The Cadillac CTS made its debut in 2002 with a promise to carry forward the carmaker's tradition of technology and design innovation. The CTS is based on the rear-wheel drive GM Sigma platform. This was the first time GM had introduced a rear-wheel drive in one of its vehicles since the 1988 Cimarron.

The 2002 version of the CTS featured a 3.2 L LA3 V6 engine capable of delivering 220 hp. In 2004, the powertrain specification was upgraded to a 3.6 L DOHC V6 with variable valve timing that delivered 255 hp and 252 lb of torque. The 2005 edition was outfitted with a 2.8 L version of the DOHC V6 engine capable of delivering 210 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 194 lb of torque at 3200 rpm.

GM launched the CTS with the intention of replacing the Cadillac Catera. GM also wanted to rival against its close competitor, the Lincoln LS. But the rivalry didn't last too long as the Lincoln LS was no longer being made by 2006. The CTS infused life into GM's Cadillac brand, which was, at that time, somehow losing its popularity and relevance. Cadillac found it difficult to hold its fort amid the fierce onslaught of imported luxury brands like the Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

GM's Catera and Allante were a complete failure in attracting the attention of younger car buyers. So CTS redesigned things, all for the better for Cadillac, and through CTS, this celebrated car brand from GM made a dramatic turnaround.

General Motors is currently planning to introduce the 2008 CTS to take on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The base model of the vehicle will feature a 3.6-liter variable valve timing V6 engine that can deliver 263 hp and 252 lb of torque. The Cadillac CTS made its first appearance at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. CTS has always reinvented itself to stay ahead of its rivals.