1
Tie
car
30 MPG
1
Tie
car
30 MPG
5
Tie
car
26 MPG

Is The 2003 Cadillac CTS A Good Car?

It's Somewhat a good car. It seems to burn a lot of gas, that is my only downside. It is comfortable and spacious.
Destiny M.
Electrical problems since I purchased it in 2003 had replace a battery every year for 16 years. Starter problems ignition problems key got stuff
Kelsey B.
Yes. It has a automatic transmission, plenty of legroom in front and back. Automatic sport button gives it that sport car feel in a sedan. Perfect for the whole family.
Ashleigh F.
It is I was warned that Cadillac are expensive to fix but I haven't had any problems and the gas mileage is good
Blanca B.

How Reliable Is The 2003 Cadillac CTS?

It's burning oil fast.. going to need new transmission soon. I will be getting rid of it because it's pricey to fix.
Kacey C.
Besides the problems it is reliable and has been a good car for 16 years I only have 130,000 miles mist of them freeway miles.
Tri S.
It's been pretty reliable. I have only had to replace the normal wear and tear items and a couple of tires. Nothing major.
Mackenzie W.
I haven't come across many problems I have changed the breaks a few times as long as you keep up the oil changes and I use regular gas
Julie G.

Is The 2003 Cadillac CTS A Good Value?

I bought it used off of a private seller. I bought it for $1200. But the actual value it goes for I think is worth it.
Sara S.
The vehicle cost me $35,000 with extra items about $50,000 out the door. This was back in the year 2003 yes
Jennifer S.
I got my 03 Cts in 2015. Used for $3250.00 It was already tagged. It was worth the money and I take good care of it .
Rachel H.

Related Articles for 2003 Cadillac CTS

From the Vehicle History blog

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2003 Cadillac CTS 3.2 Oil pressure sensor location?

Answer: The oil pressure sensor on the 2003 Cadillac CTS 2.3 is located at the front of the engine on the lower base of the engine block. Some users have reported problems with the sensor being damaged when the main...

What is the 2003 Cadillac CTS radio fuse location?

Answer: The 2003 Cadillac CTS radio fuse is located on the driver's side of the instrument panel, behind the cover. Remove the fuse from its holder. In some cases You may need a small screwdriver to unscrew the fuse...

How do i perform the 2003 Cadillac CTS anti theft reset?

Answer: To reset the alarm on the 2003 Cadillac CTS You have two options. You can pop the hood and disconnect the positive battery cable, then leave it off for about 30 minutes. This will make the power in the CPU...

What kind of oil does a cadillac cts 2003 take?

Answer: The kind of oil the Cadillac CTS 2003 takes iS5W-30. Your oil needs to be changed eventually. Every 5,000 to 10,000 miles is a good rule of thumb. If You don't change it, there will be problems with the engine....

What kind of gas does a 2003 cadillac cts take?

Answer: As the driver of a 2003 Cadillac CTS, You may be wondering what type of fuel it requires for driving day to day. With a 3.0 liter engine, this vehicle needs to be filled with regular, unleaded gasoline. The...

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety