What's New for the 2006 Cadillac CTS?
The 2006 Cadillac CTS arrives in showrooms with a new Driver Shift Control feature added to the automatic transmission models, allowing manual gear selection using a gated shifter. Another performance-oriented item that's new for 2006 is an 18-Inch Wheel Performance Package for the CTS with the 3.6-liter engine. It includes a limited-slip differential, StabiliTrak stability control, performance-tuned suspension and brakes, a tire pressure monitor, wiper-activated xenon HID headlights, and 18-inch alloy wheels wearing performance tires. The Cadillac CTS will also be available with XM NavTraffic (available in selected cities), as long as the DVD navigation system is ordered, and the 17-inch machine-finished alloy wheels in the Sport Package are restyled for 2006. Finally, three new exterior color choices and one interior color choice freshen the color palette this year.

Advantages of the 2006 Cadillac CTS:

• Excellent handling and steering
• Supple ride quality
• Perfect driving position and comfortable seats

Objections to the 2006 Cadillac CTS:

• Incongruous rear design elements
• Interior materials could use improvement
• Rearward visibility is poor

Editor's Advice:
Right from the start, the Cadillac CTS has been a better car than most would admit. With this year's new standard engine and six-speed manual transmission, naysayers have little about which to gripe save the controversial styling theme. Our primary concerns with the 2006 Cadillac CTS would be its average reliability and potential that it will lose its value quickly. Otherwise, you should test drive this car.