Overview & Reviews

For five years, the Cadillac DTS served as a relic to the brand's past. While its name followed the latest Caddy nomenclature, under the skin it was a refreshed version of the Cadillac DeVille that preceded it. For more than 50 years, the DeVille was a dominant player in the full-size luxury segment, offering the traditional American big-car virtues of spaciousness and a quiet, well-cushioned ride. As the decades wore on, it slowly adapted to changing wants and needs, finally downsizing to (relatively) manageable dimensions -- in terms of both physical size and power plant volume.

Though the Cadillac DTS was popular with those who valued the traditional large American luxury car, it was behind the times in terms of design, engineering, interior materials, precision build quality, handling dynamics and even a general level of prestige. Granted, you got an enormous car with plush seats, lots of stuff and a Cadillac badge for a price that undercut smaller luxury cars. But for a used luxury sedan choice, we'd recommend something a little more modern, be it from the Cadillac portfolio or elsewhere.

Used Cadillac DTS Models
The Cadillac DTS was produced from 2006-'11.There were four trim levels available. The Base, Luxury and Premium trims came with a 4.6-liter V8 that produced 275 horsepower. The Performance trim was replaced by the Platinum for 2010, but both featured a 292-hp version of the same V8 along with a standard Magnetic Ride Control suspension. Power was sent to the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission.

As was traditional for a full-size Cadillac sedan, the DTS could be had in five- or six-passenger configurations. Given the car's generous proportions, interior room was excellent. Front passengers were coddled in soft leather bucket seats (or a 40/20/40 leather bench on the six-passenger version). Rear passengers enjoyed just as much legroom as those in front. For luggage, the DTS offered up a nearly 19-cubic-foot trunk. The amount of available equipment was generous, but overall design and materials lagged behind the import-brand competition as well as those Cadillacs introduced later in its life. Controls were at least easy to operate compared to newer, more technologically advanced luxury sedans.

On the road, the Cadillac DTS displays plenty of power for quick passing maneuvers and effortless high-speed cruising, while the suspension offers a compliant ride. Still, virtually every other large luxury sedan offers just as much or more power from V6 engines, while also offering more confidence-inspiring handling. The Performance/Platinum model's Magnetic Ride Control suspension does a notably better job of controlling body motions than the standard setup, resulting in a less floaty and more precise feel. Regardless of trim, road and wind noise are almost nonexistent.

Changes were few for the DTS beyond some minor standard and optional equipment updates. Buyers should note, however, that stability control was not available on the base trim. As such, we'd avoid that (the next trim up was vastly better equipped regardless of year).

Consumers interested in a used DTS prior to '06 will want to check out our review of the car's predecessor, the DeVille.

User Reviews:

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  DTS - Better Than Any MB, BMW or Jag - 2007 Cadillac DTS
  By racer - February 28 - 3:42 am

  Driving the new DTS is the most user friendly experience ever. It does for luxury what the 07 Corvette does for performance. You dont have to spend a fortune to have the best ride on the road - this car looks great and gives the passengers a feeling of safety and comfort that is top level and impressive.

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  My DTS - 2007 Cadillac DTS
  By BenKelba - February 21 - 11:23 am

  This car rides and handles much better than I expected. For its size, comfort, and economical operations I cannot think of a better choice. I use the car to transport customers on trips between 10 miles to over 100 miles. I always hear comments like "how come they dont sell more of these." I am never ashamed to use this vehicle with my clients.

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  Finally a Real Winner - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By 2006 Cadillac DTS - February 9 - 10:12 am

  I love to drive this car. After having several Cadillacs, none of them came close to this one. Its room, comfort, and performance are all up there and its priced right!

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  Safety - 2011 Cadillac DTS
  By KENNETH KOFAHL - February 5 - 8:07 pm

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  2006 DTS w/Performance Package - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By steve saunders - December 28 - 10:03 pm

  As a former Eldorado owner, the size of the DTS took a while to get used to. With the performance package it handles well for a car of its size and it still rides well. It has the best suspension for this car - Ive driven both styles. The interior is typical Cadillac high quality. The downside of the interior is the cup holders. They are too shallow to really really hold cups or bottles, especially during turns or braking. I had issues with the original dealership and Cadillac introduced me to another dealer for any required maintenance or warranty work. Cadillac has excellent customer relations. I like the OnStar system. My next car will be an STS-V.

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  2006 DTS Potential Buyers Beware - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By John - December 28 - 7:53 pm

  I love the car and the way it handles. You just cant beat the ride of a Cadillac, but...buyer beware. They do not retain their value at all. I was going to trade it in after one year to take advantage of Cadillacs recent incentives and the dealer had the nerve to only offer me $24,000 trade in on a car that I paid $55,000 for. I would never buy another one based on the extremely poor value retention. Youd be better off to look at an Audi or a BMW, something that will maintain its value more

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  DTS Hard Under Legs - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By bigkahuna - December 28 - 6:53 pm

  The drivers seat in my DTS is very uncomfortable. The premium leather has a rough finish and the seat cuts my legs under the thighs. This car also tends to over steer.

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  Cadillac - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Cadillac - December 23 - 8:34 am

  This is the best car I ever owned. It has a great ride, handles well, and has lots of extras that make driving more fun.

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  Love Mine - 2007 Cadillac DTS
  By J lee - November 29 - 10:07 pm

  I love the power combined with the smooth ride of the Cadillac DTS.

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  A Luxury Car that is Undervalued - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By frank - November 8 - 10:12 am

  Ive owned many luxury cars and find this years Cadillac DTS to be a great value for the money. It rides great, has good design details, and its fit and finish are greatly improved, offering a comfortable ride with plenty of room and cargo space.