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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  2006 Cadillac DTS Performance - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By b wagner - November 14 - 12:29 am

  After owning this car for one week I can truly say that it exceeded my expectations. It performs better than I anticipated, and the ride and luxury are pure Cadillac. The fit and finish are perfect, and the powerful sound of the 4.6 litre engine is great. I have been driving performance luxury cars for years, but this car gives me the room, comfort and the performance combination that I have been searching for. The 18 inch chrome wheel option is a must. The front and rear views of this car are great and the profile gives a nice clean look. I chose light platinum for the exterior and shale interior. The 291 hp matched with the 3.71 differential gives the car a lot of mid range power, 3,000 to 4,000 rpm.

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  Great Car - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By cphillips - November 7 - 4:49 pm

  My 2006 Cadillac DTS is great. It drives very well. It is a 5-passager car with great comfort. It gets great fuel economy too.

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  DTS Delivers - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Thad Stovall - November 6 - 3:09 am

  The 2006 DTS is a prestigious work of art that is an "eye catcher" and is worthy of the attention it gets. It is fashioned to rival the Asian and European luxury automakers. The DTSs design is an improvement over the previous DeVille, having improved handling and design.

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  Just Test drove this car - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Tom - November 4 - 12:37 pm

  I own a 2003 DTS, which was in for service. I love the car and have no problems. My 2003 is cetified so the dealership gave me a new DTS to drive while they were working on it. This is a very nice car! At first I did not like the look, or feel but as I drove it I noticed how quickly it repsonded to my touch, it handles great and is very fast. I went to pass on the highway and was doing 75, within seconds I was hitting 95! This is a fast big sedan! When I got my 2003 back, my first thought was how much can I get on a trade?

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  I Actually Just Drove This New 2006 DTS! - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Harry, Irvine, CA - August 18 - 1:14 am

  I just drove the DTS at a dealer introduction drive in Irvine CA so I know what I am talking about. I was able to test drive this car even though I do not work for any dealer or GM. Cadillac has made many major new improvements with this car that goes way beyond just a re design of the front and rear exterior. The glass is thicker and laminated, with new structureless windshield wipers and many other body improvements to reduce outside noise. The improved suspension absorbs bumps better. This car now drives even smoother than the 2005 Lexus LS430! The DTS interior/exterior looks and feels more luxurious. DTS now competes better with the LS430! It even has new adaptive radar cruise control.

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  Worth Owning.. A+ - 2011 Cadillac DTS
  By Harold Wells - March 10 - 9:42 pm

  Nice car. I own 5 Cadillacs so how bad can than be.... we love GM.

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  more bang for your buck - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Dennis - July 18 - 10:27 pm

  We bought this car when it was two years old, with 7,358 miles on it; paid 40% of what it sold for new. Its been an excellent highway cruiser ... still gets compliments on its appearance, comfortable ride and quietness.. The low profile tires make for zippy cornering, but our previous Cadillacs had taller tires that gave an even better ride ... too bad hot-dogging sells vehicles these days ... all the TV ads show cars being driven as if they are toys, expensive macho playthings instead of transportation.

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  Starship of the road - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By James Petralia - October 4 - 9:24 am

  I purchased my 2006 Cadillac DTS Performance model from a used car dealer in upstate N. Y. in January 2017. At the time of purchase, I was retired from an insurance Marketing position for 35 years and had always been provided a company car. What a great car this DTS is! After almost a year of ownership, I cant think of a single thing except mpg to criticize in this vehicle. It has plenty of power, smooth ride, stable breaking and all around fine handling. Not to mention, it is a great looking car from GM.

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  DTS great car - 2006 Cadillac DTS
  By Pat - June 6 - 7:48 am