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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  Great Car - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By mcdphd - October 26 - 9:21 am

  This car is great! I love this car. It has good get up and go. It rides like a dream and is very comfortable inside.

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  2006 DTS Review - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By JimM - October 18 - 6:11 am

  I truly love my DTS. Its exterior design is great for me. Its interior comfort / design are also very nice. My wife loves the seats and interior layout. I had to take into the dealer two times, once for air noise in the sunroof and once when the windshield washer didnt work. Both were easy fixes, but a car that is less than one year old, shouldnt have problems. ITs gas milage is just OK, I average 22.8 mpg in mixed hwy/city driving. The engine does rock when needed and the ride is smooth and comfortable.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Buday - October 11 - 7:09 pm

  This is my fourth Cadillac, my first in twelve years. What a terrific performing and smooth riding vehicle. I tried out a Lexus LS 430 and believe the DTS has a better ride and comparable quietness and build quality for $20,000 less. I like it better the more I drive it. My car has had no problems to date.

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  Best Ive Ever Owned - 2007 Cadillac DTS
  By Jim - October 4 - 9:52 pm

  This is the best car I have owned in 55 years of owning and driving vehicles. It is comfortable, enjoyable to drive, good looking, and I know of no other vehicle that meets the same standard.

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  Best Buy - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Ted Gardner - October 4 - 10:08 am

  Have driven it 4000 miles and have enjoyed evry mile. View from all windows is excelent, performance is great and milage is astonishing for a big automobile. Handling in the mountains with the stability package is really great, but you have to get used to it. This is my second Cadillac, my other one was a 97 and it was a very good car. I never spent a dime on it except for tires brakes and regular oil changes in 115,00 miles. I am sure the improvments that have been made since then shoould prove this one to be better than the first one. I can drive it fro 8 hours plus and still am not tired.

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  Very Happy with the DTS - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By coopera - September 30 - 10:38 pm

  I really am enjoying driving this vehicle considering that I have been driving an SUV for so many years. The DTS is extremely comfortable...and I love the XM radio. It is still early but, I think this will be a great car. I have a small complaint...and that is sometimes I sit in the back seat and rest my left arm on the armrest since I recently had shoulder surgery. The seat belts in the back seat are very uncomfortable and rub against my neck when I am sitting there. Also, I think some of the interior trim could be a little more refined and better quality materials. Other than that, the car is most enjoyable.

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  Great Car - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Rob - September 9 - 4:06 pm

  This is a great car. It is quiet, powerful, and has great styling. Cadillac doesnt market this car as a "Euro luxury" car, but as a great American luxury car, which I like.

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  Lots of Great Car for the Price - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Larry H - September 5 - 7:30 pm

  I am very pleased with this big sedan. It is smaller than the Lincoln Town Car. Recently redesigned with a great looking exterior, the DTS caught my eye when it first came out. I even traded my Jaguar XJR to get one. The Caddy has better acceleration, is quieter, and is a good car for clients - comfortable, smooth, easy to enter and exit.

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  Great 07 Vehicle - 2007 Cadillac DTS
  By Makon - August 30 - 8:30 pm

  I have driven many Cadillacs in this series over the years like the Concour, Performance DTS, etc. I especially like the upgraded styling, performance, and new xeon lighting.

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  I Love it! - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By DTSV - August 25 - 3:58 pm

  My husband and I have owned a Cadillac STS V6 for years. The DTS is amazing, It has a wonderfaul ride, great pickup and is beautiful to look at. Wow ! What a great car.