Consumer Reports: Cadillac CTS outscores Mercedes, BMW

ifcar · 01-31-2008, 10:06 PM

For its March issue, CR reviewed a selection of entry-lux sedans that it hadn't already tested.

Rankings of all "upscale" sedans tested by CR: (models tested this month in italics and recommended models (models that tested well and have reliability predicted at average or above) in bold)

EXCELLENT:
1. Infiniti G35 Journey: 92 points ($35,150)
2. Lexus ES350: 91 ($41,289)
3. Acura TL: 90 ($33,670)
4. Infiniti G35X AWD: 87 ($39,400)
5. Cadillac CTS 3.6: 84 ($40,835)
6. Lexus IS250: 84 ($33,734)

VERY GOOD:
7. BMW 328i: 77 ($39,175)
8. Acura TSX: 77 ($29,035)
9. Mercedes-Benz C300: 77 ($37,325)
10. Lincoln MKZ: 77 ($32,675)
11. Audi A4 2.0T (2008): 77 ($35,855)
12. Saab 9-5: 71 ($38,635)
13. Saab 9-3 Aero V6: 71 ($37,815)

GOOD:
14. Volvo S60 2.5T: 58 ($34,980)

Specific details and ratings of the "upscale" sedans in this month's report:

Cadillac CTS:
Highs: Acceleration, steering, agility, powertrain, fit and finish, front seat, regular gas, crash-test results.
Lows: Rear visibility, some controls, no flash-to-pass.
Acceleration: 5/5 (6.8 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 5/5
Routine Handling: 5/5
Emergency Handling: 4/5 (avoidance maneuver max speed: 53.5 mph)
Braking: 4/5 (131 feet from 60 dry, 138 feet from 60 wet)
Headlights: 3/5
Ride: 4/5
Noise: 4/5
Driving Position: 4/5
Front Seat Comfort: 5/5
Front Access: 4/5
Rear Seat Comfort: 3/5
Rear Access: 3/5
Controls and Displays: 4/5
Interior fit and finish: 5/5
Trunk: 2/5
Fuel Economy: 2/5 (19 mpg)
Reliability: unknown

BMW 328i:
Highs: Agility, steering, acceleration, powertrain, fit and finish, crash-test results.
Lows: Rear seat, some controls, cupholders.
Acceleration: 5/5 (6.9 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 5/5
Routine Handling: 5/5
Emergency Handling: 4/5 (avoidance maneuver max speed: 53.5 mph)
Braking: 4/5 (130 feet from 60 dry, 142 feet from 60 wet)
Headlights: 2/5
Ride: 4/5
Noise: 4/5
Driving Position: 4/5
Front Seat Comfort: 4/5
Front Access: 4/5
Rear Seat Comfort: 2/5
Rear Access: 3/5
Controls and Displays: 3/5
Interior fit and finish: 5/5
Trunk: 2/5
Fuel Economy: 3/5 (23 mpg)
Reliability: 4/5

Mercedes-Benz C300:
Highs: Acceleration, engine, handling, braking, fit and finish, turning circle.
Lows: Overly light steering, ride, some controls.
Acceleration: 5/5 (6.8 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 4/5
Routine Handling: 5/5
Emergency Handling: 4/5 (avoidance maneuver max speed: 54 mph)
Braking: 5/5 (129 feet from 60 dry, 138 feet from 60 wet)
Headlights: 2/5
Ride: 3/5
Noise: 4/5
Driving Position: 4/5
Front Seat Comfort: 4/5
Front Access: 4/5
Rear Seat Comfort: 3/5
Rear Access: 3/5
Controls and Displays: 3/5
Interior fit and finish: 5/5
Trunk: 2/5
Fuel Economy: 3/5 (21 mpg)
Reliability: Unknown

Saab 9-3 Aero V6:
Highs: Acceleration, powertrain, secure handling, crash-test results.
Lows: Ride, noise, tight quarters.
Acceleration: 5/5 (6.4 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 5/5
Routine Handling: 4/5
Emergency Handling: 4/5 (avoidance maneuver max speed: 54 mph)
Braking: 4/5 (131 feet from 60 dry, 136 feet from 60 wet)
Headlights: 4/5
Ride: 3/5
Noise: 4/5
Driving Position: 4/5
Front Seat Comfort: 4/5
Front Access: 4/5
Rear Seat Comfort: 3/5
Rear Access: 2/5
Controls and Displays: 4/5
Interior fit and finish: 4/5
Trunk: 3/5
Fuel Economy: 2/5 (20 mpg)
Reliability: 3/5

And, as always, ask if you want more.

zete · 01-31-2008, 10:17 PM

I'm mostly perplexed by the fact they rate headlights. To me, headlights should work but rating them out of five is ridiculous. If they're Xenon they're perfect. Flash-to-pass is OK to have, but few care. I'd like to know why the BMW, Mercedes and CTS got 2/5 on headlights while the Saab got 4/5.

I'm also perplexed by the 3/5 for the trunk on the Saab and 2/5 on the CTS.

I just don't get "rear access", though. I can get in fine and I'm 6'3". What do they test for "rear access" and do only minivans get 5/5?

