DriveTech

2007 Cadillac CTS V6 is a car that likes to run

There was a time when owning a Cadillac meant you just retired. That myth has changed.

Today, owning a Cadillac can mean you've made it in the business world or you wanted a car that looks good but has performance as well. Perhaps you just wanted to own a Cadillac and now they're affordable enough that you can. The reason doesn't really make a difference because driving the CTS or CTS-V is a blast.

My test vehicle came from the good folks at Rorick Buick. General Manager Chris Murphy, who is somewhat of a "gearhead," threw me the keys to a CTS V6. There are two V6s to choose from. You can opt for the smaller 2.8-liter V6 that has 210 horsepower and 194 pound foot of torque, or you can drive what I tested - the 3.6-liter with 255 horsepower and 252 foot pounds of torque.

Interesting enough, the fuel mileage is the same on both engines. It gets 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the open road. There are also two transmission choices, either the standard six-speed manual or the optional five-speed electronically controlled automatic with overdrive. My black beauty had the latter, which I really enjoyed, considering I love manual transmissions. But if you're a real lead foot, then go for the CTS-V with 6.0-liter V8, pushing 400 horsepower and 395 foot pounds of raw torque (it only comes with a six-speed manual).

The CTS is a nimble four-door touring car that likes to run and the comfort behind the wheel makes the ride that much better. With a base price of $32,685, you really get your money's worth. If you want to dress up your CTS, the sky is the limit.

The CTS I tested was very comfortable and the interior hasn't changed much over the years, which is a good thing. But word is out that the '08 may be drastically changed. I like this version with eight-way power driver seat, plus optional heaters, lumbar and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. (One thing I must mention is when you get in a new Cadillac, the leather smells so good you just want to sit there and take it all in.)

The standard feature list is long, with features such as power windows (up and down), OnStar, power-heated outside mirrors, auto-dimming inside mirror and a comprehensive driver information center to help keep you and your CTS together.

In the rear seat there's plenty of comfort as well as the ability to flip down the seat for extended room from the trunk. Of course you get a great sound system that includes AM/FM/CD and XM radio. The audio and climate controls are mounted in a center unit that supports the driver and passenger. The vent adjustments are the best I've ever seen and operated. They're little knobs that stick out and can be easily operated even with gloves on. A very nice touch. It boasts a good center console with cup holders and a place for loose items. Cadillac added some burl accent woods to the interior to help give the "raven black" exterior and ebony interior a touch of class.

My CTS had an optional sunroof that worked flawlessly. Even though I'm not much of a sunroof kind of guy, the buffeting was minimal.

When driving the CTS, what really stands out is the all-speed traction control, four-wheel independent suspension and the 16-inch machine finished wheels mounted on P255/55R16 all season tires that really grip the roads, especially in the hills of East County.

Safety is always important and Cadillac doesn't disappoint. The CTS comes with front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, head curtain airbags in front and rear, daytime running lights and OnStar. Plus, the body is constructed to protect the driver and passengers, with crumple zones and beams in the doors.

If you need a four-door midsize sedan to tool around in, put the CTS on your list of cars to test. Stop by Rorick Buick in Car Country Carlsbad, where the staff will treat you like family no matter where you go in the dealership

Next week, I will review a Toyota from Toyota of Escondido.