2006 Cadillac DTS: Road Test
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2006 Cadillac DTS ▼
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- MSRP: $41,195 -$47,695
- Invoice: $38,517 -$46,465
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Our road test for the 2006 Cadillac DTS includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Cadillac DTS from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Cadillac DTS, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Cadillac DTS help you decide if a 2006 Cadillac DTS is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Luxury III w/nav. sys. | Performance | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Both V8s furnish punchy takeoffs--about 7.0 sec 0-60 mph in our tests--and fine merging and passing power. Most premium cars have automatic transmissions with more than 4 speeds. Testers divided on behavior of DTS' 4-speed: Some cite quick response, others slow downshifts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Luxury III w/nav. sys. | Performance | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Test Luxury III averaged 23.7 mpg in mostly highway driving. No opportunity to measure 291-hp Performance model. Cadillac recommends premium-grade fuel for all DTSs.
RIDE QUALITY
| Luxury III w/nav. sys. | Performance | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8.5 |
Base suspension comfortably smothers most bumps, but allows some float, wander over large moguls. Firmer Performance setup checks body motions with no comfort penalty, despite 18-inch wheels and lower-profile tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Luxury III w/nav. sys. | Performance | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6.9 |
No-surprises competent, but compromised by size and heft. In Luxury models, even moderately fast turns induce much body lean, noseplow. Performance version feels more stable, confident. Large turning circle. All DTSs reassure with available antiskid system and brakes that deliver short, no-drama stops.
QUIETNESS
| Luxury III w/nav. sys. | Performance | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8.5 |
Modest wind noise at any speed, but coarse-surface tire thrum a bit high by premium-class standards. V8 audible, but subdued even at full throttle.
CONTROLS
| Luxury III w/nav. sys. | Performance | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 5.9 |
Clear analog gauges. Large, handy minor controls, but some switch icons not obvious, others too small, hard to read in daylight. Refreshingly simple climate controls are independent of optional navigation system, which isn't daunting but takes time to learn and complicates audio adjustments. Test cars disappointed with minor squeaks, rattles. Plethora of padded cabin surfaces impresses; overall quality of interior materials bests Lincoln, but trails most import rivals.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Luxury III w/nav. sys. | Performance | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 |
Among roomiest, most comfortable big sedans, though available bench seat may squeeze a middle rider. Bucket seats all-day comfortable. Ample seat/steering wheel adjustments cater to most any driver. Some testers laud Luxury III's massage feature, others find it annoying; activation switch hard to reach in any case. Driver visibility a bit restricted to right-rear, directly aft.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Luxury III w/nav. sys. | Performance | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 8.1 |
Good support, plenty of room. Sufficient width for a middle adult, though center backrest section very hard. Easy entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Luxury III w/nav. sys. | Performance | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 |
Trunk swallows four golf bags and more through large, bumper-level opening. Center pass-through opening too small to be of real use. Interior storage space limited.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Luxury III w/nav. sys. | Performance | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Cadillac leaves any sporting pretensions to its rear- and all-wheel-drive STS models. The front-drive DTS aims for the traditional American-luxury-car buyer and scores. It's powerful, roomy, and refined, and matches most rivals for standard safety features. Starting in the low $40,000s, the Luxury I and II versions are particularly strong values.
Total Score
| Luxury III w/nav. sys. | Performance | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 68 | 70 | 68.4 |
Total Score: 69
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
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