FenwickHockey65 · 01-31-2008, 10:29 PM

No flash to pass??! Why does it matter??? In the one year that I've been driving, I have never had to use flash to pass to do anything!

Sal Collaziano · 02-01-2008, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

No flash to pass??! Why does it matter??? In the one year that I've been driving, I have never had to use flash to pass to do anything!

You use flash to pass while on the highway (in the fast lane) driving behind somebody going 5 miles an hour below the speed limit while everyone in the lanes next to you is going 10 miles an hour over.

Ssom · 02-01-2008, 04:22 AM

The second I saw the ES350 in the "Excellent" category I disregarded it completely.

Sal Collaziano · 02-01-2008, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ssom

The second I saw the ES350 in the "Excellent" category I disregarded it completely.

There's nothing less than excellent about the Lexus ES350.

genjy · 02-01-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ssom

The second I saw the ES350 in the "Excellent" category I disregarded it completely.

CR isn't an enthusiast magazine geared towards enthusiasts.

For the non-enthusiast buyers, the ES350 is not a bad car at all.... maybe just a bit ugly looking.

FenwickHockey65 · 02-01-2008, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sal Collaziano

You use flash to pass while on the highway (in the fast lane) driving behind somebody going 5 miles an hour below the speed limit while everyone in the lanes next to you is going 10 miles an hour over.

The horn works just as well!

Ssom · 02-01-2008, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genjy

CR isn't an enthusiast magazine geared towards enthusiasts.

For the non-enthusiast buyers, the ES350 is not a bad car at all.... maybe just a bit ugly looking.

Meh, it's just a tarted up Camry designed for people without a pulse, it represents everything that is wrong with Americas choice of Automobiles.

vsd · 02-01-2008, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

The horn works just as well!

No, no it doesn't.

radczr · 02-04-2008, 01:54 PM

According to www.thecarconnection.com, the CTS has "whupped" the new Mercedes C class and the BMW 3 series.

njtex · 02-04-2008, 02:17 PM

Even more impressive considering that the new C-Class is a big step forward from it's previous model! From what I have heard, MB threw all it had at the redesign.

dindak · 02-04-2008, 03:09 PM

All good.

genjy · 02-04-2008, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njtex

Even more impressive considering that the new C-Class is a big step forward from it's previous model! From what I have heard, MB threw all it had at the redesign.

Unfortunately, MBZ is a luxury brand and not a sport-luxury brand like BMW. Non-AMG MBZ cars usually can't get away with stiff suspensions and harsh rides like non-M BMW cars can.

powervette · 02-04-2008, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njtex

Even more impressive considering that the new C-Class is a big step forward from it's previous model! From what I have heard, MB threw all it had at the redesign.

