I test drove a Hot Lava 2008 CTS today. Some things impressed me, others did not. Here are my comparisons between my 2005 Sports Package CTS and the 2008 CTS.

-- The Good --
- The DI engine was more responsive.
- I was not able to break the tires from the pavement on my test drive. I guess this has to do with AWD.
- The interior was substantially better.
- Digital Music is now possible.
- Exterior was slightly better.
- Rear reading lights
- Light in glovebox
- Nicer rims

-- The Bad --
- I was extremely disappointed in the front seats. They were hard and not comfortable. The side support was poor. The side support was much wider than me, and I'm 6'3 and 245 pounds. So my body moves around when cornering (this doesn't happen in my 2005 CTS). Do these seats get better with time? Are the seats different with the FE3 package?
- The telescoping steering wheel was further away from from my body than the non-telescoping wheel on my 2005 CTS. I guess the purpose of this feature is to keep those who are 5'0" from getting killed by the airbag.
- I had to reach forward to reach the window controls. I guess not that big a deal since I wouldn't be moving the windows up and down all the time.

-- The Ugly --
- The options mixing and matching on the CTS is just ugly rotten ugly. Cadillac must lose a ton of sales because of this.
-- Can't get a rear folding seat with a manual transmission.
-- Can't get FE2 suspension with the a manual transmission.
-- Can't get luxury package 2 with manual transmission.
- Colors are boring (IMHO). Only bright exterior colors are red or hot lava. Only interior colors are brown, gray, and black.

I have a manual that is fully loaded that has lux 2 and rear folding seats.

So the window controls require a reach, huh? That's annoying.

[I have a manual that is fully loaded that has lux 2 and rear folding seats.]

Well they must have changed the options. Mbai, when did you get your CTS?

Cadillac must lose a ton of sales because of this.

:p Some how I don't think Cadillac is doing that bad trying to sell these.

I have a manual that is fully loaded that has lux 2 and rear folding seats.

ditto, got mine in nov. I'm pretty sure you can still order it...don't feel like looking it up now.

[I have a manual that is fully loaded that has lux 2 and rear folding seats.]

Well they must have changed the options. Mbai, when did you get your CTS?

I ordered mine in November. If I remember correctly, you have to select the summer tire package to make lux 2 available.

- Exterior was slightly better.
-- Can't get a rear folding seat with a manual transmission.
-- Can't get FE2 suspension with the a manual transmission.
-- Can't get luxury package 2 with manual transmission.

1. What! Are you kidding, the new exterior is way better! JK, to each his own. :cool:
2. Yes you can. You just have to get the Premium Luxury Collection (PDQ). Below is a quote from the current ordering guide.
3. True, annoying huh? You either get a bare bones FE1, non-DI and get the MT to save money, or spend $3000 extra to get DI and FE3 for the MT. (and that's before adding any extras that you actually wanted)
4. Yes you can. See above.

What you said is not entirely true, but I do agree that the option packages are far too complex and dependent. My suggestion: I think you should still order a MT 2008/2009 CTS.

CTS Premium Luxury Collection, includes (Y40) Luxury Level One Package, (Y41)
Luxury Level Two Package, (Y44) Seating Package, (UAV) audio system with
navigation, (C3U) UltraView sunroof, (B19) Wood Trim Package and (B20) Wood Trim
Package
1 - Not available with (PDP) CTS Luxury Collection, (PDR) CTS Performance Collection,
(PDW) Performance Luxury Package or Fleet order types. A1 A1

You just have to get the Premium Luxury Collection (PDQ).

I'm wrong. I ruled the PDQ package because it stuck me with a moon roof (a deal breaker because I'm tall). I deleted it from my printout, which I forgot I did. I can live without a rear folding seat. I can always drive my beater truck more.

Some how I don't think Cadillac is doing that bad trying to sell these.
Yes, thats probably true.

I run into the same problem with just about all manufacturers. But not being able to get the options I want is frustrating, and will definitely make me look at the other manufacturers. It seams to me that rear folding seats should at least be in the Y44 seating package. I'd be happier if Cadillac didn't even have a rear folding seat at all. But glad you guys can all get it.

