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:
Showing 61 through 70 of 159.00-
What a Cadillac is supposed to be! - 2008 Cadillac DTS
By Southern - November 29 - 10:03 pmBig, strong and comfortable. Quiet. Economical - using regular gas, long oil intervals and all this with a torquey V8. Really well thought out. No "Idrive" or other difficult to understand user interfaces like the competition offers. Has all the toots and whistles including power lumbar with massage! Side radar that warns if something is in the blind zone. Rear and front parking aids. And a bunch more. Needless to say it is very comparable to more expensive foreign cars, but does some things better. This car just makes you feel good when you drive it.
-
American Beauty - 2008 Cadillac DTS
By TomK - November 20 - 8:38 amThis is the most beautiful auto I have ever seen. Everything about its styling pleases my eyes. There is no defect in appearance inside or out. If I had a blank piece of paper, this is what I would design. Several years ago I attended a comparison drive of luxury autos sponsored by Motor Trend Magazine. I was able to test drive the best of Europe, Asia and the US any way I wanted. Believe me, no expensive import offers anything more than the Cadillac DTS except snob appeal. I had really planned to buy a six cylinder with a six speed transmission. But when I saw this DTS, I couldnt say no.
-
American luxury - 2008 Cadillac DTS
By Don - October 21 - 12:54 pmGreat car. Handles better than the 05 Deville I traded. Smooth power from the V-8 with decent mileage for the size of the car. I get 26 mpg on the Hwy. Comfortable and quiet ride in American luxury tradition, yet still decent handling. Good value for the money.
-
No Quality Control - 2008 Cadillac DTS
By Bart - September 29 - 10:00 amCar is comfortable and handles well for a large car. Car has been in the shop, at 500 mi and at 2000 mi, for drivetrain and electronics problems. Paid $55K + for this car and was not offered a loaner car by this dealership while the car was in their shop. This will be the last American car that I purchase!
-
2006 DTS Performance Sedan - 2006 Cadillac DTS
By Lloyd - August 31 - 9:34 amThe DTS is very easy to own and operate requiring minimal maintenance as scheduled. Very good quality car with great performance, ride and features. I love the style as it is an eye turner, many people take a second look as I drive by.
-
Embarrassed - 2006 Cadillac DTS
By JONES199 - August 13 - 11:27 amI am embarrassed I like this car do much. Looks great, mileage is surprising, the cooled seats are off the chart. My friends all make fun of me for driving the "old mans car" until they rise in it. I now get stuck driving lots of places. The Cadillac dealership however could learn from the high end imports.
-
Mystic Gray DTS - 2007 Cadillac DTS
By applevalleyallstar - July 27 - 12:31 pmFun to drive, tighter cabin feel,no gas tank release or lock, no automatic break release, rear trunk area too high, no auto trunk close/lock. Leaves a lot to be desired from the previous years of Cadillac ownership. Drivers seat really squeals with the leather rubbing against the console, rear headliner problems. Navigation is great, so is the Bose sound. Gas mileage is less than my previous DTS by three miles city and 2 miles highway. The higher end, shorter body makes it look more like a sport than a luxury sedan. The vehicle has enough power, but sure sucks up the gas when you, step on it. Nice color coordination on the Mystic Gray ext. and the titanium interior.
-
My fourth Deville/DTS - 2007 Cadillac DTS
By 1SEXYDTS - July 8 - 4:41 pm07 DTS Luxury II ( which is the 08 luxury III) Have owned the performance too. Turn on the Peter White cd. Open the sunroof and drive to another level of comfort. Handles well. People are surprised about the Northstar gas mileage which is excellent for a car over two tons. Excellent crash test ratings. Ive bought new before, but this time I went for one that was exactly what I wanted if I had bought new, plus certified gives me another 80,000 miles and 6 years bumper to bumper. ( it is one year old and has 20,000 miles. The beautiful real burled wood is very high gloss. Lots of new equipment to play with. Love the shiny chrome wheels &saved over 25,000 buying it a year old.
-
Caddy Got It Right - 2006 Cadillac DTS
By caddyman28 - July 7 - 10:04 amGreat mileage for a large car 22 mpg with city and highway at 75 with 4 people. All toys of a Lexus at a lot less. Was going to by a new Dodge Charger SE plus for 23k. Did the math and got this car for less, more features with Cadillac CPO until 2012. Handles good, quiet and build quality is good. Caddy is back.
-
American Luxury Car - 2008 Cadillac DTS
By Ralph - June 28 - 9:06 amI traded a BMW 745 for a Cadillac DTS. The Cadillac lacks some of the more sophisticated technology of the BMW but it is easier to maintain, it rides beautifully, and is easy to get serviced. Consumer Reports recommended this car for reliability in part because it dispenses with some of the cutting edge technology and, instead, provides reliability and a more affordable price. The large trunk and back seat and good for carrying more passengers and luggage. We use this car as a road car for longer trips. It takes regular gas, parts are easy to get and there is an extensive dealer network. GM has done an excellent job with this car.
