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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  So Far, So Good - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Mac McCauley - March 5 - 9:20 pm

  Our 2006 Cadillac DTS Luxury is our first Cadillac. We traded in a Buick LeSabre for it. It is WAY better! I read the other reviews to see if I could shed any further light on this car. First, why would anyone buy a car that floats like a boat? One test drive would tell me that. Another review says the DTS is like a sports car. A floating sports car? I like the ride MUCH better than the Buick. The ride is just right! Anyway, drive it before you buy it. Upon exit, the tilt wheel will go all the way up and in, just push the exit button again up to three times (not listed in owners manual). When unlocking the door, the seat will either move or not (personal setting). There IS memory on the tilt wheel. What a car!

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  2006 Cadillac DTS - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By big jack - March 2 - 5:07 pm

  I find the 2006 Cadillac DTS to be a much better car than the 2003 DeVille that I traded in for it. It is a more solid and quiet car. The only problem is its poor gas mileage.

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  Wonderful Car - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Elena Linton - February 9 - 7:39 pm

  Love almost everything about the Cadillac DTS, except the floor mats. It is one of the most comfortable cars I have ever driven and it has power to spare. The only complaint I have, besides the floor mats, is that a five or six speed transmission would be a welcome improvement.

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  2006 DTS Luxury III - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Ricky Magers - February 3 - 2:08 am

  This behemoth gives the the feeling the passengers must have had on the Titanic as it floated aimlessly on the water highway prior to colliding with an iceberg. What is the problem with GM? They cannot get it right. The looks are ok, but all the accessories are screwed up. Upon exit the tilt wheel will not retreat and tilt upward fully, and when you unlock the doors it returns to driving position, so much for memory. This thing sucks gas like a Cadillac dealer trying to get your money. Wish I had bought the Lexus or Mercedes-Benz. Cadillacs are notorious for poor resale values and now I am stuck with the gas guzzling great white behemoth from GM. Oh, I forgot to mention that the fuel door is accessible to anyone.

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  Delighted - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By B - January 16 - 10:25 pm

  Were delighted with our 2006 Cadillac DTS and would gladly do it again. It has a large trunk for hauling gifts to children and grandchildren was an important feature for us and this car delivers on that. Weve been surprised and delighted at how good the gas mileage is on the highway - 27+ mpg. Everything about the car has been great, and it compared extremely well price-wise and feature-wise to other luxury cars.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Dave - January 12 - 1:22 pm

  I waited months for my 2006 Cadillac DTS Luxury. It replaced my 2004 DHS. I have had a new Cadillac every 12-18 months since 1988. I am disappointed with the 2006 DTS. Is Cadillac trying to make the DTS a sport car? Big tires and rims = a poor ride. Here are some other things I dont like: The gas tank is too small. The fule door does not lock remotely. The fuel cap holder is too low on the filler door, allowing the cap to rub against the body. There is no memory on the electric tilt wheel, no pass-to-flash unless headlights are on. The arm rest on the drivers door is too low. Also, whats with the chrome door lock knobs sticking me in the arm? This car has poor workmanship, a gap in the caulk around trunk resulted in trunk well full of water.

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  2006 Cadillac DTS - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By John - January 7 - 8:12 am

  The exterior design of my 2006 Cadillac DTS is exceptional. The exterior color options are good as well as interior colors. Its handling is better than the previous DeVille models. The XM satellite radio is tremendous and the heated and cooled seats are exceptional.

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  Cadtastic - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By VetteGuy - December 21 - 1:41 am

  I am an owner of a 2004 C5 Corvette and rented a 06 DTS while I traveled to Pennsylvania. I cant believe how much I fell in love with this car! It was really hard giving back the keys at the airport and I even looked back one more time before going into the entrance. I must have looked over at the wife 40 times while driving it and I kept saying "oh man, I love this car...we have to get one". Cadillac definitely has a winner on their hands and I hope one ends up in mine. The ride is smooth yet not to sloppy like the land boats of yesteryear. The power is delivered smootly and with total assurance by the hearty V8 engine. We had two HUGE suitcases and other bags and the trunk swallowed them with ease.

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  Sweet Ride - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Barbellman - December 18 - 1:00 pm

  My other car is a 2003 Corvette so when I say Im impressed by my new DTS Performance Edition it should mean something. Ive only put about 3,000 miles on it so far but I love this car! Its excellent handling and punchy V8 are a pleasant surprise in a car as large as the DTS. If youre looking for a car in this catagory youve got take a DTS out for a test drive.

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  How to mess up a great car - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Grumpy1 - December 18 - 12:48 am

  Without a doubt this is one of the finest autos I have ever driven. But, I cannot understand why so many details were installed hastily just so that they could hurriedly put the car into production. The glove box for instance is no comparison to my old 02. Most of the interior is plastic. This is not what you would expect in a $50,000 car. The consol is about useless. There is no longer a light under the hood. Mine has a heated stearing wheel that does not heat. It has so many buttons to press that after three months I do not know what many of them are for. The easy exit seat is easy exit but not easy entrance. The doors dificult to close. Also, amazingly this car does not have a locking gas door.