If I could pick and choose options, I'd get the DI with manual, FE2 package with summer tires, heated and cooled seats, radio with upgraded speakers, and the folding rear seat.

I was extremely disappointed in the front seats. They were hard and not comfortable. The side support was poor. The side support was much wider than me, and I'm 6'3 and 245 pounds. So my body moves around when cornering (this doesn't happen in my 2005 CTS). Do these seats get better with time? Are the seats different with the FE3 package?

Any comments on the seats? The dealer did not have a CTS on the lot with rear wheel drive and or the FE3 package.

Thanks in advance.

The seats are what they are. Not good, not bad IMO. Neither as luxurious as some and not as sporting as others. Certainly not up to the standard set by the rest of the car.
They are not going to get any better with time. If they bother you now, they will bother you later.
My advice is go try them one more time, but try a RWD if that's what you are interested in as the footwell will be a bit wider and may help with your perception of the seat.
IF they still are not satisfactory, move on down the road and buy something else. Seats are to important to compromise on.....

I'm wrong. I ruled the PDQ package because it stuck me with a moon roof (a deal breaker because I'm tall).

Have you sat in a CTS with the moon roof? I'm 6'2" and the headroom is fine for me with the Ultraview roof. You can also delete the Ultraview roof from the PDQ package, although you won't get any money back from the change.

Regarding the colors, there's also white diamond (in addition to crystal red and hot lava) if you're looking for something bright. Like you, I prefer brighter colors, but in the sport luxury class, the bias is towards dark or silver colors.

I too have the manual with the split rear seats. I could be wrong, but I believe that FE3 suspension and summer tires were required with the manual option. As for the seats, if I had written this response Saturday I would have been in total agreement with you. Sunday I took a 200 mile trip and was really annoyed with how the seat felt. I kept tweaking the controls, and found a really good setup. I immediately "saved" the setting, and I'm now a lot happier with it. It's not perfect, but it is a lot better. I think a somewhat softer seat would have been a better approach for comfort and side support.

I'm wrong. I ruled the PDQ package because it stuck me with a moon roof (a deal breaker because I'm tall). I deleted it from my printout, which I forgot I did. I can live without a rear folding seat. I can always drive my beater truck more.

There's a sunroof delete RPO if you want everything else but absolutely do not want the sunroof. RPO is CFN for sunroof not desired. I'm 6'1" and I have no problem with headroom with my sunroof though.

You can also just select Lux 2 without PDQ if you get the summer tire package (no sunroof or wood trim included in this setup) but it is a bit more expensive than getting PDQ.

The seats are what they are. Not good, not bad IMO. Neither as luxurious as some and not as sporting as others. Certainly not up to the standard set by the rest of the car.
They are not going to get any better with time. If they bother you now, they will bother you later.
My advice is go try them one more time, but try a RWD if that's what you are interested in as the footwell will be a bit wider and may help with your perception of the seat.
IF they still are not satisfactory, move on down the road and buy something else. Seats are to important to compromise on.....

Southern - I look forward to reading your posts on this forum. We are usually on the same page. I too have a Radiant Bronze w/ AWD.

For me, the seats and seating position is the worst thing about this car. I love so many things about it but I am still constantly adjusting the seat trying to get comfortable. I was the person who started the thread "ouch, my knee hurts" a while back and many agreed that there are hard surfaces in unfortunate places. I am 57 years old, 6'1" and weight 200 lbs. - a pretty common body type. I sure hope I find the right seat adjustment or simply adjust myself. It is taking the bloom off this car that I find perfect in every other way.

There's a sunroof delete RPO if you want everything else but absolutely do not want the sunroof. RPO is CFN for sunroof not desired. I'm 6'1" and I have no problem with headroom with my sunroof though.

Is the CFN sunroof delete RPO documented anywhere? All I get is a blank stare when I mention this to a salesman..

There's a sunroof delete RPO if you want everything else but absolutely do not want the sunroof. RPO is CFN for sunroof not desired. I'm 6'1" and I have no problem with headroom with my sunroof though.

