2010 Cadillac CTS - Review

By Tim Healey

Tim Healey

Contributing Writer BIO

Tim Healey was formerly an associate editor at Consumer Guide Automotive in Chicago. Before that he worked in the automotive industry as a service... More

LATEST ARTICLE
2013 Ford Mustang To Get Performance Gauges: Report
According to a report in Automobile, the 2013 Ford Mustang may receive a performance gauge package... Read More

• N/ALEADERBOARD RANK
• 639ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
• 0COMMENTS POSTED

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

The only downers on the inside were a dashboard that felt unusually hard for this price point, as well as a lack of overall space. As a taller driver, I had enough legroom, but headroom was a bit tight, and the rear seat doesn't look inviting to well-fed American adults. Otherwise, the interior not only has an uptown look and feel, but it also offers nice storage options. Cargo space behind the rear seat is ample, as well.

CTS buyers will be looking for performance, and while the 3.6-liter V-6 isn't the same monster motor that's found in the upcoming CTS-V, 300+ ponies aren't something to sneeze at. The Sport Wagon jumps away from a stop smartly, and passing doesn't require too much effort. The wagon's weight does hold it back a bit, but not by much.

In my notes, I described the handling as "nimble," and upon further review, that seems about right. This is a wagon that's light on its feet and not afraid to make quick transitions, and the steering is sharp. The penalty is a stiff ride that won't bother enthusiasts but will turn off the in-laws. Body roll is mostly subdued, but it occasionally rears its ugly head. The brakes do their job without any unnecessary drama.

Of course, sporty vehicles often pay a penance in fuel economy, especially when in the hands of lead-footed auto journalists. The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon is rated at 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, but I averaged a measly 15.8 mpg over 106 miles of mostly city driving. I blame a few less-than-subtle stoplight launches for the less-than-stellar mileage.

The CTS Sport Wagon makes a compelling case for buyers who want a luxury/performance car but need more space than a sedan can give them. It doesn't lose much in performance or EPA-rated fuel-economy over the CTS sedan. It doesn't offer the higher ride height of a crossover, but it does offer available all-wheel drive for those who live in the Snow Belt. Yes, a crossover might have more cargo space, but is the performance trade-off worth it?

For many enthusiasts, the answer is no. And that's music to Cadillac's ears.