And even at home where new cars are hardly discussed since a different one arrives nearly weekly, the CTS received noticeable praise for its style and performance from my wife, daughter and her boyfriend.

While not swayed by the list of admirers, I line right up with the group. I am enamored with the CTS.

This year’s model received a redesign applauded industry-wide. Yet I can recall being pretty impressed with the original CTS I test drove in 2004, two years after Cadillac unveiled the stylish, performance-laden car.

I grew up in an era when these General Motors vehicles were admired for their length, luxury and unusual styling components. The rear fins in some models were so sharp, could severely puncture an individual. But Cadillac had always been held personally in high esteem.

The admiration gradually eroded sometime in the late 1970s when gas prices escalated and I was paying for my own fuel. Few people were driving behemoths Cadillacs, and gradually the became more rare.

Frankly, I hadn’t thought much about Cadillacs until two new attractive models became enviable purchases in the 21st century. The Escalade came out in 2001 and was joined a year later by the CTS, helping to revamp Cadillac and again make America's most prestigious domestic luxury automaker.

The CTS can hang with all the heavyweights in the mid-size luxury sedan class — Lexus, Infiniti, BMW and Mercedes. And the good news is the CTS also comes without sticker shock. The base model is priced at $33,245; The model test I test drove, which feature nearly every available upgrade, including all-wheel drive and a sunroof, was priced at $48,735.

Highlights of the redesign include much improved interior features (gone is the annoying plastic), increased performance, plus an exterior styling that includes a fashionable new grille and flared fenders.

Performance is a sizable deciding factor when making a purchase decision. The test model was a swift 3.6-liter, V6 with 304 horsepower with a six-speed, automatic transmission with manual-shift capability. It was mighty quick in all situations, reportedly dipping below six seconds in the 0-60 mph range. The base model remains unchanged, a 3.6-liter, V6 with 258-horsepower.

Although the handling was often criticized in the original models, that has been addressed with the redesign. The CTS possesses an enviable European feel, providing wonderful precision for sharp turns, and responsive braking that will give any driver a feeling of confidence.

The CTS also receives high marks for comfort. It offers a roomy interior for front and back occupants, who should notice its quiet, efficient ride.

FAST FACTS: CADILLAC CTS, 2008

Power — 3.6-liter, V6, 304 horsepower.

Mileage Estimates — 17 mpg (city) 26 mpg (highway)                                          

Standard Features — eight-way power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, anti-skid system, antilock brakes, daytime running lights, OnStar system, CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio, trunk pass-through.

Warranty — Bumper to Bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/100,000 miles; Corrosion Perforation, 6 years/unlimited; Roadside Assistance, 5 years/100,000 miles.