You can also just select Lux 2 without PDQ if you get the summer tire package (no sunroof or wood trim included in this setup) but it is a bit more expensive than getting PDQ.

Both of these options sounds promising. I was not aware that the sunroof/moonroof can be deleted or the Lux 2 is available without PDQ. I do fit in the car with the sunroof, unlike most cars with sunroofs. I'd rather sit higher. This is sweet that a buyer can delete the sunroof option.

I'll have to spend more time in the seat. Not sure, how I'm gonna handle that. Maybe I'll just take a some auto mags and sit in the seat for 2 hours. I'm spoiled by the seats in my 2005.

A wealth of information here.

I just looked at the 2009 from http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com. The options are much more open here. This is all good. I was looking at the last print from th 2008 version earlier.

I think the 09 CTS-V comes with better seats...at a premium of course.

Anyone else have an 05 that they can compare to the 08? Especially in regards to the seats. I am also looking to move into an 08 from an 05

Have you sat in a CTS with the moon roof? I'm 6'2" and the headroom is fine for me with the Ultraview roof. You can also delete the Ultraview roof from the PDQ package, although you won't get any money back from the change.

Regarding the colors, there's also white diamond (in addition to crystal red and hot lava) if you're looking for something bright. Like you, I prefer brighter colors, but in the sport luxury class, the bias is towards dark or silver colors.

How much of a difference was there in headroom with the sunroof? I am also 6'2...do you think it would be worth getting the sunroof for headroom purposes only?

I had the old bodystyle car as a rental. I can say without a doubt Cadillac has taken a huge step forward in every way. At least for somebody my size lol 5'8 170.

Is the CFN sunroof delete RPO documented anywhere? All I get is a blank stare when I mention this to a salesman..

Yeah, Cadillac Tony (a very well informed sales guy on this forum) pointed it out first. "CFN" is the code, and even if your salesman wasn't aware of it, he could surely add to the order.

How much of a difference was there in headroom with the sunroof? I am also 6'2...do you think it would be worth getting the sunroof for headroom purposes only?

I dunno what the headroom difference is with and without the sunroof, but if you're 6'2", I wouldn't let headroom factor in to your decision. Just think about whether you like the feature itself. FWIW, the Ultraview sunroof covers about 70% of the roof.

I looked at one of the former generation CTS models a couple of years ago and all the dealer had on the lot at that time were equipped with sunroofs. I am 6'2 and with the seat all the way down I could still feel the roof brush my head which was very annoying. I was very happy to find that the new model has plenty of room with the sunroof and I will be even happier when mine is finally built. I am not sure about those who are taller but at 6'2 or less the new style is very roomy with the sunroof.

The problem with sunroofs is that the frame and sliding mechanism is right above of the driver's head. The headliner must be lowered to cover the mechanism so head room is reduced. I'm 6'4" and it is a problem for me unless I lean toward the center of the car with my elbow on the center console or use the deep riding position discussed here:

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-cts-forum-2008-beyond/131635-deep-riding-comfort.html

:stirpot:

I looked at one of the former generation CTS models a couple of years ago and all the dealer had on the lot at that time were equipped with sunroofs. I am 6'2 and with the seat all the way down I could still feel the roof brush my head which was very annoying. I was very happy to find that the new model has plenty of room with the sunroof and I will be even happier when mine is finally built. I am not sure about those who are taller but at 6'2 or less the new style is very roomy with the sunroof.

I am 6'4" 285lbs so I am a beast of a man. I have a sunroof on my 04 and have no problem with the head room. My seat is leaned back a little bit though.

The problem with sunroofs is that the frame and sliding mechanism is right above of the driver's head. The headliner must be lowered to cover the mechanism so head room is reduced. I'm 6'4" and it is a problem for me unless I lean toward the center of the car with my elbow on the center console or use the deep riding position discussed here:

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-cts-forum-2008-beyond/131635-deep-riding-comfort.html

:stirpot:


AHAAHAHAAAHAHA!!!! :histeric::bonkers:

People are proportioned differently, I suppose. I had the head room issue with my 2003 CTS and bought one without a sunroof. I've postponed ordering a 2008 CTS long enough that I'll now wait for the 2009 model. Hopefully the CFN delete sunroof code will work. I would like PDQ, without the sunroof, Y42, P63.

