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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  Outstanding Luxury Vehicle - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By RobW64 - July 14 - 10:55 am

  I purchased a black DTS after researching new vehicles for about a year. This is a gorgeous vehicle that turns heads everywhere we go. My co-workers who own Lexus, Jaguars, and Acuras are begging to drive it. Although the dealership told me Im probably one of the youngest DTS buyers theyve ever had (Im 41), a few test drives by us "middle-agers" and the vehicle would sell itself.

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  Still the Standard to Beat - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By John Perry - July 1 - 7:11 pm

  After six months and more than 6,000 miles I am very happy with the car. I did not think that I needed the heated steering wheel or the cooled front seat, but once I used them I would not want to do without them, even for the limited days they are really needed.

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  Poor quality - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Madbuyer - June 18 - 12:36 pm

  The deflector on my DTS fell off on Route 95 going 75 miles per hour. I thought the front end of the car was falling off. I am still waiting for parts to fix it. My car had 800 miles on it when the problem occurred.

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  Nice Car - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Car Lover - June 9 - 10:38 pm

  I bought a Cadillac DTS because it had the most roomy back seat of all the vehicles that we drove. I have been suprised by the quality of the car, it is really put together well. The performance version is a real kick to drive. Lexus drivers in the neighbohood are always impressed by the car. It is sensational for the money.

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  Our fourth Cadillac - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By DTS - June 9 - 9:10 pm

  My wife is of European origin, and she insisted that we buy American. Each vehicle we have purchased has been better than the previous model. The DTS is very comfortable for both the driver and passenger. It has more than enough power for both open road and getting around town. No one should carry more than it can fit in the generous trunk. My only complaint about this latest model is that Cadillac dropped the electronic seat adjustment gadget that fixed the seat to fit the preferences of the driver for that key.

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  Best Caddy Ive owned. - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By David Linton - June 3 - 5:30 pm

  The longer Ive had this car the more I like it. The only disappointment I have found is the floor mats, which are very cheesy. The car would be even better if it had a 5 or 6 speed transmission.

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  Tetirement - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By JACK HUDDER - June 3 - 12:16 pm

  The DTS is very comfortable on long drives. I love the remote start so the car can be cooled down before entering. Im surprised with the good gas milage. It is better than the Acura RL that we traded in. Also, it burns regular fuel not premium. We like the monthly reminders from OnStar. Any questions after purchase were promtly answered.

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  First New Cadillac - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Dr Leonard Pal - May 26 - 9:57 pm

  It feels good in these times to have bought an American product. Is every bit as good, if not better, than the BMW I bought new, or the Lexus bought new.

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  Great Car - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Rob - May 23 - 11:20 pm

  This is a wonderful car, much improved over the DeVille, and it sells for LESS than the old version. It is a quiet and a very well thought out car. I love the "rumble" you hear from the exhaust when you give it a little acceleration.

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  GM Got it Right! - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By RKing99 - May 20 - 5:05 pm

  I really like the car. It is my first Cadillac. It replaced a Q45. It has nice power, a great sound, and excellent build quality. My wife wanted comfortable seats, not European / Japanese hard seats. She really likes the comfort now and does not complain after long trips. The car is really quiet and has an excellent ride. The car has excellent handling abilities on the highway, tight steering, and only a little lean in the corners and curves for a car of this size and comfort.