the interior is a huge step backwards

01-31-2008, 10:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
ifcar 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Fort Washington, MD Drives: 2002 Kia Sedona Posts: 1,775	Consumer Reports reviews the 328I, CTS, C300, and 9-3 For its March issue, CR reviewed a selection of entry-lux sedans that it hadn't already tested. Rankings of all "upscale" sedans tested by CR: (models tested this month in italics and recommended models (models that tested well and have reliability predicted at average or above) in bold) EXCELLENT: 1. Infiniti G35 Journey: 92 points ($35,150) 2. Lexus ES350: 91 ($41,289) 3. Acura TL: 90 ($33,670) 4. Infiniti G35X AWD: 87 ($39,400) 5. Cadillac CTS 3.6: 84 ($40,835) 6. Lexus IS250: 84 ($33,734) VERY GOOD: 7. BMW 328i: 77 ($39,175) 8. Acura TSX: 77 ($29,035) 9. Mercedes-Benz C300: 77 ($37,325) 10. Lincoln MKZ: 77 ($32,675) 11. Audi A4 2.0T (2008): 77 ($35,855) 12. Saab 9-5: 71 ($38,635) 13. Saab 9-3 Aero V6: 71 ($37,815) GOOD: 14. Volvo S60 2.5T: 58 ($34,980) Specific details and ratings of the "upscale" sedans in this month's report: Cadillac CTS: Highs: Acceleration, steering, agility, powertrain, fit and finish, front seat, regular gas, crash-test results. Lows: Rear visibility, some controls, no flash-to-pass. Acceleration: 5/5 (6.8 seconds to 60) Transmission: 5/5 Routine Handling: 5/5 Emergency Handling: 4/5 (avoidance maneuver max speed: 53.5 mph) Braking: 4/5 (131 feet from 60 dry, 138 feet from 60 wet) Headlights: 3/5 Ride: 4/5 Noise: 4/5 Driving Position: 4/5 Front Seat Comfort: 5/5 Front Access: 4/5 Rear Seat Comfort: 3/5 Rear Access: 3/5 Controls and Displays: 4/5 Interior fit and finish: 5/5 Trunk: 2/5 Fuel Economy: 2/5 (19 mpg) Reliability: unknown BMW 328i: Highs: Agility, steering, acceleration, powertrain, fit and finish, crash-test results. Lows: Rear seat, some controls, cupholders. Acceleration: 5/5 (6.9 seconds to 60) Transmission: 5/5 Routine Handling: 5/5 Emergency Handling: 4/5 (avoidance maneuver max speed: 53.5 mph) Braking: 4/5 (130 feet from 60 dry, 142 feet from 60 wet) Headlights: 2/5 Ride: 4/5 Noise: 4/5 Driving Position: 4/5 Front Seat Comfort: 4/5 Front Access: 4/5 Rear Seat Comfort: 2/5 Rear Access: 3/5 Controls and Displays: 3/5 Interior fit and finish: 5/5 Trunk: 2/5 Fuel Economy: 3/5 (23 mpg) Reliability: 4/5 Mercedes-Benz C300: Highs: Acceleration, engine, handling, braking, fit and finish, turning circle. Lows: Overly light steering, ride, some controls. Acceleration: 5/5 (6.8 seconds to 60) Transmission: 4/5 Routine Handling: 5/5 Emergency Handling: 4/5 (avoidance maneuver max speed: 54 mph) Braking: 5/5 (129 feet from 60 dry, 138 feet from 60 wet) Headlights: 2/5 Ride: 3/5 Noise: 4/5 Driving Position: 4/5 Front Seat Comfort: 4/5 Front Access: 4/5 Rear Seat Comfort: 3/5 Rear Access: 3/5 Controls and Displays: 3/5 Interior fit and finish: 5/5 Trunk: 2/5 Fuel Economy: 3/5 (21 mpg) Reliability: Unknown Saab 9-3 Aero V6: Highs: Acceleration, powertrain, secure handling, crash-test results. Lows: Ride, noise, tight quarters. Acceleration: 5/5 (6.4 seconds to 60) Transmission: 5/5 Routine Handling: 4/5 Emergency Handling: 4/5 (avoidance maneuver max speed: 54 mph) Braking: 4/5 (131 feet from 60 dry, 136 feet from 60 wet) Headlights: 4/5 Ride: 3/5 Noise: 4/5 Driving Position: 4/5 Front Seat Comfort: 4/5 Front Access: 4/5 Rear Seat Comfort: 3/5 Rear Access: 2/5 Controls and Displays: 4/5 Interior fit and finish: 4/5 Trunk: 3/5 Fuel Economy: 2/5 (20 mpg) Reliability: 3/5 And, as always, ask if you want more. __________________

01-31-2008, 10:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
zete 6.2 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: NCR, Great White North Posts: 2,873	Re: Consumer Reports reviews the 328I, CTS, C300, and 9-3 I'm mostly perplexed by the fact they rate headlights. To me, headlights should work but rating them out of five is ridiculous. If they're Xenon they're perfect. Flash-to-pass is OK to have, but few care. I'd like to know why the BMW, Mercedes and CTS got 2/5 on headlights while the Saab got 4/5. I'm also perplexed by the 3/5 for the trunk on the Saab and 2/5 on the CTS. I just don't get "rear access", though. I can get in fine and I'm 6'3". What do they test for "rear access" and do only minivans get 5/5?

01-31-2008, 10:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
FenwickHockey65 6.0 Liter LS2 V8 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: West Chester, OH Drives: Chevrolet Malibu LS, GMC Envoy SLE, GMC Sonoma SLS Posts: 4,905	Re: Consumer Reports reviews the 328I, CTS, C300, and 9-3 No flash to pass??! Why does it matter??? In the one year that I've been driving, I have never had to use flash to pass to do anything! __________________ Proud to drive American. Proud to drive GM. Current Cars: 2007 Chevrolet Malibu LS: 2.2L ECOTEC I-4 2003 GMC Envoy SLE: 4.2L Vortec 4200 I-6 1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Ext. Cab: 4.3L Vortec 4300 V6 Former Cars: 1993 Saturn SW2 (1993-2006, 243,000 miles) 1989 GMC Safari SLT (1989-2003, 293,000 miles) Future Car: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro LT RS: 3.6L DI VVT V6

02-01-2008, 04:22 AM	#5 (permalink)
Ssom 3.8 Liter V6 Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 494	Re: Consumer Reports reviews the 328I, CTS, C300, and 9-3 The second I saw the ES350 in the "Excellent" category I disregarded it completely.

02-04-2008, 01:54 PM	#11 (permalink)
radczr Walking Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Castle Rock Posts: 5	Consumer Reports Scores CTS higher than BMW, Mercedes According to www.thecarconnection.com, the CTS has "whupped" the new Mercedes C class and the BMW 3 series.

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02-04-2008, 02:17 PM	#12 (permalink)
njtex 2.0 Liter Supercharged ECOTEC Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 168	Re: Consumer Reports Scores CTS higher than BMW, Mercedes Even more impressive considering that the new C-Class is a big step forward from it's previous model! From what I have heard, MB threw all it had at the redesign.

02-04-2008, 03:09 PM	#13 (permalink)
dindak 4.4 Liter Supercharged Northstar Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Toronto area Posts: 2,051	Re: Consumer Reports Scores CTS higher than BMW, Mercedes All good.

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