Whenever I mention that I drive a Cadillac—omitting the model, CT4, for simplicity—I can often see the skepticism in people’s expressions. They seem to anticipate some sort of explanation or apology, perhaps assuming I inherited it from my father or grandfather. Maybe they think my family owns a local dealership? The common line is: “This isn’t your father’s Cadillac, but surely your dad had some influence on it.” My 66-year-old coworker still remarks, “I can’t believe you drive a Cadillac,” adding, “That thing looks really sharp.”
At 27 years old, I’ve always had a fondness for the Cadillac CT4 since its launch. The vehicle’s attractive American design, built on the Camaro platform, and its smaller size compared to competitors (except for the Audi A3) caught my attention. Despite my enthusiasm, however, the CT4’s sales drastically lag behind those of the ATS it replaces, not to mention the BMW 3 Series that it aims to rival. What could be the reason behind this?
The chassis feels robust (the ATS was compared against the BMW E46), and the steering is both responsive and precise, all while maintaining a comfortable suspension. The engine, although somewhat uninspiring, has truck-like torque due to its shared lineage with GM’s trucks, making driving through city traffic feel like a sport. The 10-speed transmission, while it could use some adjustment, performs smoothly without any uncomfortable jolts and shifts gears eagerly when prompted by the paddles. Though it’s not on par with the ZF8, it’s more than adequate.
In reality, the Cadillac CT4 boasts an impressive chassis and outstanding features. Its interior, while lacking a sweeping display found in many modern cars, functions seamlessly with an assortment of physical buttons (a nod to the Volkswagen GTI). Additionally, Super Cruise enables me to navigate my 50-mile commute with minimal effort, requiring no hands on the wheel for the majority of the drive—making it feasible to enjoy a cigar at highway speeds.
The CT4 also features some intriguing elements, such as performance metrics and data (including transmission fluid temperature) and a stealth mode reminiscent of Saab’s design that dims the interior lights, leaving only a minimized gauge cluster visible.
However, I often find myself pondering the sad reality that surrounds this car. Why isn’t this appealing, comfortable sedan, equipped with a quality drivetrain and impressive handling, gaining traction in the market? The truth is, the Cadillac CT4 represents a larger issue in American automotive culture: in a time when all-wheel-drive crossovers dominate, sedans are becoming less desirable. Moreover, many associate legacy American luxury brands with an older demographic—certainly not someone in their twenties.
After Ford’s discontinuation of the Crown Victoria in 2011, the loss was easier to accept due to its outdated image, primarily surviving due to police fleet demand. However, the decline of other American sedans, like the Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu, has been well-deserved, as they didn’t exactly stand out. The discontinuation of the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 stings a bit more but was also anticipated, given their long history, stretching back to the Bush administration.
When Cadillac eventually retires the CT4 and its larger counterpart, the CT5, it will evoke the sentiment of a fallen Roman emperor named Romulus. Or perhaps more aptly, it will mirror Doc Hudson’s line in the film Cars: “The world just doesn’t want you anymore, old man.”
Despite the changing landscape, a few nostalgic fans still return for one last hurrah when it comes to the last of America’s gasoline sedans. (And yes, while the Charger is set to revive with a straight-six engine, we’ll reserve judgment until Dodge fulfills its promises.) The CT4-V Blackwing is reportedly superior in driving experience to the BMW M3, a sentiment echoed by numerous respected auto journalists. Meanwhile, the CT5-V Blackwing represents an impressive American vehicle that stirs feelings of patriotism and pride reminiscent of historic moments: The Battle of Yorktown, the Miracle on Ice, and the moon landing, all conjured through the powerful roar of a supercharged small block Chevy in a rear-drive setup.
Yet, the harsh reality is that the automotive market is evolving, and it has never been a fair competition. The era of classic American sedans has long gone; we’re now witnessing its decline. A 27-year-old like me can drive a Cadillac, but only to the amusement of older generations and the indifferent reaction of a society that has moved on. Nowadays, while imported sedans still hold significance, most people opt for economical options like Honda Civics, Toyota Camrys, and Nissan Sentras for their reliability. Luxury brands like BMW and Audi are purchased more for social status than genuine quality, often influenced by neighborly competition (though the engineering doesn’t necessarily reflect that). People choose Alfa Giulias for reasons often tied to personal crisis.
Ultimately, the foundational beliefs that once bolstered brands like Cadillac and motivated them to produce models like the CT4 have dissipated. We no longer live in that same society. So, why would someone choose to buy a Cadillac sedan? If you’re not like me, and most aren’t, you probably don’t care about others’ opinions. You believe in Cadillac’s legacy and find satisfaction in that. Even if the CT4 symbolizes an era passing, I can genuinely say I feel happy too.
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