Cadillac CTS 1st Gen

The first-generation Cadillac CTS, sold from 2003 to 2007, was a huge step for the brand. It introduced the sharp-edged "Art and Science" design philosophy and was built on the all-new, rear-wheel-drive Sigma platform. Developed with a focus on driving dynamics, including testing at Germany's Nürburgring, the CTS was Cadillac's first serious attempt to challenge European sport sedans like the BMW 3 Series.

While the high-performance CTS-V gets most of the attention, the standard CTS is significant as the car that started Cadillac's modern transformation. Collectors see it as a turning point for the American luxury brand, moving away from soft, front-wheel-drive sedans. It offered a manual transmission option, a first for a Cadillac sedan since the 1980s, which makes those examples more interesting to enthusiasts.

Today, the market treats the first-gen CTS as a used car rather than a collectible. With an average sale price of just over $3,000, these cars are extremely affordable. Most are well-used, but clean, low-mileage examples represent a low-cost entry point into a historically important and fun-to-drive modern sedan.

Prices for traded examples between 2003 and 2008 range from a low of $250 to a high of $7,501.