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2009 Cadillac CTS-V Quality Review

November 3, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Luxury-grade trim rivals the best in this highly competitive class
ConsumerGuide

Supportive and comfy suede Recaros, a suede steering wheel and a suede gear lever
Jalopnik

Audible feedback of the tires and exhaust are louder than a base CTS
Autoblog

Cadillac has built its brand around a sense of quality and refinement that shines through magnificently on the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V.

The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, like most sedans, offers seating for five, though reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that four adults is a much more realistic figure. Up front, reviewers can't stop mentioning the optional Recaro racing seats, which Autoblog says "have adjustable thigh supports, as well as adjustable everything else." ConsumerGuide reports that the "standard sport seats are comfortable yet supportive in fast cornering," but the Cadillac CTS-V's "optional Recaro-brand seats have handy power-adjustable bolsters to dial in ideal comfort/support ratio." The rear seats don't receive nearly as much press, but ConsumerGuide finds there is "adequate rear-seat space, though larger adults will feel crowded" and the "marginal headroom is further reduced by the available sunroof."

The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is, for the most part, a practical daily driver. However, the Cadillac CTS-V suffers somewhat when it comes to cargo space. ConsumerGuide reports that the "usefulness of the boxy trunk is compromised by a small opening," although the "interior storage includes an average-sized center console and glovebox." Edmunds reviewers agree, claiming that "loading bulky items into the 13.6-cubic-foot trunk is hampered by a very short deck."

In order to successfully compete with the top European imports, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V has to match them not only in performance, but also in quality. Consider that goal met, as Edmunds reports "materials are high in quality, and the level of detailing in this car is comparable to the top import nameplates." Other reviewers agree wholeheartedly, with ConsumerGuide claiming the "luxury-grade trim rivals the best in this highly competitive class." Autoblog adds that the Cadillac CTS-V has "some upgraded trim like micro-fiber inserts in the seats and around [the] steering wheel that feel rich to the touch and look great." Road & Track reviewers "particularly like the piano black interior trim," while Automobile Magazine appreciates that "shiny black trim and bits of chrome keep things from looking too dour inside."

In addition to top-notch assembly and materials, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is remarkably quiet, especially for a car of its power. The most critical review comes from Consumer Guide, which says "wind noise is well muted, but engine and tire noise are relatively pronounced." On the other hand, Cars.com attests that "there's a nice exhaust sound when you really lay on it, but the CTS-V is otherwise remarkably quiet for what it is." Autoblog mentions that the exhaust note on the Cadillac CTS-V is "louder than a base CTS but far less than a typical aftermarket exhaust system."

Conclusion

Inside, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is everything you've come to expect from a top-end Cadillac.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Luxury-grade trim rivals the best in this highly competitive classConsumerGuideSupportive and comfy suede Recaros, a suede steering wheel and a suede gear leverJalopnikAudible feedback of the tires and exhaust are louder than a base CTSAutoblog Cadillac has built its brand around a sense of quality and refinement that shines through magnificently on the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V. The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, like most sedans, offers seating for five, though reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that four adults is a much more realistic figure. Up front, reviewers can't stop mentioning the optional Recaro racing seats, which Autoblog says "have adjustable thigh supports, as well as adjustable everything else." ConsumerGuide reports that the "standard sport seats are comfortable yet supportive in fast cornering," but the Cadillac CTS-V's "optional Recaro-brand seats have handy power-adjustable bolsters to dial in ideal comfort/support ratio." The rear seats don't receive nearly as much press, but ConsumerGuide finds there is "adequate rear-seat space, though larger adults will feel crowded" and the "marginal headroom is further reduced by the available sunroof." The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is, for the most part, a practical daily driver. However, the Cadillac CTS-V suffers somewhat when it comes to cargo space. ConsumerGuide reports that the "usefulness of the boxy trunk is compromised by a small opening," although the "interior storage includes an average-sized center console and glovebox." Edmunds reviewers agree, claiming that "loading bulky items into the 13.6-cubic-foot trunk is hampered by a very short deck." In order to successfully compete with the top European imports, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V has to match them not only in performance, but also in quality. Consider that goal met, as Edmunds reports "materials are high in quality, and the level of detailing in this car is comparable to the top import nameplates." Other reviewers agree wholeheartedly, with ConsumerGuide claiming the "luxury-grade trim rivals the best in this highly competitive class." Autoblog adds that the Cadillac CTS-V has "some upgraded trim like micro-fiber inserts in the seats and around [the] steering wheel that feel rich to the touch and look great." Road & Track reviewers "particularly like the piano black interior trim," while Automobile Magazine appreciates that "shiny black trim and bits of chrome keep things from looking too dour inside." In addition to top-notch assembly and materials, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is remarkably quiet, especially for a car of its power. The most critical review comes from Consumer Guide, which says "wind noise is well muted, but engine and tire noise are relatively pronounced." On the other hand, Cars.com attests that "there's a nice exhaust sound when you really lay on it, but the CTS-V is otherwise remarkably quiet for what it is." Autoblog mentions that the exhaust note on the Cadillac CTS-V is "louder than a base CTS but far less than a typical aftermarket exhaust system." ConclusionInside, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is everything you've come to expect from a top-end Cadillac. 2009 CADILLAC CTS-V STYLING | [9 out of 10] ConsumerGuide: "CTS puts form over function when it comes to the use of major controls" Motor Trend: "Identified by the satin-finish mesh grille, deeper front and rear fascias" Road & Track: "Thick steering wheel and pedals [are] placed ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V comes very close in overall size to the BMW M5, the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, and the Audi S6, but with a lower price than the E63, it competes more closely with the C63 AMG. The Audi S6 is about the same size and weight as the CTS-V, and it has standard all-wheel drive; however, its 5.2-liter V-10 engine makes only 435 horsepower and far less usable torque than the CTS-V's supercharged V-8. The C63 AMG's driving feel is similar to that of the CTS-V—hefty on the road, but surprisingly crisp and responsive on the track—and despite its somewhat lighter weight, it makes do with about 100 less hp and, thus, isn't as fast. The BMW M5 can get to 60 mph in about the same time as the CTS-V, by some accounts, and it comes with an impressive (or intimidating) set of electronic controls as part of M Drive, though its sticker price starts at around $85,000, about $25,000 more than the CTS-V. The limited-production Lexus IS-F is another new competitor, with a 416-horsepower V-8, rear-wheel drive, and some serious track credentials, but the IS-F strikes out on one count: With no manual transmission, it's still a poseur to hard-core performance nuts.

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See the Cadillac CTS-V in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

Comments (1 total)

  1. By gregberlin #2, Posted: 5/31/2009

    smokn hot!!

    i own a xlrv and love the cts-v as well! there
    exotic american cars it may be at gm crisis time
    but they did it and proved it to the world!!
    god bless GM!GREG BERLIN RENO NV,
    CADDY FANANTIC

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