Regarding driving position, I have a theory that the angle of the seat back from horizontal in degrees is a close approximation of the drivers age.

;)

Normally a moonroof eliminates about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of headroom, front and back seats for the CTS. The dealer I went to did not have a CTS without a moonroof. You will fit in the CTS with a moonroof, you'll just have to sit closer to the floor. If sitting closer to the floor doesn't bother you and you like the moonroof, get the moonroof.

Normally a moonroof eliminates about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of headroom, front and back seats for the CTS. The dealer I went to did not have a CTS without a moonroof. You will fit in the CTS with a moonroof, you'll just have to sit closer to the floor. If sitting closer to the floor doesn't bother you and you like the moonroof, get the moonroof.

Yeah, I've tried out the sunroof equipped 2008 CTS and it is an issue. With the seat lowered all the way, it's OK but any head movement like looking at the exterior mirror or looking over my left shoulder, my head brushes the headliner. Very annoying. Haven't tried one without a sunroof but I'm sure it will be fine.

I have an '05 (Sport/Luxury) and test-drove an '08 (non-DI, RWD, perf/lux/sport) today. Actually, I drove two. I will post more details on another thread about the test-drives. As for the seats, I did not find the '08 seats particularly comfortable. The (sport) leather seats in my '05 are comfortable for my bad back and provide plenty of side support. The hard seats in the '08 reminded me of uncomfortable Mercedes C-class seats. The ride is my '05 is so smooth it's like driving on air. Everyone comments on how nice it is. I found the ride on the '08 harsh (maybe due to the 18" wheels v. 17", or maybe the '05 didn't have a sport suspension?). Whatever the case, I like my 05's ride way better. I thought the base engine (263 hp) in the '08 was peppy enough. I know there were some chuckles above about having to "reach" for the window controls, but I noted the same thing -- they are much further away on the '08 from where they are located on the '05. I didn't do a lot of other comparisons because of problems with the test-drive cars, which I'll write about in a separate thread.

-- The Bad --
- I was extremely disappointed in the front seats. They were hard and not comfortable. The side support was poor.

I think these seat are of higher quality. They are made just like the Mercedes
seats. I drive an Acura tl 05 and notice a big difference in the two not only the seats but the whole car. I feel much safer driving the cts then my tl. My brother has the Mercedes ml. The seats feel the same in the ml compare to the cts. Not only that I have the same safe feeling in the cts as in the ml. The cts to me seems very rugged, well built. I guess what I'm saying is the cts is like a high end foreign luxury car. Just for the heck of it go test drive a Mercedes and you will see what I mean.

I think you are on to something.
It's not just the seats. It's also the suspension.
Ladies and Germs, this car is not a luxo yacht as the test drive should havetold you.
This is a sport sedan.
We get a lot of people who come here from a mushmobile and want their caddy to be like that.
(Yes, the seats could be better....but they could also be worse)


I guess the thing that I wonder about is........what the hell do people do on the test drive? Why do they bother to take it?

I think you are on to something.
It's not just the seats. It's also the suspension.
Ladies and Germs, this car is not a luxo yacht as the test drive should havetold you.
This is a sport sedan.
We get a lot of people who come here from a mushmobile and want their caddy to be like that.
(Yes, the seats could be better....but they could also be worse)


I guess the thing that I wonder about is........what the hell do people do on the test drive? Why do they bother to take it?

I've been wondering about some of the comfort complaints, especially from folks who bought/leased the car. did they not notice right away, like the comfort factor creeps up later? or was it ignored, or they hoped it would get better? I got in the car at the dealer lot and fit right away without even making any adjustments to the seat. over the 8000+ miles I've put on I have made a few minor tweaks. they are still comfortable to me. maybe it's just based on what some people are used to.
rg

There is nothing wrong with the seats. The car is perfect. IMO..