CTS and CTSV Design Flaws?

[rapid rabbit]

Originally Posted by benjet

Very nice! Keep this list going.

Most of these are pretty realistic requests (now that I've said that we'll get someone posting - gold trim kit-1 ).

Most of mine have already been mentioned, but I'll still come up with a few to add.

Keep them coming!

-Ben

To many "stalks" on the steering column. Wife drove the car & she would hit the wiper stalk accidentally & "on' they would go. One stalk, as on my Eldo is sufficient. Too many gadgets. Miss the parking brake on my Eldo. Other than that it's a great ride. I'm sure there will be improvemets in design with the required price hike, but that's ok..........

[c5 rv]

Let me preface this by saying that I love this car. That said:

Headlamp bulbs not user replaceable - 3

Plain grille that clashes with some colors - 2

Excessive brake dust on perf. suspension - 4

Peeling paint on wheel hubs - 2

A/C lines block dip stick on 3.6 - 3

Poor fit of lower rocker panel trim to body - 2

Door slam sounds too "domestic" - 2

Old-fashioned OnStar glass antenna - 2

No locking / remote release on gas filler - 1

Too much effort to open trunk - 1

Water dribble from rear bezel - 3

No bright exhaust tips - 3

No HUD available - 1

HVAC controls that flash at night - 1

Radio volume control has too large a difference in volume settings between clicks in the middle - 4

Radio buttons do not have positive feedback - 3

No oil temp reading on dash or DIC - 2

Homelink button has to be held too long to send signal - 4

Squeaky and flimsy center console lid - 1

Squeaky seat sides - 3

[-1-]

Parking brake release and hood release too close together. -1

OnStar antenna (I hate it & location) - let's act like it's 2004. -2

Better standard wheels & optional wheels - 16" wheels belong on a Yugo. 17" seven spoke wheels should be standard as a minimum. Nice 18" 19" or 20" factory wheels should be offered as an option. Nothing pimp mobile like, but dignified, suitable for a classy car. -1
Lockable gas door. How much did GM save? -2

I would prefer auto dimming headlights versus auto dimming rear view mirror. -3

Let's make it better!

[Cal]

Did anyone mention the driver's seat rubbing on the center console?

Obviously having some options would be nice but to be honest I think forcing the customer to go aftermarket to TRULY customize more important performance/style modifications is a good way to do it. That way everyone starts on the same footing, and changes things based on what they want.

I'd cringe if they went with any type of auto, a sequential gearbox would definitely be fun though (like the one the M3 has, also includes an auto-shift feature).

Since the thing is drive-by-wire, in a high performance car a clutch adjustment sure would be nice (since there's no linkage). People like different clutch sensitivity to fit their shift type.

Exhaust/intake - 2
Driver's seat - 2
Improved navigation software - 4
Sequential gearbox - 3
Gauge alert disable (manual) - 1
Clutch customize - 3
22" spinners - 1+++

[ctsvett]

Cal,
I agree 100% with your comment about customers doing some level of customization.

Example, I hate (and will never want) a gold trim kit. I hate the way it looks and it looks cheesy (no offense to those who like it). But offer a customer the option at the dealer will make some people happy.

Customizing a car is something that everyone will do to some extent, its why you dont see 20 million of the same cars on the road right now.

However, when it is virtually impossible to add a in car cell phone to the existing stereo system and use an existing microphone that is already installed in the car, that is stupid.

My preference is that GM left MORE opportunity to do modifications... Example: I cant find a single way (easily or within warranty-no solder mods here) that will allow me to add an external video source to the very large LCD display that is cleanly installed in the car and I already paid for.

I am somewhat tired of very proprietary systems where there is no room for modification, and I fear that GM (an other car makers) are headed this direction.

...However, I LOVE my V.....
Reed
ctsvett@verizon.net
CTS/CTS-V FAQ at Http://www.cadillacfaq.com
CTS-V registry at Http://www.cadillacfaq.com

[benjet]

Originally Posted by Cal

Did anyone mention the driver's seat rubbing on the center console?

This is a defect. Your dealer can correct it. Mine did..

-Ben

[smuook]

2004 3.6 Luxury:

1 - Onstar unit's GPS receiver not integrated with a Navigation system... why pay for a two GPS receivers?

1 - Locking gas cap

3 - Look of standard plastic front grille (on SRX too)

3 - Initial grey rear bezel being issued

3 - rear fascia cutouts with no exhaust tips???

[Cal]

Originally Posted by mrbadss

Cal,
I agree 100% with your comment about customers doing some level of customization.

Example, I hate (and will never want) a gold trim kit. I hate the way it looks and it looks cheesy (no offense to those who like it). But offer a customer the option at the dealer will make some people happy.

Customizing a car is something that everyone will do to some extent, its why you dont see 20 million of the same cars on the road right now.

However, when it is virtually impossible to add a in car cell phone to the existing stereo system and use an existing microphone that is already installed in the car, that is stupid.

My preference is that GM left MORE opportunity to do modifications... Example: I cant find a single way (easily or within warranty-no solder mods here) that will allow me to add an external video source to the very large LCD display that is cleanly installed in the car and I already paid for.

I am somewhat tired of very proprietary systems where there is no room for modification, and I fear that GM (an other car makers) are headed this direction.

...However, I LOVE my V.....
Reed

Yeah, I agree. That navigation system (imo) is inferior to the one I briefly played with in the M3. Also having output ports as you suggest is important for some people and probably a pennies-per-install upgrade for the manufacturer. The cel thing seems to me like GM is trying to get you to use their overpriced onstar satellite minutes. Personally I don't mind the antenna on the back (I think the extra drag is bearable ) and I like the idea that I can be reached almost anywhere other than downtown Manhattan, where my normal cel works fine anyhow. I favor connectivity over a small antenna flopping on my back window. But not everyone does (benjet).

I think some of the features you are mentioning are better suited to the higher end luxury cars not the performance sedans, but I agree it can't hurt (GM makes a profit on each option, after all) to at least offer them.

- C.

[RFJ]

I would like to see more storage room on the console and relocating the cup holders for easier access. The ash tray could provide a place to store a cell phone. Also the sport mode button is hard to get to. The glove box is also hard to see in and get to. I like to see the outside temperature on the rear view mirror. I would rate these a 2.

I love my car, but just want to suggest improvements.

[fntech]

1. Audio input!
1. MP3 playback!
2. Bluetooth phone capability
1. pedal and steering adjustability
2. lumbar adjustment in seat

Thanks