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:

• 

  Excellent Car - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By cjnuss - May 20 - 2:43 pm

  This is the thrid Cadillac that I have owned since 1976. The DTS is the best handling and the most quiet of the three. I have the Luxury 2 model with chrome wheels, titanium paint, and the trunk package. I have had no trouble with it since my purchase.

• 

  Just in the Nick of Time - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Peter - May 13 - 2:25 am

  I bought a certified 2003 ETC and wanted to get another but, sadly, the Eldorado was discontinued in 2002. I had no plans to get another Cadillac because none of their other models appealed to me, but the 2006 DTS, is no longer an "old-folks", boat of a car and it really got my attention. It looks great inside and out. The Performance package has more options than one has the right expect. Getting all the preferences set takes some study and experimentation, but this car really pampers you once they are. The DTS has plenty of power, as good as my ETC and is very quiet and well-mannered on the road. The environment control is superb.

• 

  Personal Opinion - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Charlie - May 10 - 6:34 pm

  The Cadillac DTS has an excellent appearance and outstanding performance, It is pleasant driving, smooth riding, and has no outside wind noise. I get many favorable comments from passing pedestrians. It is my 13th Cadillac and I trade every two years. It is somewhat lacking on gas mileage in city driving though.

• 

  Very, very happy - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Happy owner - May 10 - 2:35 am

  I have had my DTS Performance for 3 months and with the exception of its fuel consumption I could not be happier. Ive had several back operations and needed a comfortable smooth riding car I got beyond my expectations with the DTS. It has power to spare. Comfort and ameneties are plentiful. My favorite option is the adaptive cruise control which does an amazing job maitaining safe spacing between cars. The front and rear heated/cooled seats are extremely comfortable. The sound system is excellent though with the nav system you loose the six disc changer. Other manufacturers manage to have a CD changer with nav system. GM should do so too. Everything else is great.

• 

  Nice Car for the Price - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By sleepla - May 9 - 10:00 pm

  I got an ex-rental Cadillac DTS for $32,000. In my opinion, it is the best car for the money.

• 

  Best Yet - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Betty Henson - May 9 - 9:53 pm

  I have been driving Cadillacs since 1976 and this 2006 DTS is my favorite of all. I love the new body style, as well as the improvements on the inside. The color is Blue Ice, beautiful, rich color.

• 

  I Just Love It - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Denny Pemberton - May 3 - 2:08 pm

  I made the mistake of buying an 05 STS, to me its not what I consider a Cadillac, it rode rough and you could hear and feel every little bump, they tried to make a sports car out of a luxury car and they were way off, so in Apr of 06 I bought a new DTS. Believe me theres a world of difference The ride, style, comfort and room just to name a few. Try the DTS and youll love it.

• 

  Great Car, Poor Mileage - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Martin - April 10 - 10:43 pm

  I love the car. I have had Infinitis (2), Jaguar (1), Volvo (1), Mazda Millenia (4), Dodge and Ford Pickups, Buick, etc etc. The DTS has great room, the ride a little soft, and the design much improved. I had an order in for new Lexus ES 350 but changed my mind when I drove the DTS. The only problem besides the poor gas mileage is what appears to be overspray on windows and other surfaces.. I am going to have my dealer look at it soon.

• 

  Cadillac DTS - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By ROBERT W FLAGG - March 21 - 2:12 pm

  This is the first Cadillac I have owned since the mid-nineties. This car is very quiet - no road or wind noise. I also have a Lexus 430, a great car but not as attractive in the interior or the exterior as the Cadillac. So far the mileage is very good!

• 

  Happy - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Ralph Rogers - March 21 - 1:00 pm

  I had one of the first Northstar engines in 1993 on a Cadillac Eldorado. I was very happy with that engine so I had to get the Performance model in my 2006 DTS. It took me a short while to learn about all the toys such as heated/cooled seats and the massage feature. The Performance model has all the toys but is well worth the purchase just to get the engine. After I sold my 1993 Cadillac I went in 2000 I went with a Lincoln Towncar Cartier Edition. The car was fine but I missed my Cadillac. The DTS rides and drives great and the Performance model is the one to buy. Get the added chrome wheels. It really sets the car off. I am very happy.