Although the styling package of the '04 CTS is relatively unchanged from '03, it remains fresh and eye-catching. In these days of automotive designs that often mimic a well-worn bar of soap, it's refreshing to ogle something edgy and sharp. It was a bold, albeit necessary move for a car company that was once perceived as the geriatric choice; and one of the reasons Cadillac is quickly shedding that image with entries into the truck and SUV markets, as well as the world of performance sedans and roadsters.
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| Although the styling is unchanged for 2004, the CTS still remains fresh and eye-catching. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
As my ogling eyes darted away from the sharpness of the exterior creases and toward the interior of the CTS, I found myself flashing back to the 1980s. What's with the odd dash design and chiseled door panels. Oh sure, it's all very functional and GM has improved the touch and feel of the interior finishings enormously, but to me the overall design of the dash and door panels takes on an unintended retro-feel. While I do give kudos to Cadillac for having the courage to deviate, whether that deviation is good or bad is debatable. It just doesn't work for me, and with interiors often making or breaking a car's success I think that Cadillac needs to reboot the CAD computer and try again.
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| The CTS's sharp interior imparts a sense of size that belies it compact nature. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Regardless of my tastes, the 2003 CTS did win Auto Interiors magazine's 4th annual Interior of the Year Award. On the basis of appearance, functionality, innovation and overall impressions automobile industry professionals rated the competing vehicles; apparently my vote wasn't sought.
There are however many positive aspects to the CTS interior. First and foremost are the heated front seats. The two leather-trimmed, power adjustable front buckets are wonderfully supportive and first-rate for comfort. Unlike some of the competitors in the personal luxury car market, the CTS imparts a sense of size that belies it compact nature. My slightly-sub 6-foot frame had no difficulty with legroom in front or rear, although for NBA talent or the like headroom may become an issue.
